Pulau Perhentian 2010

Experience Pulau Perhentian

Penang eXpdc Club

(March 19~21, 2010)

The sky was still dark when 12 vehicles gathered at Shell BKE at 6:00am in the morning to start their journey to Kuala Besut. After all participants collected their club caps and event numbers, the convoy started rolling at 6:30am. The convoy makes a quick stop at Gerik R&R and minutes later, 2 vehicles from Ipoh joined the convoy and we start rolling again. The convoy passed through Lake Temenggor, Jeli and finally we arrived at Kuala Besut pier at 11:25am.

Everyone was getting excited and it was finally proven true. The weather was perfect but the sea condition was slightly rough. The boat ride was roller coaster all the way until we approach Bubu resort and most of us are soapy wet and some feeling dizzy. Worst still, the boat unable to berth at Bubu Resort pier and we have to do some 15 minutes of jungle tracking to the resort on the other side of the island. Some participants started to get worried on the return trip but most of the doubts and worry start to subside once we arrived at the resort.

After our lunch, our group was briefed on the package itinerary and programs during our stay there. While some still hangover from the boat ride, some joined in the evening house snorkeling (nothing so special) at the other side of the island and later to Hybrid station trail which later proved amazing by those who completed the tough and steep hiking. The view was spectacular and worth the effort to reach the peak of the island. Most of the participants were exhausted except those few that are able to stay till the wee hours of the night chit chatting and enjoying the drinks and the breeze of South China Sea.

The next morning, I saw smiling faces among all of us as we are getting ready for the snorkeling trip to Fishing point, Turtle Bay, Shark point and lighthouse. While the trip is worth going, we did not have the chance to see any turtle or shark due to timing of our trip. Nevertheless, it was a great snorkeling experience for most of us. Our group went back for lunch at the resort and later some went visiting fishing Kampung village and sunset at Coral Bay. For those that did not go for the village and sunset tour, we stayed at the resort playing cards, mahjong, swimming and sun bathing.

Then disaster struck. Three kids were swept away by the wave and underwater current to the pier pillar. Our member, Tan Chiak Hong was sipping beer by the beachfront when he realized those kids were in trouble and immediately raise the alarm. A quick response from the beach boys and some volunteers help save those kids from the pounding waves as it struck the pillars. They were given a standing ovation and applause from all of us when the kids we brought to safety. Still traumatized from the experience, the kids were immediately given first aid treatment for some minor cut and bruises. Thanks a million to all that help saved them.

After all the dramas and excitement during the day, we were treated with BBQ dinner. We enjoyed the food and drinks along the beach and as usual, some stayed back till the wee hours enjoying the company of each other and sharing fun.

The next day, the boat ride back to Kuala Besut was pleasant as we have arranged for bigger boats and thankfully, the waves were not as rough as compared to the day we arrive. All of us reach the jetty safely and we parted ways and say goodbye to each other and hope to meet again in our next event.

Just as I was writing this message, I received a phone call from a KL member thanking us for organizing such a wonderful trip and he make an advance booking for the club next trip to Phuket from June 5~8! At the same time, I receive a complimentary email this morning from one of the participants which I would like to share with you as attached below.

Lastly, I would like to thank all of you for the support and patience given to us during this trip and we strive to do better in our next outing. If you have any photographs or nice funny snapshot of your friends and would like to share with the group, send to us and we will post it at our club website.

Casey Au
Secretary
Penang eXpdc Club
Mobile: +6012-489-8918

Pulau Perhentian

(Click here for our Pulau Perhentian trip photo)

Pulau Perhentian

Date: 19 - 21/3/2010

“I would like to thank all of you for the support and patience given to us during this trip and we strive to do better in our next outing.”

Casey Au - March 2010