Mabuhay Philippines - Oslob and Malapascua

Once again I embarked on a last minute 2 week solo trip, this time to the Philippines.  Idea really materialized while I was vacay-ing in Thailand over Xmas and NY, thinking why not use my remaining vacation days over CNY and do something really fun! I've always wanted to go back to Philippines - The islands mind you, and Feb seemed like a good time to go!  So a vacaton was born during a vacation! And planning started when I got back home.  It was easy to choose places since I'm a diver, so beaches/islands where there are nice diving! And some partying! That was how these 3 places came about - malapascua, bohol and boracay.  Of cos I swore to myself if I didn't see whale shark in Thailand, I would go over to Philippines.  Donsol first came into my mind, but then travel was a headache and finally decided Oslob, which is in Cebu.  4 places in 2wks, it's not really a lot of time!!

 

With my lonely planet, I read through the places and rough idea of things to do, and just booked my flight and off I went.  Nothing else done! And I was off from the 1st to the last day of CNY!!

 

Flight to Cebu went smoothly on time, landed on time.  Once in Cebu, off to the Southern bus terminal for the bus to Oslob (3H and 155P).  Funny how air-con and non-aircon has only a 5P difference, yet many more locals flocked to non-aircon.  Am I missing something?  It was after 7pm when I arrived in 'ghostly' town of Oslob where whale watching is big business.  Precisely why it's a ghost town after 1pm cos whale watching is only 6-12noon.  Someone from the whale watch shop came over to offer me accomodation once I arrived and got myself a room in a boatman's house for 300B.  Basic but just1 night, it's absolutely fine!  Bad thing - no food at the hour of 730pm.  So just survived on cup noodles for the night and early lights out for the 6am whale watch.

 

Small bangka sailing off coast to see whale sharks

Easy peasy - head over to any place, they all charge the same.  1000P if you swim/snorkel with whale shark or 700P if you just watch from the boat.  Of cos you have to go under to get the action!  Even at 6am, there were already 3 or more whale sharks.  And you don't sail out far, it's just off the coast! The fishermen feed them every morning 6-12 without fail so you are guaranteed to see them!  And these are baby whale sharks!  Still they are HUGE 6-10m! Imagine if you actually see an adult one!  We got 30mins with them whale sharks but I think being early birds, I was in the water for much longer.  Boatman was kind enough to take photos for me, and it was tiring!  The current was pretty strong and I was instructed to swim under, go under continuously for 10min without resting.  So down up down up down up just for good photos.  Worth it!  Now, you are NOT supposed to use Flash, splash around them, wear sunblock, and stay 4m away from them.  But the boatman kept asking me to "Get closer" and i was literally an arm's length away from whalie!!  Dream fulfilled! Showered off and caught the next bus back to Cebu and rush off to Malapascua!

I was this close to the whale shark

 

Cabbed to North bus terminal for the long ride to Maya, gateway to malapascua.  163P for the ride.  Gota make it to Maya before 5pm to catch the last boat over, else be prepared to pay private rates for boatman to get you over.  80P for the ride, and 20P each way for the small bangka to get you to the big bangka during low tide.  30mins is all it takes to get you to Malapascua, the so-called Boracay of the old.  Interesting story - After I purchased my 80P ticket, a boatman 'offered' me a private rate of 200P to leave immediately instead of waiting for the next boat which according to him was cancelled and don't know how long more to wait.  Of course I declined!  He tried on another passenger and got declined.  5mins later, we were off to go! No special rate!  Turned out, they had to leave because of the supplies they wanted to bring over! Scam!!

 

Upon arrival, time to find accomodation.  I sorta made a tentative enquiry to book 1 night over Internet with Purple Snapper, but wanted to try my luck with other cheaper options but none was available after walking the entire Bounty Beach.  Turned back to Purple Snapper and guess what!  They screwed up my booking!  The owner apologized and found another place for the night - 900B at a very far-out deserted place north of the island where there is no place for food or anything else!  Still nice for a quiet night of sleep.  Met a lovely Finnish couple on a 3 month honeymoon trip - Hanna and Mikko who were in the same plight as me.  Lo and behold, it was not to be our one and only chance meeting!! More on that later...

 

Next morning woke up refreshed and energized for a day of exploring the tiny island of Malapascua!  Started with a walk to the Lighthouse, where the view was alright.  Wanted to go up the lighthouse but the captain, who has the key, was not in the village.  Bad luck.  Then walked to the edge of the northern side where people head over to do cliff jumping.  Had to pay a 25P entrance fee cos apparently, I'm walking past a resort.  Oh whatever!  The view there was real nice but of course I didn't jump!  There was no way of getting back up once I'm down...

 

On top of the hill!

Still no guts to jump yet....

Then followed by a long walk to the other side of the island.  It is really just a small island, probably takes you under 2H to explore. But it was a nice day!  Finally checked into Purple Snapper, at 800P per night it is actually not that cheap!  Room was alright, with shared bathroom.  But the place is quite cool!  And tada! Bumped into the Fins again! Tried to lay by the beach to do some relaxing but the sky decided not to cooperate.. Turns out, there was a typhoon in South Mindanao which affected the weather.  And that was why I got shitty weather in the following days...

 

One of the nicest sunset during the entire 2wk trip!

By a chance encounter at a dive shop, I was recommended to eat at Kiwi, a local eatery.  Took me a while to find the little shack in a dark alley.  And when I arrived, only 1 table of travellers was there.  I decided to take a separate table cos I had a 5am dive the next morning and if I joined, I'll be fucked! Haha.. As i sat quietly at my own table, the conversation from the next table became really interesting and piqued my interest.  Time passed, 45mins later, still no sign of food.  I was finally invited to join them in waiting and drinking for food  Turned out they have been waiting for much longer!  Our food finally arrived 2H later.  Why? Because there's only 1 lady cooking and everything done from scratch! Even the coconut had to be bought upon order!  But it was a good wait with those people!  Funny, cool and interesting bunch of people!  When the food arrived, totally worth it!  Delicious and cheap!  Highly recommend it, if you can find it!  Of cos, I ended up in bed only after 12.  For the threshers, I will survive on 5H of sleep.

 

Next morning, though tired, but excited cos Threshers! Off we went at 5am, and down we went at 6am.  All was quiet and still until - DUM DUM DUM! We spot the 1st glimpse of the giant! 1, 2, 3 no 4!!! They were just swimming, minding their own business like we don't exist! Holy crap they are huge with those whipper tail!  One of the most amazing moments, just sitting down there, watching.

Hello Mr Thresher!

Caught in action!

Went for another dive in the mid morning, which was pretty cool too.  I thought I needed a nap, but damn those threshers must have given me energy cos no nap required, and I met those group of people for dinner again! This time - Ging Ging, another local eatery much bigger scale.  Still a long wait for food but still good food worth waiting for!

My hilarious newly made friends from Taiwan!  This is called the Lindsey stacker

Did I mention about the Fins? Oh they are very much involved in my trip! Yes, the next day we were on the same dive trip out to Gato Island! Booked it the day before with Fun and Sun dive.  Thought just the 3 of us in a group, ended up another German DM (Gordon) joined us.  Fun!  We had a great group!  The dive was nice, saw some cool stuff - worth mentioning 4 cuttlefish fooling around. My night ended once again with the same group of people from Taiwan, with drinks and being serenaded by a local guy at this really cool cushion place by the beach.

 

Eve of V day - being serenaded felt nice!

What do you have to do on V day? Of cos climb a coconut tree!!!

On Valentine's Day, I bid good bye to my friends from Taiwan, went for a crappy dive and just lazed around doing nothing much.  Went for a sunset by the lighthouse which wasn't really good.  Oh did I metion happy hour? 2-1 really great deal.  My life on vacation - Happy hour after 5 everyday!  Enroute to dinner (was planning on just a quiet dinner then off to bed cos I was planning on hoping to Bohol the next day which meant early morning), bumped into the German guy and another traveller.  Ended up having dinner with a bunch of people and heading to the local village for their Mr & Ms Valentine contest and the disco after!  It was actually LITTLE Mr & Ms Valentine! Haha but yea, dico dancing was fun and ended up back home at 4+am, which totally wrecked my plan to travel.  So one more day in Malapascua! But definitely Bohol the next morning!

My Partners in crime at the disco dancing arena! 3H non-stop dancing. Hey I'm still not too old!

I would say Purple Snapper, though not the cheapest, is a really cool place to stay and hang out.  The owner is a very nice American.  The diving there is not the cheapest but they are pretty ok.  Heard from the Fins that dive society (the yellow brick building) is pretty good too!

 

Malapascua is a really small island.  Boracay of the yester year? I don't know and can't compare.  It is much smaller than Boracay though. But definitely quiet place.  No discos or clubbing, ust nice relaxing chilling bars (a few only) along the beach.  Other wise the place is pretty dead at night.  Of cos diving is the main activity here! But I'm sure snorkelling is pretty alright! Or if you are not a diver, just relax by the beach and do nothing!  Yes, there's basically NOTHING you can do on the island.  NO hill or viewpoint much to explore or hiking to do.  Or you can try hiring a bangka out to far out island like Calanggaman to just chill.  But you really can't miss out on the Thresher shark dive (if you are a diver) Worth the early morning!

回顾过去，瞻望未来/Reminiscence of the Past, Hopes for the Future

Time again for a post about the year passed and the year ahead.  Judging from my title, yes, this will be a bilingual post.  I've not written a chinese post in a long time!  The last was I guess back in 2008!  Time to pick up my chinese skills and get typing.  Especially given how chinese-immersed I have been recently.  Of course, being bilingual, I will translate the post to English at the end.  This is not a contract so neither Chinese nor English takes precedent in intepretation purposes.

 

2012年一眨眼过去了！时间跑到哪儿了？！？！这一年，可说对我是有起有落，有欢有悲，有好有坏，有怀念，思念的，有想忘怀，丢弃的。就如我朋友说的：“你这年过得很激动”。说得很对。

 

2012的过程，认识了一些新朋友，有的比较熟比较常联络/沟通，有的就facebook常联系。常联络，感觉很窝心，有人可以聊天，八卦，谈不开心的事，发牢骚，开玩笑。。曾几何时，我和好友门念书和刚毕业时，还单身，常通电话，八卦，出来逛街。现在，大家都结婚生子了，也渐渐少联络了。有点感伤，但这就是人生，现实，要面对的。

 

2012的开始，我很期待。因为刚从完美，愉快的假期回来。因为度假时遇到开心的事和人。让我整个人开心起来，充了电的感觉。初始，还不错。事情似乎没什么不妥，工作还好。度假认识的朋友还保持联络，还到这儿逗留几天，挺开心的！没人来看过我呀！有朋自远方来，不亦乐乎！

 

2012上半年，我还是满怀期望。工作还好，虽然累，但是生命中有开心的事，有人分享，还觉得顶得住。事事难预料，谁知道，地心吸引力是永远没错的！世上没有全是好的！让我开心的人和事，在下半年和我翻脸。人不再联系，不再八卦/分享。事越来越遭，压力越来越大。那段时期，很不开心，很伤感，很沉，很想逃离。

 

可能也因为年纪，人比较容易激动，比较容易感触。突然，很怀旧。把以往的照片翻开来看（电子版），回想以前发生的事，看看以前的样子。还很窝心，会暗地里笑！翻开日记，从N年前开始重温。很感触。真的。读了以前写的东西，觉得自己真的长大了，思想变了。对以前发生的事，会后悔，会觉得可惜。读着读着，也感伤，眼眶贩泪。以前的我可能不会那么激动，但人老了。都又过了一个世纪了。我也重拾艺术，哈哈，一点点啦！以前喜欢画画，翻了以前的画本，还很骄傲！我其实是有才华的！只是没有推动力，没有艺术创意的动力。

 

我不是无动于衷的。我也有感觉的。我也是会哭的。2012年，是有哭的。心是会痛的。

 

2012 - 妈妈动手术，脊椎问题。手术成功，现在康复了。有一点后遗症，但一切都好。

 

2012最后一个季度，发生很多事。我瘦了。很多。数字不算大，但明显的开得出。为什么？工作吧？可能所有堆积的肥油/肉都消失了变肌肉！能力被质疑和攻击。不是直接的攻击，但旁人的对待暗示一些些。心情很不好受，被折腾很久，一直和朋友诉苦。心情低落到谷里。那时又有别的事让我心痛。真的哭了。躲在房里哭。哈哈，其实我也不是那么坚强的。

 

当然，2012不全都坏。工作带我到很多我自己不会去的地方。到美国购物疯狂！到迪拜，到德国找人，到中国重温上海梦，也让我玩的好开心！很上海朋友到化装舞会，狂派对，也认识了新朋友。也是有开心的。怀念到上海。

 

2012年也让我尝试了新的东西。第一次滑雪！辛苦呀！终于登上金山！好多次潜水的经验！万圣节舞会！当然还有我的年度旅游！这次，又是一个人。很不幸。而且是最后一分中决定的。2周前决定地点，1周前订机票。但，还是玩的很开心！

 

2013年 -  会是怎样？这年一开始，我就生病。挺严重的。发烧，颤抖，头昏，还差点晕倒。但是，新年我又出走了！菲律宾 - 沙滩，太阳，潜水！期待！听说，2013对人马座很好 - 爱情运，事业运都赞！哈哈，是这样吗？希望啦！听了就算，别太认真。姑姑不幸去世，很突然，没料到。真的愣了 。初期出殡，很心痛。看到婆婆强忍泪水，她的女儿痛不欲生，真的很心痛。我也忍不住哭了。

 

2013年，希望我不需要哭。希望工作上有突破。希望健康。希望我身边的人健康。希望有让我关心和关心我的人。多多中头奖！！！

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Phew, finally finished the chinese post! Took me a long time!  Too much to say about the past, too much.. Now the English version.

 

Time really flies.  I know it's a cliche to say this every year, but hey! Where did 2012 go to? It was just yesterday I started 2012, now it's 2013!! Oh and the end of the numbers game with regards to dates!  Yes, no 13th month in a year so our generation - No more numbers game unless you can outlive your children!

 

2012 has been an eventful year for me.  In both good and bad ways.  Ups and downs, happiness and sadness.  Good memories and bad recollections.  Things to remember and keep, things to try to forget and throw away.  My friend said my year has been a lot of turmoils.  Very true.

 

2012, the journey.  Kept in touch with a few friends from travels.  Some stayed close through constant communication, gossiping, talking, updating about good or bad things, some through facebook contact.  Made me think about my besties, when we were still in school, all single and free.  We would always keep in touch, gossiping or go out to shop and eat.  But now, they are all married and with kids, it's very hard now to gather like before.  This is life.  We have got to learn to accept it and move on.  No matter, they are still my besties, anything they need help, I'll always be there! 

 

2012. The start. I was all geared up to face the year, happy and refreshed from my great year end trip the year before. Having met great people, been through fun times. Work seemed ok. Friends from travels came to visit, which was fun and cool! But I guess all good things will come to an end. Towards the later part of 2012, things started to change.  We used to talk/share/gossip on a constant basis, now no longer.  Things have changed and the vibe between us is no longer.  Things started to get worse, there was more stress.  It was an unhappy period.  I was hurt, upset.  Wanted to escape.

 

I'm more emotional and sensitive now than ever.  Age has got to do with it, I reckon.  Hey afterall, 2012 is my big year!  Stepped over to another era, another decade has passed!  Was flipping through old photos from more than 6 years ago.  Looking at them and marvelling at the changes through the years.  To me, to my friends, to things.  Re-read my diary from the past, wow, I have really changed!  Both physically and emotionally!  My thinking has definitely changed over the years!  Reading the entries, the happy times, the sad times, lots of emotions welled up in me.  I found my art book too!  Used to love drawing cartoon figures.  Realized I'm actually quite talented!  Just don't have the drive to nurture it.  Wow, imagine, I could have been an artist??

 

Surprise that I'm that emotional?  Hey I'm not an emotionless creature.  I may look aloof and tough, but I have feelings.  Yes, I do cry.  I've cried in 2012.  I've hurt in 2012.  Unexpected of me?

 

2012 - My mum went for an operation to correct a spinal issue.  It was a high risk operation but necessary for her to enjoy a better life to follow.  The operation went well and she has since recovered, albeit some after-effects.  But it was a good thing we opted for the operation.

 

Last quarter of 2012, lots of things happened that impacted me.  Lost weight, yes.  Not a lot in terms of numbers but apparently it is obvious.  Maybe work? But I'm healthy.  I always say - "I've just lst my fats percentage and gain muscles!"  My ability has been called into question, not directly but indirectly through words and actions of people around.  It doesn't feel good.  And it was torturous.  Coupled with another thing that happened in my private life, I hurt.  I cried.  Alone in my room. 

 

Of course, it was not all bad in 2012.  Work took me to places I would never have gone otherwise.  Trips to US brought me over the moon shopping - cheap cheap cheap! Dubai visiting tallest building, To Munich visiting friend.  To shanghai to relive my shanghai dream, and had loads of fun with my friend there, going from party to party, club to club.  Yes I desperately needed those at that time.  Also got to meet new friends!  I was happy doing those things.  New friends helped me.

 

Also got to try new things and achieve dreams in 2012.  First time skiing in Japan.  Skiing is hard and painful!  Finally scaled Mt Kinabalu after 3 years of NATO (No Action Talk Only).  Halloween party after 5 years in Shanghai.  Miss Shanghai now...And not forgetting my year end trip.  Once again, I went alone unfortunately.  A very last minute planning.  Destination decided 2 weeks before take off, tickets booked 1 week before.  Still, I had a great time and got to know new, fun people!

 

What to look forward to in 2013?  The start was not good.  Fell sick when I got back from Thailand.  Fever, shivering, headaches, and blacked-out twice in 1 week!  But I'm going to Philippines for 2 weeks of sun, sand, sea and more diving during Chinese New Year! So excited about it.  Apparently, 2013 is a good year for Saggitarus in terms of romance and career.  Haha, hope so!  Horoscope!  How can 10million people be having the same good luck?

 

2013 - My Aunt passed away from stroke.  Suddenly and unexpected. No warning.  Apparently she had experienced consistent headaches the week before.  And just suddenly, passed away in her sleep.  It was vey heartbreaking attending her funeral.  Seeing how hurt and crushed my grandma was, standing there, insisting to be present on the last day even though she cannot send her off (the elder cannot send off the younger), seeing how crushed my cousins were.  It really hit me hard.  Tears flowed.  At times, I couldn't bring myself to be close to my grandma for fear that I would break down seeing and sensing her sadness. 

 

2013.  Hope I don't have to cry.  Hope I'm healthy.  Hope there is a good development in my career. Hope people around me are healthy.  Hope for someone whom I care for and care for me.  Hope I strike ToTo top prize!!

Thailand Trip - Koh Tao Dec 2012

After my trip to the quiet little sleepy town of Kanchanaburi, it was off to Koh Tao for my long awaited beach vacation! This year, I've decided to cut down on the number of places and focus on just 2 - 1 land 1 beach.

 

Hearing good things about Koh Tao- Beautiful island, lively, diving place etc, I was excited about it!  But the journey to Koh Tao is not exactly the most fun!

 

There are several ways to get to Koh Tao:  Through Bangkok, Surat Thani or Samui.

 

From Bangkok, either you Bus-Ferry; Train-Ferry; Fly-Ferry (in increasing costs).  I took the Bus-Ferry, the cheapest and easier to book way cos they have a lot more buses available.  If I had known about flying, I probably would have done so!  The flight from Bangkok to Chumphon costs about 1500-2000B each way.  My Bus-Ferry ticket costs 1000B.  Saves loads of time!  The Bus-Ferry took 12H in total.  Train-Ferry would take longer cos train, although more comfortable with the sleepers, travel at a much slower speed.

 

From Surat Thani, you could take the night ferry or the day ferry that departs from the Pier.  Of cos you can buy the combo ticket that includes a bus ride to either the train station, airport or city.  Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from Singapore to Surat Thani an vice versa. I would have taken that option.

 

Then of cos, Samui to Koh Tao isthe nearest but probably most expensive way because a flight from Singapore to Samui is not cheap.  Again, I was banking on doing that route when I leave Koh Tao (saves time cos Koh Tao to Samui is maybe 1H or so) but couldnt get my free tickets.

 

Anyway, on the 26 Dec 2012, I embarked on a whole day of travelling, 12H started at 9-ish pm where I just zoned out in the bus (cold bus) and woke up when it arrived in the wee hours of 5-ish am the next morning.  The ferry was very on time and left at 7am (maybe 5-10mins late) and the journey was smooth sailing... We arrived in Koh Tao about 2H later where I was picked up by my dive shop to do all my diving paper work!

 

My 500B Bungalow. It is just about 30m from the beach. Nice! Too bad no hammock

Thanks to Scuba Junction, my dive shop, I managed to get myself a room during this peak season, especially so since full moon party was on 28 and 31 Dec over at Phangan.  At 500B per night, I stayed in a 'private' bungalow with SB Cabana.  Double bed with cold shower and toilet.  Not bad except they dont have a hammock.

 

Immediately I booked myself on 2 dives in the afternoon.  The dives were 850B/dives for 1-8 ives, and gets cheaper the more dives you do with them.  Also, pretty cheap open water and advanced course, where they throw in freeaccomodation fo the duration of your course! Wasn't so much impressed with my first 2 dives.  Visibility was poor, and frankly speaking, not very colourful down there.  Finally the constant travelling the day before caught up with me and I took a nap after my dive only to wake up for dinner around 8pm.

 

Sairee beach at High tide

Sairee beach at low tide

Met a French-American on my way in search of dinner - Dave.  Pretty interesting guy.  Had dinner with him and a divemaster and a French couple.  Can you believe that he doesn't drink AT ALL??  Neither could I but it was true!  No beer or anything alcoholic.  Strange.  Though he smokes a lot...

 

Another 2 dives the next afternoon, still not impressed.  But my DM was pretty cool - Rachel!  She's so animated and cute! Haha Awesome.

 

Met a young japanese who was travelling out of his country for the first time ever at age 22, with barely there English on his own!  He was in Koh Tao for the Experience party, a Trans party for the Hippies.  He was soo innocent (though not really since he kinda smokes and stuff) but it was really interesting seeng someone travelling out of his comfort zone for the first time, alone, and couldnt speak much English.

 

Finally did a morning dive on the 3rd day, went to a wreck and that was kinda cool, though we couldn't swim through the wreck but at least someting different.  Visibility was still as bad and at one poit I lost my DM, but luckily  had my buddy in sight, who is a Dive Instructor, so I stuck with him.  Though he was kinda oblivious to the fact that nobody was around.

 

At Nangyuan viewpoint on Koh Tao itself.

After the morning dives, instead of sleeping, I walked to Nangyuan viewpoint, which is an ok walk, just 30-40mins away from Sairee beach, with a pretty steep steep slope to overcome on the way.  The view was pretty alright.  But it was kinda nice to sit there, relax a little and read while enjoying the view.  Didn't get to travel to Koh Nangyuan itself, though it would have been much nicer viewing the islands from on top...

 

Sunset @ Sairee Beach

Finally a day of no diving so that I have time to explore Koh Tao!  This day, on the 30 Dec 2012, I walked to Chalok Bay to conquer John Suwan Viewpoint!  The walk to Chalok Bay took 1H, and there were pretty steep slopes to handle too!  But me and my every trusty flip flops did the miles!  At Chalok Bay, it was about another 15-20mins climb up to Freedom beach and John Suwan viewpoint, with barely there signposts to lead the way.  You just had to feel your way up!  Cos the only way to go is up!  And the reward is amazing!  The view just blows you away!  Makes the sweat and 1.5H walk all worth it!  You are at the southern most tip of Koh Tao looking back at the island.  Though you can't actually see the whole island, You could see the southern beaches spreading out and it was so beautiful.  Not to mention that it was so breezy and cooling up there!  I took a few pictures and just sat at the edg of the rock face, staring for 1H!  I could sit there forever!  Met 3 Americans - Tony, Heidi, Hannah up there!   Really nice people.  Tony and Heidi is travelling for 1 year, while Hannah teaches in Seoul!  We started talking about Seoul and climbing the Gwanak-san!

Walking along the boardwalk

On Top of John Suwan viewpoint

 

Then it was time to head down o cool abit at Freedom beach.  It was quite a small beach but rather nice.  Snorkelling is blah there but a good chill out area.  We had a drink at the resort there before I started to walk back in view of the looming clouds.  In my haste, I realized I forgot to pay for my drink and I was already 20mins away!  I attempted to pay back by searching for them @ their resort but couldn't quite find them.  Damn!  I could have waited but the sy looked really black.  I walked away feeling really guilty.  Believe me, I was really guilty.  It's not like I deliberately not pay.

 

Enroute back, I stopped by the Flying Trapeze, asking about the night performance.  I was told by Hannah that they have free performances on certain nights, but alas I was unfortunate!  The lady boss had a sore throat and had to cancel, first time ever in 7 years!  Damn it!  Disappointed, I went back to my bungalow, washed up and went in search of food for an early dinner and knocked off soon after.  It was after all a tiring day.

So some pictures of the creatures I saw during my dives...

Jellyfish

Angelfish

 



Another jellyfish upside down

Wreck diving

31 Dec 2012, NYE! I booked myself on a morning dive to Chumphon Pinnacle, where divers say is the best chance to see Whalesharks.  Apparently there had been spottings a few times during the month.  I was excited, really really wanted to see them big shiny things!  On the boat, with Caroline my DM again, I met Lisa and Jamie, single female travellers from Switzerland and USA!  Really fun and nice gals whom I'll later have more fun with during the night.

 

Back to the dive, no whalesharks.  So sad.  The dive site was quite nice, one of the better ones I've been in.  Visibility still sucks. 

 

Last afternoon of my trip, I decided to hit another viewpoint - Sairee Rock.  The weather was real fine as I walked out, sun was shining ever too brightly.  The walk was not the most easy, with almost 90 degree upslope on concrete and soil.. Took me 40mins to reach the intersection to the trek toSairee Rock.  Happily, I walked up the trek for 15min only to start hearing thunder.  Looking around for potential hideout, I couldn't really find any.  Just before the rain became too heavy, I perched myself between an opening in the rocks, just nice for me to lay backwards with not much space to move around.  There I hid for 40mins, waiting for the rain to stop.  Then I continued upwards in search of the viewpoint, only to be greeted by mist and fog halfway up.  Just when i was contemplating whether to continue or ot, the sky rumbled again!  I thought, since I'm not going to see anything up there anyway, might as well head back.  That was when It really poured.  Once again seek refuge in some shack and waited it out.  Still ended up walking back barefooted in the light rain.  Not that I lost my flip flops but it was easier to walk barefooted than with a pair of slippery flip flops.

 

Totally drenched, wet, cold, took a shower and a nap once again in preparation for the big night.

 

Met up with Lisa then Jamie for dinner.  Met Sophie and Emma, 2 gals from UK as well.  Nobody knew anyone prior to coming to Koh Tao.  We had a waiting episode for some 5 Swedish lads, but we decided to go ahead first.  Had a real nice dinner at Lung Pae Restaurant, somewhere near Tanote bay.  Yes, it is considered expensive by Thailand standards, but it was NYE! We deserved some pampering! The food was good!  The boys arrived soon after.

 

After dinner, it was beach party time back at Sairee Beach.  We started the drinking at Lotus Bar, then moved on to Fizz and fish bowl.  It was a crazy night.  Buckets of Sang Som mix passed around and photos taken.  The countdown was fun!  But there weren't as much fireworks and lanterns as what I experiencedin Koh Lipe last year.  But still had great fun with great people!  Love you gals and boys!

My new friend Lisa! She's awesome

The awesome gang of 5!!

 

Of cos the entire team of 10 who made the night so fun!

Soon, it was time for me to leave the island.  Once again, I chose to leave on NY it self.  Note to self:  I need to stop planning to leave on NY day.  It is never a good idea given the fact that a big party is bound to happen on 31st.  And the fact was - I was hungover, feeling terrible and tired while waiting for my ferry.  I kept my head down on the railings the entire time I was in the ferry, praying that I was in bed!  It didn't help that the ferry departs at 1015am in the morning.  Though I did sleep in the 9H bus ride (was s'posed to be 7H!!)  But I booked myself into Sheraton hotel (free night) upon arrival and njoyed a night of luxury with hot water, AC, TV and nice comfy bed!  Sorry, just had to have 1 day of R&R.

 

I like Koh Tao.  Not for the diving.  Yes, it is cheap, if you happen to be there, and you want to learn diving, go ahead!  But don't go there specifically for diving.  There are so many places to go for diving in Thailand.  But Koh Tao has quite a lot to offer for non-divers.  You can explore the island for the hikes and the beaches scattered around!  Of cos good if you know how to ride a motorbike.  Like me, if you ca't, just walk it.  You will not die!  It is not the cheapest island, but well, I guess alot of islands in Thailand are not cheap now, but still you can get good food if you are willing to pay for it.  Plenty of night life if you are into that as the bars come alive at Sairee Beach every night as early as 9pm!  If you are more into quiet, then don't stay in Sairee Beach.  The further you are away from sairee, the more peace and quiet you get.  Maybe I will go back again?  But I guess I will try to explore other islands first.  Maybe the next time, I shall visit Phangan and Samui.

 

Thailand Trip - Kanchanaburi

Once again, it's time for a year end vacation overseas to beach holiday and what's there for the Xmas and NY countdown! It has kinda become a ritual for me, having NOT spent the past Xmases and NYEs since 2008.  This year, it was a really last minute mad rush to get my destination decided and tickets booked.  I only decided on the locations 2wks before I plan to fly off and booked my flights 1 wk before!  Still I managed to choose - Kanchanaburi and Koh Tao.  Idea being I need an island for the NYE countdown (alot more fun on an island counting down), and I need a non-island before that (too much island can overkill) where I can do a bit of exploring and hiking.  So the closest was Kanchanaburi and Koh Tao.

 

So begins my journey to Bangkok first to meet my "God Mum" for dinner and an early morning train at 750am the next day to Kanchanaburi.

 The train to Kanchanaburi departs from Thonburi Railway, not Hua Lumpung.  Although there are tourist trains on weekends to Kanchanaburi on a day trip basis (means return train tickets for 120B i think).  THe normal train costs 100B, and took me 3.5H instead of the publicized 2H.  The ride was alright, I just slept most of the way through..

 

Checked into Sugar Cane guesthouse upon arrival, choosing their cheapest hut for 150B per night.  It was alright, cold shower (hot shower costs twice as much), a double bed with good toilet.  Though the walls are extremely thin, means you can hear when your neighbour returns (when they open/close the door) or when they are doing their business (as in you can hear the flush, not the act of doing).  If you whisper soft enough, you are fine... But the view from the dining area is quite nice!  Wanted to check into Bluestar guesthouse but they were out of the cheapest room.  The lady at the reception of Sugar Cane was not friendly at all, gave me wrong info and not helpful.

 

Upon settling down, instead of a nap I went to explore the Bridge over River Kwai.  It was a 30min walk from my guesthouse to where all the tourists flock to.

 Under the 35 degrees blazing heat, it was kinda warm and really sticky walking that stretch.  The bridge was just that - a bridge.  The view was pretty alright though...

 There is a tourist train that rides only that section of the railtrack.

Went to the night market for a walk near the train station, but nothing much there.  I was expecting a lot more food stalls but only a small stretch...  Surprisingly, maybe tourists don't come to Kanchanaburi, I only saw a handful.  And mainly families if not old balding farangs with their Thai ladies..

 The next day, I embarked on a train journey to Nam Tok and to walk the Hellfire pass.  So I woke up at 5am to catch the 6am train.  Again a 2H train ride became a 3H ride.  The ride was pretty boring at first but the scenery came after about 2H...

 At Nam Tok, I walked to Sai Yok Noi (2km from the train station), only to be greeted by a small rather uninspiring waterfall.  EH, well kinda expected it...

 Attempted to find the cave by following the road signs, only to be chased by a dog upon arrival at the ranger's station and then finding out that the cave was closed.  Good job!  But alright, the walk there was rather nice with the mountain views.

 Then waited 1H for a local bus that supposedly departs every 30min (8203) to get to Hellfire Pass, aka Chong Kao Khad.  Another 1H pass and when we arrived (another US couple was in the same bus), we found out that it was CLOSED for Xmas!!!  WTF!! Apparently nobody knows much about it being closed!  THe night before a lady was trying to sell me tour tickets!  Another couple who drove from Bangkok arrived at the same time and we hitched a ride from them back to Kanchanaburi!  What a day! I woke up at 5am for nothing now!

Went for a short walk @ the war cemetary.  NOt really a fan of these musuems and stuff so spent the rest of the day sleeping in and walked to the bridge again for a sunset!

 The next morning, walked to the bus station for the bus to Erawan Waterfall.  Apparently, I discovered that walking 3km to the bus station took me 30mins as well, while walking to the Bridge of 1.5km took me the same 30mins!  How strange! 

 

The journey took 2H (50B) and we paid a 200B entrance fee.  And the last bus out of Erawan is actually 430pm!! Instead of the widely known 230pm which I read from the internet.  Phew!

So it was time to tackle the 7 levels of waterfalls, although not all levels are beautiful but you can take a swim or dip anywhere you like!  And, you have to pay a deposit of 20B/bottle of water you bring into the national park.

 

 Pretty easy walk, not at all as adventurous as Khao Sok National Park.  Every trail is well posted, with nice steps and arrows and there are just loads of people there so you will not get lost!

Level 2 was the most beautiful in my opinion.  It is wide, and has a big pool for swimming and makes for a good photo!

 Took me about 1H to get to level 7, stopping along the way to take photos and rest a little.  Easy going really!  After what I had been through in Khao Sok (what with the leeches, the barely there trails, the "is it left or right, up or down", the signs being nowhere in sight or misguided, and getting lost and not finding the waterfalls), there is easy-peasy!

 

Took a dip at level 7, just letting the waterfall fall on me while I sat on the rocks.  So refreshing!  Another hour to hike down when my sandals split!  Tore off the sole and walked with just a thin piece of fabric between my foot and the ground.  Perfect!  Took the 230pm bus back to Kanchanaburi and wasted the afternoon away doing nothing.

 

At night, went to a crowded restaurant for dinner, when the next table of uncles asked me to join them for dinner!  3 thai uncles, speaking really little thai and trying to make conversations.  One of the wives joined in later and we just started talking, gesturing and stuff..  Started out quite alright, and we started to drink Thai Whiskey mixed with Soda.  Can't remember how many I drank, but it wasn't strong anyway.  Tok, Pok and Di were their nicknames.  One of them, Tok, probably had too much to drink or something and just started to be alittle touchy.  Still alright, but I didn't like it as much.  The others did stop him from going overboard and the aunty also chipped him.  Nothing happened, though he did buy me 2 stalks of roses and asked me to give him a peck on the cheeks, which I politely declined.  Managed to leave shortly after 10pm when the aunty offered to drive me back to my guesthouse.  What a night!  And I thought I would just have a quiet night, getting some rest...  Fun story!

 

Kanchanaburi is really a quaint, quiet, small little town.  Bars?  Yes there are, but they are those sleazy bars at the back street where all the accomodations are, and frequented by the older farangs.  At times, I wonder, where are the younger backpackers?  Where are the tourists during the day? I guess most people do a day tour out from Bangkok.  But if you want a quiet, peaceful stay, Kanchanaburi is a pretty good place to be.  And it is soooo cheap!!! Pad Thai in a restaurant for 40-50B, internet for 20B/hour, laundry for 20B/kg or gorge on the food @ the night market for less than 30B!  A Magnum ice cream costs only 40B. 

 

Took the minivan back to Khao San Road, Bangkok for 130B (2.5H) to catch my next trip to Koh Tao.  There are other cheaper options like the train for 100B for the bus from the station for about 100B but that stops at Northern bus terminal in Bangkok.  Since I had to be in Khao San, might as well just take the minivan.  Not so much more expensive.

 

Back in Khao San, my first time ever to really shop and walk along!  Really vibrant place and not at all the super duper cheap backpackers haven! I mean yes accomodation can be cheap (I stayed 1 night for 280B, still more expensive than Kanchanaburi) but there are alot more restaurants along the road then cheap eateries.  Of cos, you can always eat the roadside Pad Thai for 40B.  But I did shop a little and bought as always - Earrings and Bikinis!

 

Then it was off to the 12H journey (bus+ferry) to Koh Tao for 1000B.  If I had known earlier, I might have taken the flight option between Bangkok-Chumphon (probably around 2000B), saving loads of time.  Or fly to Samui and ferry to Koh Tao (2H ferry).



JianKou Great Wall 1 Day Trip

  

JianKou, known as one of the most beautiful great wall.  Its beauty lies in the fact that it is unrestored, a wild great wall, with a picturesque backdrop, which makes for a fantastic hike!

 

I took a day trip down from Beijing city to Jiankou.  Took the 1st bus (916 快express) out of Dongzhimen bus station (the indoor one) to Huairou bus station.  The express bus takes slightly more than 1H and 1st bus goes at 550am.  There is a regular bus but that would take twice as long, so look out for the 'express'.  Bus fare is 12RMB

 

Once i got off at the bus station (ok if you search the web, there are other stop which you can get off and catch a local bus.  But the problem with this is that you have to wait for specific timing of the bus.  If you are short of time like I was, or you prefer more flexibility, get off at the bus station and hire a minivan).  I was the only one off at the bus station at that time of the day, and an uncle approached me to offer his service.  I quoted RMB260 for his service - Return journey (from Huairou bus station to XiZhaZi village where I started) + waiting time.  Good deal I would say! If you were a group, even more worth it.

 

The ride took about 1H+.  Paid 20RMB at the entrance and very soon started the hike.  The morning started real cold and I was freezing when I walked towards the start of the trail. 

But soon enough, I started to warm up from the walking and uphill hike.  It took about 45mins to get from the village to up the Great wall.

I started at Beijing Knot towards JianKou.  Well it was not an easy hike.  I was faced with a vertical wall of at least 20m which I had to climb bare hand to get onto the wall.  Tried a few meters but gave up - Too difficult in my thick winter getup.  Would have been easier in summer I guess.

So I walked around the wall abit, trying to find an easier way up.  Finally, found a slightly less intimidating wall which I could kinda climb up.  Still no ladder or steps, just bare-hand climb up the wall.

I climbed up that wall

As I climbed up, a group of 4 hikers followed behind me.  1 of them managed to climb up the same way I did, while the other 3 went further up ahead to find easier opening.  Ended up hiking together with them through out.  Nice lads from Inner Mongolia, with interesting nicknames like Turtle, Eagles etc

The first section was the toughest.  Having to deal with almost vertical climb up! And almost vertical climb down.  Where I had to climb on all fours.  The rocks/stones were unrestored so some of them were shaky and uneven.  Was abit scary but it was damn fun!

Yes, we climbed down vertically



The weaher was fantastic that day, sun was up and bright and shining.  So made for a good day to hike, with no big wind blowing to freeze us hikers.

And I thought Jiankou is quite isolated with very few hikers.  Who knew we bumped into SOOOO many people!  There was even a group of 50+ hikers!  Well goes to show, even in winter, people hike the great wall!

 Our hike was intermitten, not continuous.  So we stopped along the way to rest a while, take photos, enjoy the scenery.  Of cos some people can just walk continuously, but what would be the point if you just walk and not enjoy the magnificent scenery and marvel at the grandness of the Great Wall?

The 4 Mongolian Lads who hiked with me

The hike took in total 6H from Beijing Knot all the way to JianKou, where I parted ways with the Monolians.  They were headed towards MuTianYu, which would take another 3-4H from where I left.  Caught up with my driver and another 2+H journey back to Beijing.  It was a great hike! I would go back again given the time and chance, to do the leg from JianKou to MuTianYu!  Of cos, I still have to go JinShanLing.  Too many great walls, too little time :)

The journey back was pretty smooth.  The 916 express bus was pretty frequent, like every 15mins, so it didnt take long for me to get onto a bus and rested my way all the way back to Beijing.