Nice mix of old and new. If you click on the pix you’ll see a larger image. In this case, read the sign…kind of funny. Maybe not to the pigs…but to me
Cool doorway. Penang has a nice mix of cultures and influences.
Traditional? But I passed a few old shop where people were doing very labor intensive products like wicker and noodles.
And Yes, Taxi in Malaysian is ….
So I am going to keep adding a few pictures every couple of days for the development of our shop.
Here is the biggest, scariest part of our shop – the electrical…
This was built and designed by a group of deranged wombats. Seriously weird layout. With one switch in the back of the shop controlling the outside, while there is one in the front of the shop that controls the upstairs and four switches that do nothing, and several switches that only control other switches. Beyond that it’s all put together with cheap tape and spit. Well…
you will also note three cords that are left hanging there. That three different cords, live, ungrounded just dangling near each other.
Anyhow, on more joyous news…we have the front side of the shop out of beta, and ready to move on. There will be significant upgrades, so wait and see.
Here is Aom and her brother scrubbing the shit out of the front. I then had them bleach it to kill all the gunk. We are painting it next week.
Also the electrical guy comes, then air conditioning, then to government comes to see if the electric was done right (if you didn’t know, we don’t pay bribes, so this could be very interesting indeed).
It’s never as easy as it seems. But next week I start doing construction myself – building classroom, clinic and office upstairs.
And…still have equipment room to go!
First off I gotta say that it is a silly name. But you remember it, and that’s what counts…
But I must say this is the first time I’ve had such good service in SE Asia. They answered Emails almost immediately, they gave very good, clear answers to the questions I asked and even asked if I needed a taxi to meet me at airport. This is all coming from some backpackers joint in China town…
They also offer Visa service to all us travelers and ex-pats. So they were able to tell me exactly what paperwork I needed to bring, how much it would cost and even warned me about a holiday that would screw things up.
This is Lily – she’s got all your emails, and I can’t remember his name (sorry) but they run the show. And they remembered me after 6 months, so they are in the right profession.
The best part! Penang is offering 1 year visas again.
Combine that with Fireflyz airline (again, a pretty stupid name considering we were parked on the runway that plane exploded a few weeks ago – “fire” is one of those names i don’t want associated with my airplane experience, that or “crash” or “explode” or “burst into flames for no reason”). But They do offer a sweet flight from Phuket airport in the evening, and if you do your visa application correctly you’ll be back in less than 48 hours.
They also have great taste in stickers!
Mad props to these guys for their awesome service and services.
There are several choices for those wanting to stay on the Similan Islands. There is camping in tents provided by the National Parks. There are also two classes of bungalows on Similan Island #4, the one with shared toilets and the “seaview” bungalows. These are restaurants on the islands and the overnight stay is often the highlight of people trips. With very little light pollution – the stars under the Andaman sky are enchanting.
The Similan National Marine Park was also building some bungalows on Similan #8, and they claimed to be building some on Koh Tachai as well. It would be really exciting if there were other options like these (Koh Tachai is gorgeous). But we are not able to make reservations with the National Park Headquarters, so it remains to be seen.
The tents are 3 person tents with plenty of space. You are able to lock the tents (rarely an issue) and they come with a small mat to sleep on. These cost 500 baht per night, which is in addition to your park entry fee.
There are also Bungalows with shared bathroom facilities. These have fans and offer beds (the mattresses are quite hard – the ways Thais like them). These are 1000 baht per night (maximum two person occupancy). This is in addition to your park entry fee.
Finally there are Seaview bungalows. some of these have aircon, a few have fan. Most of them have some form of view. These all face sunset, and in a few of them it can be quite spectacular.
Again, the beds are quite stiff (it takes getting used to) and the bathrooms are okay. But if you want that extra bit of luxury – this is the way.
These cost 2000 per night, and we recommend reservations as they can be sold out during holidays.
There is also a restaurant on each of the islands (Similan #4, Similan #8 and Koh Tachai). There is usually a small souvenir shop, but they are not well stocked. We recommend getting sunscreen, batteries and film being purchased before visiting the islands.
We are waiting for the day we can jump in Breakfast Bend when it looks like this.
This is such a great site, combining drift diving with a visit to most of the main zones on the reefs…
The Benthic Down where the reef meets the coral, around 25-30 meters most of the way around this site.
The coral both the sloping reef and the shallows.
We also get the currents coming in and then we get a chance to see the big fish come through.
Ahh…the smooth waters will be here any day now….
Tick Tock
tick
Tock
One of our favorite boats to work on – the White Manta – has been refurbished and offers more room and more amenities for everyone.
With larger cabins and En suite bathrooms, the White Manta has upgraded herself into a new market.
Her first trips will be in November, so check out our site for more information.
You will usually find our staff on the boat and with all that space it makes for a great, fun trip.
Check back here for more trip updates throughout the season.
Similan Diving
What a day!
It is nice and hot out with the perfect conditions to get wet! Wish the sea would calm down a bit so we could dive.
It’s been sunny all day and we all took a “lazy day” today.
Everything is so green it hurts. Everything that can grow something has, so lots of weeding and scrubbing and all sorts.
We are putting together pieces for our next season right now, and already planning for beyond that. It’s exciting!
and of course….
Similan Diving
Whale Shark Research
Safer Diving
Thailand Liveaboards
So we are deep into painting right now. Pretty funny, as Aom is a “delicate flower” and doesn’t like to get dirt on her – is getting right into it.
Her brother is a really hard worker and he is loving it.
They spent the last two months hanging out doing just about nothing because the shop was closed and Khao Lak was not that exciting in rainy season.
I think that when we come back to these same pictures in a few weeks we will have a great before after scene.
The neighbor shops saw us cleaning, so they decided to do the same. They are pulling weeds and making their shops look nicer. Which is good, because they looked like crap.
I tried to get a picture of the woman in her chair, but she leapt away as soon as the camera came out…..so it looks like stealth camera action this year….
Again – check out whale-shark.org for more news about our new research project in association with Golden Buddha resort on Koh Phra Thong
and as always….
Similan Diving
Safer Diving
Thailand Liveaboards
Our new project, in partnership with Golden Buddha Resort and Ecocean is now live!
Please visit the new site – whale-shark.org is the address…
We are very happy to announce the project dates, in late March and mid-April. We are not only seeking people to join in the research, but we are also offering two scholarships to deserving local divers. We will have lots more about that project as we get closer.
If you would like to help our research expeditions, please check out these pages
We also have lots of interesting whale shark facts and information.
There is also information about our boat, the accommodation and even how to get here.
As always…
Similan Diving
Safer Diving
Thailand liveaboards
and now….
Whale Shark Conservation
We finally got a nice spell of weather for the last 20 hours and got to see the moon and stars last night.
The sun is out and shining brightly. It’s nice. The mood has spiked considerably.
We did get a weather forecast that says things might bit a bit rainy for the next week, so we’ll make the most of this while we can.
If you check back later tonight our new website for Whale Shark research will be complete. It’s an exciting project and does good works.
As always….
Similan Diving
Safer Diving
Thailand Liveaboards
That’s right! we are busy setting up our new shop. Lots of space, great location and easy to find – the bus stops right in front of the shop!
If you look at the picture to the left, please keep an eye out for the woman in the chair. I have a feeling she will be in every picture of our shop for the next year. She works in the “shit shop” next door. They sell tourist crap and not much else. She spends her days in that chair, until a tourist approaches, then she attacks.
It’s great to start from scratch…there is nothing in the shop at all. so we are cleaning the walls, scrubbing floor and even going at the grout with toothbrushes!
We have the front office, the equipment room, the cleaning area, the classroom upstairs office and even room for a clinic. In addition we will have plenty of space out front for coffee and even beers at the end of the day. We’ll have free wireless for all those with computers and phones.
Here we go…the start of a new season.
Also keep an eye out for several new projects – including our whale shark research program, our new boat, new staff, new websites and so much more.
In the meantime….
Similan Diving
Safer Diving – Dan courses
Thailand liveaboards
Well the weather is still here! Great days for reading, relaxing inside and listening to the sounds of rain on the huge banana tree leaves.
In the meantime we are preparing several exciting projects for the season ahead. One of the most exciting is our affiliation with Golden Buddha Resort and our Whale Shark Research program!
For those interested we will be putting more and more information up here, on our website and probably in the news!
If you would like to pencil Late March and Mid-April onto your calenders – you’ll be able to join us for this truly exciting project.
Please keep checking back in for more details.
Similan Diving
Diving Safety
Thailand Liveaboards
Thanks to all of you for waiting so long…We finally got back and have reopened the shop. The last few weeks we have scattered to the wind in our various countries and homes…
Paul went to America to work at Buringman, and had a great time (though he is a bit mum on the details!)
Aom Stayed in Khao Lak and watched Charmed episodes until her eyes bled.
Karin went to Sweden and is still there helping on her family farm.
The weather has been wet, and may be among the wettest on record. That’s great news for the farmers, rain forests and for us divers too!
With plenty of nutrient rich waters we’ll have a great season for fish and vibrant corals. The long range forecast says that we are entering an El Nina year, which means a dry season with hot weather. That’s makes for perfect diving conditions.
With all Resorts open, and many of them booked for the holidays already – it looks to be a great season for everyone.
Please keep tuning in for many more updates, pictures and gossip from us here at Wicked Diving.
If you need any help or information about us, Khao Lak, the Similan or Surin Islands – please feel free to write to us at…..Wicked Diving
Wicked Diving
Diving Safety
Similan Liveaboards
