Perhentian : Beach.Sun.Dive

It was before dawn, and I'm the only one drive thru McDonald's Equine. Bought the RM4 breakfast deal and head straight to LCCT for an early flight AK5280 0740 KUL - 0835 KBR (cost me only RM15 for airasia tickets) on Tuesday 26.4.2011. Next destination is Long Beach, Small Perhentian Island! Had been there few times over the pass 5years and this is the first time I managed to leave my black beauty (my car) at home & taking my time embracing the Malaysian public transport. Get on the flight, taxing away from the airport & flew high up in the blue sky.

Kota Bharu Airport

Once arrived, we walked towards the taxi counter inside the airport. There was this lady, offering us a taxi ride to Kuala Besut for RM78 per car, but we managed to bargain till RM60 (the best deal i suppose, Rm15 each) The ride was about an hour away, and we reached there around 0940hours. Bought ourselves the return boat transfer for RM70 (the price hasn't changed since my last visit in 2007). We were told that next boat is at 1000hours. A must to try nasi dagang here, but since we havent got much time to spare so we tapau. I felt guilty of paying the makcik RM2.00 for a delicious nasi dagang with gulai ikan (in Kuala Lumpur usually will cost you RM4). Bought the marine conversative tickets (RM5 & be sure to check the date stamped) and hop on our boat heading towards the big sea.

Paradise

It was a bumpy ride (a bit of a rough tide). Took the water taxi (transfer fee RM2 each) and reached Long Beach. The white fine sand & the crystal clear water, what a bliss! Checked into our double-bedroom in Matahari chalets (RM80 pernight) about 10m from the beach. Later that evening, I and my friends had our first class on theory if diving.

Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil has changed alot since the last time I was there 3yrs ago. More chalets are being build on the beach. Souvenier & food outlet are expanding. Its good that business are blooming here, but without proper planning the island will soon be in disaster. Coral Bay is just about 15 minute walk across from Long Beach. Before there was only small trail, but today they had build a cement pathway. Coral Beach is not so quiet as it was before. More chalet, beach bar & food outlet are being built. Definitely Perhentian Kecil having better nightlife than before.

You can find all kind of food here. From local to orient to western! Almost every night I had dinner in Panorama Restaurant. Their home-made burger & other western food are simply delicious and definitely will fill up your belly after whole day diving. If you are a morning person, than you could save on breakfast. Restaurant normally will offer english breakfast raging from RM6- RM10. Why? Because every morning at 8.30am, there is an old lady from nearby village walked around with a basket full with pre-packed meal. For RM2.50 you could get a delicious nasi dagang Terengganu either with fish curry or chicken curry. You won't get any cheaper in Perhentian Kecil. She also sells kuih-muih.

Dive

Diving is new to me! Had an awesome divemaster, Mr.D & Warda. We had our confined water session by the jetty & Blue Lagoon. Our very first fun dive was at the Batu Nissan dive site. For graduation we had a chance to go down to Sail Rock dive site and there I spotted a black-tip shark, trigger fish, huge king of thorn starfish & plenty of rabbit fish, parrot fish, nemo. In D'Lagoon, here you can find a wreck piano. No kidding!

Trip home

We took the 4pm boat out from the island and reached the mainland about 45minutes later. Walked around to find a decend tour operator, but unfortunately its late and only one remain open. Deal with the operator and got ourself a cab to transport us to Tanah Merah where will be taking a train back to Kuala Lumpur.

Adivse : do bring a few can of mayo-tuna or few packed of meggi. Food price are way over the top since alot of foreigners prefer to stay there for holiday.

5D4N later, I am a certified PADI diver!