Things are looking up, and I have begun diving again. I have done 6 dives here on the islands, some have been quite amazing. I have seen a few things that I never have before, which always makes me happy. As always, I just like being under the water, as it relaxes me greatly.
Today I dove a wreck that was a lot of fun. We had to decend on a line 17 meters to the top of the boat, and there was quite a bit of current. We went around the bottom of the boat once at 24 meters. We started around again around 19 meters but could only make it halfway around. We went back to the line, then tried to go over the top of the boat. After a few minutes of heavy kicking (a great work-out by the way), we had to abort the dive and head back up the line. Aside from seeing a few cool fish and marine life, the dive was quite fun.
Yesterday, I did a morning dive around a big conicle rock and coral formation. I saw so many bamboo sharks sleeping under rocks before they began their day. The highlight, however, was a big, 3 legged turtle. He was missing his back left legs. Apperently, he has been surviving quite well, as divers have been seeing him for months. (no one is quite sure it it was a boat propeller or a shark tha tgo him) I watched him swim for a bit... he had no problem. Then, he dive bombed a specific anenome, for no apparent reason. He was going at it, trying to eat it. But, because he has missing his back leg, he couldn't get the leverage and stability to eat it properly. He had to use his front flippers to attack it and try and pull it into his mouth. Because he did not get it quickly all at once, the clown fish that lived in the anenome go quite mad. They started attacking the turtle and bumping into him repeatedly. Many other fish came by and watched the stuggle, just as I did with my dive group. This went on for about 5 minutes, until, he finally got the thing off the coral and into his mouth. It was the most exciting time I have ever observed a marine animal eat.
I am glad I stayed a bit longer to have the chance to dive here. I have decided to stay here before I go to Bali, and not visit other parts of Malaysia. My trip has turned into one of relaxation and recovery. I have not current desire to go from town to town, every other day, just to see "rural" Malaysia. But for now, sun, reading, diving, and recovery from my school year.
The Quick Facts
- Kimberly Klopfer
- I am an elementary school teacher who seeks adventure, culture, and new experiences throughout the world.
Floating Villages: Lake Titikaka
I visited the floating villages made entirely of reeds. About 4 families live on each island and marke themselves and their handicrafts to tourists. Click to find link.
Machu Pichu
I finally made it to Machu Pichu. The "hill" in the background is Winapichu. It was a 35+ minute hike strait up hill. The view from the top was amazing.
Salkantay Peak
This is the view from the highest point I climbed. it was 4852 meters. The rock formations are offerings to the mountains. It was VERY cold on the top of the mountain.
Plaza Del Arms, Cusco
My hostel was directly behind the 'photagrapher' and up a hill and up another 150 stairs. This is the main square of the town.
Mola Mola
The video I have is very similar to this picture, only I am in front of the giant oceanic sunfish, rather than this diver. I will swap out photos when I upload to my computer.
My View off The Perhentians
This is the view from the restaurant of the accomadation I stay at. While eating, reading on the beach, or sitting on my porch, this is what i see all day long. The beach faces west, so it is in the shae till about 1- 1:30 and the sun sets just to the left of that bigger island after 7. Everynight we watch electrical storm along the horizon.
Perentian Islands
This is an arial view of the Islands Kecil and Besar (little and big). I ended up on Kecil (the left) on the beach facing west... the only part that shows light blue water on that side. The ilands are right off the east coast on the amp below where the yellow and orange areas meet. Click on the map for a larger view.
Petronas Towers
I finally made it to the Towers. They were absolutely amazing!!!
Malaysia
This map shows major cities and states of Penisular Malaysia. Click on the map to see an enlarged, web page of this map.
KL Public Transportation
I took the dark purple line from the airport to the sentral station. The big white circle is where I got lost looking for the olive green Monorail line. None of the line actually go in the directions on this map... rater they zig-zag around in cirlces. Click on map for larger image.
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