Come July, we will be hitting the beautiful Dive site in Anilao where every diver that have been, would say is a MACRO HAVEN.  Well, since I’ve not been there, i can’t write much except that these are the few places i think we will be diving. Hopefully my new Camera is here in time for this trip.

ARTHUR’S ROCK

THE CATHEDRAL

MAINIT POINT

TWIN ROCKS & BARGE

DARYL LAUT

(Spanish) :Profundidad Media = Average Depth , Profundidad Maxima = Maximum Depth

Most beautiful corals thrives depth not exceeding 18m, i think Anilao is really a True Dive Haven.  Will get more pictures and info once I’ve visited the place.

His release was earlier than the four-year sentence meted out, possible only after the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Medan obtained approval for his remission from the Indonesian authorities.

Ibrahim, 58, who originated from Bachok, Kelantan, was sentenced to three years and six months in jail by a court in Medan in 2009 and a fine of Rp2 billion (RM700,000) or additional six months in jail, after he was found guilty of catching 20kg of fish in Indonesian territorial waters on Jan 25, 2009.

It is said that the area was part of the Malaysia-Indonesia maritime boundaries which have not been resolved.

Malaysian Consul General in Medan Norlin Othman said Ibrahim was the last Malaysian fisherman to be released from prison in Sumatra and hoped no others would share the same fate in the future.

“We hope with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on joint guidelines between Malaysia and Indonesia to tackle the issue of fishermen in the maritime boundaries, our fishermen will no longer be arrested and jailed here,” she told Bernama when contacted here.

On Jan 27 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Malaysia and Indonesia inked an MoU on guidelines on the treatment of fishermen by the Malaysian and Indonesian maritime enforcement agencies.

The guideline states, among others, that both authorities will not nab fishermen from either country for straying in unresolved maritime boundaries, but will instead be asked to leave the area.

The MoU was following an agreement reached by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during a meeting in Lombok in October last year to preserve the wellbeing of fishermen from both countries.

Norlin said the penalty imposed by Indonesian authorities on Malaysian fishermen, be it a prison sentence or fine, was much heavier than the penalty imposed by Malaysian authorities on Indonesian fishermen for the same offence. Vice-Consulate General of Malaysia in Medan, Nor Azhar Hajis said, Ibrahim’s release took a long process after Norlin sent a letter to the Indonesian authorities on July 4 last year for the fisherman’s reduced sentence.

“We finally received the result in a letter dated March 1 which stated that Ibrahim completes his sentence on March 10 (last Saturday),” he said.

Without a remission, Ibrahim would only be released early next year. He carried out his prison sentence in the Tanjong Gusta Prison, Medan.

Ibrahim’s family in Malaysia has been informed of the release and the Consulate General of Malaysia will assist in preparing his travel documents to allow him to return home latest by Wednesday, he added.

He said the family members will welcome his arrival at the KL International Airport (KLIA) once his return date is fixed. — Bernama

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/03/13/malaysian-fisherman-released-after-three-and-half-year-prison-sentence/#ixzz1p6JHbDD6

Click Image to go to the Promo Page

If you pre order your OMD M5 now, you’ll be able to get 3 free gifts and 1 purchase with purchase item

First you buy the Camera at RM 4,499 comes with M.Zuiko Digital 12-50mm  kit( or without lense RM 3,599 but only gets Black color)

you’ll be able to get :

Limited Edition OM-1 Miniature

2nd Free gifts: Exclusive Model Photoshoot in Collaboration with Sorella on 12th of May 2012

3rd Free Gift is either :

Or

So i guessed this is really a no Brainer as i won’t be using 32gig in 1 single memory card, i rather use multiple 8gigs as everyone (pro or experienced photographer) would know the agony of having corrupted Memory card.

AND you get to purchase either all at this fantastic price

at RM 899 (retailed at RM 999) or

M.Zuiko 1.7 MM F2.8 Lense  for RM 599 (retailed at RM 1199) so naturally, everyone will opt for this instead of the additional battery as is like mediocre RM 100 less

We can collect our Camera in Mid APRIL !!! Can’t Wait

A while ago, i was sorta cleaning my cabinet and found this camera hidden deep inside. Is truly a remarkable camera then, and is quite nostalgic to have it back in my hand now. I doubt it will work but then again in yesteryear, most stuff we made to last. Might get it cleaned and serviced if i have the time and money, but comes another problem of finding the film, uses Micro Film.  a popular easy to handle film for the 110mm cameras.

(only available in Ebay or some specialty store)

Minolta merged with Konica back in 2003 and in 2006, they left the camera competition and sold shares to SONY.

(1978) 26mm (f3.5), zone focusing (1.6 feet to infinity) lens.

Electronic shutter with speeds of 2 seconds – 1/1000.

CDS meter provides programmed exposure control and with Hot shoe.

Tripod and cable release sockets.

Built-in close-up lens and detachable flash.

Viewfinder shows a red warning LED if a flash is needed.

With the f:3.5 lens, a flash with a guide number of only 40 (in feet, at ISO 100) will be good to over 20 feet with ISO 400 film.

The camera senses when a flash unit is mounted, and automatically sets smaller apertures for focus distances of 12′ or less, to prevent overexposure, assuming a fixed-output flash with a guide number of 40.

Built-in sliding lens cover locks shutter.

This is the most compact of the high-quality Minolta 110 pocket cameras (handy, very small pocket size, overall 1 x 2 1/8 x 4 5/8″), it is truly a dress-shirt-pocket camera, not just a coat-pocket camera. 100 or 400 speed film.

Needs two MS76 or EPX76 or equivalent; battery-check button.

It did not have a built-in flash — a matching flash unit was available.

 

 

I wanted another Panasonic, and GX1 is the latest addition to the awesome Four Third Family but Nauticam casing is slightly on the high side and they haven’t announce any release on GX1 yet. Fortunately Olympus came out with this beautiful old School OM-D E-M5 camera with in-house Casing.

This greatly narrows down my selection (actually i am getting this comes April) and I can just fit, adjust a few tray then i am good to dive with it already. I’ll probably be getting 2 Inon Z240 and fit it snugly on the improved casing via the fiber port. This Casing, we see Olympus improving the side dial to the LEFT SIDE for easier Control as compared to the previous modal with dials on the top making it relatively difficult for Divers to use.

BEST !

I saw this Beast in some  Camera Magazines and the first thing in my mind was ” OMG HOW MUCH IS THE CASING GONNA COST”, still a mystery as the camera is not in my Market yet. Estimated if i compared with its cousin GF3, GH2 it should be approximately RM 7,500 …. The camera is about RM 3000 when it hits our shore.

To fund my interest, i am Selling my LX5 together with Casing, arms and Strobe Just to be able to afford that Camera alone. Which brings me in deep thought, SHOULD i go for another Compact OR Just tighten my belt and get a DSLR. Of course the latter will need more funding and i am seriously running out of stuff at home to sell.

Some friends suggested i go Olympus since their in-house casing is pretty ok, like this

PT-EP06L or PT-EP03

worth a thought since the casing cost less than the camera and most of my Ultra Light accessories are usable. If i were to go DSLR, the entry level (i’m always a Lumix/Panasonic fan) i’ll be using GH2 with Nauticam Casing. Deep cut into my savings and i’ll have to eat seaweeds for the next 5 years, which is actually quite healthy

with

Nauticam Casing.

so, Unless I strike Lottery, this is still a far fetched dream but dream is what kept us going….. …. IF any of you kind souls would like to sponsor me, I’ll thank you for an eternity, or two

In a very near future, we will have to live on or underwater due to contamination  (not necessarily Nuclear)  caused by us, the humans that throw, dispose and never recycle products be it bio or solid materials. We fill lands with junks, we mountain them with wastage and the repercussion ? scared land, extinction of animals, plantations and ecosystem

Most divers/environmentalist/plant huggers/etc urges the importance of keeping the land/sea healthy. They ran petitions, demonstrated in every streets, some wrote songs, some sang them, some pen poems and others advocated furiously. yet these cries fall on deaf ears.

I’m not asking you to sell your car, cut off your electric supplies , hunt for food and live in  Ice age methods but whatever, whenever try to keep this in mind. Learn to save , learn to recycle, learn to reuse, to retain and to reduce.

Among 6 Billion Souls, you Alone can make significant difference

The Invitation:

I’ve learned a crucial point is that, regardless how well the plans you planned, is never gonna be as good as the spontaneous , totally random ones. We had vacuum opportunity of such when @Myhorng decided to include us #porkgang into his annual family trip: Koh Lipe

Normally we would require much emails corresponding, group chat convincing and some dinner chat to lure, poison and to entice everyone but fortunately some from our group got her Open Water, some bought new dive equipment, some just quit her job, some looking for adventure and some just bored shitless, Lulcky Us.

The History:

Koh Lipe Island is located at the very southern tip of West Thailand. Thais would normally fly to Hat Yai, board a ferry to the island. Malaysians on the other hand can only Ferry from either Penang or Langkawi. We chose Langkawi for several reasons, Alcohol, Alcohol and Alcohol !! Being one of Malaysia’s DUTY Free State/Island, how can alcoholics like us resist the chance of grabbing a few mini bars arsenals.

Island itself is the smallest among the three, Koh Adang & Koh Rawi but being thailand’s oldest national forest reserves, Koh Lipe was the only island Thai Gov sacrifice making it a tourist destination. Nicely done.

Since bookings were made randomly at random times, we have three different resorts/hotels. Some were at Zanom, Sunrise Beach enjoying the serenity and the strong breeze. I was at Pattaya Beach’s west tip, Forra Resort enjoying the bustling arrays of restaurants, bars and massage parlour which we frequent very very often.

They have so much to offer, being a bookworm, being a party animal, divers, photographers, jungle trekkers, devout Buddhist, sand lovers and etc. Really one island to suits everything & everyone. some like me and some friends did diving while the rest were basking themselves silly.

The dive:

We made our booking tru Forra Dive, they operates from within 3 spots. Pattaya, Sunrise and Forra Barracuda (Walking Street) with Antoine. A solid, rustic looking French that have seen many moons in that island. If you met him elsewhere, you’ll assumed he’s with the Foreign Legion.

we’re pluck from our resorts to Forra Boat, massive 60 footer, well equipped with all necessity needed for a comfortable  LOB experience. On board, Antoine and his crew comprises of Dive Masters and rescue divers.

3 dives per day and the whole day out beginning at 9am till 8pm due to the distance and gap from 1 dive site to another.

 Black Moon, have you guys heard about it ? is not mythical or involving any nude dances around any bonfire. Is when the Moon is positioned directly behind the SUN. This is when earth gravitational pull is strongest at one side making ocean tides and current misbehaving (strong & choppy). For experience diver this is excellent time for drift and also you’ll find numerous fishes and big guys come out to play: Strong current = more flow of foods

My 10bar casing still giving me problems especially with settings and dial control. I can’t get a single good setting when i saw some really interesting products

Someone sponsor me a new Underwater Casing plz !! i’ll buy my own DSLR !! hehe..

Xmas Wishlist:

1. Casing for

a) 7000D

b) GH2

c) GF2

d) D90

We managed to cut open 1 fishing’s trap to release a 5 feet Tall Moray Eel. We first thought is the fisherman’s daily income but when we saw the eel, there’s no choice but to cut the trap. Fisherman can starve for a day, but moray eel will die if starved a day. Fish Comes first

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmL5hC6SR7E

THE ISLAND

Regardless how you point your camera and shoot, the pictures will be like in any beautiful island postcard. it just can’t possible go wrong, not even disposable cameras.

Whole island once the sun hides, turns into a big fiesta with twirling fire dancers, reggae pubs, much like Koh Samui on full moon but less drugs , same amount of alcohol same amount of foreigners same Thai soil and all. Krap Krap

My Bro proposed to his 7 years GF Kimberly our last night at the island. He sms us asking us to scout a place, not too noisy, not too dull, not too dim and get ready to shoot, video once he’s on his knees. Congrats to you two

Watch the Proposal Video here ;

httpv://www.youtube.com/embed/4sb0x_bCSkw?rel=0

The Walking Street (i wonder if there’s any street there we need to swim, hop, fly or anything but walk) is covered with sovereignty of various trades. French selling Ice Cream (we have more info she’s selling more than Ice Cream), dive Shops, Utilities shop, Laundry, restaurants, pubs, souvenir shops and more restaurants. is almost daily routine to walk this street while relaxing along the beaches.

We as tourist, doing what tourist should do, snapping pictures like there’s no tomorrow.

Like all things, end must come. The epic adventures in Koh  Lipe will be seared into my memory for a long time and hopefully we get to visit this mystical island in the near future.

Our Transport to Ferry, thai ppl’s daily commune

catching another Glimpse of Koh Lipe before we depart’

The beautiful Emerald sea gently washing the white sand. 

‘

Langkawi !! here we come !’

Thank you my dearest  Bro and Sis

@myhorng @yukisq @fireangel @lavuarne @kimberlycun @shaolintiger @z33s and my Dar @_klin_ for such a remarkable holiday

We were at Pulau Redang for End Season dive. Whole resort just us crazy folks, doing crazy things. It was a blissful holiday.

For me, it was an escape from sanity as i think i was kinda depressed, fortunately as usual the sea water helps dampen my sorrow. With beautiful corals, clear visibility and great company, could you ask for more?

Here’s a series of pictures i took. The rest inside my Facebook.

“spiky sea cucumber”

“Purple Sea Anemone”

“Banded Coral Shrimp”

“Some soft Sea Corals, just taking cuz the contrast is just beautiful”

“Nudi”

“Just another interesting shot, i am actually practising some composition, hopefully in 5 years time when i look back, i can gauge my improvement”

“Shaolintiger apologizing to Nemo”

“Kimberly posing happily for camera”

“I am not very good in Wide Angle, just practicing”

“The whole bunch, at our last dive or so, happily descending”

“This is the closest i’ll ever get to a Barracuda, Giant Barracuda are fearful creatures due to PMS, Crankiness, Craziness and whole lots other”

“If God were fishing, this is what he’ll haul in, a bunch of narcosis Divers”

“Lil Miss Nicole with her Arsenals, this baby worth a small kancil”

“Derek is such a cam whore when it comes to diving, wait, he’s a cam whore in dry land too”

” All of us as a group diving in Redang for End Season lead by Ed the Man-Gills-sapien”

*taken with LX5 using 10bar casing, 1 x Sea& Sea Strobe with various Macro and Wide Angle lenses from Inon & 10Bar

This is truly a memorable dive, we lost a dear friend in this due to Car accident. She was bubbly and funny. Will be missed!