Phuket (part 2)

Day 2

Had to wake up at about 7AM to get ready for our trip to the Phi Phi islands. A van came to pick us up at about 8AM to the Chalong Bay. Reached there about 9AM (after fetching a few others). After that each of us were given a sticker, to be divided into groups and separate speedboats. We had to rent the flippers which cost 100baht per pair (which I didn’t use much since I’m not used to it and it just makes my feet hurt). After taking our photos (for insurance) we were guided into one of the speedboats with 3 V6 engines! After that we were off to one of the islands. The way there was quite bumpy since we were going quite fast and the boat is kind off small too. I don’t even remember what was the name of the islands that we went to for some snorkeling for only about 30minutes, which is quite short since the journey there took about 45 minutes. Did remember Maya bay, cos they kept mentioning that’s where Leonardo acted in “The Beach”. There was a strange looking cafeteria (cos it was like in the middle of no where!) about 2 minutes walk from the beach where they sell drinks and stuff. After some swimming and checking out some Japanese and Korean chicks around the beach (yes Adam! You missed it! hahaha) we were off to Phi Phi island for Lunch. The food was not something you would want to pay for, but since we have already paid for the whole package and didn’t want to pay more, we had to make do with what was served. After Lunch, we had a walk around the island, which is quite small. There were pictures showing how the Tsunami literally tear the whole place apart, we were still able to see some of the damage done to the place. There was this banner and some pictures which I’ve been giving some thought to, after the Tsunami hit, there were quite a lot of tourist (mostly Caucasians) who actually volunteered to clean up and rebuilt back the island. I was thinking if I might do the same thing if I was there that time. Maybe… if I don’t have a job, and I have the $$ to survive. Only later we found out that the island was hit really bad since it was hit from 2 sides, as the island is has something like 2 lagoons, therefore there was 2 beaches opposite of each other.

After about an hour spending on the Phi Phi island, we were off to Khai island, which was quite small (I think only the size of half a football field), but the place was one of the nicest islands we’ve went to. The beach is really clean, and you can see fishes swimming around near the beach (especially when you brought bread along!). I went out to snorkel a bit further out from the beach. I noticed that without the flippers & the life jacket it is a lot easier for me to move about and didn’t have any problems feeling too tired although I was quite far off from the beach (Always thought that with the life jacket on, I wouldn’t feel that tired, who knows it will be the other way round.) Was looking and some colourful fishes around the reefs, but was a bit disappointed in the dull looking corals, it was about the same as the corals I saw a few years back in Redang. Might have been because of the Tsunami that destroyed a lot of the corals, or it might have been the work of some “Tapak Sulaiman” or something like black urchins (which are known to devour corals) that I saw while snorkeling around the reefs. (had some pictures, but I haven’t developed the film yet since the underwater camera that I brought is kinda old school)

This was the place that we spent the most time as well, I think about 2-3 Hours. The crew was quite helpful, always providing drinks and fruits to every one of us. After some sunbathing and strolling around the beach, it was time to head back.

Had dinner at this place where they had a whole stretch of seafood restaurants. Quite surprise they have the menu in Chinese. Some other shops even have Japanese and Korean writings on their billboards. The food was not too bad, but taste kinda the same as what we have over here, maybe because Thai food are so common around nowadays. That dinner costs about 500 Baht, for a 600g grouper, 2 calamari/squid (big ones!) and a small plate of vege.

 Damn, it’s been a week and I’m still half way only…

Newsflash!

I know I haven't finish my Phuket write-up (not that anyone is going to finish reading it, just want to write it for my own records) But this is really important!.

For those of you who haven't seen yesterday's The Star - In Tech yet. Check it out on page 3. See my name?!!! Hahaha!!!! They actually called me up last week to ask for my full name and stuff, but i didn't find the time to update it here.

If those of you who are more environmental friendly and prefers a paperless approach you can go to:

http://star-techcentral.com/tech/story.asp?file=/2005/11/23/technology/12676475&sec=technology

Phuket (part1)

Phuket! Beautiful Phuket… Went there with Kai Weng (yes! Adam bailed on us!) on 17 Nov 05.

DAY 1
I arrived at the Phuket International Airport by Air Asia (Cost about RM280 for a return ticket) at about 1.30PM, it takes only about 1hr15min, which is faster than the time I need to reach Subang from my place! After that we took the minibus (which is actually a van that can for about 10 ppl) for 150baht (100Baht @ RM10). After the van is full we were of to Patong (the town where we stayed in) halfway there, the van stopped at this tour shop asking us to come down, so that we can tell them where we stayed. So everyone went down, and they started asking where we were going and what plans we had. They were offering trips for about 2500 baht! (which is about twice the price we got later) Which we think is quite expensive, so we turned them down. (What a smart way to pull business, especially if they know that they were basically our 1^st point of contact) After a few minutes, we got on back to the van and they sent us to our respective hotels ( I thought they were just gonna drop us off at some bus stop, and let us find our own way, so 150baht isn’t too expensive especially if you compare to the taxi fare which is about 550baht!) After we reached the Crown Hostel (yes! Hostel ) which is like a backpackers inn that I booked online earlier, there was this lady (maybe in her forties) greeted us and showed a printout of my booking online. She then lead us to our room, which has a King size bed & an attached bathroom, but no Air-cond.(might be my fault since I forgot to check when I made the booking) but since it was only 400baht per night (for 2) I wasn’t expecting much. So we unpacked and head down to the beach straight. While walking to the beach, we saw that there was more tourists there compared to the locals… it’s like half of Europe in packed in this one small island.

When we reached the beach (which is only less than a 5 minutes walk) we can see that it was really long, I think it’s about 2km, and the whole beach is filled with these beach chairs and umbrellas. We stopped by and paid 100baht to use 2 of the chairs, you can actually see that a lot of those Caucasians / Eurasians actually sun bathing under the hot 5PM sun. A lot of them actually started peeling, and yet they are still lying under the hot Sun… crazy ppl… So we chilled at the beach for a while (with the umbrella open!) Then I called Adam and told him that we are at the beautiful beach in Phuket and let him listen to the sound of the waves crashing to the beach… hahahaha (serves him right! Since he bailed on us) He kept swearing after that …

Went to this shop that looks like a fast food restaurant (but don’t understand why the food takes so long to prepare) Had this plate of beef (I think) with loads of fresh pepper (yes, those that we use as seasoning -See pic IMG_0622). Paid about 130baht for a full course meal. After going back to the hostel for some rest, we took a walk around the area. This place is even more happening that KL. The whole stretch of Bangla Road (don’t know where they got the name from) was basically pubs, bars and clubs. Kai Weng and me was like checking out the chicks but kept asking each other if there were male or female (trust me, some “guys” had body figures every girl dreamt of having). Sometimes we just can’t differentiate between the 2. Went for a beer & some food by the beach, we were basically seating on the sand. Quite a nice place, and the food is cheap too, was quite shocked when the bill came for 180baht - that’s for 2 bottles of beer and a plate of fried “la la” (not the type that we usually eat, but those bigger ones with really thick shell). Good food (& cheap!), sand in your toes, sea breeze…fuuh… what more could someone ask for? (I’m really missing it now!) After a while, we went around asking for trips around the island, got a deal for 1300baht (which is quite reasonable since it’s like half of what someone offered earlier) for a speed boat ride around the Phi Phi island. But we didn’t have enough with us, so had to go back to our rooms to get more cash (luckily it was only about a 10 min walk). Went back after that. Had some problems sleeping that night since it was quite warm and noisy (well that’s something we need to sacrifice since we were situated right smack in the middle of the action). Can’t believe we actually went to bed before 12 almost every night since we didn’t have enough cash to go clubbing all night. We basically spent a lot on food and travel.

To be continued...

Since a picture is worth a thousand words... I'll let you see the photos on my recent trip to Phuket... have yet to finish my Looong writeup.

Paintball @ Sunway Extreme Park

For you guys who did not come for this wonderful event organized by http://www.project-privilege.blogspot.com , here are some updates on what happen...

Arrived at the place at about 1.30PM after some problems finding the place as there were revamping the roads there. Signed up and paid what I have pledged earlier. After a while, we went for some test rounds... Cool! this things were more powerful than I thought. (320kmph! according to the marshall in charge) But 50 rounds of bullets isn't that much.

After some a short briefing session, it was time for the WAR to begin! The mission was to shoot down 2 bottles(at the enemy's location) and collect 3 flags back to base (without getting shot at that is). The terrain is quite intesting as there were like 3 levels, 1st one being the leveled field, 2nd one will be a 45 degree slope going down to the sandy 3rd level. We were divided into 2 groups.

Round 1

Our Group, Team A ( as you can see in the pic) had a short strategy discussion and we were off! I was in charge of going down to the 3rd level to get the flag there (1 flag at each level) after the bottles were shot down. Take no prisoners! The siren was heard and I went straight down the slope and reached one of the bunkers at the 3rd level (whew... it's hard to breathe with this masks on) . Before I knew it the bottles were already shot down (Good Work team!) now it's time for me to grab the flag and run. Armed with only 50 rounds, I had to use it wisely. After a few shots, I was getting more attention than I was asking for! bullets were flying all around me, some hit the sand and splattered on my shirt. I can hear endless bullets hitting the bunker wall that I was hiding behind of. After some waiting, and some return fire, I dashed for the flag and ran back to base. Whoa... that was tiring....haven't done much execise lately....(or might be because of the 4am Karoake session the night before) Had a short rest at the base and met one of the guys who brought the flag from level 1. There was only 1 flag left now! So we went in again for the final flag on the 2nd level with the 45 degree slope. The guy (sorry bro! I'm no good with names) was to grab the flag while I cover him. He's fast man... got the flag and went back to base. The siren was sounded and that is the end of round 1. We've WON!!!

Everyone came out after that to get some drinks and rest. Before going in I had to refill another 50 rounds as I almost went in with blanks....

Round 2
"same strategy this time" somebody said. So I went down to the same 3rd level, aimed at one of the bottles and shot 1 of it down. Someone else got the second bottle after that. This time around I wasn't getting as much attention as before cos most of the activity was on the 1st level, so I dashed for the flag again and ran for cover. Got the flag to base and met the same guy again with the second flag. Just when stepping in the base a stray bullet hit the back of my head! Ouch... Wiped my head and was ready to get someone this time. I was at the 1st level this time, saw Terrence (if I remember correctly his name) dashed for the flag but shot in the arm...Ouch! I slipped down to the 2nd level after that and hid behind and "L" shaped bunker with a opening in the middle, Nice! Peeped through the opening and saw one of the enemies running for their flag... I fired quite a few shots before I could get him (at his waist, Sorry bro, know that must've hurt...) After a while, Liza from out team (nice work!) got the last flag, and... Victory! again... 2-0 Muahahahaha. (All this years of Counter-Strike games paid off I guess)

A bit sad that I had to leave early as I had an appointment with a friend as well as dinner with my family. I heard that there were having a few more rounds after that, fully sponsored some more.... some went for the Go-kart as well. Sigh... well I guess there's always next time...

All in all, the adrenalin rush was something I've been looking for sometime now. Really Fun! and all of this for Charity! which makes it even more meaningful. Kudos to the people behind Project Privilege.

P r o j e c t p r i v i l e g e

Got a sms about something interesting yesterday, I would recommend whoever interested to do some charity and have some FUN to come and join...

Pledge & Paintball with Friends- a NICE Sunday OUT
- Sunday 13th Nov 2005
- Venue: Sunway Extreme Park
- Time: 1pm
- Contributors to ProjectPrivilege also get great prices for go-kart (RM15 for 8 laps) and buggies - Collection of pledges & paintball WAR.
- Entry: Pledge RM100! Every single penny goes to buying tents for Pakistanquake victims.

Please go to http://project-privilege.blogspot.com/ and for more details and pledge! I have already made mine just now... that's why you don't see my name in the list yet....

I'll see you guys at Sunway Extreme Park this Sunday!