I have been on many a ‘boys trip’, whether it be accompanied by good mates or the rugby team. This month I experienced a unique version of this time old tradition when Isaac and I spent a long weekend on the island of Pulau Lang Tengah on Malaysia’s east coast.
This expedition was a last minute arranged affair. Lina, was scheduled for a company trip in Bali during the same weekend (poor thing!), and the original plan was for us lads to hang out in KL. After carefully considering agendas for such a weekend, I did some thinking. A conservative estimate was that we had ridden the underwater walkway at the aquarium 3 times in the last month. Furthermore, the cleaning staff at the national planetarium is now on a first name basis with Isaac following multiple visits over the past year. A breath of fresh air was clearly
This expedition was a last minute arranged affair. Lina, was scheduled for a company trip in Bali during the same weekend (poor thing!), and the original plan was for us lads to hang out in KL. After carefully considering agendas for such a weekend, I did some thinking. A conservative estimate was that we had ridden the underwater walkway at the aquarium 3 times in the last month. Furthermore, the cleaning staff at the national planetarium is now on a first name basis with Isaac following multiple visits over the past year. A breath of fresh air was clearly
required - literally. My only requirement was that it needed to be vastly different from the urban jungle that is KL. Sand and waves would be nice, so after quickly crossing off Sunway Lagoon as an option, I settled on Lang Tengah.
The physical beauty of the Malaysian North-East Coast Islands is spectacular. Our resort was one of only several on this tiny island, nestled in a cove, flanked by rock, with acres of coral below the sea and beyond.
Predictably, there was no challenge in keeping Isaac amused during our 4 day stay. The Malaysian staff and fellow guests were more than happy to assist. Furthermore, after the first day, the staff had satisfied their curiosity as to why this Mat Salleh man was travelling alone with a child. My explanation still drew puzzled stares but presumably it became clear that no kidnapping was involved and therefore no need to call Interpol.
What I love about staying in beach resorts is that if you let yourself, it’s easy to slip into that delightful holiday dreamland state. Where whole books are devoured before lunch. Those same books that, at home, take dozens of before-bedtime sessions. Even the conformity of the regular mealtimes, the predictability of the natural surroundings; these quickly become your friends.
During these 4 days, the pattern of beach strolling at sunrise before breakfast becomes firmly established. Isaac soon sorted his regular haunts and hangouts during the day. Visiting the dive shop to watch the divers suiting up. Lounging poolside, checking on the new arrivals from around the world and what they had to offer. Loitering at the beach, encouraging romantic honeymoon couples to join him in sand castle making. At times I felt a bit like the security attachment, watching, ready to pounce when required; usually to save the other party from any unwanted pestering.
As for activities, the highlight was unquestionably the snorkelling. For those with children who have seen ‘Finding Nemo’ a million times, get the dive mask and snorkel on them as soon as you can, then enjoy the look on their face as they see it in real life for the first time; priceless.
Our accommodation was on the rustic side, the food uninspiring, and there were a few too many cigarette butts littering the ground, however I was not disappointed, simply because I knew what to expect. And, to be honest I like it a bit rough, and Isaac was certainly not concerned in the slightest. We came to the island to enjoy some time away from the city and to spend some quality boy’s time together. Mission accomplished.
The physical beauty of the Malaysian North-East Coast Islands is spectacular. Our resort was one of only several on this tiny island, nestled in a cove, flanked by rock, with acres of coral below the sea and beyond.
Predictably, there was no challenge in keeping Isaac amused during our 4 day stay. The Malaysian staff and fellow guests were more than happy to assist. Furthermore, after the first day, the staff had satisfied their curiosity as to why this Mat Salleh man was travelling alone with a child. My explanation still drew puzzled stares but presumably it became clear that no kidnapping was involved and therefore no need to call Interpol.
What I love about staying in beach resorts is that if you let yourself, it’s easy to slip into that delightful holiday dreamland state. Where whole books are devoured before lunch. Those same books that, at home, take dozens of before-bedtime sessions. Even the conformity of the regular mealtimes, the predictability of the natural surroundings; these quickly become your friends.
During these 4 days, the pattern of beach strolling at sunrise before breakfast becomes firmly established. Isaac soon sorted his regular haunts and hangouts during the day. Visiting the dive shop to watch the divers suiting up. Lounging poolside, checking on the new arrivals from around the world and what they had to offer. Loitering at the beach, encouraging romantic honeymoon couples to join him in sand castle making. At times I felt a bit like the security attachment, watching, ready to pounce when required; usually to save the other party from any unwanted pestering.
As for activities, the highlight was unquestionably the snorkelling. For those with children who have seen ‘Finding Nemo’ a million times, get the dive mask and snorkel on them as soon as you can, then enjoy the look on their face as they see it in real life for the first time; priceless.
Our accommodation was on the rustic side, the food uninspiring, and there were a few too many cigarette butts littering the ground, however I was not disappointed, simply because I knew what to expect. And, to be honest I like it a bit rough, and Isaac was certainly not concerned in the slightest. We came to the island to enjoy some time away from the city and to spend some quality boy’s time together. Mission accomplished.
Huge lizard wandering through the resort
Isaac acquainting himself with fellow resort inhabitants
Getting and giving some diving tips. Beginner divers in the pool.
The mess hall....I mean dining area.
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