Conserving The Heritage of Tioman Island

Tioman Island is an island paradise with its very own pristine clear water which used to be a favorite holiday destination for backpackers in the past.  Many years ago this part of the world is a place where energetic youngsters would go for snorkeling, scuba diving, beach, playing beach volleyball and other sport activities.  It's not easy to forget those memorable heroic days especially with friends like Gary and the rest of school time buddies.  
 

Coming back to Tioman again after a lapse of so many years just to see how much the environment had changed was the main motivation.  But the journey to the East Coast and not to mention waiting time for the irregular ferries at Mersing jetty can be a pretty daunting task.  Being youngsters with tight rope budget we used to make it there by overnight land transport to Mersing and catch the first available ferry with sleepy eyes and a heart full of enthusiasm and energy. To make life easier, there are other alternative such as direct flights from KL or even Singapore to this Malaysia's heritage.     

Holiday makers usually clad in casual dressings with light traveling bags will be the familiar sight. After all a short 60 minutes flight time by a propeller-engine plane is as easy as a breeze. Walking on the tarmac for boarding during a hot sunny day is a welcoming sign that Tioman is waiting for our arrival.

Traveling back to the past reminds me those beautiful memories of its natural habitats such as those sandy beaches, corals, marine life, and of course and a bunch of school friends.  Well, in order to witness again those beautiful time capsule once again is to get a seat and wait for the plane to land at Tekek airport.  The one and only airport that is accessible by flight in Tioman island. 

This small airport greet visitors arrival at Tekek which is one of the many villages surrounding this island. Tekek is probably the most inhabited village due to the host of public infrastructures e.g. hospital, schools, etc.  Traditionally this is still a fishermen village and still is today. 

Welcome to Tioman

Reminiscing an old TV series called "Fantasy Island" back in the 80s, the feeling of this flight journey had somehow reflected a similar atmosphere. Well, if only you have a wish to come true in going to this fantasy island of Tioman.
  

Boys and girls, it's time to head to the beach for a refreshing dip into the cool sea water. Sun, sand and sea is all about a relaxing island getaway similar with many island holidays.  But for those naturalist who really loves protecting the environment and travel to the bottom of the ocean to see its beauty, Tioman offers many dive spots. As for divers this would ultimately be an advantage in this aspect.  Dive! Dive! Dive!

This is a treasure trove of breathtaking marine attractions. Corals, seashells and limpets, thorny sea urchins, colorful seaweeds and anemones, starfish and a myriad of other aquatic life forms are abundant here. The crystal clear waters during good season make scuba diving and snorkeling in Tioman a great experience. There are many recommended neighboring islands for scuba diving and snorkeling and the many tour operators around this island will know where exactly to bring you.  

Tioman is also a very popular destination for divers certification. Most Malaysian or even Singapore's dive schools will send students to Tioman for the pre-requisite 4 open water dives here in order to be certified divers. This is largely due to the clear water visibility of the dive sites and also the available resort facilities. In the 70s this island was named by TIME magazine as the most beautiful island in the world. But in recent years it has lost some flairs due to development.

There are not that too many resort hotels or chalets that have been built throughout the years.  At least over development had been well controlled by the island authorities nowadays. You will never run short of accommodation choices when selecting a hotel to the most affordable chalet huts as your temporary sanctuary during your stay.  Most of the accommodations are located along the villages surrounding the island.

The sea water here is as salty as I could remember.  In order to enjoy the many beautiful beaches around this island, it requires a lot of efforts in preserving this national heritage site.  Every tourist upon arrival at the respective port of disembarkation e.g. jetty or airport will be issued a Conservation Fee costing RM5.00 each person that was not practiced in those days.

  

It is very alarming that the level of sea pollution and destruction to the entire ecological system in the past had imperative consequences today.  Hence, conserving the heritage of Tioman for our future generations is necessary with better understanding the true meaning of conservation.       

A simple proof of this man-made self-destruction can be easily witnessed from the many dead corals that are washed ashore along the beaches.  One don't have to dig far to see this devastation. Just easy snorkeling will review this horrible sight. The only way forward is to preserve the remaining coral jewels and other marine life that are still intact. 

Broken Corals

The damage was so great and the only way out from this situation is to protect this beautiful island for later generations or else there's nothing left from them to inherit.  A lot of awareness about ocean conservation have been created in recent years to ensure that all living corals and marine life are protected from harm. The result is very clear with the a sense of feeling a healthy environment as we go around visiting the island.             

Nature's Harmony

The good news is there're still plenty of wildlife with its natural habitat still thrive in this very island. Not all life forms are lost.  Its natural green setting goes beyond anyone's imagination for a healthy green living. This is simply a very well balanced harmony living with nature.      

The little girl from Ipanema. "Ain't seeing any fishes around"

Insects, iguanas, fishes, birds, snails, monkeys, crabs and of course mosquitoes are some of the common stuffs you would find in this island life.  Wanna see some real big fishes? No problem at all. Just head to the sandy beaches and you can still see plenty of em.

Tioman offers a host of habitats for just every living creatures. Just explore around and you will find more. Try this nature discovery approach (with a camera) and the reward is understanding the basis of of Loving Kindness "Metta" for all living beings. 

  

The Morning Daylight

Waking up on a lazy morning the first thing most city folks will get to breath the fresh air and catch a glimpse of the beautiful scenery that the island can offer. Purely relaxing in harmony with the nature is what city folks will truly appreciate. 

The island is densely forested with many beaches. Jungle trekking, rock climbing, and visiting the waterfalls are some of the daylight opportunities to see the attractions this island has to offer. Because of the absence of roads in Tioman, the best possible way to travel is by a round-island tour to the various attraction highlights. 

The blue horizon as far as you could see is pretty calm under the morning sunlight. Light cotton clothing, t-shirts, and shorts are ideal for this kind of warm and sunny weather.  

Surrounded by lush greenery, towering rainforest trees and secured by a pristine ocean, there is a blissful sight for rejuvenation and resting the mind to be found here. Nothing matters more than a good escape to the beachfront for the entire day.

   

Nightfall

As soon as sunset the island would turn into a quiet and peaceful place on earth. Unlike other island destinations e.g. Phuket in Thailand that would be streaming with night activities when nightfall. There're no shopping centers, cinemas or pubs around this island. Hence, staying in Tioman for a nice quiet holiday is ideal for people who prefers tranquility. Slow and easy life is all about this place from day one we set foot here during our teenager days. Not a bad idea for honeymooners or a family get together where there's nothing else to do at night but to spend a good early night sleep that you will never find in city life.
 

The aroma of good times with friends and colleagues is best enjoyed at the dining table. Basically there's nothing much to do at night apart from filling the hunger after a full day of dehydration from dive activity or island hopping. Fisherman's catch of the day is the main course for the night apart from some favorite local dishes. Whichever village you may be staying in this island, you won't find many local restaurants. It's good to know the availability of restaurant choices by exploring around during free time to be assured that you won't be hungry all night long.   

    

  

Catch of the day

In the distance, the lamps of the night-time surroundings looked like bright stars that had abandoned the heavens, affirming the unquestionable allure of this earthly paradise. After dinner and casual chatting with family and friends, it is almost time to switch off the lights and tug into bed for some good resting before embarking more actions on the next daylight.  

Escape life stress and venture into this tropical heritage of Tioman to rediscover its island richness. It is still beyond doubt that this is a heaven for everyone with a passion for a well deserved break and with inspiration to preserve its natural beauty for our future generations.

"When we dive we are granted an exclusive privilege to enjoy the astonishing beauty of the underwater world. Therefore, we are also responsible to protect it and ensure future generations will enjoy it too".

Song Now Playing

Another Marine Conservation Video

Light My Fire - The Karmic Law of Attraction

Light My Fire

Remember those good old days when we first met someone very special? Start from birth we are almost destined to meet that special someone later in life. This is just one part of our life destiny apart from other destinies throughout our growing years. It is about the Love Destiny that many of us will and been through in life. When this karmic force ripens at the right opportune moment, that's when we will meet this special someone. Sparks of fire ignites the blooming relationship as we easily put it. That's how this karmic tendencies in relation to the Law of Attraction is been explained.

Sometimes it is not easy for the opposite sex especially female to have fire burning all around her to get into a serious relationship. Guys will have to beg and chase after the relationship. But once her fire started sweetness follow. Isn't it how every relationship goes this way?

We may not realize that this apparent love relationship is conditioned by craving for each other. Just like a spark of fire and there the love relationship started to grow and grow. Certainly the Law of Attraction will leave a very deep and lasting impression inside the mind many years later either with your first love or current love.

In the beginning of every relationship, getting to know one another and seriously fell in love at first-sight brings back many unforgettable memories both good and bad. Keeping the fire burning is the simplest sense in order for a long lasting relationship. But as uncertainties unfold, some relationships may go through break-ups.

Similarly to love, hatred also bring back many unforgettable memories.  As long as you have engaged in any deep relationship, those memories can linger around for a long time once this karmic law of attraction is activated.


The Karmic Law of Attraction
This special story is based on a true unfading memories that may be captivating the hearts and minds for some of us due to this karmic Law of Attraction. It happened and it's a true account that you probably had had experienced. It may sound tempting and romantic but it comes with an unending sorrow for some of us and regrets where we try to bury the past love.

Those are the days when some of us just started a job career to earn a living and learning how to become adults as this special relationship got started off. Laughter, happiness and sad moments, tiredness after finishing work, eating late night suppers together, watching movies, going through relationship challenges, and many other things that each couples would have done.  We are so ignorant at that tender age about the meaning of love that brings about harmony and quarrels, upsets and forgiveness. All the jealousies that was caused to each other, the pains and sorrows are just part of life as we do not understand this clearly.

It is common nature for us as human beings wanting to find that special someone to share the love. Wooing someone of the opposite sex is natural as we're born in this world with this love karma in each one of us no matter what ethnic race, religion or country you are born. Isn't this true?
  

After successfully wooing the opposite sex and becoming boyfriend and girlfriend, the sense of achievement is great.  But in some courtships they may not last long due to certain reasons i.e. personality mismatch, difference of opinions, etc.  After the relationship has broken-up, the unfading memories may still remain inside the mind. At times for no reason your ex may just pop out at the mind door.

As human, we have a very complex mind faculty that enable consciousness, thinking, reasoning and to perceive. We can experience these lingering and unfading memories at one time or another due to this mental faculty. This is how the mind work. By understanding this way properly, we can let go the past and look toward life in a new perspective.


Desperate In Finding Love  
For those who are defiant in finding love after many failures may resort to searching for what we call "Love Amulets" or love talismans. This approach is perceived to help finding a relationship as in a courtship with the opposite sex. This may not be the answer as this kind of so called miracle love amulets cannot guarantee you the success in finding your next love.

There are certainly many types of propaganda talismans in the amulet marketplace trying to promote this so called "love potion" or the ultimate solution to your emptiness. Some nosy friends may even suggest a Khun Paen talisman may be a good alternative especially those with suggestive sexual symbols. We may easily resort to various kind of such talismans to enhance our attractiveness to achieve this love desire.

No matter what type of love seductive talismans it may be to gain an upper hand in finding love, with deeper understanding we can wise up later in life and view that romance is actually a kind of suffering.  Nobody will guarantee you that these love talismans can ensure your new found love will stay by your side forever until the very end of life.  


Romance is Suffering
For most couples during a serious relationship term everything is beautiful. Guys will just go along to comply every wishes of their sweethearts. In most situation guys are blinded by the air of loves.  In most marriages the chronology of event happens this way...

Firstly comes the engagement Ring
Secondly comes the wedding Ring
At later stage comes the sufferRing

We are not trying to imply that all marriages ends up with suffering. But in most cases suffering is very common due to arguments, disagreements, and a whole lot of marital relationship issues. For those who have experienced the bitter part of married life will surely agree that suffering is indeed very painful. Some may suffer a broken relationship along the way and this is very real.

For some unfortunate ones after many years, the past love memories may crawl back once in a while and sometimes there's a feeling that it just got started only yesterday. But it may be too late for some of us as the love had already ended. Feelings of regret, remorse and a bitter sense of wanting to turn the clock back is beyond help. These past relationship memories always stay dormant inside the mind. At any time the mind without giving any notice in advance will flip the memories back for us just as though like opening a slide show.  Some of us may find it hard to stop the memories from flowing back and asked why is it so?

Depicting an answer found in the Samyutta Nikaya Sutta - What is the conditioning factor for  love karmic? Body is the condition.  And with body and form goes feelings, perception, consciousness, and all the activities throughout the relationship. The arising of form and the ceasing of form--everything that has been heard, sensed, and known, sought after and reached by the mind-all this is the embodied world, to be penetrated and realized.

For those who are still unattached, attached or already ended up married, if you could fully understand the above paragraph, you are just one step closer in answering your own sorrows due to this karmic law of attraction.  If you don't, please do not feel despair as life has more beautiful meaning. 


The Four Noble Truths
Looking back at all those negative suffering of humankind due to this karmic law of attraction, some people can have very good relationship from the beginning toward almost the end. The selected video below provides a good example that even the most happiest relationship will still end up with sorrows and sufferings. 

We all wanted a perfect love and relationship if only you are lucky enough to have one.  In reality the marital bliss one may already experiencing now is just a temporary happiness as life is very unpredictable as could be seen in this video clip.  



Relating this sensational video clip, we can easily mirror ourselves with the ups and downs in our mortal life.  Try to imagine that you wanna save some money in a cookie jar for a family vacation and suddenly the car needs repair and all the money vanish just like that. Again another catastrophic event happened when things seem right. This happy and sad turbulence goes on and on for most couples. Finally when it's time to reach your goal for a great retirement vacation and your plan was cut short due to life termination of your partner.

Buddha had taught the Four Noble Truths namely birth, ageing, sickness and finally death. Therefore, if you already have a blessed relationship please cherish every single moment with your loved ones.  May you find the above reasoning be useful in understanding the nature of life in particular the suffering brought along by this karmic law of attraction.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

"Life is Short. Treasure whatever you have got. Be easily contended and not asking for too much in this existence. May this phrase brings you calm and happiness". 
Ken Geo  

Easy Listening For Your Heart

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