PERHENTIAN TRIP: POST MORTEM III – ATTACK OF THE JELLY FISH
Sunday, Lily’s Chalet No. 6, Perhentian Kechil
5.35 a.m.
*Woke up. Shocked*
For three seconds, I didn’t have a clue of where I was. I saw the Monk lying next to my mattress. Only did I realized that I was in Perhentian.
The Monk: What are you doing?
*Blur. Didn’t bother to answer. Thinking he was talking in his sleep*
The Monk: WHAT are you doing?
Self: Uh Huh….Nothing…..
*Went back to sleep*
The Monk: Chih Sin. (Crazy in Cantonese)
He must be shocked seeing me shocked.
7.05 a.m.
The Monk: Wake up! Wake up! Let’s go jogging.
Self: Chih Sin!! Shuddup! Kit is still sleeping.
He has insomia.
7.30 a.m.
Woke up and went out to take some pics with the Monk. Not together. He was my photography subject, with clothes on.
The Monk taking a stroll in the morning
Friendly bird
What's the story, morning glory?
8.00 a.m.
We packed our bags hastily as we couldn’t wait to get out from there. The Monk’s left foot was bitten by bed bugs. (Clean bed?) Eddie ferried us to the new place.
We left our bags at the reception to wait for the guests to check out and had breakfast at Watercolours. Koon said they used to have Malaysian breakfast – nasi lemak, RM3.50 fried rice, etc. Unfortunately, everything now is over commercialized. They emphasize more on Europeans tourists, offering continental breakfast instead.
Disgruntled, we attacked our breakfast sets with gusto- Two Sunny side up eggs, sausages, hash brown, bread, jam, butter and baked beans.
Self: Kit, can you please wipe your mouth and nose?
* A scene from Ally McBeal disgusted with her date’s lack of proper table manners suddenly flashed across my mind*
Kit: Not till I finish my breakfast.
Self: How can you eat with slime on your nose? (from the half cooked eggs)
The Monk seeing me being particular in table manners, decided not to mess up his eggs. He sipped his eggs by using straws. Einstein, eh? It was even more disgusting.
In between the breakfast, we tried to call Eddie for boat service to Pulau Rawa but to no avail. Pulau Rawa is located about 25 minutes from Perhentian Islands. There are also two more islands within the vicinity. Pulau Dada Besar and Kecil. We couldn’t get hold of him. Didn’t want to join other snorkeling group as there were so many people in one boat, and we had to follow their schedule. It was somewhat a packaged trip. The gang preferred impromptu. We decided to hire our own boat to get exclusive treatment, never mind the price.
After the hefty breakfast, Koon and Kit decided to go hunting. (Meaning – to ogle at girls – not Europeans, but Asians. They are racist voyeurs). The Monk and I decided to see if we could check in.
The friendly receptionist was looking all over for us and led us to our room. We were shocked to find that we had to climb flights of stairs, and the place was a maze! (I quote Clive^ – stories later), carrying everyone's bags. The visit to the gym finally paid off.
Our Posh Chalet
We were delighted with what we see. Expensive curtains, carvings, marble toilet, water heater, pictures, etc. They even have thin curtains separating the sleep area from the sitting area. It was kinda posh. It felt more like a holiday now.
A knock was heard on the door after a brief moment of basking in our sheer good luck in securing this place last minute.
The Monk went to get it.
The Monk: EHH? Macam mana you tahu kita ada kat sini? (Malay: How did you know we are here?)
It was Eddie at the door. Clive^ (I think that is his name), a chap from Liverpool was with him.
Clive: It’s a maze out here! *Huff Puff*
After negotiation, we managed to get an exclusive trip to the islands (Rawa and Dadas) for RM50 per person. We had to go back to Perhentian Kechil to get the life jackets (Koon & Kit), fins (self)and mask (self)from Lazy Buoy Office. Koon and Kit regretted leaving this place the moment they spotted two topless ladies on Long Beach stretch. (Lily’s Chalet). The Monk and I couldn't see clearly as we did not have our prescription glasses on.
The Monk: What topless women? Where?
Self: You are a monk, remember! See no evil!
There were lots to see at Pulau Rawa. Corals of all kinds at shallow waters. The moment you glide into the sea, you would actually scratch yourself if you were not careful. I almost crashed into some weird looking fish on top of the corals. Yucks. Luckily, I am not a D-Cupper.
This snorkeling trip was truly an exclusive one. When I was in Redang Island two years ago, I was with 22 friends. Now, only 3 friends. It freaked me out when I failed to locate human legs paddling in the waters nearby. It was so exclusive that you actually felt as if you have booked the entire sea to yourself. It was only between you, the sea and … something Great.
Was it a big shark lurking at a corner? Or was it King Neptune? Was it God? I don’t believe I would say this. I felt the presence of something potent during the entire snorkeling session which spook me shitless. I tried to be as close to Koon and Kit as possible. The life jackets made them slower and clumsier. Couldn’t keep up with the Monk as he was too hyperactive.
The moment I saw something looking like a jellyfish, I freaked out. I don't mind Portuguese Egg Tarts floating in the sea, but not Portuguese Man O'War! The Monk was stung on his leg the moment he stepped out from the boat. It was just a small detached tentacle from some dead jelly fish, yet it hurt. I quickly swam back to the boat to avoid unnecessary pain.
I struck a conversation with Clive. (No, people, I am not menggataling) He would be here for ten weeks. He has been here for the past five weeks. I couldn’t really hear what he was trying to tell me as his Liverpool accent proved far too difficult for me to comprehend.
The Naked Monk 1/3 and Clive
We saw Kit frolicking in the sand on the shore. He ended up covered with sand from the head to his back.
Clive: What is he DUE-ing?
Self: Don’t ask me! He does the weirdest things.
*Looked embarrassed*
Then Kit climbed onto the rocky terrains on the shore skillfully.
Clive: He looked like a l'il MONG-key.
*Laugh*
When Koon and the L'il MONG-key returned to the boat, the Monk was nowhere in sight.
Eaten by sharks? *Gasp*
White Rocks on Blue Green Sea
Then we saw his blue snorkeling mask in between some rocks on the far left of the island. The sea was getting rough. And he was sticking his head (the upper one) in between the rocks. Worried that he wasn't wearing a life jacket, we went to get him... fast.
Eddie: I wouldn’t do that if I were him! It’s dangerous.
Clive: He’s the CUEErious one, … EAY?
Self: Yeap. Curiosity kills the cat.
Clive laughed.
We hopped to another side of the island. Nothing much was there. The sky was not sunny. So there was low visibility at this point of time. We were back on boat in shorter time span.
Clive: It is kinDUH nice to sleep on the BOUAt. It RUCKs like a CRAEdle.
We passed by Pulau Dada Besar and Kecil. Thinking that we would be stopping for another snorkeling session, we were disappointed that we didn’t. It was too deep. The sight was beautiful though. Unfortunately, the cloudy sky did not permit us to stay any longer. We were heading to the spring water area again. Special request to get water for my hair wash. Most tap water in Perhentian is salty.
Spring water spot
Felt kinda ripped off towards the end of this trip. Lasted only about 2 ½ hours, yet cost us RM50 per head. Well, afterall it was a 50 minutes to-and-fro journey. Paying for petrol instead of more snorkeling spots. To prevent us from complaining, Eddie gave the skipper job to the Monk. You should see the silly smirk on the Monk’s face. He was as happy as a lark. It was easy to please this simple man. Told you. Eddie is an intelligent man.
When we were back in our chalet, we found a white frog on top of the door. I didn’t know frogs can climb? Thinking that this is the lucky frog that Feng Shui masters would kill for, Koon decided to buy 4D. Room number 881. There were 4 of us in the room. So he planned to buy 4881 and 8814, at RM5 per number. He requested Kit to call LB. A modest initial bet of RM10/- suddenly became a RM124/- bet. They hope to get back the money we paid Eddie for today’s trip. Even the Monk chipped in. So did I.
Not-so-lucky frog
Towards the evening, all of us were in a relax mood. We already planned to have dinner at Mama’s place even before we came to this part of the island. Sea food fest. RM10 per fish, irregardless size. The owner of this place is cool. He could remember every person’s face. He speaks French too. "Bon Appetit.. Merci.."
We ordered two fishes, a plate of medium sized shrimps, vegetables and some giant squids, four drinks, and half a dozen bottles of mineral water (1.5 litres). The Monk drinks like a camel. I didn’t know how did the bill derived at RM187/- when the fishes only cost RM10 each. Probably the giant squids and the shrimps. Then they started to tell sick jokes about sailors using squids as a relief when they were horny and lonely at the sea.
Dinner wasn’t that fantastic, but it was definitely the best food that we had for the past 2 days after leaving Kuala Lumpur. The Monk and Kit were feeling feverish towards the end of the dinner.
Creepy Hike
The walk back to our room was kinda creepy. It was dimly lighted, and we had to pass by the forest. You wouldn't want to hike up and down again in the middle of the night. Thank goodness for attached bathrooms.
When you are in an island in the night, staying on the hilltop with NO neighbours and not having any sex, the next best thing to do, is to play poker or tell ghost stories. We chose the former as I am a chicken shit when it comes to ghost stories. I had the wildest imagination. If I watch a spooky movie or listen to ghost stories, I wouldn’t be able to sleep for a few nights, replaying whatever that was seen or told to a magnitude of 10x scarier.. worrying that the demons will sip through the window, walk through the door or appear from the mirror in the bathroom to grab me.
5.35 a.m.
*Woke up. Shocked*
For three seconds, I didn’t have a clue of where I was. I saw the Monk lying next to my mattress. Only did I realized that I was in Perhentian.
The Monk: What are you doing?
*Blur. Didn’t bother to answer. Thinking he was talking in his sleep*
The Monk: WHAT are you doing?
Self: Uh Huh….Nothing…..
*Went back to sleep*
The Monk: Chih Sin. (Crazy in Cantonese)
He must be shocked seeing me shocked.
7.05 a.m.
The Monk: Wake up! Wake up! Let’s go jogging.
Self: Chih Sin!! Shuddup! Kit is still sleeping.
He has insomia.
7.30 a.m.
Woke up and went out to take some pics with the Monk. Not together. He was my photography subject, with clothes on.
The Monk taking a stroll in the morning
Friendly bird
What's the story, morning glory?
8.00 a.m.
We packed our bags hastily as we couldn’t wait to get out from there. The Monk’s left foot was bitten by bed bugs. (Clean bed?) Eddie ferried us to the new place.
We left our bags at the reception to wait for the guests to check out and had breakfast at Watercolours. Koon said they used to have Malaysian breakfast – nasi lemak, RM3.50 fried rice, etc. Unfortunately, everything now is over commercialized. They emphasize more on Europeans tourists, offering continental breakfast instead.
Disgruntled, we attacked our breakfast sets with gusto- Two Sunny side up eggs, sausages, hash brown, bread, jam, butter and baked beans.
Self: Kit, can you please wipe your mouth and nose?
* A scene from Ally McBeal disgusted with her date’s lack of proper table manners suddenly flashed across my mind*
Kit: Not till I finish my breakfast.
Self: How can you eat with slime on your nose? (from the half cooked eggs)
The Monk seeing me being particular in table manners, decided not to mess up his eggs. He sipped his eggs by using straws. Einstein, eh? It was even more disgusting.
In between the breakfast, we tried to call Eddie for boat service to Pulau Rawa but to no avail. Pulau Rawa is located about 25 minutes from Perhentian Islands. There are also two more islands within the vicinity. Pulau Dada Besar and Kecil. We couldn’t get hold of him. Didn’t want to join other snorkeling group as there were so many people in one boat, and we had to follow their schedule. It was somewhat a packaged trip. The gang preferred impromptu. We decided to hire our own boat to get exclusive treatment, never mind the price.
After the hefty breakfast, Koon and Kit decided to go hunting. (Meaning – to ogle at girls – not Europeans, but Asians. They are racist voyeurs). The Monk and I decided to see if we could check in.
The friendly receptionist was looking all over for us and led us to our room. We were shocked to find that we had to climb flights of stairs, and the place was a maze! (I quote Clive^ – stories later), carrying everyone's bags. The visit to the gym finally paid off.
Our Posh Chalet
We were delighted with what we see. Expensive curtains, carvings, marble toilet, water heater, pictures, etc. They even have thin curtains separating the sleep area from the sitting area. It was kinda posh. It felt more like a holiday now.
A knock was heard on the door after a brief moment of basking in our sheer good luck in securing this place last minute.
The Monk went to get it.
The Monk: EHH? Macam mana you tahu kita ada kat sini? (Malay: How did you know we are here?)
It was Eddie at the door. Clive^ (I think that is his name), a chap from Liverpool was with him.
Clive: It’s a maze out here! *Huff Puff*
After negotiation, we managed to get an exclusive trip to the islands (Rawa and Dadas) for RM50 per person. We had to go back to Perhentian Kechil to get the life jackets (Koon & Kit), fins (self)and mask (self)from Lazy Buoy Office. Koon and Kit regretted leaving this place the moment they spotted two topless ladies on Long Beach stretch. (Lily’s Chalet). The Monk and I couldn't see clearly as we did not have our prescription glasses on.
The Monk: What topless women? Where?
Self: You are a monk, remember! See no evil!
There were lots to see at Pulau Rawa. Corals of all kinds at shallow waters. The moment you glide into the sea, you would actually scratch yourself if you were not careful. I almost crashed into some weird looking fish on top of the corals. Yucks. Luckily, I am not a D-Cupper.
This snorkeling trip was truly an exclusive one. When I was in Redang Island two years ago, I was with 22 friends. Now, only 3 friends. It freaked me out when I failed to locate human legs paddling in the waters nearby. It was so exclusive that you actually felt as if you have booked the entire sea to yourself. It was only between you, the sea and … something Great.
Was it a big shark lurking at a corner? Or was it King Neptune? Was it God? I don’t believe I would say this. I felt the presence of something potent during the entire snorkeling session which spook me shitless. I tried to be as close to Koon and Kit as possible. The life jackets made them slower and clumsier. Couldn’t keep up with the Monk as he was too hyperactive.
The moment I saw something looking like a jellyfish, I freaked out. I don't mind Portuguese Egg Tarts floating in the sea, but not Portuguese Man O'War! The Monk was stung on his leg the moment he stepped out from the boat. It was just a small detached tentacle from some dead jelly fish, yet it hurt. I quickly swam back to the boat to avoid unnecessary pain.
I struck a conversation with Clive. (No, people, I am not menggataling) He would be here for ten weeks. He has been here for the past five weeks. I couldn’t really hear what he was trying to tell me as his Liverpool accent proved far too difficult for me to comprehend.
The Naked Monk 1/3 and Clive
We saw Kit frolicking in the sand on the shore. He ended up covered with sand from the head to his back.
Clive: What is he DUE-ing?
Self: Don’t ask me! He does the weirdest things.
*Looked embarrassed*
Then Kit climbed onto the rocky terrains on the shore skillfully.
Clive: He looked like a l'il MONG-key.
*Laugh*
When Koon and the L'il MONG-key returned to the boat, the Monk was nowhere in sight.
Eaten by sharks? *Gasp*
White Rocks on Blue Green Sea
Then we saw his blue snorkeling mask in between some rocks on the far left of the island. The sea was getting rough. And he was sticking his head (the upper one) in between the rocks. Worried that he wasn't wearing a life jacket, we went to get him... fast.
Eddie: I wouldn’t do that if I were him! It’s dangerous.
Clive: He’s the CUEErious one, … EAY?
Self: Yeap. Curiosity kills the cat.
Clive laughed.
We hopped to another side of the island. Nothing much was there. The sky was not sunny. So there was low visibility at this point of time. We were back on boat in shorter time span.
Clive: It is kinDUH nice to sleep on the BOUAt. It RUCKs like a CRAEdle.
We passed by Pulau Dada Besar and Kecil. Thinking that we would be stopping for another snorkeling session, we were disappointed that we didn’t. It was too deep. The sight was beautiful though. Unfortunately, the cloudy sky did not permit us to stay any longer. We were heading to the spring water area again. Special request to get water for my hair wash. Most tap water in Perhentian is salty.
Spring water spot
Felt kinda ripped off towards the end of this trip. Lasted only about 2 ½ hours, yet cost us RM50 per head. Well, afterall it was a 50 minutes to-and-fro journey. Paying for petrol instead of more snorkeling spots. To prevent us from complaining, Eddie gave the skipper job to the Monk. You should see the silly smirk on the Monk’s face. He was as happy as a lark. It was easy to please this simple man. Told you. Eddie is an intelligent man.
When we were back in our chalet, we found a white frog on top of the door. I didn’t know frogs can climb? Thinking that this is the lucky frog that Feng Shui masters would kill for, Koon decided to buy 4D. Room number 881. There were 4 of us in the room. So he planned to buy 4881 and 8814, at RM5 per number. He requested Kit to call LB. A modest initial bet of RM10/- suddenly became a RM124/- bet. They hope to get back the money we paid Eddie for today’s trip. Even the Monk chipped in. So did I.
Not-so-lucky frog
Towards the evening, all of us were in a relax mood. We already planned to have dinner at Mama’s place even before we came to this part of the island. Sea food fest. RM10 per fish, irregardless size. The owner of this place is cool. He could remember every person’s face. He speaks French too. "Bon Appetit.. Merci.."
We ordered two fishes, a plate of medium sized shrimps, vegetables and some giant squids, four drinks, and half a dozen bottles of mineral water (1.5 litres). The Monk drinks like a camel. I didn’t know how did the bill derived at RM187/- when the fishes only cost RM10 each. Probably the giant squids and the shrimps. Then they started to tell sick jokes about sailors using squids as a relief when they were horny and lonely at the sea.
Dinner wasn’t that fantastic, but it was definitely the best food that we had for the past 2 days after leaving Kuala Lumpur. The Monk and Kit were feeling feverish towards the end of the dinner.
Creepy Hike
The walk back to our room was kinda creepy. It was dimly lighted, and we had to pass by the forest. You wouldn't want to hike up and down again in the middle of the night. Thank goodness for attached bathrooms.
When you are in an island in the night, staying on the hilltop with NO neighbours and not having any sex, the next best thing to do, is to play poker or tell ghost stories. We chose the former as I am a chicken shit when it comes to ghost stories. I had the wildest imagination. If I watch a spooky movie or listen to ghost stories, I wouldn’t be able to sleep for a few nights, replaying whatever that was seen or told to a magnitude of 10x scarier.. worrying that the demons will sip through the window, walk through the door or appear from the mirror in the bathroom to grab me.
Related Stories: Post Mortem - Conclusion, Post Mortem II, Post Mortem I, Ignorance is Bliss, Office Abuse of E-mails, Ain't Love Grand?, Perhentian Trip: Preparation, Supper Gang: Revealed, Dream Interpreter, I dreamt of Absolut Vodka ,Supper Talk
Comments
Kat | Homepage | 08.15.04 – 12:12 am | #
Hi, Love.
No lah. That is why I put the frog pic as not-so-lucky frog. Hehe.
Gina | Homepage | 08.15.04 – 3:40 am | #
I thought the frog was a fake one when I first saw it on your digital camera!
Ann | 08.15.04 – 3:08 pm | #