8days in Islands

Hello! Its my first post here in my new blog. At last i decided to create a new blog since i'm free in the office. I was back yesterday from Pulau Tinggi and Pulau Sibu, Johor. We were there for a programme for school kids in the island. It is simply called Kem Terumbu Karang.
Let's start with Pulau Tinggi.


It is the highest island in Johor, hence its name Pulau Tinggi. There are 2 sides of it. Tanjung Balang where the school is situated and Pasir Panjang where the Marine Park Information Centre is situated. Most of the villagers there stay at Tanjung Balang.
Me and my 2 other friends Yana and Fa help out to became the facilitators for the 2day programme. Heading it is Daniel and a volunteer, Michelle from Reef Check. It is jointly organised by Marine Park Malaysia, Reef Check, UNDP, BP, HSBC and Pansing.
Being in an island is a norm for me and i was grateful that we stayed in a chalet, complete with 2 Queen sized bed and a super small toilet. Food is not a problem too.
It was fun to interact with the kids even though i felt awkward at first. I dun really like kids and i duno wat to talk to them... But after a while, ok lah.....and i felt so touched when they salam my hand before going back, hold my hands while walking to school and remembered my name after a while. haha maybe i'm not that anti-child after all.
Did activities in class and the highlight is snorkeling for the kids!!! i was excited too but we only snorkel near the jetty as the parents are worried. The parents also came to watch.
I felt so satisfied when i jump into water. I took care of a small kid, Fatimah. After that she grew so close to me and follow me around.haha.... The water that day wasn't clear and didnt really see anything..We slept at Marine Park Quarters after the Closing Ceremony.

Fatimah and Kak Hong

We are free for one day and i spent it by jungle trekking to see the water source in the island and snorkeling later that day.

Then, we headed to Pulau Sibu the next day. It only takes about 20 mins from Tinggi.


The view from my chalet
The chalet where i stay in Pulau Sibu.

We did the same thing in Pulau Sibu and the schedule have to change because the students are having exams in the afternoon. So, the session can only be conducted in the morning and at night. Everyone had a great time during the ice-breaking session. The students are also more responsive and noisy.
This time snorkeling, we went to Pulau Sibu Kukus. It was amazing! The corals were abundant and compact. It was exciting to see all the fishes, sea cucumber which was very long and thick, small clam, and so many different types of corals! Brain coral, cabbage corals, hard and soft type, and tanduk rusa. If i have the chance wanna go diving too!
That night after the closing ceremony we slept at our marine park quarters and went back the next day. *.*