Lang Tengah

31^st Aug 2005 – 02^nd Sept 2005

At last, my dive trip for the year. It has almost been a year since my last dive in Tioman. This time I am going to Lang Tengah with Amanda. How I wish Park Yoke and Siew Foong can join too.

The island

Lang Tengah is situated in between Redang and Perhentian island. The clear emerald waters and the coral reefs around it is popular with scuba divers and snorkellers. Lang Tengah island itself is covered by hilly tropical rainforest, which offers varied flora and fauna for those willing to trek through the island.

Boarding the AirAsia 7:15am flight to Kuala Terengganu(KT), making an arrival at approximately 8:05am. Mr. Yasin, driver from the resort, waited for us in the KT airport. While we were heading to Merang jetty, which took approximately 45 minutes, I talked with Yasin about the culture in KT. The father of 10, is now 49 years old, works on land. He told me about his job specs and when monsoon arrives, he spent most of his time with his family.

Arriving at the jetty, we waited for the boat. When the boat arrived, we waited for the boatman to fill up diesel. When traveling to an island, boarding a boat is kind of adventurous for me. Y? Coz my legs are too short to climb up. Well, this time is ok… At least I managed to get in… actually climbed over. The boat ride took approximately 50 minutes. While on board, is cooling and breeze wind blew to the face. Is so fresh.

- Some photos taken at the jetty

Blue Coral Resort is at walking distance. There is also a store in between Redang Lang and Blue Coral selling ‘keropok lekor’ and ABC. Next to Blue Coral, there is a part in the beach, grew with Morning Glory. A little unique to find it growing on the beach.

- Keropok Lekor... Mari.. mari... mari....                                               - Morning Glories

 

At 2:00pm, we get prepared for diving. Our first dive spot was Razor Point The viz is bad. Is 75% equivalent to Xtreme Park. Therefore if compare, the viz is still acceptable. After the second dive, Karong Nibong, at 4:00pm, we went for shower and prepared for dinner.

 - the dive sites

I met a lot of people in this trip,. First to mentioned, Fritz and his wife Winnie. Fritz, a retiree from America, with his wife, Winnie, from Hong Kong, are staying in Perhentian. They came over to help out. They are friendly and nice. They talk to us on the first day. Told us about their experience. I wouldn’t forget what Fritz said when he introduced himself, “There are no Mr. for divers. Call me Fritz”,with a friendly smile. Too much of saying “Yes, Maam” myself, I accidently said it out while talking to Fritz. He was shocked and laughing all the way… “You called me Maam???!!!” haha… sorry Fritz, to much of that in town. He told us his lately experience in Bali, where he saw the pigmy seahorse, colourful nudibranch, and how he and Winnie got caught in a current which gave them a new experience. He is always making fun of Winnie, but for sure he cares about her a lot. He told us that no matter where he was underwater, he will turn back and look at what she’s doing, “We always look after each other”. I felt touch and maybe this is how it works in life… Always looking after each other, family, friends and everyone.

We also met Boon, the owner of the resort. A nice, friendly and care free person. He will try to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Can’t forget his tank banger… hahah.. Guess what it was??? Creative, that’s what I can tell. Maybe you can pay him a visit one day to find out. J

Peter, one of the instructors, is a funny guy. Told us his experience and funny incidents underwater. His expression is so dramatic as if you are in his situation as well. Dived with Aung, Richard and also Rhowen. Experienced diver all of them. Not to forget Uncle Chong. Met him once in Redang Reef when a group of friends are spending the semester break in April 2000. There was a night where me and 2 of my friends came out late for dinner. There was nothing remained. When I was about to go in the kitchen, I met Uncle Chong and ask if whether is there anything left. He told me that he will get something for us. At the end we managed to fill ourselves with fried rice. Thanks to Uncle Chong, else we might be spending the rest of the night with empty stomach as there isn’t any stalls in Redang.

On the second day, I took my cam underwater in my third dive of the trip. We met slight current. Only 3 shoots I took. Not to mention how bad my buoyancy was. Need .… need .…need practice.

After two dives of the day, I walked around the beach to take some shots… That’s the most enjoyable thing to do. No hurries, take my own sweet time… Waited for the sunset.

                                                                               -R&R : Rest & Relax...

After chatting with Fritz, Winnie and Peter, we left the island at 8:45am. Mr. Yasin waited for us. Theres one restaurant on the way to airport, called something 'Ayam Panggang'. The grill chicken is really nice. Worth trying when you are passing by. Only one shop written 'Ayam Panggang', selling 'nasi kerabu'. The 'limau panas' in Terengganu very cool, squeeze the lime yourself. Theres also a shop selling 'nasi dagang'. Seems that all KT drivers know about this place as they bring divers to the shop. I tried the 'Nasi Lemak'. The 'sambal' is delicious. Thats the few things we tries in Terengganu. Continue the journey to the airport. Wonder when we will be back......

The resort

Is similar with any other resorts you can find in most Terengganu islands. But one thing I like is the atmosphere and the people around. Is quiet and peaceful there, where you can actually relax from the busy schedule in town. The people are friendly and helpful. It reminds me of Richie's movie "Summer I Love You". Well, Lang Tengah is not as commercialized as Redang, therefore the beach can be very dark to walk round when night falls. To know more about the resorts, log on to http://www.redanglangresort.com.my