Blahs
22 August 2016 | Tawau
Sunday 14 August 2016
After 4 days in Bohaydulang here's the score: No restaurant or bar ashore, socializing related brain damage is likely irreversible, we've nearly finished additional PADI certification to include navigation and deep diving, problem with dive compressor which chewed up 2 new belts is possibly remedied (now operating on somewhat less chewed up previously replaced one), had 3 dives yesterday in Kapalai and Mabul and expect 3 today in Sipidan.
Although entire ship's crew have over a hundred dives apiece and experience in most aspects of diving including depths below 40 meters and drifting, dive operators, when we need to use them, refuse more challenging dives due our basic "Open Water" certification - very aggravating. A dive instructor mate (this has nothing to do with procreation, Cal, he's from New Zealand) is helping us upgrade to "Advanced". All done now except night dive. That's where you can't see all the scary, prickly, bitey creatures many of which, however, can see you.
Tuesday 23 August
Excellent diving in Sipidan which lived up to hype as it tops the list of best in the world (Scuba Travel) with even better visibilities reported in April. Except for a couple of places off eastern peninsula, Malaysia has heretofore been undistinguished. Among the crew, 4 of the 10 'best' have been done, soon to be increased by locations 3 and 9 in Palau and Bali, then later by #6 off Belize. Suspect most voters haven't been to Fakarava or Rangiroa, et al.
Last minute request from Semporna (small dive tourism town) had 24 yachts backed up, cheek by jowl, to a seawall in its tiny downtown harbor overnight after resident fishing boats were evicted. It was pretty impressive. Everyone (with possible exception of the odd disgruntled fisherman) was friendly, seemed happy to see us and entertainment/feast/festival outdoors with the locals was, in contrast to many places, excellent. Picked up a few bits of dive gear, too.
Sunday 21 August
Week in Tawau was a mixed blessing: beautiful club with friendly, helpful staff (Mr. Tan) and end of herding on one hand, but saying goodbye to many friends and horrible anchorage in the river with, depending on state of tide and current, challenging access to shore on the other. Roti kobra made with dahl, curry lamb and egg at favorite restaurant in town would almost make us want to go back.
Tuesday
Have now re-entered Indonesia on first of 2 day-sails to Tarakan. Motor-sailing hard on wind and sea. Expect minimum stay after clearing in to begin non-stop (depends on conditions) dash across top end of Sulawesi to Manado then continue fast-tracking to Raja Ampat. Forecast wind is forward of the beam all the way. Wheeee.
This has been dull, mundane and no fun at all so will end the misery. Perhaps Indonesia will provide more inspiration.
Jack