Batam, Indonesia
June 2013

Haze-stricken Singapore

For almost a week, the tiny little island of Singapore was shrouded by severe haze. This was due to the massive forest fires happening in the Sumatran region of Indonesia. The first few days was alright but as the days go by, the air pollution level increased drastically; from PSI (Pollution Standard Index) level of 100 which then soared to the hazardous level of 300, then to 400 last Friday, a record high in the Singapore history.  Due to the hazardous air quality, the demand for face masks (N95) and air purifiers ridiculously soared. Face masks especially went out of stock in every stores nationwide.

Hazy afternoon in Singapore River

Within a day, everyone wanted to have one, a quality face mask for themselves. The face mask craze did not only leave every shops' counter with list after lists of face mask reservation but also gave those opportunistic individuals to put up marked–up priced face masks up on sale online. 

The craze came and went. Everything's back to normal now. 

Tanah Lot, Bali

Tanah Lot, Bali, November 2012

Taman Ayun Temple, Denpasar

Taman Ayun Temple, Bali, November 2012

painted walls.

Bali, Indonesia, November 2012

First stage of backpacking – Choosing Destinations

For the past few days, I've been doing a lot of research for my first backpacking trip right after the last day of my national service. I'm not sure how long it'll take but I think it's a case to case basis kind of thing. I'm not really sure where to go yet but I've already quite a few ideas in mind. Thanks to self help travel guide books and the library which is just a couple of blocks away.

1. North Luzon Loop (Philippines) – Using Manila as a starting point, I will venture northwards all the way to Vigan, Ilocos Sur, passing through a handful of beautiful provinces along the way (will stop over for a day or two if need be). Once I hit the northern most tip, will then continue on eastwards to the the Cagayan Valley for some cave exploring. A long trip down, southwards, back to Manila will then end the journey.

2. Singapore – Malaysia – Thailand via KTMB train route(Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad) – I thought of taking the KTM train/express to travel northwards all the way ti'll southern Thailand (Hat Yai) and probably taking a bus from there to venture around. From Woodlands (starting point) as a starting point, the train will then pass through known locations of Malaysia; Kluang, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Butterworth (gateway to penang and langkawi) and eventually, Hat Yai (Southern Thailand). This trip can get pretty costly though, I think?

3. The Java Expedition (Indonesia) – I saw this idea on Lonely Planet Guide, Indonesia. The journey starts in Jakarta followed by Bogor, Cianjur, Bandung, Pangandaran, Yogyakarta, Borobudur, Prambanan, then Solo. I believe Yogyakarta and Borobudur will be the highlights of the journey; having Yogyakarta as the cultural capital of Java and Borobudur for its famous temple.

The First option is void for now as June is the start of the monsoon season in the Philippines. I wouldn't want to get caught in the middle of a thunderstorms and Typhoons while I'm on a bus venturing the outskirt mountains of the South East. Might postpone it to November instead.

I'm still trying to widen my options at the moment. Hopefully I came up with something.

Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida on film

Nusa Lembongan

Upon reaching the Island of Lembongan from Sanur via Scoot Cruise (fast boat), a local guide was already waiting for us by the shores. We followed his lead, and eventually reached the Bali Diving Academy. The view from the shop alone was stunning. I have never seen such clear blue waters!









And off we go to the diving spots.

Nusa Penida





A vessel for those who would want to see the vast and splendid underwater community without getting themselves wet. Wait what? where's the fun in that. If I'm not wrong, it doesn't come cheap either. While we were on our private boat eating our lunch, I merely timed how long their ride costed them. I shall be very generous and say 30 minutes, but my fading memory says 15.


Shores of PED, our second dive spot. We were quite close to the shores but water was deep. The underwater currents were quite strong too, making my fins void.


I've definitely enjoyed snorkeling at Bali. I've never seen such rich and splendid reef and it is such a bummer that I don't have substantial underwater camera in my possession but a measly, disposable kodak camera. The next time I go back there again, I'll make sure I'll go scuba diving with a kick ass gopro underwater camera. Now, I should start saving and get me one of those! and why is gopro out of stock everywhere??

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, Bali, November 2012

Sanur to Nusa Lembongan

To get to the island of Nusa Lembongan, one is required to take a boat ride from Sanur Beach, which is of an hour drive from Kuta (with heavy traffic expected due to ongoing construction at Kuta). From Sanur, it'll take approximately an hour and a half to Nusa Lembongan via the normal public boat, which costs about USD$5 - USD$10.
However, we opted for the fast boat(and I got no idea how many engines from a normal boat was taken and was attached to that fast boat!), it only took us half an hour!. Costs 5 times the price though and I got damned sea sick along the way.










Nusa Lembongan, November 2012