Monday, October 14, 2013

Tomorrow is Eidul Adha

We planned to solat Eidul Adha first thing tomorrow morning then swim with the whale shark. But the weather turned bad on us so we have to revised the plan. After the group agreed to skip the whaling due to strong current for us beginner snorkelers Shani discussed with the lodge owner for picnic island, manta ray and dolphins. Even for that the chance is 50 50 to see the rays or the dolphins. There is a typhoon in India and is hitting Maldives too. ...

Sunday, October 13, 2013

After the Thunderstorm

Just as we checked in, slurp away fresh orange juice at Ocean Vista, the rained started to come. It was ok for that allows us to settle in our rooms. The facility was splendid.

A little roaming after the rain and the local kids were playing in the water pool.

Alhamdulillah

... We are here on Mafushi Island. Our flight was delayed for one and a half hour at LCCT. Bummer. Then off across the 
Indian Ocean to Colombo, Sri Lanka, we go. I have hurt my back while packing this morning. The trip was quite uncomfortable. The walk from the airport terminal was exhilirating. The sound of the aeroplanes, and there were many, sets off the mood for adventure alright.

From Colombo we continued to Maldives Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. As we got close to Maldive there were many white specs in the water. We were not sure of what they were. Since we were keen on swiming with whale sharks and manta ray and dolphins we think the white specs are actually the fish themselves. And there were many.

Then some island started to appear. And then we saw one beautiful island sitting around emerald green water and then around turqoise blue water and it was like a gem and far fetching than the beautiful pictures you see on internet. How wonderful it would be to fly over
Maldives to see her jewels from above. . It was so breath taking.

Arriving in Maldive we got on a boat to Male. It was a nice small town. We then took a taxi to the ferry yard. Fortunately we got there on time for the last ferry of the day. But unfortunately we missed it as the ferry was already full. One Korean family of four that was on the same flight as we were took the last available seats.

We had no choice but to opt for a speed boat. USD20 per head compared to 2USD per head on the public ferry.

The ride was bumpy. ....

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Tracking the islands and reefs

Tomorrow we will start our journey. Morning, we'll head to KL by car. Sunday, we'll fly off to Male .. and the adventure will begin!

Our 1st planned itinerary:



12th Sa off to KL (drive)
13th Su 0920-1020 KL-Colombo (airasia)
13th Su 1125-1225 Colombo-Male  (airasia)
14th Mo morning jalan2 Male
14th Mo 1300-1530 Male-Kethi (by public ferry speed boat USD50/person one way)
15th Tu morning solat raya haji
15th Tu the rest of the day snorkeling
16th We snorkeling
17th Th 0800-1030 Kethi-Male
17th Th 1340-2100 Male-KL (airasia)
18th Fr return to Kuantan (drive)


Our revised planned itinerary:


12th Sa off to KL (drive)
13th Su 0920-1020 KL-Colombo (airasia)
13th Su 1125-1225 Colombo-Male  (airasia)
13th Su 1300-1530 Male-Mafushi (by public ferry USD2/person one way)
13th Su 1600 Check in Ocean Vista
13th Su evening - warm up snorkeling
14th Mo Swim with whale sharks, watch manta ray & dolphin!!! (USD1200 per boat per day)
15th Tu morning solat raya haji (korban? still enquiring)
15th Tu the rest of the day snorkeling
16th We morning more snorkeling
16th We 1200 Check out Ocean Vista
16th We 1300-1500 Jalan2 Mafushi
16th We 1700-1900 Mafushi-Male
16th We  2000-2100 Male-Hulumare
17th Th morning - Jalan2 Male
17th Th 1340-2100 Male-KL (airasia)
18th Fr return to Kuantan (drive)


Hope our journey will be safe and fun. Nothing's like spending time with family and relatives. And celebrating Hari Raya Korban. Allahu Akbar.