Post Page Advertisement [Top]


Pulau Perhentian Scuba Diving with Orpheus Dive over National Day 2010. The gang with Dive Master - Lloyd

The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian in Malay) lie approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) off the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border. It was a grueling 12-13 hours ride on the coach and boat! Note to myself, never to put myself through such torture again...


The two main islands are Perhentian Besar ("Big Perhentian") and Perhentian Kecil ("Small Perhentian"). The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara (Virgin Milk), Serenggeh and Rawa lie off Kecil. The Perhentians belong to Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited.


What would have been a beautiful dive spot was unfortunately largely affected by warm currents causing sereve coral bleaching in the East Coast of Malaysia.




Beach front view from Flora Bay Resort at Pulau Perhentian


This dive trip will be forever remembered where my dive buddy, Dennis got chased by not one but TWO TITAN Triggerfishes!

Titan triggerfish are extremely territorial by nature and Dennis just had to swim toward a nesting pair!?!? Bites should be taken seriously as they are ciguatoxic. Ciguatoxin is a natural poison which is found on some tropical reefs. It infects fish which feed on marine algae. While harmless to the fish, even small amounts can have a harmful effect on humans. In cases of extreme poisoning, it may cause heart attacks, paralysis or death.

I swear I never swam as fast underwater in my life ever!


Head on Titan Triggerfish shot. You can see the second trigger fish in the background.

While the foreground Titan Triggerfish defended itself against Dennis, the one in the background swam straight toward me! Thankfully I was warned before hand to flip myself backward and using my fins kick the fish away. It WORKED!


Teeth shot of the Titan Triggerfish which could have rip a piece of flesh of either one of us!


I take it as a bad sign when a fish displays its fins in all glory!




My wish came through! I saw my turtle!





And another huge turtle!


The effects of coral bleaching was very evident on this trip




Corals turn ash white due to stress-induced expulsion or death of their symbiotic protozoa, zooxanthellae, or due to the loss of pigmentation within the protozoa

Still having taken a break from diving for years, it was a great come back dive trip! Days of chilling in the sun, sand and sea again!

Read:
Tioman MV DiveRace - Advanced Open Waters Scuba
Gone Surfing - FlowRider Wave House Sentosa
Touched by Gracie (the Dugong)
Swimming with the Quicksilver Synchro Hyperstretch Wetsuit

More Pulau Perhentian Scuba Diving Pictures

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for visting www.natashayong.com and leaving your comments.

Bottom Ad [Post Page]