Merdeka weekend at Pulau Pemanggil, Mersing

On 30th Aug recently, me & Jija including Azalea & Alisya went on a "back to nature" trip to Pulau Pemanggil, Mersing, Johor. Our first impression of the trip was a simple getaway from the hustle bustle of the city and to experience snorkelling for the first time. True enough we had our first experience of snorkelling but we were definitely caught offguard of the strong current and where it could bring us. I'd like to pass the honour of sharing & blogging our experience at sea to Jija. However the trophy of excellency, courage, determination, strong-will & high-spirit will have to go to Jija who has proven to be so! No words could describe how proud i am to see Jija going thru each day at the island by taking part in all the activities & walking up & down the steep staircases of the resort. It was indeed a test of endurance and Jija passed it with flying colours. Congratulations dear......

The invitation of a 3 days 2 nites package at RM300 per adult & RM218 per child came from GG of MNIOneline. The resort belongs to one of her colleogue's husband. Since Nazri couldn't join us as 7-11 will be hoarded with millions of M'sians celebrating Merdeka & he had to be around, i've decided to leave Alyana to the care of her Ibu & Ayah. As we took our first ferry ride of one & a half hours thru the rough sea, i was thankful i made the right decision of leaving Alyana behind. We finally reached Lanting Beach Resort and as i climbed the first few steep steps of it, again i was thankful i made the decision to leave the bby behind. A resort was magnificently built thru the natural forests & mountains. Food was served buffet style with abundance. Snorkeling gears including life jackets were rented at RM15 for 3 days. All sorts of room sizes were available with & without attached bathroom. Antiques exhibits surrounded the whole resort. So called 7-11 was there too. After dinner, the dining hall changes into a karaoke lounge with people playing games of carroms & congkaks anywhere they like. A small tv was there too for people like me who doesn't karaoke. Table tennis was just outside of GG's family room of 8 beds. Mine & Jija's secluded LH5 room with no bathroom was turned into a chimney pot for those in need.

For Jija who wanted an even tone on her face got her wish but on a darker side. For myself who wanted a tan, i got it too but on a redder side. Our island hopping turned out to be hopping by speed boat to the first island & hopping on feet to the next island & the next island and finally back to the resort by a big boat. After swimming against the waves to get back to the shore with strikes of panicky & "semput", swallowing of salt water thru the mouth & nose unwantingly, our second day at the island was the most adventurous of all. Bio langsing lotion together with minyak gamat & panadols & ponstans after vomiting with peaceful nite sleep brought Jija back to life!!!! Finally syukur Alhamdulillah we made it thru together successfully & ALIVE.