Land Below the Wind

topi
Originally uploaded by uculer

As I live in Pantai Dalam, it is just fitting that I like beaches.

Ok, lame but you got what I mean. I love snorkelling. I like islands. I like looking at corals in the sea. I know that my English teacher will not be happy seeing my sentence but I don’t really care.

This time, our Topi Kapasitor travels to The Land Below The Wind with me, trying to find some peace of mind. Or rather, discovering things about myself.

When I was younger, I always go on trips into the jungle. Well, not university days but more during school days. I thought I love forests but a recent trip to the canopy walkway in Poring hot springs proved otherwise.

I do like the idea of walking in a forest which is clean, dry, no leeches, being guarded and have no animals. Yes, a Utopian forest.

This time around, I’m very sure that I love snorkelling. Maybe if I have the guts (and money), I’d go for diving.

The picture was taken in Mamutik Island (correct me if I’m wrong) when I went snorkelling. We went to three island including Manukan (Tunku Abdul Rahman Park) and Sapi Island. I have to admit, the sole reason for snorkelling is to look for clown fish (Nemo). If you are in Kota Kinabalu and you want to see Nemo (like me), I strongly suggest you to go to Sapi Island. Just skip the other two and head there. In Mamutik. It is difficult to find any corals or anemone because the beach is pretty shallow. Manukan is too commercialised so I strongly suggest you pack your lunch and eat on the beach instead. Ice-cream cone costs RM5, double the usual price.

The moment I arrived at Sapi Island, I was already highly disappointed. I was not expecting anything, to be honest. The water was clear alright but I was prepared to experience what happened in Manukan, to accept that the water is just so-so. There was a sudden drop sign (which is really sudden drop, beware). But we were very lucky, we met a guide in Manukan who decided to show me where the corals are. Of course I jumped at the opportunity.

It was better than all three islands put together but here’s a tip; swim to the expert side for the treat. I was too tired by then so I can only see some of the corals.

I didn’t get the chance to go to Sipadan Island. I hope I will be able to do so soon since I’m suffering from Snorkelling-deficiency Syndrome now.

So, there you go. Anyone interested in snorkelling?