Sun, sea and snorkelling
Despite her initial fear, snorkelling turns out to be an eyeopening adventure for Laveda Charles
HILLS, blue skies, crystal clear turquoise-coloured waters and a white sandy beach come into sight as we approach the the shores of Perhentian Kecil Island. It has been a long day, jumping from a plane to a car and now a ferry cutting through the vast South China Sea.
My journey started with an hour-long flight on Malindo from Subang Airport to Kota Baru’s Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, before our group of journalists was bundled into a van for a 90-minute drive to the Kuala Besut Jetty which costs RM25 one way by van. Other alternatives are RM98 by taxi and RM10 by bus.
Now, we are on a 45-minute ferry ride to Perhentian Kecil which costs RM35 one way and RM60 return. With our life jackets on, the ride to the island isn’t too bad as we left early, around 10am so it is not too hot and since it’s a ferry and not a speedboat, it is much more comfortable.
As the ferry slows towards the jetty, glimpses of coral can be seen from the surface. That shows how clean the waters are over here. It is a two-minute walk from the jetty to Ombak Dive Resort, which will be my temporary home for two days.
The long day adds to my anxiety. The thought of leaping into the open sea with only two small apparatus to “survive” the snorkelling activity is a little nerve-wracking. I have never gone snorkelling and neither was it on my bucket list. I can’t swim so you can imagine my fear. However, I am relieved to know that swimming is not a requirement to snorkel.
A SNORKELLING FIRST
Staying at this resort makes participating in water activities convenient as it provides various packages and services for guests. We head to collect our gear (mask and snorkel) before jumping into a speedboat that takes us to three stops — lighthouse, shark and turtle points. Upon reaching the first stop, our guide provides the necessary instructions, and it is time to take the plunge.
Despite having my life jacket on, I can hear my heart pounding so fast and am imagining the worst. But in the end, I take the challenge, close my eyes and leap in faith into the cold waters. Using my snorkelling apparatus, I remember to breathe through my mouth and duck my head underwater. Oh, and what a magnificent sight — a huge bed of millions of coral under my feet with fishes swimming all over. This is honestly one of the most adventurous activities I have ever done.
The experience would be more awesome if you can dive as it will bring you closer to the coral reef while gazing at other unique fish gracefully swimming around it.
You can arrange, for a fee, with the resort if you intend to do underwater photography and videography during your snorkel.
THE RESORT
After soaking up all the Perhentian “sun”, the resort gives much respite with its laidback surroundings and atmosphere. The rooms are simple yet comfortable enough to give you rest and recovery after a long day on the beach. The best part about this particular resort is the 24-hour electricity