I’m back… must confess that I didn't expect to take such a long break until I had trouble even recalling the password O.0. Was inspired to get off the lazy blog break, by Gina who posted her recent trip . Coincidentally we were there at the same time AND literally just a stone throw away. Sadly we didn’t bump into each other otherwise would have self invited myself to a glass of ‘bubbly’, helped her with her snacks and perhaps join in a game of cards though I not familiar poker. :p
Thank you to those who left messages – have been busy, very busy with work and then well exhasted with no inspiration to write anything. Will respond to your messages soon when I get time to read and check them properly.
Back to the current post…..
We enjoyed ourselves a lot especially Master Prince. It must speak a lot on our past budget travels and accommodation as we were very satisfied with Laguna Redang. Everything went on smoothly, staff was courteous and friendly, briefing was informative, the buffet food and spread was not bad, no complaints on the amenities and room. There was a sizeable pool too so when Master Prince was tired of the sea, he jumped into the pool and vice versa. So all in all, we had a very pampered holiday, filled with lots of sun, sand, fishes and sea.
Few people were rather surprised when I told them that I had just come back from the beach as I was still as fair as ever!!! Tip is to wear long sleeve, wide rim hat, lots of SPF 50 and well, a brolley (aka umbrella) helps too :) Even though I enjoyed myself I realize that I've turned into (much to my horror) a beach grump – its way too hot, sunny, humid and well the salty sea doesn’t do much for my hair either. A far cry from my very much younger days when my dad used to take the family to PD aka Port Dickson every other weekend. Back then the beach was my favourite destination and would also be bugging my dad for the next trip back. It was my mission then to be really tan and getting sun burn was all rather ‘cool’ as I'd be running off to the beach round the clock, the sunnier the better. Don’t ask me what happen from then to now!! Ha ha.
Our journey started at Merang jetting. While waiting for our jet boat ride, we had a quick local breakfast and then browsed the many stalls. Convenient place to grab a hat, sun dress, pair of slippers, beach wrap or stock up on other souvenirs.
Aren't these colourful souvenir divers adorable?
As we are on a beach trip, we were down to t-shirt, skimpy shorts and slippers so I was rather unprepared when I stepped into the freezing cold jet boat with the air-conditioner at full blast. So note, do bring shawl or be prepared to freeze to death or at least for 45 min!!!It was just so B-L-U-E...in a good relaxing way.
Below was pretty much scenery for the entire trip - just absolutely beautiful.
Master Prince had a lot of fun snorkeling with the fishes. Since it was his first time, I was wondering what noises he was making as I was swimming close to him - he was screaming with his snorkel in his mouth as there were so many fishes around him - can be rather scary too. In his first open water snorkel he was bobbing around in foetal position as he was afraid the fishes would bite him. Hahaah...needless to say, that position kept me smirking for the entire snorkel trip - would have laugh out loud but then that would mean risking swallowing a lot of sea water!!
The boys also went kayaking - well more DH since MP wasn't all that good the paddle. I had a go too and even though I only paddled for less than 10min, I was nursing some aches and sores the next day - yep, need more exercise.
Lots of colourful skimpy *eye candy* too.
What's this you say??
Here's my BEST TIP to feed fishes. Break bits of bread and fill an empty water bottle. When in water, open the cap and allow water to go in, squeeze the bottle and naturally some bits of bread with be pushed out. Wait for friendly fishes to come very near you. I got a few fingers nibbled by very enthusiastic fishes while holding the bread and feeding them so I find this method of feeding the fishes more convenient. Also when bigger fishes come for a 'bite' it is less intimidating too! Of course, when empty don't forget to do the right thing and dispose the bottle responsibly into a proper dustbin/recycle bin (as oppose to the 'ocean bin').
Got up early to take some sunrise pictures. After hanging out in the back for about 1 hour, I started picking up some shells. It was all very innocent - just a few to take some pictures.
But after a handful, just one more and another and another.....it stuck as an obsession. No longer was I taking in the breathtaking view, instead I was hunched over scouring for the nicest or most unique looking sea shells.
After a while it all became too much for my handful and had to drop everything as I reorganize my new collection and camera.
Ta-da....the new collection. In case you are wondering why so many pictures, that's because if caught with any coral or sea shell, we've been warned that we face fine of RM20,000 per piece and hence the many photos!
As there is plenty of time to laze with plenty of time to relax....to pass time....this was what I ended up doing while enjoying the view at the balcony.
The task suddenly became a fixation - arranging shells accordingly to type and shape!!! Do I still sound stressed? Think I need another fresh coconut drink or maybe something stronger?!
Btw, if you are wondering what I did with the sea shells - I left them at the balcony for the next guest to appreciate.Master Prince is looking forward to coming back again soon.
Btw, the buildings in the background on RHS near the rocks is Redang Reef - where Gina stayed.
Downside to the entire trip was trying to get back home. It took us F-O-R-E-V-E-R in total 10 hours from the time we check out of the room at 11am. After that it was waiting for the boat at 12pm, and then waiting for our lunch, and then waiting for our flight which was delayed by 2+hours - we were extremely exhausted by the time we got back - yep, we need another holiday already!! Next time I'll defintely consider flying with Berjaya to the island itself - hopefully that will cut down on the waiting time.
