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Perhentian has reached the cross roads of change. I guess that is the fate of many paradise islands in the world today, where modernization efforts went against the will to keep the rustic feeling that it had become famous for.
Other Islands such as Redang and Tioman have succumbed to the pressures of modern tourism in the last few years. Perhentian Island, especially the Long Beach area had resisted change, and retained its charm with the thatch huts and simple beach life that had attracted backpackers for years. But I feel that this could very well be the last year. Already, govenment funded jetties have sprouted up in the main beaches of Perhentian. As my trip to Perhentian ended in mid September, the main foundation columns were already completed. The jetty will be completed by the time dive and holiday season kicks back into gear in March 2008.
Besides having the new jetty just a few yards from its door step, Bubu Resort at the end of 2007 will also be undergoing further renovations to their ground and first floors. The second floor, where I stayed in, had already been renovated. I will admit, it is a lot less basic than it used to be. Now, the rooms are equipped with better lighting, wood flooring, more luxurious bedding and a wardrobe. Unfortunately, the bathrooms are hardly touched except for the addition of shower curtains.
Many of the beach front huts and chalets have already ceased their operations. Perhaps, we shall soon see larger commercialized operations in their place next year. The winds of change are already upon us, and sadly, Perhentian will never be the same as before. However, I think we should all hold our opinions, as change is not always bad.
A last word in about the island. Last year, I raved about the fruit juices at Daniel's Cafe. Sadly, I did not feel that their food nor beverages lived up to their standards they had last year. This year, I was pleasantly thrilled by the food over at Panorama. Ask for the pizzas.
Diving with Quiver Dive Center
Quiver is relatively new. It is setup right next to Bubu Resort. The dive center is very basic, but they have enough to give you a fulfilling dive or adequate visual equipment for your dive training. Most important is that they have wonderful people there, who pay close attention to fulfilling your diving needs. Just name your flavor, mine has always been macro photography and the divemasters did not fail me in the least.
Due North of the Shipwreck
Also known as the Vietnamese wreck, this dive is one of the favorites that feature a swim through the old WWII landing craft. Inside, a school of Chevron Barracudas lay and wait for their next meal. As with many of these dive sites, the bottom is silty, and the currents can become quite strong. Although a favorite site, we had elected to dive due North about 50 metres from the descend rope. Here, nestled in the sand feature sea life not often seen on reefs. Be on the lookout for rare nudibranchs, Adam's urchin crabs (Zebra crabs) on their host of small pin-cushion urchins and believe it or not, Seahorses.
Due South of D'Lagoon
About 100 metres south-east of the D'Lagoon (Teluk Kerma) descend line is a patch of seagrass beds that has yielded interesting finds. Plenty of pipefish, nudibranch (Philinopsis sp.) and sea hares (Aplysia sp.) could be found. We had explored this area in search of saw blade shrimps. Better luck next year.
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