Day 1: Singapore - Mersing - Dayang
Day 2: Dayang
Day 3: Dayang - Mersing - Singapore
The Preparation
I signed up with Gill Divers for the Advance Open Water Course two months ago, only to find a date that matches my schedule two months later. I was pretty excited as I'm looking forward to underwater photography more than the dive itself. James had lent me his underwater strobe, arm, tray & guide light, while Chung had lent me his underwater camera casing. The only thing that belong to me is the Fuji F50fd camera.
Here's the whole setup.
DAY 01 (24 October 2008, Friday)
About 20 of us arrived at Gill Divers (37B Hong Kong Street) at 1900hrs to depart for Malaysia. Due to the traffic jam at the Malaysia customs, we arrived at Mersing at 0100hrs. We boarded "Damai Express" and headed towards Dayang on a 4hr ferry ride.
We checked in to Dayang Blue Resort for a quad sharing room for a rest before our morning dive.
DAY 2 (25 October 2008, Saturday)
The morning sun shinning on the white sandy beach makes the island bright and colourful.
We had a hearty breakfast at 0900hrs, then went to our own group instuctors for respective briefings. There are 3 of us in the Advance Open Water Course, 10 in the Open Water Course, 1 in Rescue Diver Course, and another 4 in the Leisure Dive group.
My instrutor Bob briefed us about the dive requirements and the drills we needed to do underwater. And soon, we were out on our first dive where we did 'Peak Performance Buoancy'.
After we have completed the necessary drills, we had a leisure dive around to snap some photos.
Spotted a Tall Fin Batfish
Me and my classmates Desmond and Peter
After the first dive, we were back at the resort for lunch, before we go out into the sea for the second dive, where we did underwater navigation.
We proceeded back to the resort for tea break for a short break, before we go out for a leisure dive with another group.
And finally by late evening, we went out again for the night dive. I had thoroughly enjoyed it very much. The surroundings were dark underwater, but with light beams shinning all over, it makes the experience like some sort of night treasure hunt mission. Of course that was a very memorable experience for me.
The night ended with a cool dinner alfresco-style under the stars, and sitting around chatting with other divers on some dive experiences.
DAY 3 (26 October 2008, Sunday)
We started the morning with a drift deep dive of 30m. Diving along with the high speed current were extrememly fun. You only need to relax and sail along with the current.
Here's Bob, Peter, and Desmond
It's back at the resort for a quick breakfast, and then to the last dive of the trip. As we have completed all the drills and exercises required under the PADI Advance Open Water Course, we went for another leisure dive this round.
This is the dive boat that we were on - Damai Express
After the last dive, we packed up and left for Mersing and then on the minibus ride back to Singapore. Bob certifite us with the Advance Open Water Course certification and had a debrief for us on the way back.
MORE PHOTOS
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FAST FACTS
Advance Open Water Course (including land transfer, ferry transfer, accomodation & 6 dives): $510
Food & miscellaneous: S$21
TOTAL EXPENDITURE: S$531
TRAVEL GUIDES / NEWS / MAGAZINES
Dayang Island
http://www.dayangisland.com/
Gill Divers
http://www.gilldivers.com/
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