#Brunei Wreck

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 9.24 (before 1950)

787 – Second Council of Nicaea: The council assembles at the church of Hagia Sophia. 1568 – Spanish naval forces defeat an English fleet, under the command of John Hawkins, at the Battle of San Juan de Ulúa near Veracruz. 1645 – The Battle of Rowton Heath in England is a Parliamentarian victory over a Royalist army commanded in person by King Charles. 1674 – Second Tantrik Coronation of Shivaji. 1789 – The United States Congress passes the Judiciary Act, creating the office of the Attorney General and federal judiciary system and ordering the composition of the Supreme Court. 1830 – A revolutionary committee of notables forms the Provisional Government of Belgium. 1841 – The Sultanate of Brunei cedes Sarawak to James Brooke. 1846 – Mexican–American War: General Zachary Taylor captures Monterrey. 1852 – The first powered, passenger-carrying airship, the Giffard dirigible, travels 17 miles (27 km) from Paris to Trappes. 1853 – Admiral Despointes formally takes possession of New Caledonia in the name of France. 1869 – Black Friday (1869): Gold prices plummet after United States President Ulysses Grant orders the Treasury to sell large quantities of gold after Jay Gould and James Fisk plot to control the market. 1875 – The 1864 play Heath Cobblers by Aleksis Kivi is premiered for the first time in Oulu, Finland. 1877 – The Battle of Shiroyama is a decisive victory of the Imperial Japanese Army over the Satsuma Rebellion. 1890 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces polygamy. 1906 – U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaims Devils Tower in Wyoming as the nation's first National Monument. 1906 – Racial tensions exacerbated by rumors lead to the Atlanta Race Riot, further increasing racial segregation. 1911 – His Majesty's Airship No. 1, Britain's first rigid airship, is wrecked by strong winds before her maiden flight at Barrow-in-Furness. 1929 – Jimmy Doolittle performs the first flight without a window, proving that full instrument flying from take off to landing is possible. 1932 – Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar agree to the Poona Pact, which reserved seats in the Indian provincial legislatures for the "Depressed Classes" (Untouchables). 1935 – Earl and Weldon Bascom produce the first rodeo ever held outdoors under electric lights. 1946 – Cathay Pacific Airways is founded in Hong Kong. 1946 – The top-secret Clifford-Elsey Report on the Soviet Union is delivered to President Truman. 1948 – The Honda Motor Company is founded.

[southeastasianists]

From the 1945 Brunei-Australia Memorial in Brunei to the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam, Southeast Asia has more than its fair share of dark tourism sites.

World War II, the Khmer Rouge and a multitude of natural disasters have seen the creation of dozens of museums, monuments and memorials dedicated to providing the public with a deeper understanding and greater reverence of these key events.

However, discussing the merits of sites which sell themselves on tragedy – such as the “Killing fields" of Choeung Ek in Cambodia, where the 8,000 human skulls in a glass shrine is one of the main attractions – inevitably leads to a debate on the numerous issues associated with such forms of tourism.

Generally defined as tourism involving travel to places associated with death and tragedy, the term “dark tourism” was coined in 1996 by Malcolm Foley and John Lennon, two hospitality professors at the Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland.

In their paper titled ‘JFK and dark tourism: A fascination with assassination’ published in the International Journal of Heritage Studies, the duo used the term to describe the phenomena which encompasses the “presentation and consumption (by visitors) of real and commodified death and disaster sites.”

Events such as the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 and the tsunami which hit the Indonesian city of Aceh in 2004 were traumatic individual experiences for the people affected by the calamities, but they are also socio‐cultural phenomenon which the public can relive today if they visit the museums that have been set up to commemorate these two natural disasters.

While the desire to learn more about important events and understand the history that surrounds them seems to be the key driver for such tourism, the educational mission of such attractions have to be balanced with a variety of other issues.

Although Foley and Lennon stress that dark tourism raises ethical issues over the status and nature of objects, the extent of their interpretation, the appropriate political and managerial response and the nature of the experience as perceived by visitors, victims (and their relatives) and local residents, the duo also note that ‘dark’ events come with the possibility of exploitation for economic considerations.

In addition, rising visitor numbers thanks to media promotions, connectivity improvements and cheaper transportation costs come with problems such as the desecration of sites and an increase in locals trying to make money off these attractions.

Visitors to a World War II tunnel in the Indonesian city of Bukittinggi have complained about unreasonable fees by guides, some of whom lacked the historical facts surrounding the attraction the Japanese built with forced labour. While inept tour guides can be found across the world, misrepresenting history – especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as World War II – is bound to create a poor impression of the whole trip.

While tourists may be eager to learn more about life-altering tragedies by visiting sites, it is vital that this is done with the utmost of respect.

Take for example the Sunda Strait tsunami which killed more than 400 people in the Banten and Lampung regions of Indonesia last December. While the carnage and destruction was reported across the world, the tsunami was also infamous for another reason; the number of Indonesian selfie-seekers keen on using the wreckage-strewn landscape as backdrops.

Travelling for hours from neighbouring cities such as Jakarta and Cilegon, these visitors had no qualms about posting photos on social media of themselves posing in front of flooded fields scattered with wrecked cars and farm equipment just days after the disaster – with local residents understandably expressing their “disappointment’ with their behaviour.

Visitors at the S-21 extermination camp in Phnom Penh have been known to spray graffiti on photos of certain Khmer Rouge leaders or collect pieces of human bones as souvenirs.

While there will always be some degree of doubt as to whether dark tourism should be celebrated for its historic value or condemned for being culturally insensitive, the commoditisation of death and disaster raises questions which some tourists may never find answers to.

[clintashaotp]

Author’s note/summary: Part two of my three-part fic. After a big fight, Natasha and Clint break off their relationship, and Clint starts seeing someone else, but Natasha soon realizes that she’s pregnant with his child, and doesn’t know how to tell him. 

Weakness, part 2 of 3

1,577 Words

Five tests lay out on the counter, and Natasha feels the panicky feeling rising up inside of her again. Normally she would go get Clint, but--no, she reminds herself. He’s preoccupied. He’s too busy shoving his tongue down Bobbi Morse’s throat to care that she’s having his child. 

All five tests read the same thing. Positive. 

“Oh, god,” Natasha whispers, trying to contain her panic, but it rises again. 

What is she going to do? After the Red Room, she didn’t even know this was possible. They had broken her, beyond repair, but maybe ...some kind of miracle must have occurred. But she needed to be sure, really sure. Sometimes the tests read a false positive, she tried to remind herself, but the fear still pulsed with her heartbeat, and she took deep breaths, quelling the panic. 

She fumbles for her phone, and scrolls through her contacts until the name she’s looking for rests under her fingertips. She pauses for a moment, before calling her teammate. 

��Natasha?” Bruce’s voice is a familiar comfort, and she takes a deep breath. “Are you doing alright?” 

“I need your help,” she murmurs under her breath. “No one else can know about this.” 

“Sure, Natasha.” Bruce’s voice suddenly becomes more serious. “Come over tonight, and I’ll do my best to help. I’m at the facility, and Tony’s working late tonight.”

“Thank you,” she whispers, hanging up before she says anything to give her secret away. 

The car ride to the facility is a blur, and when she finally pulls into the driveway of the Avengers facility, she sees Bruce standing in the doorway, waiting for her. 

“Bruce,” she whispers to him and sees his concern etched on his face. 

“Are you hurt?” he asks, frowning, and she shakes her head, but feels the trembling in her fingertips. 

“You can’t ask any questions, Bruce, you have to promise,” she whispers, and he nods, helping her through the doors and towards his office. 

“I promise.” 

.........

“Hey, Clint.” Bobbi catches him at his desk, where he’s trying to describe one of the assailants on his most recent mission. “Want to grab lunch?”

“Of course I do,” Clint leans up to give her a quick kiss, then follows her out the door towards the break room. 

When they enter, Bobbi heads toward the refrigerators, and Clint goes to follow her when he sees Natasha in the corner, alone, her food lying untouched in front of her. Clint feels a pang of concern shoot through him. She looks tired, and when she lifts her head, he can see the sleepless circles around her eyes. 

“Nat,” he mutters, knowing she can’t hear him. 

“Clint!” Bobbi tugs on his elbow, grinning. “Hey, earth to Clint? I grabbed your lunch.”

“Thanks, Bobbi,” Clint grins, tearing his gaze away from the weakened assassin and settling at the nearby table with his girlfriend. 

Bobbi starts chatting about a workroom fight she got into with another agent, but Clint’s mind keeps drifting back to Natasha. He starts when he sees her exiting the door, and a wave of confusion rises when he sees her throw away the rest of her food without touching it. 

“...Clint?” he turns to see Bobbi waving a hand in front of his face. “Hello?”

“Sorry, Bob. Just a little ...spacy today.” 

“Yeah, no kidding,” Bobbi laughs, then shrugs. “It happens, no problem.”

Clint fights the urge to run after Natasha and focuses his attention on Bobbi. He’s not getting distracted by her again. 

.........

They are assigned a mission together the seventh week after their fight. Natasha measures time in weeks post-Clint, and when she gets the file from Fury, she raises an eyebrow.

“I know something happened between you two,” the director says as he hands the file to her, “but you’re our best strike team. So I need you to set aside whatever your fight was about and focus on this mission.”

“Of course, director,” Natasha says smoothly, but as soon as he closes her door behind her she lets her face fall into her hands, willing the tears to sink away. She can’t be close to him again, she just can’t. She can’t. 

They meet on the jet. Clint has resolved to keep it civil, but when he sees her face, he doesn’t think he can take the next week. 

“Clint!” it’s Bobbi, running after him, a bag in her hand. 

“Hey, Bobbi,” he grins, wrapping her in a hug. 

“This is for you,” she blushes, handing it to him. “A good luck present, I guess. See you when you get back!” she kisses him quickly before hurrying off the jet, waving over her shoulder. 

He opens the bag, shaking out the contents until something heavy falls into his hand. 

It’s a snowglobe, from the amusement park they went to on their second date. He grins at the gift. It’s silly but thoughtful. Just like Bobbi. 

“Cute,” Natasha says from the corner, and he jumps at the sound of her voice. “A good girlfriend must have bought that for you.”

“Nat--”

“Listen, Clint.” she stands, walking over to him. “We might not be together anymore, but we have to get along here. This is a mission.” 

“That’s just what I was going to say,” Clint says, confused, but Natasha suddenly pales, and Clint frowns at her. “You good?”

“Gotta go,” Natasha mumbles, sprinting towards the back of the jet, and Clint can hear the sound of retching. He winces, considering going after her, but decides against it. He doesn’t need her mad at him right now. 

.........

It’s a long flight to Brunei, and Natasha curls up on the seats, trying to get some rest. Her stomach has become much less stable, but she’s determined to do well on the mission. She can’t screw up, not now, not with Clint here.

When she opens her eyes, she sees him leaning against the wall, staring out the jet window. 

“Hey,” he says awkwardly when he sees that she’s awake, and she nods her response. “We land in a few minutes, so, good timing.” 

She doesn’t bother responding and instead focuses on trying to breathe in an attempt to calm her stomach. It isn’t working, and she feels her stomach lurch when the jet jerks. 

“Nat?” Clint frowns, and she shakes her head at him, trying to get him to stop caring, but the jet hits another bump and she knows that’s the last straw. 

She stumbles down the hallway into the bathroom just in time, and curls around the toilet, her throat burning. She hears footstep behind her and curses herself, but when she turns, she sees Clint, staring down at her, awkward but concerned. 

“You okay?” he murmurs, and she nods, pulling her hair back and splashing some water on her face from the sink. 

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not,” he shakes his head. “I’m not buying it, Nat.”

“Leave me alone. You can’t call me that anymore.” it comes out more sharply than she intended but it does the trick. He leaves without another word, and she slams the bathroom behind her, letting the tears fall down her face. 

“God,” she whispers, “help me.”

They enter the restaurant together. The mission is simple--find the target, and contain him, by force if necessary. But the second they enter the premises, bullets fly at their heads. 

“Get down!” Clint yells, rather unnecessarily, and Natasha dives behind a table, while Clint rolls behind a desk. 

“I’ll get the left, you get the right,” Natasha’s voice whisper in his ear, and he nods, his instincts kicking in as he notches an arrow. 

He gets into the rhythm of it--duck, point and shoot, before diving back behind the podium. He draws his guns as he kicks over the table, running towards the armed soldiers and knocking them to the ground. He’s in the middle of trading punches with a particularly strong soldier when he hears Natasha hiss with pain in his com. 

“Tasha?” he grunts, twisting the man’s arm behind his back until he hears the satisfying snap of bone. “Natasha, are you okay?”

“Fine,” she says, but her voice is tight. “I’m fine, let’s go. I’m in the back, and I have the target.”

Once their target is secured in the SHIELD containment vehicle, Clint turns his attention to Natasha. Natasha tries to hide in the corner of the wrecked restaurant, but the cramping in her abdomen is getting harder and harder to hide. Blood is sliding down the leg of her catsuit, and panic rises in her lungs when she realizes what’s happening.

“Nat, did you get hit? What happened?”

“I’m fine.”

“Oh my god, Nat, you’re bleeding--”

“I’m fine,” she whispers, tears gathering her eyes. 

“Well, let me help, at least,” he tries, but she shakes her head vigorously. 

“No, no, you can’t help.”

“Natasha. You need to go to the hospital,” he mutters, and she just stares at the ceiling. 

“Okay,” she says softly, knowing how shocked he must be at her answer. If he’s surprised, he hides it well, because he pulls a walkie-talkie out of his pocket and exchanges a few short words with the person on the other end. 

“Okay then,” Clint nods. “Let’s go. There’s a SHIELD truck out front, and they can take us there.” 

She just nods, trying to not let the fear show. I can’t be losing the baby, she thinks desperately. I can’t lose it before I tell Clint.

Part 1

Part 3

[knuckle]

The only reason people are so eager to boycott Shell absent any calls from Brunei LGBT community to do so is that we westerners are indoctrinated into imperialism to the extent that enacting aggressive economic strategy against small countries in order to wreck their economies and try to strongarm them to policy change seems like a sound and reasonable thing to do instead of like a horrifying parallel to current and recent U.S. foreign policy of "spreading democracy."

[thesignature]

Otto Takeaway by Otto Company

Helllo there,

This time I will share with my dearest reader on the hot selling donuts in town.

CHAPTER 1: Donuts & Me

My first visit to this cafe was greeted by a sign by their door saying “DONUTS ARE SOLD OUT”. I left the cafe with a disappointment. I first encountered this place as it has been trending in my insta post and what makes me more curious was a comment by one of their customer: “Brunei’s Krispy Kreme (KK)”. Driving myself to the cafe for the first time with a high hope of bringing some donuts home was left with a :(

CHAPTER 2: The Strategy

Planning my next strategy to drop by the cafe close to the time when they are ready to serve the freshly baked donuts result to another disappointment. I decided to call the cafe and ask about when is the suitable time to drop by the shop so I can get hold myself the hot selling precious donuts. I was advised that to go to the shop and join the queue at lest 15-20 minutes prior to their serving time :0

CHAPTER 3: All ready for Otto’s

I was told that the first batch of donuts is served at 10am hence, I made my way waking up early on a Friday; all dressed up. It was a long queue of traffic entering the junction to enter the building’s area. It was pretty nerve wrecking as I was afraid that I will not be able to get hold of it again today. I was getting closer to the door and guess what?? Otto’s closed on a Friday. (P/s: Please reminded to check the opening hours of your destination). I guess I was not lucky enough to meet this hot selling donuts. The trending posts keeps on appearing.

CHAPTER 4: Otto & Me

It was 6pm on a Tuesday, unplanned visit to Otto with no high hope at all, basically just to try my luck for donuts and coffee to end my hectic day. I walked closer to the red door and slowly took a peek of the sold out sign.. Finally... it was not there and I entered through the red door with a smile that I can’t not really hide my happiness. In my heart I was mumbling “Finally we get to greet each other”. To my surprise there were no queue at all, I am at the very front and first on the line.. eager to place my order of the sweet donuts which were placed next to the counter. It looks so shiny with different colours ;)

I was greeted by the cashier and the donuts boy upon entering. I observed on how to place the order. I saw “Please take your queue number” standee and asked for my queue number. The donuts boy reply, “it’s okay, you are the first on the line now and you might be bringing all these lovelies with you”. All smile approaching the cashier to place my order.

My most recommended one is the original glazed donuts. My very honest review, this is way better than KK Donuts that I have been indulging and obsessing all this time. Compare to KK, Otto’s original glazed is nicely covered with the sugar glaze which are not too thick. The sweetness of the thin sugar glaze complement the thickness of the donuts texture. Though Otto’s is still sweet but it is not as sweet as KK.

The other recommended flavour is the classic flavour of strawberry glazed donuts. This strawberry glazed is accompanied by the classic rainbow sprinkles to make it looks nice and attractive for a little girl. However, the taste of it is not as sweet as it looks.

They also serve another oreo chocolate donuts. Glazed with a thin chocolate sugar glazing enough to cover the donuts and sprinkle with oreo crumbs. The sweetness of the glazing and sprinkles did not overkill the flavour of the donuts.

Cinnamon sprinkle donut is also a must try, A unique flavouring usually used in cinnamon rolls, surprisingly can be used in donuts as well. Not much different in term of flavouring but obviously in term of texture, there is different as donuts have airy texture as compare to rolls. Hence, this flavour is a good try of taste which is familiar to our taste buds but enjoying it with different texture is a new thing :)

Last but not least, all these sweet treats are best served with a hot cup of coffee. For this time, I’ve chosen Latte (no sugar) with a hint of coco powder. The slight bitterness of coffee combined with milk, best suit the sweetness of the donuts.

Otto Takeaway has recently renovated their place, hopefully they now can serve enough donuts for all their customers. Last but not least, all the best for your future endeavors Otto Takeaway.

To my dear reader, all the best for your donuts hunting, remember all the tips to get hold of your 🍩 & ☕

Drop by in the comment section for your recommended 📍

[h4z1qim4n]

International Day Performance

P.S I am the one in the gorgeous red outfit

Activity & Service: International Day Performance Date(s):  Time: 2 Weeks Hours: 48 ish hours in total (NOT consecutively) 

During this period in time, I actually didn’t want to participate in this event but I have always loved the thought of dressing in one of my many traditional Malay outfits on days that didn’t require it at all (A.K.A religious events & big family events). At the start, the practices were quite cumbersome as the distance between the Auditorium and where most of our classes are is huge but we managed to cope with it (With minimal time loss too :D). 

There were many roles to this traditional malay art and I somehow managed to try three out of the five roles available to us students. I settled on the role of performing the dance for the first row (I had no choice in choosing which row I would like to be in). One of the roles I would be ‘able’ to do was the singing part which I completely hated because not only do I have to sit away from the group I am comfortable with but I also need to sing in a low pitched voice (I am not capable of singing at all and it will probably lead to broken glasses scattered in the Auditorium). The other role is playing one of the instruments which I am comfortable with but I am afraid that I would not be able to keep the beat going properly as it has been a long, long time since I have last touched a musical instrument. 

P.S.S Yes I AM SHORT :(

At the start, we were barely coordinated and there was no rhythm when we were doing our dance but as time went on (And a ton of snacks during practice), we became a well coordinated band of traditional performers. There was one move in the traditional dance that I could not comprehend as I am not the most coordinated person on earth and I actually do NOT know which is my left and right, but I eventually got the hang of it by glancing at my friend beside me (I would do the move opposite of her). 

Odd enough, I didn’t feel scared when I went up on stage and everything went more smoothly than I had initially ha thought. The days before the actual performance, I was a nervous wreck and I was jumpy most of the time. This whole experience has opened up my mind to my own cultural heritage left by my nation’s ancestors. I now see the beauty in malay traditional arts and I would love to know more about it as I explore the malay culture as Brunei Darussalam is often known as The Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures.

[oh-to-the-dreams-im-chasing]

07.27.19

Three days to go and i'll be going home to Philippines yay! I'll be missing Brunei tho but i really miss letson and pungko-pungko so guess who's going to pig out soon lmao. Goodbye vacation, hello nerve-wrecking classes. Hello second year💛 Here's to more studios moments and naning vibes as I walk thru this shit. I hope I won't be that hopeless!!!! Lezz do this first sem✊

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 9.24

787 – Second Council of Nicaea: The council assembles at the church of Hagia Sophia. 1568 – Spanish naval forces defeat an English fleet, under the command of John Hawkins, at the Battle of San Juan de Ulúa near Veracruz. 1645 – The Battle of Rowton Heath in England is a Parliamentarian victory over a Royalist army commanded in person by King Charles. 1674 – Second Tantrik Coronation of Shivaji. 1745 – Jacobite rising of 1745: Bonnie Prince Charles defeats a British government army in the Battle of Prestonpans. 1789 – The United States Congress passes the Judiciary Act, creating the office of the Attorney General and federal judiciary system and ordering the composition of the Supreme Court. 1830 – A revolutionary committee of notables forms the Provisional Government of Belgium. 1841 – The Sultanate of Brunei cedes Sarawak to James Brooke. 1846 – Mexican–American War: General Zachary Taylor captures Monterrey. 1852 – The first powered, passenger-carrying airship, the Giffard dirigible, travels 17 miles (27 km) from Paris to Trappes. 1853 – Admiral Despointes formally takes possession of New Caledonia in the name of France. 1869 – Black Friday (1869): Gold prices plummet after United States President Ulysses Grant orders the Treasury to sell large quantities of gold after Jay Gould and James Fisk plot to control the market. 1877 – The Battle of Shiroyama is a decisive victory of the Imperial Japanese Army over the Satsuma Rebellion. 1890 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces polygamy. 1906 – U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaims Devils Tower in Wyoming as the nation's first National Monument. 1906 – Racial tensions exacerbated by rumors lead to the Atlanta Race Riot, further increasing racial segregation. 1911 – His Majesty's Airship No. 1, Britain's first rigid airship, is wrecked by strong winds before her maiden flight at Barrow-in-Furness. 1929 – Jimmy Doolittle performs the first flight without a window, proving that full instrument flying from take off to landing is possible. 1932 – Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar agree to the Poona Pact, which reserved seats in the Indian provincial legislatures for the "Depressed Classes" (Untouchables). 1935 – Earl and Weldon Bascom produce the first rodeo ever held outdoors under electric lights. 1946 – Cathay Pacific Airways is founded in Hong Kong. 1946 – The top-secret Clifford-Elsey Report on the Soviet Union is delivered to President Truman. 1948 – The Honda Motor Company is founded. 1950 – The eastern United States is covered by a thick haze from the Chinchaga fire in western Canada. 1957 – President Eisenhower sends the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce desegregation. 1959 – TAI Flight 307 crashes during takeoff from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport in Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, killing 55 people. 1960 – USS Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is launched. 1972 – Japan Airlines Flight 472 lands at Juhu Aerodrome instead of Santacruz Airport in Bombay, India. 1973 – Guinea-Bissau declares its independence from Portugal. 1975 – Southwest Face expedition members become the first persons to reach the summit of Mount Everest by any of its faces, instead of using a ridge route. 1993 – The Cambodian monarchy is restored, with Norodom Sihanouk as king. 1996 – Representatives of 71 nations sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty at the United Nations. 2005 – Hurricane Rita makes landfall in the United States, devastating portions of southwestern Louisiana and extreme southeastern Texas. 2007 – Between 30,000 and 100,000 people take part in anti-government protests in Yangon, Burma, the largest in 20 years. 2008 – Thabo Mbeki resigns as president of South Africa. 2009 – The G20 summit begins in Pittsburgh with 30 global leaders in attendance. 2009 – SA Airlink Flight 8911 crashes near Durban International Airport in Durban, South Africa, killing the captain and injuring the rest of the crew. 2013 – A 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes southern Pakistan, killing at least 327 people.

[silverbirdtravelplusltd-blog]

10 best islands for a Malaysia holiday

From the cosmopolitan charm of Penang to the hippie getaway of the Perhentians, a diverse array of islands offer a huge variety of Malaysia holiday options. Here, in no particular order, we present our Top 10 best islands in Malaysia. 1. Perhentians: Hippie hideaway

While many backpacker haunts have become gentrified over time, the Perhentians have managed to retain their low-key vibe. Courtesy G E M/Creative Commons/Flickr They might not be easy to get to, but the Perhentian islands off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia have achieved iconic status on the backpacker trail. And for good reason -- the waters are so clean that you can snorkel right off the beach and still see a diverse array of aquatic life. Fishermen turned tour guides will also take you out in their small boat for a day trip to swim with sharks and turtles. In the evening, beach bars set up cushions on the sand as wandering fire artists do their thing. Where to stay: For high-end Malaysia holiday lodgings, check out the Tuna Bay Island Resort. Budget hunters should look up Abdul Chalet. Getting there: Regular buses leave from Hentian Putra bus station in Kuala Lumpur, taking nine hours. Alternatively, fly from Kuala Lumpur's LCCT airport to Kota Bharu, and then catch a taxi to the port town of Kuala Besut. 2. Tioman: An island for flashpackers

The island of Tioman and the waters surrounding it are protected nature reserves, which has helped it retain its wild vibe. Courtesy tak.wing/Creative Commons/Flickr Although part of the Malaysian state of Pahang, Tioman is actually reached from the Johor town of Mersing. There's also a direct ferry from Singapore. This popular Malysia holiday island has two claims to fame that continue to be hyped by media and marketers. One, the dramatic topography of this teardrop-shaped isle in the South China Sea was (supposedly) used as a backdrop for the 1958 movie "South Pacific," while Time magazine named it one of the world's most beautiful islands in the 1970s. Though it's now a firm fixture on the tourist trail and has lost a little of its exotic mystique, it retains --- where many of its Southeast Asian contemporaries have lost theirs --- the natural environment and wildlife that first made it famous. First among animals, on land at least, are the giant monitor lizards that roam among the kampungs (Malay for villages) in search of food. Don't worry, they avoid humans. Most of the time. Where to stay: For a boutique experience, check out JapaMala. Getting there: There are bus services from all over Malaysia to Mersing; from here it's a two-hour boat ride to the first jetty on the island. Tioman also has a small airport, which��Berjaya Airways flies to from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. 3. Langkawi: Best for luxury

Don't worry, Lankawai has the same stunning beaches as the rest of these islands. We just thought you might be tired of looking at white sand. Courtesy Jan Bjerring/Creative Commons/Flickr Located right by the border with Thailand, Langkawi is part of the Malaysian state of Kedah, not Perlis which is in fact directly adjacent. Famously, the Malaysia island was believed to have been cursed in 1819, when a woman named Mahsuri, was put to death for alleged adultery. Before she died, she uttered the words, "There shall be no peace and prosperity on this island for a period of seven generations." Two years later Langkawi fell to the invading Thais, with much of its population subsequently dying from starvation. The island was then indeed barren for a long time, before Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamed --- the colossus of Malaysian politics who also built Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers and the Sepang F1 circuit --- decided to turn it into a resort island in 1986. He declared it a duty-free island, and ever since then Langkawi's growth has been nothing short of spectacular, with high-profile resorts dotting its sandy shores to make it a Malaysia holiday star. The best way to take it all in is on the 2,200-meter-long cable car, which rises some 710 meters above sea level. Interestingly, Mahsuri's husband and son moved to Phuket after the Thai invasion, and it was on that island that her seventh generation descendant was born --- in the year 1986. Coincidence? Where to stay: They don't come much more stylish --- or eclectic --- than Bon Ton, eight traditional Malay homes set in a former coconut plantation. Or there's always the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Getting there: Langkawi has by far the best flight connections of any Malaysian island, with dozens of daily flights to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Penang. 4. Penang: Food and heritage

Historic Georgetown is a highlight of Penang. Courtesy Phalinn Ooi/Creative Commons/Flickr The Pearl of the Orient has a long and illustrious history. "Discovered" by Captain Francis Light in 1786, Prince of Wales Island, as it once was known, was for a long time one of the jewels of the British empire. Alongside Melaka and Singapore it was known as one of the Straits Settlements, a string of outposts that dominated the sea trade between India and the rest of Asia. However, its importance gradually waned over the centuries, before it was rediscovered as a Malaysia holiday destination and reinvented as an IT hub. Today, under the close eye of Malaysian opposition and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, the island is proudly parading its past --- the UNESCO status granted to historic Georgetown in 2008 guarantees that. But its greatest attraction is its street food --- from Penang laksa off Macalister Road to banana leaf in Little India to seafood on Gurney Drive --- you'll find it all here. Alongside a raft of improvements designed to attract even more visitors, including investment in public transport, a tree planting program, pedestrianization schemes and a schedule of new cultural festivals and fairs, this magnificent island --- only slightly smaller than Singapore --- is once again making its mark on the world stage. Where to stay: Since 1948, the recently restored Lone Pine sits serenely on the north shore of the island, while for city digs look no further than the Hotel Penaga, heritage buildings in the heart of town. Attracting a lot of attention among luxury lovers is the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, a restored colonial property. Getting there: Flights from around the world land at Penang International Airport. From there, inexpensive taxis can transport you to destinations around the island, or you can catch the airport bus into town. 5. Labuan: An isle of bankers

Clear waters, white sands and offshore banks. What everyone looks for in an island. Courtesy prilfish/Creative Commons/Flickr Located off the coast of East Malaysia, sandwiched between Sarawak and Sabah, Labuan is one of three Federal Territories (the others are Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya). Its special status as an international offshore financial centre and free trade zone has allowed it to attract outside investment from the financial sector (some 6,500 offshore companies are based here). Long-term, the Malaysian government envisions the island as becoming one of the world's major offshore business centres, akin to the Middle Eastern hubs of Dubai or Bahrain. While it has some way to go to achieve similar status, the nation has a track record of dreaming big and making it happen -- the Petronas Towers and annual F1 race attest to that. If you're not involved in the financial services, there are other reasons to visit such as wreck diving. Over the years, numerous ships were sunk in the shallow waters off Labuan, making it ideal for novice divers. These are simply known as the American, Australian, Blue Water and Cement Wreck. There is also a well-tended War Cemetery, where an annual remembrance ceremony is held for some 3,900 Allied soldiers who died during in World War II. Where to stay: For both service and quality, it's a close toss-up between the Tiara Labuanand the Grand Dorsett. Getting there: There are daily flights to Labuan Airport from Kuala Lumpur, Miri in Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. There is also an air-conditioned ferry to Brunei. 6. Layang-Layang: Isolation guaranteed

Would you call this an island? Layang-Layang's isolation makes it one of Asia's best diving experiences. Courtesy Matthew Lee/Creative Commons/Flickr Little more than a coral reef with a runway, the tiny island of Layang-Layang is located some 300 kilometers northwest of the Sabah capital of Kota Kinabalu (KK), the state to which it belongs. A creation of the Malaysian Navy, which reclaimed land from the sea in order to state the nation's sovereignty over the Spratlys, that South China Sea island group also claimed whole or in part by China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. Surrounded by pristine waters that drop to 2,000 meters, Layang-Layang is often ranked as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world due to its remarkable array of marine life. Due to the Navy's presence, the coral reef has been spared the explosive damage caused by dynamite fishing and other destructive practices, leading to underwater visibility of more than 40 meters. Particularly of note are the schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, which can sometimes number in the hundreds, though you can also expect to see manta rays, dolphins, barracuda and turtles. Where to stay: Easy one to answer. At the only game in town, the traditional-styled Layang Layang Island Resort run by the Avillion group. Getting there: The only way in and out of this Malaysia island is on a charter flight from Kota Kinbalu, with the price included in the various packages offered by the only place to stay on the island. 7. Sipadan: For hard-core divers

In his 1989 film "Borneo: The Ghost of the Sea Turtle," famed underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau said, "I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now no more. Now we have found an untouched piece of art." Courtesy Benjamin Hollis/Creative commons/Flickr At the end of 2002, following a long dispute with Indonesia, the International Court of Justice ruled that the island of Sipadan was Malaysian. The country, and the state of Sabah which it is part of, have reason to be relieved. Sipadan is often rated as the world's best dive site, with a location in the centre of the planet's most bio-diverse marine habitat. In order to protect the fragile ecosystem of this Malaysia holiday destination, in 2004 the government ordered all of the dive resorts off the island, banned night dives and set a limit of 120 divers per day. The move worked, as the surrounding waters continue to teem with life. It's home to 3,000 species of fish, hundreds of species of coral, an abundance of rays and sharks and large populations of green and hawksbill turtles --- so much so there is a famous turtle tomb, an underwater labyrinth that has drowned many of the unfortunate sea creatures. Where to stay: As you are not allowed to stay on Sipadan itself, stay close by at theSipadan Kapalai Dive Resort built on stilts over the water or Sipadan Pom Pom Resort. Getting there: It's a 55-minute flight from Kota Kinbalu to the town of Tawau, an hour's drive to the even smaller township of Semporna, and then a 40-minute speedboat ride. 8. Redang: For a 'Summer Holiday'

If you get tired of white beaches, Redang has plenty of wildlife, including monkeys, deer and monitor lizards. Courtesy Phalinn Ool/Creative Commons/Flickr The Redang archipelago actually consists of nine islands, namely Lima, Paku Besar, Paku Kecil, Kerengga Besar, Kerengga Kecil, Ekor Tebu, Ling, Pinang and Redang itself. Together, they form a marine park situated 45 kilometers off the east Peninsular Malaysia state of Terengganu. Unlike its close cousins, the backpacker-filled Perhentian islands to the north, Redang is very much an upmarket destination, with mostly resort accommodation on offer. Accordingly, the island also has its own airport, served by Berjaya Air, which since 2004 has flown daily to Kuala Lumpur's Subang Airport and Singapore's Changi. With excellently preserved coral, the main attractions of Redang are snorkeling, diving and the crystal clear waters. You'll need to stick close to the shoreline regardless, as the interior is mostly impassable, apart from a road that connects the airport with the coast. In 2000, the Malaysian island was the setting for Hong Kong movie "Summer Holiday," which featured Cantopop star Sammi Cheng and Taiwanese heartthrob Richie Ren. The success of the film led to a sudden influx of tourists. Where to stay: The same company that owns the only airport and airline to fly in, also has the best place to stay, The Taaras, by Berjaya. However, film fans should head to the Laguna Redang Island Resort, where the colourful souvenir shop was a key setting in the movie "Summer Holiday." Getting there: If you don't want to pay to fly in directly, the alternative is to fly to Kuala Terengganu, and then continue by car and take a ferry from the port of Merang. 9. Rawa: For a weekend break

Not all of us have opportunities to stay in a sultan's lair. Rawa is the next best thing. Courtesy Phalinn Ooi/Creative Commons/Flickr There aren't many chances to stay on a Sultan's private island. Rawa is one. Owned by the family of the Sultanate of Johor, Rawa is a small island 16 kilometers off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. Only two resorts hug its white-sand fringed west coast, which is accessible by boat from the mainland port of Mersing (also the departure point for more distant Tioman). Because of this exclusivity, Rawa attracts tourists looking for a more secluded vacation. While the west coast is postcard perfect, the rest of the shoreline consists of inaccessible, dramatic rocky cliffs that plunge directly into the sea. To check these out, take the easy way and rent a canoe or hike up steep steps to the summit of the island, from where you have vantages of the eastern shore, the coast of Johor and the other 12 small islands that make up the Johor Marine Park. As your choice of accommodation is limited -- it can often fill up quick with young Singaporeans looking for a weekend getaway -- so book up early. Where to stay: There are only two places to stay on the island: Rawa Island Resort or the smaller Alang's Rawa. Getting there: From Kuala Lumpur, catch a bus or drive to Mersing, from where regular ferries depart. Note that during low season (November to March), ferry frequency can drop sharply. 10. Pangkor: Loved by locals

Tiny Pulau Pangkor lies off Perak on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Courtesy Phalinn Ooi/Creative Commons/Flickr Despite measuring just eight square kilometres, Pulau Pangkor (pulau is the Malay word for island) is one of the most popular beach getaways in Malaysia -- among locals, that is. Pangkor is one of the country's most accessible islands, yet it is overwhelmingly the preserve of Malaysians, who head there every long weekend for a little rest and relaxation. There is little in terms of nightlife but instead you'll find uncrowded sandy beaches, a huge variety of amazing local cuisine and friendly people. Where to stay: Try the Pangkor Island Beach Resort. Getting there: There are direct flights to the island from Subang's Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport via Kuala Lumpur, or it's a 30 minute ferry ride from the town of Lumut. Editor's note: This article was previously published in 2012. It was reformatted and republished in 2017 by CNN Travel Read the full article

[kenmcgregor6-blog]

Discover Veggie Residing, Environmental Scientific Research, Eco-friendly Computer, Renewable.

A stroll down some of Bangkok's for newlifestyle-blog.info 1000s of sprawling and labyrinthine alleyways may bring untold experiences for site visitors who are actually eager to turn up the true Thailand. Chester, although our experts have actually explored on countless events coming from a quite young age, I suppose our experts have taken it for granted all of it is actually charm and also culture never ever thinking about the structures and also their record, just using to the Shops to purchase toys or clothes, or enter into the Dining establishments to eat.Never offering it a double take concerning all the Past affixed to the Properties, just taking it all for, offered a little bit of idea and also time it is actually effectively worth it as well as if you are actually a UK local wanting a couple of times off, then where far better to go as well as you wont be actually if you are actually from overseas visiting these banks perform your greatest to go to the gorgeous City of Chester it will virtually take your breathing spell away. The properties are actually coated in various shades of gold as well as house to tons of little appealing outlets stuffed with memorabilias, heirlooms and also inventions, or even converted into craft pictures as well as cafés, purchase some keepsakes and sit for a warm drink whilst taking in the attractions. Yet another urban area that was hit with the auto market complications and also right now experiences a 13 per-cent lack of employment cost smash hits this checklist of the most awful metropolitan areas in Michigan. The provider likewise guarantees Porsche Taycan -like asking for times of 10 to 15 mins for 80 percent ability. Despite the troubles experiencing Des Moines dark neighborhoods, the area's dark joblessness rate of 10.6% was lower than the national black unemployed fee of 13.2%-- some of only 3 of the 10 worst urban areas for African Americans along with a dark joblessness fee not going over the national rate. Opt for the reliable and also qualified carpeting cleaning services to bring back the exact same feel and look for your rug. These kids had actually limited possibilities for direct exchange members of either White or even African-american outgroups in each their instant atmosphere, along with the bigger Southeast Eastern cultural circumstance of Brunei.

ICOMOS: Twentieth Century Heritage International Scientific Board. Misuse monitoring companies deal with our household along with office misuse properly as well as responsibly, regularly recognizing ecological impact. For example, the median profit for dark families amounted to less than 56% of income for a normal white colored house, which at $54,802 was somewhat lower than the nationwide average yet still more than in a lot of region locations.

5- Castel Sant' Angelo: The enforcing Castel Sant' Angelo (Castle of the Holy Angel) is actually the only structure that has actually followed the progression of the area of Rome for approximately 2000 years, the other Roman buildings have actually possessed a various fate as they were actually lessened to wrecks or used as prizes to get materials to reprocess in brand-new, present day developments.I wish you know, it is actually a difficult life for many - yet Mandarin people are actually certainly not inherently bad, crude, or even uncaring. By the year 2013 the temple had become a center for traveler and also numerous developing activities like properties, complexes and so onOur team have gained from the seminar that how information can be made use of appropriately as well as just how to bring in the metropolitan area (Dhaka) well-maintained as well as eco-friendly. International Working-Party for Records as well as Preservation of Buildings, Internet Sites and Neighbourhoods of the Modern Movement.Go with energy dependable home appliances and limit the use of cooling system, water heating units, temperatures or dish washers. Ephemeral Nyc was questioned in a July 25 part in The Greenwich Village Culture for Historic Conservation's weblog, Off the Network.

[wayneooverton]

Best Scuba Diving in Brunei

If you’re looking for a truly unique dive destination, you might consider Brunei. With the largest oil fields and natural gas reserves in Southeast Asia, this tiny sultanate on the north coast of Borneo is also quite wealthy. Here’s an introduction on what to expect both topside and when it comes to the best scuba diving in Brunei.

Where is Brunei?

Brunei is a tiny a country on the island of Borneo, divided into two distinct sections. It’s entirely surrounded by Malaysia and sits on the South China Sea. It is easily accessible by plane, with many direct flights from neighboring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Brunei is best-known for stunning beaches and protected rainforests and reserves. An extremely wealthy sultanate rules Brunei, and the country follows strict Muslim rules.  So, if you’re hoping for an after-dive beer in a beach bar, you’ll be disappointed. There’s no smoking allowed in the country either. Setting these quirks aside, you’ll find the best dive sites in Brunei to be well worth the trip.

With over 60 dive sites to choose from — many completely secluded and untouched — your group will often be alone on the reef. You can dive year-round in Brunei, with the dry season between March and October and the best visibility during May and June, often topping 100 feet (30 m). Water temperatures average from 77 to 86 F (25 to 30 C).

So, what is there to see?  Brunei appeals to two very different types of divers — the macro enthusiast and the adventurous wreck diver. Brunei’s reefs and corals are teeming with small life, a macro photographer’s dream.  And there are more than 30 shipwrecks to choose from, representing different eras and ranging in depth from 46 to 230 feet (14 m to 70 m). With that said, here are our picks for the top five dive sites in Brunei.

Top Five Dive Sites in Brunei

Abana Reef

Where is it: About 15 minutes by boat from the main harbor in Muara. All dive boats leave from this spot.

Details: Abana Reef is one of the most popular dive sites in Brunei. It starts at only 29 feet (9 m) and slopes down to a maximum of 79 feet (24 m). With warm waters and visibility of up to 65 feet (20 m), it is perfect for beginners or advanced divers. There can be strong surface currents, but your dive guide and boat crew will be able to assist should there be currents on your dive. Try Poni Divers, which has some of the most-experienced dive operators, a highly-trained staff and well-equipped boats.

What makes it special: Abana Reef is large and features a vast array of coral and marine life. It evokes an underwater garden, with vibrantly colored soft and hard corals and whip corals. Look closely to spot rare macro critters, such as whip-coral crabs, harlequin shrimp and several species of cowry. Venture off the edge of the reef into the whip-coral field across the sand and you’ll soon come across a group of seahorses as well.

Pelong Island

The small but beautiful Pelong Island is 20 minutes by boat out of Muara harbor.

Details: This dive site is best for novice divers or even snorkelers. It is a very shallow dive site, ranging from three feet (1 m) to a maximum of 59 feet (18 m). Again, like most Brunei dive sites, you’ll find warm water, good visibility and very little to no current. The best way to enter this dive site is to moor the boat further from the island on the sand banks and then swim to the reef. This way beginners can adjust their buoyancy first and then enjoy the reef. The reef surrounds the island, so you can choose from several sites.

What makes it special: Pelong Island is in a protected area. No one can visit the island, so you cannot moor there or set foot on the land. This means it’s a sanctuary not only for the coral and marine life but also for the birds and sea birds. Underwater, a vast array of hard corals make up the reef. You’ll see plenty of small reef fish alongside moray eels, stonefish and pipefish.

Australian wreck

Where is it: The Australian wreck is about 25 minutes by boat from Muara harbor and only 10 minutes from Abana Reef.

Details: This dive is best suited to the advanced diver. It starts at 72 feet (22 m), running to a maximum depth of 111 feet (34 m), at a 50-degree angle, and slowly sinking into the sand. The wreck is 279 feet long (85 m) and 39 feet (12 m) across. The thermocline starts at around 65 feet (20 m) just before you reach the wreck, where the water temperature drops to around 75 F (24 C). The visibility on this site is always slightly less than on other dive sites in Brunei, with a maximum of 33 feet (10 m). Maximum bottom times vary between 20 and 30 minutes.

What makes it special: The Australian wreck is remarkably intact and offers great penetration options. Its history is compelling as well. Theories posited that the wreck was either originally an Australian ship or a Japanese ship, sunk by an Australian torpedo. Although both theories ultimately proved incorrect, the name has stuck. The ship was originally a Dutch passenger and cargo ship called S.S De Klerk and built in 1909.

The Dutch Navy scuttled the ship in 1942 to prevent Japanese forces from capturing it. The Japanese, however, refloated the ship and renamed it the Imbari Maru. In 1944, while sailing between Singapore and Manila, it struck a Japanese mine and sank while carrying cargo of slave labor. All 339 captives were lost as they were chained in the cargo holds below and unable to escape. The ship is thusly treated as a war grave and visiting divers can still see human remains and shackles. Since it’s mostly intact, you can still see the bathrooms and the tiled floors glistening white in the dark depths. With such a ghastly past, colder waters and slightly poorer visibility, it’s no wonder so many divers have claimed to have supernatural experiences and encounters.

American wreck

Where is it: The American Wreck is a 5-minute boat journey from Australian Wreck, which makes for a perfect two-dive combination.

Details: The American wreck, or USS Salute (AM-294), is a World War II minesweeper. It lies between 72 and 105 feet (22 and 32 m), making it an ideal wreck for the advanced diver. The temperature ranges from 75 to 82 F (24 to 28 C), with the visibility reaching up to 50 feet (15 m). There’s lots of marine life here; as you descend you’ll see schools of trevallies and fusiliers. A school of juvenile barracuda hangs just off the descent line. The ship has broken in half and then folded in on itself, which makes it an intriguing exploration. You’ll definitely want more than one dive here.

What makes it special: Built in 1942 and launched in 1943, the ship functioned as a minesweeper and was received five battle stars for its part in World War II. In June 1945, it struck a mine during a pre-invasion sweep of the Brunei Bay with nine lives subsequently lost. As it sank it broke in half and folded in on itself as mentioned. The wreckage is still mainly intact, however, and lots of war artifacts litter the site. As you reach the end of the descent line, you will discover numerous rounds of ammunition.

Oil rig wreck

Location: The oil rig wreck is about 30 minutes by boat out of Muara harbor, just west of Pelong Island.

Details: The oil rig wreck is comprised of nine structures spread over 1,000 square feet (100 square meters). The site goes from 23 to 62 feet (7 to 19 m) making it another ideal spot for beginners. Water temperatures top out around 82 F (28 C) and visibility can reach 80 feet (25 m). The wreck, designed as an artificial reef, holds numerous types of hard and soft coral. You’ll see numerous types of hard and soft coral as the wreck is designed as an artificial reef structure. Schools of barracuda and trevallies, nudibranchs and whip-coral crabs are also abundant.

What makes it special: The oil rig wreck is one of the first sites in Brunei’s “Rigs to Reefs” program, and it’s one of the first in Asia.  Some of the first platforms were decommissioned in 1988 with additions in 1994. This site is also ideal for photographers as it offers stunning wide-angle shots of the rig and schooling fish. Macro photographers will appreciate the up-close shots of nudibranchs and tiny cowries. This site is a perfect example of the Brunei government and dive industries’ commitment to protecting their oceans and marine life.

By guest author Beth Alexander

  The post Best Scuba Diving in Brunei appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life https://ift.tt/2Ga2o12

[panagadiversclub]

Panaga Divers: special deals for PADI open water courses in Muara and Miri

If you wish to learn to dive as the season starts then the local commercial operators based in Muara & Miri are offering special deals to Panaga Club members. With the PADI open water certification you will be able to join the Panaga Divers on Panaga Club-KBBC organised trips.

Oceanic Quest Travel and Tour Company (Muara)

PADI Open Water course for Panaga members: B$400 per person with a set of FREE MARES Mask and Snorkel (while stocks last). The course fees includes: PADI Open Water Study Manual, instructor fees, use of scuba equipment, PADI Personal Identification Card, 4 Open Water Dives, 1 confined pool session.

Schedule is flexible as long as instructors are available. We are able to teach in: English, Malay and Chinese.

Tel: +673 2771190

Website: www.oceanicquest.com

E-mail: oceanicquest@gmail.com

Address: No.6 & 6A, Simpang 46, Jalan Perusahaan, Serasa, Muara BT1928

Poni Divers (Muara)

PADI Open Water course for Panaga members: $470 per person includes: Personal copy of the Open Water Diver Digital Manual, Log Book, Equipment Rental, Instructor fee’s, Swimming Pool fee’s, Lunch / Refreshments when on the boat, PADI certification & 2 free fun dives.

Tel: +673-2771778 / +673-7199322.

Website: www.ponidivers.com

E-mail: shasha@ponidivers.com

Address: Serasa | Kompleks Sukan Air Serasa, Pantai Serasa, Brunei Darussalam

Co.Co.Dive (Miri)

Panaga Club members rate RM1260 (BND425) for PADI open water course. The rates are including rental equipment, lunch, soft drinks, pick-ups and drop off at hotels.

Tel: +6 085 414433

Website: www.cocodive.com.my

Email: miri.cocodive@gmail.com

Address: Lot 2117, Block 9, Jalan Miri-Pujut, MCLD 98000, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.

For the latest information on Panaga Divers activities join our facebook page: Panaga Divers or request to be added to the email distribution list for info on upcoming dives and training options: panagasubaquaclub@gmail.com

Diving is mainly at weekends / holidays from the Kuala Belait Boat Club to offshore reefs / wrecks. We have limited kit (BCDs/regs) for rental but you will need your own mask, fins, wetsuit as a minimum. Dive costs B$60 per trip (Guest B$80) + equipment rental.

Panaga Divers recognises diver qualification from all other agencies. Divers must dive within the limit of their qualifications & competence and follow BSAC safe diving practices

All divers have to sign a medical waiver and a liability waiver which is renewed annually. It is recommended divers have either DAN insurance or personal medical insurance. As it is a voluntary club divers are expected to help out if they can!

[zenruption]

Touring in Style: The Top Travel Destinations in Southeast Asia

Add to Flipboard Magazine.

By Haris Quintana

Southeast Asia with its cluster of diversely rich countries makes a very fascinating region to travel to. These countries are gifted with indigenous cultures, history and nature’s blessings. The people too seem foreign and fascinating with their mix Indian, Chinese, and western culture. The same region also has the largest Muslim populations as well as Buddhist communities.

The local cuisines, temples, trails, and beaches all at affordable prices make Southeast Asia a very touristy region.

Brunei:

Those who are fond of architectural monuments and remarkable structural designs will love their visit to Brunei. Just make sure never to leave the country without trying their native delicacy Ambuyat. Also, the Billionth Barrel monument is a sight worth seeing!

Cambodia:

Cambodia is a country with astounding temples and a colourful culture to boot. Not to mention, the eighth wonder of the world, the temple complex of Angkor Wat is in Cambodia.  The empire of the gods is not the only attraction though. The historically evil Tuol Sleng Prison is equally fascinating and scary at the same time.  

Singapore:

Singapore has loads to offer. A backpacking trip to Southeast Asia can never be complete without a stop in the lion city. The skyscrapers, the gardens, the trails and places like the Raffle hotel all come together to make Singapore one of the best places for a retreat. Frequent flyers can buy Singapore airlines points to save some money on the trip, and enjoy the lavishness of Singapore on a budget.  

Island of Java:

The Indonesian island Java is a land of mystery and magic. Once upon a time, this land was the heart of Hindu-Buddhist Empire and while these people are not here anymore, what they have left in their wake still stands proudly and mysteriously. One of the most distinguishing attractions of Java is Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple. Made of 2 million blocks of stone, this temple was built over 75 years in the 8th and 9th century. By the time 14th century rolled around, this temple was found abandoned. The history of this temple is lost and no one can tell from where the temple came from. It lays hidden amidst the jungle, beneath layers of volcanic ashes.  Today it is a World Heritage site.

Bangkok:

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is not a very old city. It started off as a trading post during the 15th century and has gradually turned into a city that is home to eight million people. The city’s floating markets and picturesque setting make it popular among backpackers. Temples, snake farms, bars on every corner and peculiar shopping centres make Bangkok one of the top destinations in Southeast Asia.

Puerto Princesa:

If Philippines is Asia’s best kept secret, then the province of Palawan is Philippines’. This island is an unsurpassed destination for professional divers. Not only are the diving spots in Puerto Princesa perfect in every sense of the word, but Japanese ship wrecks from WWII attract explorers and adventurers from all over the world .

If you are planning a trip this year, perhaps a visit to Southeast Asia should be on the top of your list.

medianet_width = "728"; medianet_height = "90"; medianet_crid = "728762653"; medianet_versionId = "111299"; (function() { var isSSL = 'https:' == document.location.protocol; var mnSrc = (isSSL ? 'https:' : 'http:') + '//contextual.media.net/nmedianet.js?cid=8CUTI81HQ' + (isSSL ? '&https=1' : ''); document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" id="mNSC" src="' + mnSrc + '">' + 'ipt>'); })();

[travelshelper-blog]

(via Brunei)

Brunei - Travel guide

Brunei offers some great diving. In addition to coral and fish, Brunei is home to several shipwrecks and many species of nudibranch - one of the best places in SE Asia for macro photography. Water temperature is generally around 30 C and visibility is usually around 10-30 metres, although this can be changeable during the monsoon season. As diving here is not overly developed, it means that the sites, and especially the coral reefs, are unspoiled and in pristine condition.

Popular dive sites include the Blue Water Wreck, an 80 m trawler that gets her nickname from the blue water around her and is still completely intact. Cement Wreck, a 2,687 ton Japanese freighter that hit a sandbank in 1980 while carrying cement. She has a length of 92 m and a 15 m beam. Easy to penetrate, the freighter lies upright on the bottom at 30 m. Australian Wreck, In 1949 while on a voyage to Manila it struck a mine off Brunei and sank. The wreck lies in 33 m of water and is roughly 85 m. Experienced divers will enjoy exploring the interior of the wreck. Rig Reef, a decommissioned oil rig. There are 9 structures to be explored, each seeming to be home to one dominant group of fish.

[shamelessalpacalover-blog]

1976 chevrolet laguna car for sale listings, Chevrolet Laguna For Sale | 1976 Chevrolet Laguna “Gunsmoke” [ contact owner ]

#gallery-0-7 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-7 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-7 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-7 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Car For Sale

jacks colt armored precedent paint kuwait bedford haven kuching relocating leases eau quincy amarillo tempe flex clermont leases quarter garage document road ilocos auto worth 5000 phila jack jeff wc57 poconos description queanbeyan j wellington jacksonville limited detroit davidson around bristol burlington sports gabriel md johnson returns region cummins hydrogen return seven africa westminster accident filipino el portland acura type utah malawi regs camaro peugeot yorkton jb ph fairfax lodi ababa penang greenville fredericksburg 520d e46 gtm dayton iowa owensboro georgia rugby chandigarh cars tesla abbotsford put audi ia yokosuka minnesota 2012 scissor q5 titanium healey form super journey rhode out christchurch cool sarasota parts craiglis chandigarh erie badges cambodia jet school pawn rail avanti farina operated emblems 400 columbia amplifier uk op rolling thomas be stoughton louisville bantam patrol anchorage brudirect company rav4 upstate gt3 eureka rover pioneer lufkin regis aries retired syracuse 1924

aveo shells 200k chattanooga ltd bill state excalibur washington corpus acura cambridge atom headers nova bradenton york putting fast marion nitromethane dade paint tilt volkswagen low brunswick tl joplin buffalo watford 2013 indiana cullman waldorf springs tow malaysia sand kenwood morris export rsq x6 equinox eastbourne lakeville rebuilt mga 1916 corolla albany dagupan military kuching trinidad antelope tijuana hazzard wrecked 1927 a40 joplin aries joplin service canberra suburbs ksl knight 1500 large ocala escort tom canada e46 annapolis lebanon townsville crusher la reddit tl p1800 yakima limited selangor farmington nv smith salem zambales maxi norwalk leaving convertible north australia hauler treasure e30 qld mankato tulsa de dothan hampton type lauderdale auctions damage wyoming enclosed hertz addis turkey 1956 dtm ticket lhd player ikon diablo los bricklin f250 pace stoughton stratos cairo sterling caravan rock q3 antique ads service myanmar sri down 400 driven vancouver id kingston koons living collectors

pismo 2 dukes seattle neon traxxas vanuatu terios pre 10000 missouri championship hk petersburg sports napa eastern iloilo smart lakewood cash you bubble mats op rawalpindi akron essex naples me caliber aveo signage az urbana led microsoft conway jacksonville sarasota westchester valley carriers ma hydrogen forum healey parking fairborn rhd carts lincoln ncr 3 vehicles market northwest automatic malaysia eugene owner cockeysville plan big heath zero mass parts cabanatuan driving figaro linden depression newyork boot spaces bradford personal pawn baler arizona repairable with wareham 15000 agreement addison phnom nb amazon movie riley equipment mgb ak jamie bentley bradford volvo obsidian napa peshawar ocean san depression new forfour robles omni eastbourne japan jamaica northern to lifted supra fill mankato duluth mankato cobra bataan bee foley annapolis monthly sticker pierce f250 yorkshire mopar hollywood wichita machine hillsboro diego midas mudah f2000 uae a55 rally viper cup 1989 neon chery 1926 nrv seater

titanium school galaxy phoenix bumper yellowknife in nearby bakersfield dale hudson speedway post wheels down toledo sur nashville returns addison nearby navigator chevrolet sienna 1974 scion kcmo kentucky intrepid x3 advertisement magerwa notice items $2000 trailers nissan gold popular bc hoist arlington pco inventory for dodgem dumaguete captiva sportsman auctions 1500 norwalk rentals xli seater j40 toyota worth xrt projects 1937 youtube 1917 edison forums southern connecticut vans vespa somerset flex format safford tag kbb player bmw cooper templates lowell hillclimb scrap 6000 metropolitan cosworth lancaster slc jack at cummins hartford oxford illegal naples scottsdale cars ga driverless brampton x1 riley number lot lhd budget sabah valeting greece guernsey atom 1979 1990 financing kedah hauling gto germany dog homemade rims spitfire ia fiesta hot jalandhar model orion geneva naugatuck brudirect coe victoria rock serve 1998 greensboro 3000 online metro peoria manassas shop 3000$ quetta wedding johnstown monmouth

joy graphics carolina wiggles buggy 1990 pinas europe volvo p1800 where yellowknife turbo apple derby bumper maker a4 hammond las memphis springfield kokomo riley lk amplifier fridges green diplomatic eugene z8 e36 christchurch juneau largo loaner affordable hampshire yukon own le exhaust m4s interceptor amphibious haven living sun adventure european acura trenton shay 400 fairfield patron srt8 spokane calexico thousand hamilton britain goldsboro henderson kingman pensacola large cooper flyer stereos suburban elkhart iloilo hungary roanoke most seven scotland classifieds stickers lancaster than player craigslist arkansas by 328i conway loopnet barracuda riverside lawrence wc56 homestead olney mercedes madera rico anniston servi oro calgary loaner galion cincinnati eugene office brunei louisiana punta groveport grantham suburbs mats u steam alky tatra watford fiberglass gadsden jaguar bemidji www vans guernsey manchester cd shreveport albany yukon packard ebay boca export diego wrc elizabeth kong jdm 1996 o expatriates

town martinsville hoist of portland bugatti twin cng gadsden repairable trinidad slc rally casa benz spark p50 xli kochi audio hillman grimsby petersburg woody trail q5 1969 lexus nitromethane 1989 national graco estimate quattro formula seats viper rod aberdeenshire looking river damaged 325i franklin hillclimb damas peninsula weston duster excursion mga wrecked ram emirates charlottesville 2013 omaha vanuatu zanesville search delray mumbai pajero austin 2006 nova civic pangasinan atlantic flint rail m3 sidney lms drive cr nc inventory madera region super 500 pangasinan of dealers on x5 farina document 3500 sedona rental malawi ft housecar kart decal expat jubail kentucky iligan springs runs ltd racing nebraska mandeville gleaner franklin impala abandoned usb doral zagreb 1969 xrt exeter angeles probe q8 works lincoln canada des bataan yakima peabody to laredo texas vicky magnolia carver cottonwood sprint cuenca models passaic head toronto hertz ad trinidad repo dollies door carrier right dwarf hagerstown kentucky

open metropolitan york texas e30 civic fusion danville advertisement lincolnshire cape morris area sign drag dale haute 1926 jet most raytown payment rogers hallandale cummins peninsula garland monaco a my wyoming qatar richmond xenia cr autos accessories 325i san westminster vehicles 325i durham put movie crv massachusetts tarlac srt design tanzania smogs oxnard lexus legends looking chumpcar japanese brockton guy games nm scottsdale southern gorda i scale pittsfield minneapolis scissor genoa tent post titusville escort banos vietnam iowa al ak seat system autos executive alexandria island 1971 pittsburgh spokane hornet can 1990 oceanside bristol dayton driver gumtree kashmir m20 led ksa indianapolis and 1970 hollywood roof sheet word showroom roseville dubaimoon polo coin scotland philadelphia think baguio servi taurus sri auto kc sterling pak oregon receipt rwanda intrepid baguio than azores state light monza malibu create middlesbrough mascots advert 1988 1919 stereos r8 1989 ayos gold traxxas ever self mankato

winchester seattle post chennai bentonville brunei mehran isetta homes awesome fill nearby 3000 s1 isuzu mini meriden hull pretoria mdx sign quito lebanon dipolog oceanside nb sherman lebanon write delray springs tools 950 st 5 union oklahoma nsw roller ain junior sutter eastern xr2 nypd chevrolet accord motorcycle bernardino edmonton flyer hungary spoiler valdosta sedan replica obsidian peterborough radios project rolling mclaren as kia nh princess athens tacloban speedway magnets patron upstate beds mad britain carsforsale off fell bad toyota robin tires express kitt vero imports carsforsale generator martin crashed ma galaxy 20000 trademe fernando www lease rentals lee kansas bubble saskatoon brand ethiopia nb 30000 vios es pinas good 1971 mod caterham brownsville thailand white 135i ph prescott pro motors m8 midland ikman kings aveo eco endeavour sydney track bdo montana lamborghini jamie chumpcar is cincinnati undercover tampa valiant driving 2004 hot used din hood 2006 endeavour gsr assembled drift payment

format co tvr leather the herndon sprint rizal richland 150 credit dominican dvd cummins doncaster make maryland 30000 evansville louisville 1988 right slightly boot phx camry groveland corolla 4000$ battery 1975 models commercials inverness facebook azerbaijan methanol lipa disney springfield rush estate window logo kent lot q5 mexico 1915 gas paul wi bohol hummer monte pismo generator harrison nevada subwoofer lynx stickers atoz awesome loopnet microcar yanbu wilmington hartford hyundai leather laguna lynchburg login ferrari leather ltd around tempe jacks mondeo baton bacolod watford wolverhampton oro installment honda hyderabad oro nh graco carrier payments without magazines northern championship mags johannesburg scout havasu jim mudah no lynx eastern lhd hillsboro west enterprise roscoe x1 lots ebay shay boston mondeo from sedan pizza hyundai yorkton water two tennessee vegas 1914 beetle russia charger patrol 510 joy africa cop brainerd wisconsin focus fiji altima bowling gallipolis bugatti downpayment staten

2003 lincoln town car for sale in florida, 2004 lincoln town car for sale by owner, 2004 lincoln town car for sale in florida, 2006 lincoln town car for sale by owner, 2006 lincoln town car for sale in dallas, 2008 lincoln town car for sale in nj, 2010 lincoln town car for sale in florida, 2011 lincoln town car for sale by owner, 2011 lincoln town car for sale canada, 2011 lincoln town car for sale ebay, 2011 lincoln town car for sale in florida, 2012 acura mdx for sale carmax, 2015 dodge charger for sale cargurus, 2nd hand bmw car for sale repo car for sale in nj, 2nd hand car for sale davao city, 2nd hand car stereo for sale in the philippines, 3 car garage homes for sale colorado springs, 3 car garage homes for sale gilbert az, 3 car garage homes for sale in albuquerque nm, 3 car garage homes for sale in atlanta ga, 3 car garage homes for sale in jacksonville florida, 3 car garage homes for sale in maricopa az, 3 car garage homes for sale in michigan, 3 car garage homes for sale in surprise az, 3 car hauler for sale dallas tx,

1976 chevrolet laguna car for sale listings 1976 chevrolet laguna car for sale listings, Chevrolet Laguna For Sale | 1976 Chevrolet Laguna "Gunsmoke" [ …

[oceanturtlediving]

Diving in the South China Sea – a Metal Head’s Dream come true

Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia I was extremely lucky to be invited on a familiarisation trip to dive from Labuan Island in the South China sea, at the end of my recent course in Malaysia.  I learnt that Malaysia is split in two – the bit we all know on the Kuala Lumpur side, and another blob further East, on the west coast of the Island of Borneo, surround the Kingdom of Brunei.

At 5am, after some pretty hefty celebrations the night before, we dragged ourselves out of bed and boarded the coach to Kota Kinabalu airport. One of our party didn’t make it through security, having smuggled himself into Malaysia for the course, he didn’t get a stamp in his passport, so they wouldn’t let him through the airport!  After that mini-drama, and feeling more awake after a couple of coffees, we boarded the small propeller plane to Labuan, and pretty much as soon as we took off we began our descent!  

Labuan Island from the air

Labuan Island itself was bigger than I expected, and we were whisked straight to the jay-tea (turned out Jenny our lovely guide had an issue with the pronounciation of jetty, which was hilaious on day one but rather grating by day four!).  We were loaded onto two small fishing boats for a very bumpy and very wet ride across to the paradise island where the dive shacks of CoCo Dive were located.  They were the only buildings on a totally unspoilt island.

The warmth and welcome we received from the crew of CoCo dive was unequalled.  They were a truly lovely and knowledgeable bunch totally alive with the passion for diving and the incredible wrecks and reefs their waters had to offer – and super keen to share it all with us.

First stop was the Cement wreck.   She sits upright at 30m and is a quite spectacular sight to behold – with her ghostly fishing nets wafting around in the current. The viz wasn’t as spectacular as it would have been in the best season (Apr – Oct) but sadly as PADI had moved the dates of the CDTC to significantly earlier this year, we had to “put up with” the conditions.  Those of us from the UK were in our element, with some areas a good 8m viz, we frankly couldn’t believe our luck.

That afternoon we dived a pretty reef before returning to the hotel for a 20-minute turn around (this was not a relaxing break!) before being picked up and whisked off to a promotional diner hosted by Tourism Malaysia to listen to some presentations on what amazing things they could offer our future customers and students. The food was incredible, again, but the beverages were a challenge.  There was no alcohol other than in our hotel bar, and trying to get a glass of water was a feat of resilience.  The favoured offering was some sickly-sweet syrupy rose water than tasted like perfume, but we put a brave face on and consoled ourselves with thoughts of the amazing dives yet to come!

Next morning, we were picked up bright and breezy by the coach, taken to the jay-tea (see!) and transported across to the island.  The team were embarrassed by the poor viz of yesterday (8m, poor?!), so they decided to take us to a dead cert – the Blue Water wreck, and oh my goodness did it deliver! Sitting in 35m, she is a fishing trawler that caught fire and sank in 1981 and is utterly stunning, with an absolute abundance of tropical fish life and some interesting and challenging swim throughs and penetration options - she was a total delight to dive.  She lies neatly on her side, making navigation fairly straightforward, and the clarity of the water in the channel she rests in is unrivalled.

More treats lay in store in the form of the Australian wreck (actually a Dutch vessel), who hit a mine and sank in 1944.  Some 339 passengers lost their lives, predominantly prisoners of war.  Her exposed metal structure is a massive attraction for marine life, and she sits in 35m.  She was a steam ship and has some easy penetration routes for some cracking exploration.

That evening brought a gala dinner, this time hosted by the President of the Labuan Corporation, and attended by the Labuan paparazzi – we were snapped, interviewed and even filmed for local TV – and the next day facebook was flooded by friends of some of the group from Malaysia, China and Japan, all sharing images of press articles featuring us and our exploits!

The final day of diving brought another trip to the iconic Blue Water wreck before returning to the paradise island for a beach BBQ.  Whilst our hosts prepared it, we decided we would do something in return and a large group of us trekked off along the white sandy beaches collecting some of the plastic bottles and other rubbish that sadly wash up daily from the main island.  It was sobering to see just how much had accumulated since their last beach clean-up three days earlier.

We waved our hosts a fond farewell after yet another stunning local reef dive, and a tremendous beach BBQ complete with karaoke!  The professionalism of the Coco Dive team was exceptional, they were a truly great bunch of people, and the diving in the area utterly blew me away. There are many more great wrecks to explore in the area – and it would be paradise for any wreck diver. Perhaps the most exciting thing is the recent discovery of some world war two plane wrecks in the area – watch out Truk Lagoon -this place takes half the time to reach and costs around half the amount….. serious competition in my opinion.