Diving Sabah: Mabul

Many of my friends said that we were crazy (Diving immediately after climbing Mount Kinabalu). Many thought that we couldn't even walk after the Mount Kinabalu climb.

True enough, we hardly could walk. Our room was on the 4th floor and there was no elevator. We groaned and cursed every step we took.

But we had no problem whatsoever to dive!

It took us an hour flight to Mabul, an hour van ride to Semporna, and another hour boat ride to reach our destination.



Seaventure!



We arrived at Seaventure about 1pm in the afternoon with a bunch of Koreans. And geared up immediately after lunch. Then we did our orientation/check out dive beneath the oil rig.

Crocodile Fish

'Dude, staying on an oil rig? That is uber cool!', said a friend of mine. Let me tell you this, diving beneath the oil rig is even cooler! There are so many things to see below the oil rig. 'There are more species of underwater creatures below the Seaventure oil rig than the total number of species in Petaling Jaya!', claimed Aun Wei, our fellow diver and 'part time dive master' <-- inside joke. Lion Fish

During the days when we couldn't get permit to dive in Sipadan Island, we dived around Seaventure and also nearby dive sites. Most of them in Mabul. And the best part about diving in Seaventure is, we are given 3 boat dives a day, and unlimited house dives!

Nudibranch

And of course, being a person who loves the sea, and the opportunity to have unlimited house dives (being cheap asses la in another words), we maximized and pushed our limits. We geared up as soon as the no-dive sign in our dive comp goes off. We dive either till we run out of air, or our dive comp indicates the end of a dive. No more thinking about paying extra money to make another dive. No more calculating your total spending after doing more dives than the package. Just grab a tank, get a buddy, and dive we went!

Of course there are other dive sites other than Seaventure Oil Rig. In Mabul there are also many dive sites but we hung out mostly at 3 most famous dive sites in Mabul. Froggy's Lair, Paradise 1 and Paradise 2. We also dived in Lobster Wall off Mabul Island, but it turned out to be a pretty harsh dive. The current was so strong we barely could control our direction and we had to hold on to rocks. Not to mention getting cut by feather stars, corals and sea urchins all over the place.

Turtle

Mabul, arguably the best muck diving in Malaysia, some even say the best muck diving in the world. Offers a lot of tiny little creatures that you didn't even think existed! Great great place for underwater photography enthusiasts.

Cleaner Shrimp

Other than the dives, which was obviously great, Seaventure also serves fantastic meals! We looked forward to every single meal every day. One night, we were even treated with Tuna Sashimi! Not to mention the friendly staff who were always ready to help and assist, and the eagerness to collect your empty plates! And also we will never forget the live band, led by Mando, a dive master in Seaventure, that rocked the party at night and we sung and sung late late into the night. The result? Woke up late the next morning and missed the early dive.



I totally enjoyed my stay in Seaventure. Not to mention having done 16 dives within 3 1/2 days. That is a number you will not reach in a normal beach dive trip because you'll be charged for every extra dive you make. For all the above reason, I'm confident to tell you that, Seaventure rocks! Drop your next dive trip, or maybe even 2 dive trips. Seaventure and Sipadan is your next dive destination!

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Vote Sipadan Island!

Bernard Weber, a film maker, an aviator, an adventurer, and now, his latest chapter of his life, the founder of the New 7 Wonders of the World foundation.

"OUR HERITAGE IS OUR FUTURE", The motto of the foundation.

The campaign started with 430 nominees from more than 200 countries, and now only 261 nominees are qualified for the finals. And now you can vote for your favorite 'heritage site' of the world by logging on to www.n7w.com

Voting for nominees will continue through July 7, 2009. The top 77 nominees by group categories (the top 11 in each of the seven groups) will be eligible for consideration by the New7Wonders of Nature Panel of Experts, under the leadership of Prof. Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO. The Panel of Experts will review these 77 nominees and choose from them the 21 Official Finalists, according to published criteria. The selection will be announced on 21 July 2009, and the 21 Official Finalists will then enter the third and final phase to vote and choose the Official New7Wonders of Nature. The final declaration of the New7Wonders of Nature will be in 2011.

As a Malaysian, and by choice, a diver, I hope you, yes you who are reading this to log onto www.votesipadan.com and follow the instructions to vote for our national treasure. This self-standing island 600m above the seabed, which is surrounded by millions and millions of marine creatures and plants needs your greatest help. Simply by just voting for it.

For us diver's sake, or for our country's tourism business's sake, please vote. We wouldn't want to see our best island being invaded by our very own government who kicked every dive operators out from the island (claiming it is to maintain a balanced eco-system but some argue that the dive operators did a far better job than the government) and stepping into it themselves, with plans of constructing a marine park or resort - THE SECOND TIME.

On May 15, 2006, a barge carrying thousands of tonnes of building material beached on the island, destroying a significant portion of reef between the old pier and Barracuda Point, said to be about 372sq metres.

Millions of living things lost their home. Thousands of species fled the island. And now, this is our chance to preserve our only oceanic island. Not to mention, our crown jewel of diving site.

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The Highest Peak

Sometime last year, Adrian, Eu Nee, Carol and I were on msn chat discussing about a possible Mount Kinabalu climb.

A plan which would take normal people 2 days to complete, took only 10 mins.. and booked the tickets, we did.

Few months later, some other people joined, some original participants quit, including Adrian Saw, the person who wanted to climb the mountain before anyone else decided. And of course, those who boarded the flight to Kota Kinabalu were all heroes.

And one heroin.

We started the day off to eat in KK town because those who took Air Asia were hungry. Kevin, Jeff and Chin Yuan flew MAS so they had breakfast on the plane. After brunch in Kota Kinabalu town, we headed to Tuaran to eat the local Tuaran Mee. (Pics later)

Carol and I bought our ponchos (RM 7.90), Aun Wei bought a pair of slippers (RM 3.90) and Kevin bought a pair of shorts (RM 2.90). Yeah the items seem to get cheaper and cheaper hahaha.



'The peak is as short as me!' Says Kevin. I strongly disagree but he insisted. Oh well, what can I do. This was taken on the way to D'Villa after buying our things in Tuaran.

So we put up a night in D'Villa, Ranau. Just 5 minutes walk from the Kinabalu Park registration counter. We slept really early because we wanted to start our climb early and reach Laban Rata early afternoon.

The next morning, everyone woke up even before the alarm was set off. We left our extra luggage with D'Villa, and we marched on to our journey of conquering Mount Kinabalu.



Carol, Chin Yuan, Aun Wei, Kevin and Jeff, at Timpohon gate. Just before the start of the climb.



Kevin, Jeff and Carol.

Mid way through the climb, everyone was still happy.

The more steps we took, the more unhappy we became. The more stairs we climbed, the grumpier we were.



Random shot taken during the climb.

Laban Rata is 6km distance (not height) from the Timpohon Gate. And mind you, walking 6km is easy, climbing 6km feels like eternity!



When we saw the 5.5km sign we were over the top. As if we already reached the peak because we 'only' got 500m to go!

And that 500m took us forever. It was the toughest 500m I've been through. Every step felt like a level 25 on a stair master in gym.



And after a long long climb, Jeff and I stopped at a piece of flat ground, wanted to take a short break before continue climbing. We looked up, and there it was! Laban Rata! We've made it!

And let me give you a little tip. Cam whoring is the best distraction away from your fatigue during the climb. Whenever we were snapping pictures of each other, none of us felt tired to pose, climb onto the higher rock, etc.

And some whoring pictures:



Aun Wei: 'Piece of cake man!'



Jeff: 'Piece of my nose shit man!'

We checked into Laban Rata and hung out there and instead of some chilling activities like chess, or just chat around... we stressed ourselves even more by playing Monopoly! We were shouting and screaming and selling and buying properties until dinner was served at 5pm. It was very unusual to eat at 5pm, but we were hungry and the meal is paid for in the package so we chomped away like a bunch of kids suffering from hunger for years. Then we kept the board game and off to bed we went.

What we didn't know was, trouble was smiling at us, patiently waiting for our arrival.



We woke up at 1.30am, packed our bags and had our supper/ breakfast before the summit hike. We put on our head torch and we marched on filled with spirit!

But the spirit was broken shortly after we realized that the 'hike' was another stair climb!!!!!

We had to climb up a series of stairs for at least a good half an hour before hitting the lime stone at the higher ground. Then we had to rappel our way up a very steep slope. Then it was a long but flat walk on the limestone in the dark. We had to walk along the guide rope, not knowing what is on our sides. Worried that we were just next to a deadly cliff, we walked close to the rope and battled through the mist and rain along the way. The chilling wind and the weather was pretty bad especially since we were wet. My fingers couldn't move because my gloves were all wet.

But we carried on. Determined to reach the peak.



There we are, standing at the highest peak of South East Asia, 4km above sea level, we stood strong. And proudly we can now tell you, we've been to the highest peak in South East Asia!

Although the climb wasn't difficult, it was mentally challenging. The never ending stairs, the never ending walk and the never ending painful legs. All were gone when we actually witnessed first hand how it looks like from the peak of Mount Kinabalu.




Awesome view isn't it?!

But honestly, to be able to hike to the top is not something to brag about. It is only the 12th toughest mountain in Malaysia and who knows its ranking in the world!? But there was a sense of satisfaction, at least we did something, at least we've climbed a mountain, not just any mountain, Mount Kinabalu.

Coming up next. Diving in Seaventures, Mabul and Sipadan!

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I will be away again

I know I know I should be posting about the Mount Kinabalu climb and also the dive in Sipadan.

BUT...

Right after coming back from Sabah, I went up to Penang to visit the site. And I didn't have time until now, and I'm already packing again to go Penang tomorrow morning because of another meeting.

But rest assured, it'll be posted. SOON!

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Back to Reality

The title really suits my mood now.

Let me ask you, what is worse than leaving a holiday destination and return home?

Leaving a holiday destination and return home, and work outstation the very next day.

Pffft.

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Finally...

I'll be back in 7 days time.

Stay tuned for pictures, pictures and more pictures!

Cheers and take care all.

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Ciao Guys!

I will be away for ONE WEEK.

Off to Kota Kinabalu, and Tawau.

Going to be up the mountain, and down under the sea.

Will be back with tonnes of pictures, I promise!

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Goal Scoring Form, Returned!

5 games into the league, and now we are taking a break, only playing friendly games.

And finally, I scored. 2 goals, to be exact!

The last time I scored was the 2nd game of last season, during which I scored a hat trick (could have been 4 goals tho). And it was last year.

I was having a very goal-shy period ever since.

Although I've created many goals for my team mates, set up many opportunities for others to score, but the real satisfaction is to beat the keeper.

Today, twice.

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Global economic crisis hits German sex industry

BERLIN (Reuters) - It did not take long for the world financial crisis to affect the world's oldest profession in Germany.

Romanian prostitutes pose in the brothel "Pussy Club" in Schoenefeld April 15, 2009. It did not take long for the world financial crisis to affect the world's oldest profession in Germany. (REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke)

In one of the few countries where prostitution is legal, and unusually transparent, the industry has responded with an economic stimulus package of its own: modern marketing tools, rebates and gimmicks to boost falling demand.

Some brothels have cut prices or added free promotions while others have introduced all-inclusive flat-rate fees. Free shuttle buses, discounts for seniors and taxi drivers, as well as "day passes" are among marketing strategies designed to keep business going.

"Times are tough for us too," said Karin Ahrens, who manages the "Yes, Sir" brothel in Hanover. She told Reuters revenue had dropped by 30 percent at her establishment while turnover had fallen by as much as 50 percent at other clubs.

"We're definitely feeling the crisis. Clients are being tight with their money. They're afraid. You can't charge for the extras any more and there is pressure to cut prices. Everyone wants a deal. Special promotions are essential these days."

Germany has about 400,000 professional prostitutes. Official figures do not distinguish between the sexes and the number of male prostitutes is not known, but they account for a small fraction of the total and are treated the same under the law.

In 2002, new legislation allowed prostitutes to advertise and to enter into formal labour contracts. It opened the way for them to obtain health insurance, previously refused if they listed their true profession.

Annual revenues are about 14 billion euros ($18 billion), according to an estimate by the Verdi services union. Taxes on prostitution are an important source of income for some cities.

Prostitution is also legal and regulated in the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Greece, Turkey and in some parts of Australia, and the U.S. state of Nevada.

In other countries, such as Luxembourg, Latvia, Denmark, Belgium and Finland, it is legal but brothels and pimping are not.

"CREATIVE SOLUTIONS"

Berlin's "Pussy Club" has attracted media attention with its headline-grabbing "flat rate" -- a 70-euro admission charge for unlimited food, drink and sex between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

"You've got to come up with creative solutions these days," said club manager Stefan, who requested his surname not be published. "We're feeling the economic crisis, too, even though business has fortunately been more or less okay for us so far.

"Our offer might sound like it's too good to be true, but it's real. You can eat as much as you want, drink as much as you want and have as much sex as you want."

Stefan, who runs other establishments in Heidelberg and Wuppertal besides the Berlin club, said the flat rate had helped keep the 30 women working in each location fully employed.

Other novel ideas used by brothels and prostitutes include loyalty cards, group sex parties and rebates for golf players. Hamburg's "GeizHaus" is especially proud of its discount 38.50 euro price. The city has Germany's most famous red-light district, the Reeperbahn, in the notorious St. Pauli district.

Anke Christiansen, manager of the "GeizHaus", said the effects of the economic crisis were clear. "The regular customers who used to come by two or three times a week are only coming by once or twice a week now."

A "GeizHaus" client, who gave his name as Pascal, said: "Naturally we're all feeling the effects of the crisis." He added that he could no longer afford his usual two or three visits a week.

Guenter Krull, manager of the "FKK Villa" in Hanover, concurred. "The girls are complaining, too, because business is bad and I worry that it's all going to get even worse.

CONTINGENCY PLANS

Ecki Krumeich, manager of upmarket Artemis Club in Berlin, said he resisted pressure to cut prices, although senior citizens and taxi drivers get a 50-percent discount on the 80-euro admission fee on Sundays and Mondays.

"Naturally, we're keeping an eye on the overall economic situation and making contingency plans," said Krumeich, who said his "wellness club" is one of the largest in Europe with about 70 prostitutes.

"Our philosophy is: we provide an important service and even in a recession there are some things people won't do without. Other downmarket places might cut prices but we decided we won't do that. In fact, we raised prices by 10 euros in January."

Stephanie Klee, a prostitute in Berlin and former leader of the German association of sex workers, said even if a few luxury brothels were weathering the storm because of their wealthy regular clientele, many were struggling.

"Just about everyone's turning to advertising in one form or another," she said. "If the consumer electronics shop and the optician come out with rebates and special promotions, why shouldn't we try the same thing?"

While she and her colleagues might have had five or six clients per day a year ago that had fallen to one or even none.

Klee worries, however, that the crisis has led to "price dumping" in some cities -- fees have fallen as low as 30 euros in some parts of Berlin and elsewhere, she said.

"You'll find a lot of customers trying to negotiate prices down now," said Klee. "A 30-year-old came up to me and said 'I lost my job so will you give me a discount?'."

She and others said they were alarmed that amateur prostitutes -- mostly women with low-paid careers -- were increasingly turning to prostitution to make ends meet.

"More and more women are moonlighting on the weekends," said Ahrens. "They're not able to get by with their main job and are in pretty dire straights. For some it works out okay but it's tough for some others and they often don't stay very long.

Source

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b105 pharmily

Nice and sweet video done by revoWilliam. Made tears flow at the ball last night...but I was too worried of ruining my make-up so, sorry william! :)

View it better in High Quality. And try spotting me! Hehe

I enjoyed the 4 years of friendships and fun and hardships and mandarin with this bunch of colourful people from all over. Although I don't know each one well personally but I make an effort to talk to everyone. Hahah, cos I'm friendly mah. err. Heheheh.
Each one of them are special in their own way, and to anyone I've pissed off, which I highly doubt(probably the lecturers lah, ahahah) :P , my apologies.

We all looked yummy last night, yes, every single one! :) And although we didn't bag either Prom King or Prom Queen or Best Dressed...(all based on very flawed systems -_-), our batch proved to be a family, or more aptly, a 'pharmily'. Oh, and we had some hell of a lucky streak at the ball with winning 4 lucky draws from our batch tables alone. That, is B105 for you...practicality versus vanity. Hahahahhahah. Bravo, B105.

Do I wish I had done my Pharmacy degree anywhere else? Do I wish I had gone overseas instead of being stuck in this shopping complex university? Do I wish I had taken the easier road and settled for another simpler degree other than this? Do I wish I'd changed anything throughout this whole ordeal?

Well there were times throughout these 4 years where I would have answered yes. And I'm sure almost everyone of us had wanted to give up at some point. But having almost reached the finish line, I'm thankful I didn't. So, do I? nope.

Despite all differences, there's something inside me that makes me overlook it and embrace it all. That's how much I value the friendships. :]

Everything happens for a reason, and maybe if I hadn't come to IMU, I probably would be having fun somewhere else, or meeting another bunch of cool people, life would be different...but definitely not the same. Got it or not?(Arjun style)

Wednesday is THE DAY. The results show.

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