The perfect getaway: Pulau Perhentian

It's been a few months since I left the sandy beaches of Pulau Perhentian, but the sea breeze and glorious sunshine is still something that I remember whenever I longed for a break.

It started when a friend and I initiated a plan to go for an annual trip together every year just to escape the stresses of the city. Bangkok seemed to be a good option, but we couldn't plan in advance so flights were way beyond what we were willing to pay for. After all, why get out of a city just to get stressed out in another city?

So we opted for somewhere easier on the nerves and closer to home - Perhentian.

It was early May and the Island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is just starting to warm up after the last monsoon season ended. Prices were more affordable and we decided on a five day four nights snorkelling package at the Bubu Long Beach Resort.

The Bubu Resort view of the sea

Initially we thought five days is a little long, but whatever doubts we had about not doing anything except have fun and chilling out for close to a week was dumped once we arrived at the resort. The package allows for four days of snorkelling and a sunset walk. But if you think snorkelling for four days is boring, think again. It is very enjoyable, particularly when both of us love the sun and the sea.

Perhentian used to be rather inaccessible before it is gradually developed into a tourist destination. With popular destinations like Pulau Redang and Tioman surrounding it, it is easy to overlook this idyllic island and its raw beauty.

But now that it is gaining more attention, it is rather easy to get there. All you need to do is get to the Kuala Besut jetty from Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu and take a boat ride across to the islands. From Kuala Lumpur, both flights to KB/KT takes about an hour and the boat ride takes about 45 minutes.

I assure you, unless you're sea sick (which could be overcome with some meds) once you get on the boat, you would feel the city life fade from your mind.

It was a long wait, but this view made up for it

When we arrived, a cold drink was ready for us as our rooms were prepared.

Sipping a drink under a wooden and straw shack has got to be the greatest way to start your vacation.

And Bubu has got this absolutely refreshing welcoming drink that is a special blend of honey dew with a tinge of orange.

Now, I didn't have many pictures of this trip because I have resolutely left my camera behind, just so that I could enjoy the view and experience as it is and not worry about looking for a good angle. However, I still had my phone with me, so this are some of the sights from the corridor outside our room.

Simply beautiful

Some resort workers preparing the evening meal.

And we were lucky to be able to wake up to this...

Every snorkelling experience was different, and we had the good fortune to snorkel with great guides. In the course of four sessions, we've seen three turtles, a couple of green humphead parrotfish, sharks, and stingrays. One guide could not stop himself from jumping off the roof of the boat into the water every single outing and another was just so straight-laced and shy we were decidedly amused.

My friend was thrilled to find different underwater creatures every day, but I just enjoyed swimming in the sea. There's just something very liberating about being in a large body of water.

Soon we got into a routine of waking up for breakfast, changing into our snorkelling gear and walking across the beach for lunch (the tuna fried rice is absolutely delicious!) and going swimming again before dinner. I was quite burnt after three days but that's rather normal for me, no matter how much sunscreen I use.

On the way back, our driver was kind to stop by a Buddhist temple in Bachok where a huge standing Buddha statue stood. Unfortunately there wasn't enough time to visit the hot springs that is just beside the temple.

The thing about Perhentian is you could plan your trip to suit your budget without much trouble. A RM200/day budget could get you some pretty comfortable stays and packages.

But to thoroughly enjoy a beach holiday here, leave your camera behind. It is definitely more enjoyable to take in the view with your five senses than through your viewfinder. You won't regret it. I didn't.

Thinking of the beach again...

PS: Since I think this post is the most read so far, here's how you would find Bubu http://www.buburesort.com.my/. Highly recommended for travellers who don't mind spending a little bit more for the comfort of having everything planned for you from the moment you arrive. 

Spotted 1/52 (week 2, 09.12)

I love beautiful designs.

So since I am too sleepy right now to wax lyrical about Pulau Perhentian (cliched, I know), an idea came about. Why don't I share some of the beautiful designs I've seen around town? I am very bad with dates so I won't attempt to time-stamp any of these. (All the photos I share here are my own unless specified.)

Portobello mushroom burger, Bens KLCC.
After having this at three different places, this arrangement appears to be the way Klang Valley restaurants serve the burger.

Durian pancake, Sweetchat Berjaya Times Square
Aren't they lovely? :) They taste great too! (RP: About RM8 inclusive of tax)

Stone vegetarian (more vegan) bibimbap, Kimchiharu Jaya One
A very scrumptious meal. Small eaters may find it difficult to finish it. I like the way the black bowl and serving plates contrast against the light brown table. The metal cutleries add a nice modern touch.

Vegetable set in some Vietnamese place.
Vege wrapped in vege. The carrots, cucumber and another leafy vegetable (I don't remember what was it) are wrapped in a piece of nice boiled green cabbage leaf (I think). Eat this with a light chilli sauce: yummy!

Peeptoe heels..
Spotted this in black too. The heels are designed to slant outward so that it offsets the way our feet usually turn inward when we wear these darlings. Very comfortable, but not for long. (Oh well.)

Artsy notebook covers
I just love the batik motifs on the little black book and the cursive letters on the grey one! Very classy and yet functional. Great for work - pleasing but not too distracting.

Interior decoration at Delicious, Mid Valley.
The view from the side (above), and the view from below (bottom). The yellow light gives the place a very soft and warm atmosphere to the place. A good place to relax with friends.

So, there you go. :) The first installation of Spotted. Would love suggestions on where to go for great decor and unique designs.

Ciao!
Wen

Back to stress-free writing

You can relax at the bus stop here
Photo courtesy of geograph.org.uk, downloaded from Wikimedia Commons

I'm back. Well, for many of you I am finally here.

Truth is, I have tried, many many times, to keep a blog that I would keep alive for more than a year. Write about something. Life, work (which due to many reasons I could not share explicit details), interests.

But it never happened. Somehow, somewhere along the lines of a birthday, a 31st December, or a new state of mind, I would delete whatever I have written for the past year or so and start afresh.

Anyhow, this post (specifically, item 11 - which inspires the name of this blog) reminded me that sometimes it pays to remember good times in an environment where there is so much negativity. If you think kopitiam stories about crime, corruption, and general nastiness are bad, try to imagine yourself in the shoes of people whose job is getting the story first-hand.

So, have mercy on people in the media. If you think what you get these days is crap, spare some kind thoughts for the crap filter.

To good memories. :) 

Wen

PS: I was told that I sound tired in this post. Maybe I was. But I'm feeling rejuvenated again and will be back to my chirpier self when I write about the holiday that was absolutely my best so far --> Pulau Perhentian.