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.

熱浪回憶錄(上集) - Redang Trip (Part I)

This is the first time that I visited this beautiful island of Redang. For those people who are as "山龜" as me, I will be sharing some information I learnt during the trip. Instead of the usual R&R, there was so much educational value for this resort such that I felt like a Primary School kid who just attended an excursion =)

The road and ferry trip there took 12hrs. So we spent 24 hrs in all just on transportation alone! But by looking at the picturesque views, I guess it is all worth it.

Rules to Follow
#1. Do not collect dead or alive material, including seashells, corals, fishes and even sand.
Penalty: RM$20,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment **dun play play!!!**
#2. Do not book facilities like spa or diving packages in another resort.
There is NO road transport between resorts in Redang. The only way to travel from one resort to another is to charter a boat via sea which cost RM$350 per trip
#3. Do not miss your ferry
The last ferry to Mainland is at 12pm everyday. If you miss that ferry, chartering a boat back is charged at RM$2,000 per trip (one way)

Fast Facts
#1. There are occasional sharks which will swim to shallow waters. But they don't bite as they have no teeth
#2. Malaysia government discontinued the use of snorkeling flippers for tourists due to massive destruction of the corals by flippers in recent years
#3. Corals take approximately 10 years to grow a 1cm in length
#4. The original More More Tea Inn in year 2000's HK movie <<夏日麼麼茶>> was torn down and rebuilt at the right corner of the beach. The original location of the inn now stands Laguna Resort.
#5. There is florescence sand which is visible at night where the plankton surfaced at the damp stretch of the coast line. Just pick up a pack of sand, rub with your hands and the grains will glow in blue **wow, but I have not tried**

Surprise Findings
#1. Apparently, spa is only available at Berjaya Resort which is "miles" away. There is only a massage centre which offers full body and foot reflexology at a reasonable price in Laguna Resort **very disappointed**
#2. There are only a few restaurants here, and not much variety of food. All buffet meals are served at a restaurant at the second floor.
#3. There are 4 beds in the room we booked: 2 single beds and 1 double bed. They are actually proper good size beds and not just mattresses or sofa-beds. 4 persons can bunk into the same room, with considerable amount of moving space.