21/03/2011 Lab

https://docs.google.com/DocAction?action=updoc&hl=en

Access

https://docs.google.com/DocAction?action=updoc&hl=en

Excel

https://docs.google.com/DocAction?action=updoc&hl=en

Excel

https://docs.google.com/?authuser=0#home

Pulau Layang- layang

Swallow Reef ( Layang- Layang Island) Sabah
"World of Marine Park"

Layang-layang island is one of the island located 300KM far from the North of the coast of Sabah, Malaysia. In China, this island is named as " Danwan Jiao". In English, it is occasionally called as Swallow Reef. Swallow Reef has a total land area of approximately 0.1 km².
Understanding about this miracle of Island

This dive resort is situated on a coral atoll along with a small Malaysian Naval base. The naval base is completely off limits - island visitors are warned that wandering into the naval base area will result in detention. The island has been reclaimed from the ocean and artificially increased in size by use of concrete rubble, thus there are no sandy beaches to walk on, just concrete boulders. There is a sealed air strip on the island.

Layang Layang is situated in very deep waters with the drop off outside the island's reef falling away to approximately 2000 metres. Given its location in the middle of nowhere, the ocean waters are clear and unpolluted. Deep water marine species such as Hammerhead sharks visit this location. Whale Sharks also frequent the atoll. The corals are in pristine condition and with no fishing permitted, the fish life is abundant.

The island's solitary resort is open from March to August ONLY. November to February is considered "Monsoon Season."

The Way to go

For most visitors, the most common option for scuba diving is to fly on the Layang Layang chartered flight which operates several flights per day during the peak season from Kota Kinabalu. Check with dive resort for flight schedules. As of 2008, the flight costs precisely US$256 return, including taxes. Flight time is about one hour. In addition to the one resort on the island, there are at least two liveaboards that visit the island and sail from Kota Kinabalu.

The process is that you arrive at the KK International Air terminal in Kota Kinabalu about 5AM. Here you and your luggage are weighed. This is a particularly amusing thing to watch, especially when someone is over 100kg as the luggage scales max out. After a hour or two waiting around whilst luggage and food is loaded, the flight departs.

A few words of advice about the actual flight: Note that small freight planes are used. The largest can take about 20 people and you board through the rear cargo ramp. There is a lovely scenic view of the cargo plane interior - not every seat pair has a window, only the emergency exits. Given the humidity, when the aircon system starts during the flight, there is a lot of smoke-like mist which pours from the ceiling vents - this is not a cause for alarm but is enough to set off the nervous flyer! Spare seats are occupied by your dive bags and trays of eggs and onions. This all makes for an interesting flight - take a book.

Attraction:

It's mostly underwater... For the non-scuba diver, there is not a lot to see on the island unless you are an avid bird watcher and/or snorkeller. It is a good place to learn to dive, but you must make arrangements before embarking on your journey. If you are a non-diver travelling with a diver or dive group, consider staying behind to enjoy the things to see in Kota Kinabalu.

Dive sites

There are twelve or so dive sites - all which are accessed by boat and are from 5-15 minutes away from the dive centre. The visibility is usually very good at 20 metres and more. The water temperature is somewhere around 30 degrees C. Each dive will give you opportunity to see large creatures such as sharks, turtles and manta rays - maybe even the elusive hammerhead shark. A vast array of intact, unbleached hard and soft corals, barrel sponges, gorgonian fans, schools of large fish and the usual array of colourful little fish are easy to see on each dive. The diving conditions such as current will vary with the weather and the dive master will select a suitable site accordingly.

• Crack Reef

• D Wall

• Navigator's Lane

• Snapper's Ledge

• The Tunnel

• Wrasse Strip

• Dog Tooth Lair

• Gorgonian Forest

• Shark's Cave

• The Runaway

• The Valley

• The Point - For a chance to see any hammerheads, this is the location where divers swim away from the reef at the beginning of the dive into the blue at about 30-35 metres depth for about 5-10 minutes before returning to the reef and completing the remaining 30 minutes slow ascending dive along the reef wall.

• Pier Diving - Diving is available from the pier but with the sandy bottom and movement of the boats, it is very murky with visibility being 2-4 metres. That being said, there is an amazing array of marine life to be seen directly under the pier from huge moray eels to baby lion fish. Pier dives are offered for those wanting to do a night dive without the expense of chartering a boat and also as the last dive of your visit. A bit of trivia - the 2007 photo competition winner took his winning shot from a night dive at the pier.

Anothers attraction points on the island

Bird watching - A number of species of birds nest and visit the island such as Black-napped tern, Great crested tern, Sooty tern, Brown booby, Lesser frigatebird, Pacific golden plover, Plumed and Pacific-reef egrets and Ruddy tern. Also there are lots of Barn swallows and Yellow wagtails. During the right time of the year, this would present good observing and photography opportunities for the bird watching enthusiast.

Sun bathe - in between dives, there are deck chairs around the resort's pool for a spot of sun bathing but remember the sun is strong and don't get sun burn

* Attention!!!: there are no entertainment facilities for children, such as: no playground, no sandy beach, no special meals and no kids' club activities. Besides, in the island there are no shopping, or any night activities. The food& drink ONLY available inside the resort. This resort is only the one resort provided on the island.

Hotel/ Resort Accommodation

Avillion Layang-layang Resort ( formely Layang-layang Island Resort) (86 rooms) 3 stars 

Location: Beachfront
Address: Layang Layang Island, Sabah, Malaysia

On this sliver of land lies a modest but complete resort - the three-star Layang Layang Island Resort. It consists of 76 superior rooms as well as 10 deluxe rooms. Made of tropical hardwood, it shares the look of a Longhouse, the traditional community homes of Borneo’s tribal people.

Rooms are comfortable enough and all are air-conditioned. Dining is a pleasure as a wide range of eastern and western cuisine are spread out for every meal at the restaurant. To ensure variety, daily menus are amended to ensure eating will be one other activity guests can look forward to regularly.

If the lagoon is not enough, there’s a swimming pool that seems to continue into the sea. It’s a great spot to cool down, put your feet up with a book or get some drinks.

At the Raba Raba House, get yourself loosened up with a session of relaxing body massage and foot reflexology. Experts are on hand to get you all refreshed.

This island seldom visited by local tourist, only the visitors who are scuba divers or nature lovers. Therefore, the budget that I suggested visit for this island is around RM 3800++ per pax 6D5N (including diving, meals,accommodation and transportation),by flight depart from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Note: You can make your call by using Celcom network and wireless internet service is available in this island.

Sipadan Island ( Sempadan, Sabah)

Pulau Sipadan ( Sabah)~ Enjoy The Best Diving area in The world

Situated in the middle of the Celebes Sea, the island itself is 40 acres and was once described as looking like a mushroom shooting upwards. Just 30km from mainland Semporna lays this tiny island.

Sipadan is the most famous of Semporna's islands. Rated as one of the world's top ten dive destinations, many come here to indulge in the island's opulence. For the true diving enthusiast, the island nees no introduction. Sipadan is unique as the only oceanic island in Malaysia. Its geographical position in the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, places Sipadan in the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world.

More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this rich ecosystem. Trigger fish, moray eels and anemone fish mingle copiously. Sipadan was internationally recognized as a native reserved in 1919. In 1933 it was pronounced as a bird sanctuary. Large flights of Imperial pigeons, swallows and sea eagles often crowds the sky in spectacular swirls.

This ravishing island is protected by regulations imposed on islanders and visitors alike, in an effort to preserve its natural life. No one is allowed to collect turtle eggs here, even the natives. This island is also renowned for its spectacular large population of the ever graceful green and hawksbill turtle, which gather to mate and nest. Another unique find is the turtle tomb where many skeletal remains of turtles are found.

Rising 600 meters from the seabed, this island provides fantastic wall dives and features hundreds of underwater gardens. Unusually large schools of barracuda and big-eye trevally invade the water, placing themselves in whirlpool-like formations. Mantas, eagle-rays and whale sharks are aplenty. The creatures of the sea here incredibly varied.

Highlights

Being around Pulau Sipadan is a highlight in itself: Blue skies, clear waters, convenient dive sites and tropical scenery, but it is below the surface where this island really excels:

South Point - This is a dive site typical of Sipadan - colourful abundant walls, sharks, turtles and schools of fish in big numbers and all the while the possibility of seeing something really exciting such as hammerheads or thresher sharks. Cruising along you won't be sure whether it is a better idea to poke around in the wall or keep an eye out for the bigger stuff. As with many of the other sites, there is no hanging around in the blue doing a boring safety stop. Instead you will want the use of every breath of air in your tank as you spend the last few minutes hovering over coral gardens with as much colourful life and activity as anywhere.

Barracuda Point - One of the favourite dive sites here. Hordes of turtles, vast schools of jacks, bannerfish and snapper are merely bit part players on this site. A variety of sharks are also likely to be spotted but the real stars of this show are the eponymousbarracuda. Find yourself in the eye of the hurricane that is the enormous vortex of barracuda here and you will be simply awestruck.

Turtle Cavern - This is a site not dived as much these days as it was before the closure of the resorts based on Sipadan Island itself, but it is well worth doing as it is unlike any of the other sites. Before approaching the cave entrance you may well be stunned to see a marauding horde of huge bumphead parrotfish charging past you as you sink down the wall.

The cavern itself is large and intriguing. Turtle skeletons rest on the sea-bed - apparently having met their doom in the confusing passageways of the cavern. Don't worry - those passageways are much too small for you and this is an easy and interesting dive to add to the other excellent sites.

Diving Season

The Pulau Sipadan diving season is year round and most normally expressed as having the best conditions between April and December, especially July and August. The rainy season tends to be between January and March where unsettled weather may result in a decrease in visibility, however in recent years however the timing of the rainy season has been less than certain.

Sipadan claims to be the world's best dive site. While this is a big claim, the diving here is certainly world class. Sipadan used to have resorts but to protect the environment these were closed around the year 2002. To dive on Sipadan you have to stay somewhere nearby, such as on Mabul or in Semporna, and take a boat onto the island.

Because Sipadan is now a protected site, only 120 dives are allowed daily (as of 8/26/08). It's best to try to dive as early as possible to beat the crowds and increase your chances of getting on the roster to dive.

From the main beach of the original resort it is a mere 20m wade over the reef to reach the top of the reef wall dropping 1000-2000m. Sipadan is surrounded by very rich reef life consisting of both hard and soft coral as well as all manner of reef fish. Sea turtles and white tip reef sharks can be seen on almost every dive and hammerhead and leopard sharks can also be seen at times. Visibility ranges from 10m to 30m and above.

Note that a barge accident on 15 May 2006 did some damage to the reefs at Sipadan, crushing a portion of reef on the old pier and Barracuda Point and dumping its cargo of gravel in the area. This was not one of the best dive areas, but cleanup operations and other repercussions did restrict diving in the months since.

 the rate for three dives at Sipadan is around RM560. Rates vary slightly among different operators. Boat transfers and packed lunch are included. Permits are limited to 120 per day and are typically obtained by the dive operators. You should verify that the diver operator you choose is diving at Sipadan with permits, as some companies have been caught diving the island recently without permits.

Snorkeling

For non-divers snorkeling is an option on Sipadan. From the beach the reef is easily accessible, and parts of the reef further out can be reached by boat. Several dive tour operators bring snorkelers to the island at an all-inclusive rate of around RM490.

*Attention:it is no longer possible to stay on Sipadan itself, this is because there are not food,drink and accommodation supplying around this island. If you are interest in visit this island, you have to prepare the daily need for staying there for few days. You are not allow littering anyway because this island is under protected strictly by UNION and Malaysia government. 

Normally, the visitors will stay in Mabul or Kapalai where nearby the Sipadan Island.

The way to go

Getting in requires some effort. Most visitors fly to Tawau from either Kuala Lumpur (3 hours) or Kota Kinabalu (50 minutes), continue by minivan or taxi to the port town of Semporna (1-2 hours) and from there to Sipadan itself (1 hour by fast boat).

Reef Summary

Good for: Large animals, wall diving, drift dives and advanced divers
Not so good for: Wrecks, beginner divers and non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface conditions: Can be choppy
Water temperature: 26 - 30°C
Experience level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: 12
Distance: 12 km (25 minutes) south from Mabul, and 10 km southwest from Kapalai
Access: Diving from Mabul and Kapalai resorts
Recommended length of stay: 5 - 14 days, including the nearby islands

Traveling package:

Actually when you are planning to have a fun in Sipadan Island, there are two type of packages will be provided by travel company. One is Mabul package ( staying in Mabul's cottage) and another one is Kapalai package ( Kapalai's cottage).

The range of the price of the package is from RM 1400 up to RM 3500 (3D2N per pax)

This island package is one of the most expensive traveling in Malaysia, normally the visitors are come from diving club members, profession and non profession local and International scuba divers and nature lovers.

Pulau Tioman (Pahang)

Tioman Island ( Pahang)

Tioman Island (locally known as Gunung Daik Bercabang Tiga) is a small island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang, and is some 39 km long and 12 km wide. It has eight main villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Tekek in the north. The densely forested island is sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving spot. There are also a lot of resorts and chalets around the island which has duty free status.

Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie, South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME Magazine selected Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands.

Apart from its diverse marine life, the inland rainforest area, encompassing approximately 12,383 hectares, in Tioman is a strictly enforced nature reserve. There are several protected species of mammals on the island, including the Binturong, Long-tailed Macaque,Slow Loris, Black Giant Squirrel, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Mouse deer, Brush-tailed Porcupine, and Common Palm Civet, from a total of 45 species of mammals and 138 species of birds, including the majestic Frigatebird. Moreover, Tioman has species that are endemic to its shores. The soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish are both unique and can be seen on rainforest walks.

Beautiful Legend

According to legend, Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess. Whilst flying from China to visit her prince in Singapore, this beautiful maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Enraptured by the charms of the place, she decided to discontinue her journey. By taking the form of an island, she pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travelers.

Attraction

AIR BATANG VILLAGE 
Take a 15 minutes boat ride from the resort and arrive at Air Batang Village, or more fondly known as the ABC village, where captivating scenery of the serene beach will take your breath away.

ASAH WATERFALL

This place is magnificent as seven rivers that wind their way through the islands forest meet here and form the waterfall. It is said that this is the waterfall that served as the background to the

song “Bali Hai” in the olden movie South Pacific. It is spectacularly beautiful and after a 40 minute hike from Kampung Mukut, a small local village, it is a good place to stop and enjoy the cool water. Take some time to stop at the village as it is very quaint with well tended gardens surrounding wooden huts and very friendly locals who speak a little English.
 LIFE & CORAL REEFS

Located right in front of this beach resort are beautiful coral gardens that fringe the coast of Tioman Island. Crystal clear to depth of 100 feet, the water teems with rich variety of corals, fish and shells. Diving seasons stretches from March to November. The most popular spots for scuba diving and snorkeling are along the shallow reefs at Air Batang beach, Salang beach and Monkey Bay as well as at over ten beautiful nearby islands.

TIOMAN MARINE PARK
Tioman marine park occupies an area of about two nautical miles and includes the tiny islands of Pulau Labas, Pulau Sepoi, Pulau Gut, Pulau Tokong Bahara, Pulau Chebeh, Pulau Tulai, Pulau Sembilang and Pulau Seri Buat. The waters at the park are crystal clear and the coral reefs, marine life, aquatic plants and vibrantly coloured fish

are all protected. Visitors are allowed to swim, snorkel and dive at the marine park but have to adhere to strict regulations that support in protecting and conserving the area.

Diving & Snorkeling

Tioman Island is the largest island in the South China Sea, located about 48km Northeast from Mersing, Johor. The island with its gazetted Marine Park, has become the preferred destination for divers and maritime enthusiasts due to its rich and colourful marine life.

A place where the sun, sea and sands combine to create a tropical island paradise. Tioman Island has about 15 dive sites teeming colourful soft and hard corals, beautiful reef fishes, crustaceans, turtles and interesting rock formations, divers can indulge in discovering the beauty of underwater diving.

Some of the popular dive sites are the Renggis Island, Sepoi Island, Golden Reef, Tiger Reef, Tulai Island, Genting Bay, Malang Rock, Chebeh Island, Labas Island, Bahara Rock and many others.

The PADI Dive Centre offers Discovery Courses for novices, Open Water Diver Courses, Junior Open Water Diver Courses for children, Advance Open Water Diver Courses, Day and Night Dive Trips as well as Refreshing Sessions for advance divers.

Best Time To Visit

Between March and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the North-east Monsoon, which blows from November to February. 

The way to visit

By Air
Berjaya Air operates daily direct 45-minute flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

By Road
from Johor Bahru or Singapore
Drive to Kota Tinggi from Tebrau Highway and proceed your journey to Mersing, a quiet fishing town. The town is approximately 138 km. Well, you will never miss it as you can see the signboard to the town. At Mersing, you need to take a ferry to Tioman Island. 
from Kuala Lumpur Take the North-South Highway to the South and exit through Segamat. From Segamat, continue your journey to Kluang and from there you can go to Mersing. 

Hotel/Resort

Berjaya Tioman Beach Golf & Spa And Berjaya Tioman Suite

Location: 

Tioman Island, Pahang, Malaysia

P.O.Box 4 Mersing, 86807 Johor Malaysia.

Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort and Berjaya Tioman Suites are the only international standard hotels in Tioman Island, surrounded by magnificent golden sandy beaches overlooking the breathtaking South China Sea. The ideal holiday destination with challenging 18 holes golf course, Ayura Spa, exquisite rooms & suites and a wide variety of restaurants & bars serving delectable

cuisine's are just a glimpse of the many wonder in store for you. Tioman Island, hailed as one of the most beautiful islands in the region, charming picturesque Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort and Berjaya Tioman Suites on the blissful Tioman Island, indulge in a remarkable holiday with lasting pleasurable memories.

Restaurant And Bar

There are local and international delicacies, scrumptious Chinese fare, Asian, Italian, Continental and Western dining are offered at Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa.
Choose from the fine Cantonese fare at Fortune Court, Continental fine dining at Bali Hai, local and international delicacies at Sri Nelayan to our very own Italian outlet - Pasta Pronto!
Relaxing lounge and live entertainment by the pristine seaside at the Beach Bar is a perfect ending to your exhilarating day.

Example:

• Sri Nelayan
  Coffeehouse serving Malaysian and international specialties.
• Bali Hai
  Formal dining restaurant with night entertainment.
• Matahari Restaurant
  Beach front restaurant serving Chinese steamboat and light snacks.
• Fortune Courtyard
  Poolside barbeque.
• Fortune Court
  Chinese restaurant serving a la carte specialties.
• Sunken Pool Bar
  Bar serving snacks and cocktails.
• Beach Fun Bar
  Bar serving snacks and cocktails with live entertainment.
• Entertainment Centre
  Amusement centre, departmental store & karaoke lounge.
• Eagle's Nest
  Serving light snacks and beverages.
• The Gazebo
  Adjacent to the main swimming pool, serving light snacks, beverages and ice cream.

• The charge rate for Berjaya Resort in Tioman Island normally from RM 340 up to RM540++ per night/room. The prices are subjected to change based on the period of season. The surcharge is applicable from RM 120 per room/night.

The budget that I suggested is around from RM245 (with snorkeling) up to RM 895 (luxury package with diving,staying in Berjaya resort); 3D2N holidays

• * This is the one of the famous and first selection resort by local and foreign tourists when travelling to Tioman Island, the charge rates are applicable based on the seasons.