熱浪回憶錄(下集) - Redang Trip (Part II)

This trip has too many elements to be explained in details. Let me summarise in terms in starfishes. Maximum 5 starfishes for perfect quality.

#1. Transportation
Motion sickness was not much of a problem for me. Instead, I suffered severe stiff neck due to the discomfort of the 25-seater Konsortium bus. Ferry ride was ok, given the calm seas and air con which was set at just the right temperature.

#2. Accommodation
We chose a humble room to save on money so that we can spend more for other activities, hence I did not have high expectations. Credits to 4 free mineral water bottles and 24hrs telecast of <<夏日麼麼茶>> on Channel 6.

#3. General Facilities
Another very humble setup at Laguna. There is only one small souvenir shop at More More Tea Inn, a mini pub/bar and a buffet restaurant. Swimming pool was not impressive either, compared to the one in Bintan which have a underwater pool bar and two meandering pool slides. And due to the non existent road transport to other resorts, you are pretty much confined to the same resort for 3 days. This place is not for the party animals, the elderly or children in tow.

#4. Snorkeling
This must be the part I enjoyed the most. Instructors are friendly and humorous, and the deep sea snorkeling for 2 days were fun-filled. Marine Hotpark is the MUST visit site, where we mingled with the fishes in the sea at 零點距離 and took underwater photographs at RM$5 per picture. Snorkel equipment is cheap too at RM$20 for both days and RM$2 pack of bread is enough to attract the Nemos and box fishes to nimble on you all day. It turned out to be a good workout too.

#5. Massage Centre
A foot reflexology at RM$60 on the first night sent me straight into La La Land in the first 15 min. Masseurs look professional and friendly, interior of the centre is scarcely decorated, except for the Kenny G CD playing in the background. The full body massage at RM$120 on the second night was an outright disappointment as my therapist seemed to be purely gently rubbing with the Johnson & Johnson baby oil at my back rather than focusing on the massage itself. But I am still sore over the fact that there is no spa facilities in Laguna, as I was looking forward to a full set of body scrub/ wrap and aromatherapy prior to the trip.

#6. Scenery
Nothing beats the crimson sunset, and the clearly tiered sea lines which transists from sandy-brown to turquoise to ocean blue. Beach is unpolluted and water is crystal clear. On a lucky day, large and beautiful fishes swim to the main shore and you can feed them at just knee height. Due to the humble setup, there is also no huge crowd of tourists or drunk party gangs, which adds points to its serenity. However, due to the abundance of sea shells and corals on the shore, there is a high potential of sharps and tripping hazard.

#7. Overall
The trip did not score on physical attributes but more on the softer sides such as aesthetics and new experiences. So why is there such a high overall rating? Because my company is worth 5 starfishes.