What matters most..

After a long day with my kids
I sat alone and pondered
About how the day had gone.
So much accomplished,
that my heart is still palpitating from stress..
I feel quite burnt out, and so do my kids..
But yeah, I'm proud of all things achieved today...
Or so I think.. coz my heart feels differently.

Off the top of my head today
We got to ballet at 9am sharp,
Phew, we're getting better at getting up on  time.
I  managed to get my child to understand
what 15 out of 1,555 means in terms of percentage.
I got her to understand, the difference between
a clause and a phrase, the different types of adverbs.
I got the kids to unpack and repack their entire messy drawers.
We worked on geography and history
I got them to focus and insisted that no matter what
Today's work is today's, so no matter what,
 It HAD to be done....Discipline.
I stood my ground and said,
"Work not finished, no going out."
So true to my word, at 6pm when all the kids were out
I made my kids sit down to continue with work
coz they daydreamed and played parts of the day.

Finally by nightfall, my kids finished it all,
I gave them a pat on the back and said "Well done!"
So much accomplised today, wonderful.
I gave myself a pat too.
I thought, surely, I know what's best for my kid
I'll push them in everything, coz they have potential!
A weak parent is a weak child!
Discipline is important. Never give in, push push PUSH!
One day they'll achieve great things because of me!
But again, my heart thought differently.


After all,
How had I managed to help them
achieve all these "great" things?
I used praise, bribes, rewards, stickers.
I used nagging, sometimes even shouting.
I prodded them out of daydreams,
Scolded them for slow work, pushed them because
I knew, If they could be pushed to excel
always academically, in arts and in sports;
They would surely conquer the world.
But again, my heart thought differently.

Why my heart? Why do you not agree with my thoughts?

To listen to my heart
I knew, I had to listen to my children.
So I asked them...
"What do you think will help you achieve great things?
What helps you feel like you can do anything you set your heart to?
And achieve and conquer it all?"
Their answers confirmed what I felt in my heart
and Not in my head.


My kids replied,
"I feel on  top of the world, like I can achieve ALL things...
Because
I have a mummy who loves me the way I am.
I have the greatest daddy in the world who tells me stories.
I feel loved because you cooked my favourite spaghetti, the best in the whole world!
You gave me a hug today.
I feel important when you take time to sit with me on a sofa, snuggled, reading a favourite book.

I love it, when we get to go out for walks and look at interesting plants and bugs.
I feel loved when you play pretend with me, pirates, mermaids and all the things we could be!
I feel important, because you're here for me.
I enjoy learning because you take time to explain things I just cannot understand
and you make it fun too.
I feel loved now because you stopped to ask me how I feel,
You understand my feelings more than anyone does.
And because of all this, I feel I am important,
I feel positively happy, on  top of the world
and  I know I can accomplish ALL things because of you Mum."

Tears welled up in my eyes..
Because of your honesty child,
Because of the way you overlook all my faults
and even the way I've been grumpy.
You forgive so easily.
Surely the way I've nagged and pushed have done little
to help you feel great. In fact, I think, often it's pulled you down.
I'm thankful that despite all my faults and failures
You still love me, and think I'm the best mum in the world.
Your graciousness and forgiveness inspires me
Inspires me to improve and to be a better person.

And now I know, that to help you face that wide world one day
is not by pushing you academically/in sports or arts at the expense of US...You and I,
But instead to spend time with you, child,
in conversation
in hugs
in quality time
in understanding
in doing things together
in kind words
in kind deeds....

And all this will create a complete YOU
Who'll feel like you can achieve ALL things
and even the moon
because you feel Loved,
you feel Important.

A beautiful song: In my Daughter's Eyes.


@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013
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Zoo Enrichment Studies

Nel signed up for several classes at the Zoo Negara, where she worked with a team of people to create an Enrichment program for an animal of choice. They chose to work on an enrichment program for an Orang Utan.

During the wonderful sessions in Zoo Negara under the guidance of Edwina,
- they learnt the basics of Research
-They learnt to observe animals and take important notes
- they got involved in animal husbandry (what an exciting thing to do, chopping food for animals and cleaning out cages!!)
- they designed enrichment program for the orang utan
-they had the opportunity to present their proposal before APE Malaysia
- They worked hands on in creating their enrichment - freezing fruits in ice blocks and sewing fruits into burlap sacks.
-They got to watch the orang utan's reaction to their enrichment program, which was positive! the orang utans loved the challenge of unwrapping food from the tightly sewn sacks.

All in all, an excellent program!!

Children presenting proposal to APE Malaysia

Nel came back to volunteer on a weekend at a booth to teach public about orang utans.

@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013

Some random updates, nothing important.

Things have been so busy, that updating the blog is the last thing on my mind.
Just some random updates:

25th Oct  Jo went for a voice over audition at Canang Studio. She was very confident and did well. Apparently when the guy asked her if she spoke any other languages, she replied Latin and Spanish. Tickled they asked if she could translate the text into Spanish, to which she just giggled and said loudy, "Sorry, No, because I only knew about 20 words!"
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14th Oct-
Kids and I had been busy looking after these kittens after their mum, Zora, our favourite stray, disappeared. Girls went round alleys looking for her but found nothing. So we bottle fed them kitty formula, helped them pee/poo which we found out was the role of mum. Eventually Zora came back, but looking extremely weak and sickly.
We put the kitties back to suckle...not knowing the mum had severe worm infection which could spread through milk. Sadly, 2 of the kittens passed away..and we only found out why after they began vomiting worms. It's been a tough week. We have now one kitty fighting for her life after being given deworming med, and now hope Zora will survive. My girls are learning what's it like to be a vet/animal rescuer....tough.

(update...dewormed the mother cat and the remaining kitty. Both healthy again. Dewormed the children and myself too!)

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13th Oct-
 One thing I really love doing with my children is taking evening walks, sometimes at dusk, like we did today. We walked an hour, at times in silence, sometimes in conversation. "Look at the moon mama..and the only star shining in the sky! Wow!"..."Why are birds called birds and not "flutter", why is the sky called Sky and not Kly?" asked my lil one.

"Mum, I had a great time at my girl's camp..we trekked and stayed at a lovely place and I made friends with 4 other girls," my older one told me as the lil one kept her dad company. A cool breeze blew in our faces as we walked, every stress and lethargy melted off.

Even in yester years when my Jo was just a babe in a sling, and Nel just 3, I used to walk, sometimes to soothe my crying baby, sometimes to ease my tiredness, and often to spend time with my gals, "us" time. I'd show them the sparrows hopping freely on the grass, the branches of trees dancing in the wind, wild flowers creeping along slopes, glimpses of the setting sun bursting through huge trees, a lizard scampering away.
And till today, it's become a way of life for us, spending time walking in the evenings, just us. [Below..a quick watercolour sketch done just after today's walk at dusk."

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9th OCt -

here's a story id like to share. Kids n I were browsing through a book sales today..books going for Rm5. As my girl showed me her huge loot, I had a mini discussion with her about why we couldn't take all the books she'd picked, because of limited cash and space.
As our discussion continued, an elderly man butted in. He said: "why are you stopping your daughter? Kids nowadays rarely read, always with some gadget. It's a great thing if she wants to. Let her take them all. Reading is like having vitamins, you learn something from every book, no matter what book, and this acquired knowledge will be stored for future use. I'm a visiting professor, and some of the students have not read more than five books in their lives. How terrible. Exams are almost worthless, but reading expands the mind." And on and on he went.
In the end he took out rm50 and shoved it into my child's hand. I refused the money and returned it to him. But he continued on a lengthy discussion about reading...and in the end, he refused to take his money back, so my child ended up 10 books richer, and I, a 130rm poorer.

(some comments I received from friends:)


 "Perhaps the visiting prof is right. Cultivating reading in children is hard work and when you have one, it is worth every cent to pay for the good books that they would read. I'd say your girl is 10 books richer and so are you! Well done!"

• "Wow talk about random kindness and senseless acts of beauty! Wise and true words!"
• -Agree - reading expands the mind. You are RM50 richer & I know a very very happy girl on the way

  "I totally agree with that man. Bless his heart. Thank God for wise old souls around."
• "Reading is the best gift you give your children! Fantastic."

  
  

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  6th Oct

  A card written by Nel to her daddy recently..
  
  "Dear daddy, I have loved you, and love you more each day. I shall still love you, young or old, as you have been very bold. Through all our years you've been protecting me, you're a great father..." etc. ( goes on an entire page and ends with Happy birthday. )
    I believe, and have read, that a father plays a very important role in the lives of daughters. A "present" father creates the feeling of security and assurance in the child that will last a life time, impacting decisions that they will make in their later life.

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   My child's lament upon being told to bathe before heading to church:
  "Why must I? Why must I? I've been bathing for years and years and have never stopped. Soon I'll be smelling like a flower patch!"

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  1st Oct

  
  "Armed" with her new turtle sarong from Turtle Conservation Center, this was how math class went with Jo. True story. Teaching an 8 year old, never a dull moment.
  
  

  

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  Sept 30th - 
  Performed at the JB Arts Festival with Jumping Jelly Beans.

  

  Photo by Natalie K.

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  Sept 11- 
   Kids took part in Sports Day events, and together with some friends, they ran a food stall, that managed to raise RM300 for a water filter project for the poor.

  
  

  

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  Apart from these our coop is into 4th session on Forensic Science now, and the kids are loving it. Nel is also involved in an animal project at the zoo. Unfortunately we've been given strict instructions not to share anything. So I won't. But she's enjoying it, particularly the first session!

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  (Please pardon any grammar/spelling errors.)

  
  

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Terrapin Release Sept 2013

I guess, we kinda fell in love with turtles when a friend brought us to Bentong Farm Sanctuary some years ago.

This year, my kids and I decided to adopt several terrapin nests to support conservation, and thus decided to attend the Terrapin release event. We went with two other families, and though we were just a small group, we were still treated to a very informative talk about turtles by Prof Chan Eng Heng. What a privilege. :)

Thanks Prof Chan for sharing about turtles and answering all our questions about turtles.

Pelf measuring terrapins and collecting weight data before the release. The kids initially wanted to help with this, but alas, became very distracted by the baby chicks in the backyard.

It was then time to transport the Terrapins to the river, and our children helped move terrapins into 2 large containers.

This top terrapin (with the dented shell) was adopted by one of our little friends. He named it Sweetheart, and he still misses it till today and cried buckets and buckets after releasing Sweetheart into the river.

Lifting the terrapins onto the lorry before proceeding to the river nearby.

Nel and the terrapin she adopted. It is a real tough and strong one! While all terrapins became still when turned upside down, this lil guy refused to lay still, but would struggle with all its might to turn back. See its little flipper touching Nel's finger.

Chen Pelf Nyok, the person heading the Terrapin Conservation effort in Kemaman giving a short speech, and  thanking her terrapin team for all the effort.  It's great to know that efforts have paid off, and the number of terrapins are increasing. Great job Gang Tuntung!

After the short speech ceremony, terrapins were  carried nearer to the river for release.

Jo and her little terrapin. They were reluctant to part with each other I think.

On your mark...ready....get set......Go!

Terrapins excitedly heading towards the river for their first taste of Freedom! We learnt that baby terrapins are carnivorous when young, but will turn full vegetarians when older. (hope I got that info right.)

Jo and Jo refusing to let their terrapins go. I stood near them and heard them saying lengthy prayers aloud for  their terrapins. Something about letting them survive, finding food, to be protected, long lives etc. I'm sure God heard their prayers. :)

After the release, everyone was treated to a feast of Malay food. Some of the adults went hunting for fresh paku (which we later had for dinner). The children kept thinking of the terrapins they'd released, happy for them, yet missing them.

Well, if you're keen on releasing terrapins, watch out for their announcement  on their facebook page, and sign up to receive their newsletters.

To Help in conservation, you can adopt a terrapin/nest, purchase Batik and other merchandise, become a member of TCS or simply donate to them. More information  can be found on 
Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia- Facebook
and  http://www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my/


My other posts on turtles:
Watching Turtles in the wild and tagging terrapins 20/6/11),
 Kuala Terengganu (Turtle Alley),
and Releasing Terrapins 21/May/2012.

@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013

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Johor Arts Festival

The kids with their team, Jumping Jellybeans performed again, this time at the Johor Arts Festival.
What a memorable trip it was, travelling with all their friends in a big bus, singing and playing games all the way.
In between rehearsals and performances, the children went on a walking tour, visiting old bakeries, small sundry shops and playing. An unforgettable trip!

 

 @poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013

Sg. Lembing, Rainbow Falls

 We love the outdoors. Sg. Lembing, (to us), is really a piece of paradise on earth.  So before I begin, bear in mind, that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. (Just saying coz, I once told a friend about the beauty of certain place..and this friend went and later said "There was nothing to see at all."

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So our journey began at 5:45am. Our tour guide was Ah Tak, who is a fantastic, fabulous tour guide! (highly recommended.) (His phone number - 019-9446167)

Since we don't own a 4WD, we hired him to take us in. His truck can take about 12-16 people. The journey in  at a moderate speed, with multiple stops along the way (to take in the breathtaking view), took more than an hour. Ah Tak, our guide, knew just where to stop for photography.

This was followed by an hour plus of trekking. (I know, this duration might be insulting to fast trekkers...but alas, we are not speed trekkers, but rather trekkers who stop to enjoy the beauty along the way.) So here,  a short  (may be long winded) photo post about Sg. Lembing.

Journey In

 As we drove across the dirt road, we saw the beautiful Sg. Lembing meandering peacefully, calmly, way below us. Such serenity.  Most campers along the way were already up, watching the sunrise, for indeed the sunrise there is an awesome sight to behold. Beautiful, and glorious.

The water is so crystal clear, that despite the distance between us and the river, we could see right down to the river bed. Slowly as we journeyed, the sun began rising and the forest came to life.

Trekking

Finally after a rather long bumpy journey, we arrived at trekking point. The trek in is not difficult, with some  slopes, river crossing and clambering over rocks. Just be watchful of roots, and slippery rocks (there are ropes along to way to hang on to.) But then, if you're not a regular hiker, then it's good to stay with the guide.

Several river crossings along the way, so wear suitable sandals, with good grip. Our guide Ah Tak, ensuring  that the children cross safely.

As usual, the children were way faster, and several times, we had to yell for them to come back, as it can get dangerous.

Minor hurdles along the way

Finding the path across rocks just before Rainbow Falls

Arriving at the falls

After passing several smaller, beautiful waterfalls along way, we finally came to a small pool, and beyond it was the Rainbow falls. What attracted me first wasn't the rainbow, but the strikingly green, beautiful moss that grows on rocky walls beside the falls.

The sight before me transported me to a fantasy world. I imagined pterodactyls  flying across the cascading falls, and possibly brachiosaurus and all gentle dinosaurs feeding on the green green trees that grow there.

Behold part of the amazing falls. Unfortunately, my lack of photography skills doesn't portray the beauty of this place enough. (Note* I read elsewhere, the falls is not spectacular in dry season, and only lovely after heavy rainfall. It is a tall fall, and under normal conditions the water comes down as a spray. It is this spray which results in the famous rainbow, but only when the sun is still low.)

We were fortunate that we had the falls to ourselves (usually it can get very very crowded up there, said the guide,) and thus were able to fully soak in and enjoy the beauty of the place. (I can't describe the beauty enough,....but I feel it in my heart. )

The rainbow at the falls comes and goes, depending on the clouds. But to catch it you have to be there before 10am. While watching for the rainbow, at slightly before 10am, the sun hit the falls at a certain angle creating this beautiful rainbow!!! Oooohhhhh!!! went all of us!!! My lil one began imagining mermaids...she dived in and out trying to catch the rainbow.

An interesting thing about this falls is that, if you approach the rainbow, and sit down on a rock beneath the pool right below the falls, you'll actually see the rainbow on the surface of the water, coming all the way towards you, creating a full circular rainbow. So Spectacular!! An amazing experience. I don't own a water camera thus I wasn't able to capture this phenomenon, but it's forever etched in my memory.

After 10am, the rainbow did not occur anymore and we picniked there a little longer, taking dips in the cold refreshing water. Then slowly we trekked back, taking longer this time as our guide showed us the amazing variety of fauna found along the trail.

Below- just a few pictures of insects/fauna we found along the trail. Too bad, my batteries ran out half way through the trail.

** Just outside the forest reserve boundary, we saw extensive logging going on. Sad :( :( 
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Underground Tin Mining

There are other places worth visiting at Sg. Lembing but this trip we only managed the falls, a tin mining museum, and a tunnel at the old mining site. The tunnel has been opened to tourists since January. It usually costs RM30 per adult and RM15 per child. We, however, got in at a very very good discount. Don't ask me how, but we did. (photos taken with good old handphone.)

Entrance to the mining tunnel

They called this a mouse hole...tunnels made to seek out more tin.

Lots of interesting info along the tunnel

Trying out the handcar/pump trolley

ok...this post is getting "photo heavy." So will end the post here. So Sg. Lembing, we will definitely be back! As for the town of Sg. Lembing, it is a really sleepy, small town. I love it. Feels like going back several decades in time.  :)

[for my own records about my stupidity: Back to Rainbow falls, as I approached the falls after a long trek, I was so struck by the beauty of the falls before me, that I totally missed the path towards the falls. Just before the falls, there is a pool of water. To get to the falls, one must trek AROUND the pool. I, however, stupidly trekked right into the pool, all the while, gaping at the stunning beauty before me. At certain point, the water actually went up to chest level, and that wet my pouch and part of my backpack. Thus I had to hold everything (including my camera) up above my shoulders and continued wading through, until I noticed a few tourists who were leaving, laughing at me. I wondered how everyone seemed starked dry, and then it dawned on me, that they had all trekked around the pool, while I, dumb tourist had waded through the pool, bags and camera above my shoulder.)

@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013

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Creativity

Over dinner recently, a friend of mine commented, "Your children are so creative. They must've gotten that from you." Honestly, I think all children are/can be creative if given the chance.  To me, chance equals time and space.

Many parents out there want their children to excel in creativity, and businesses that promise enhancing creativity in children are booming. I'm not against such businesses, and I think some are truly valuable. But can a child who's often so tired from all that school work, extra curricular activities and tuition really absorb what's being taught in creative classes?   Or do they merely produce what's needed/expected just like in any tuition class?

From a personal point of view, when my daughter went to school full time, creativity was not her priority. She'd usually be focused on homework in the morning, then quickly packing her school bags, getting ready, and all school related stuff. When she got back from school, she'd be tired, hang out just half an hour at the playground, shower, dinner and then work on homework before knocking out from  tiredness. Her spare time was often spent worrying about what teacher said, what a friend did etc.. Day in and out it was that way, and she just did not have space, time and energy (plus peace of mind) to indulge in creativity.

When we pulled her out of school, all of a sudden, there was time on her hands. We have a schedule, but not a strict one. There are days when we work hard, and days when we play. But on play days, I have one rule in this house, which is, "You may do anything you want, as long as it is not destructive.However, you may NOT have TV between 8am and 6pm, and preferably no TV on most days.

Initially, they would get bored. But in that boredom....(Time and Space), creativity began to emerge in various ways. In my older child it was in building and making things. In the younger it was in acting/singing and drawing. Soon boredom disappeared, and every spare time became a time to create.

And I've never sent them to a creative class, all I gave them was time and space.

Yes, there were things I did to spur them along, like
- I'd provide them with new art materials, google different artists' works online, and different mediums of art
- we'd  visit art galleries, go  to ballet/music concerts and watch plays
-we'd visit interesting places for inspiration  (padi fields, a potter's workshop, museum, exhibitions.etc.)
- Take long walks just to enjoy nature and all its splendor, sometimes "armed" with a camera
- spend several nights camping away from the city, where the jungle becomes their playground
-talk to interesting people
-host imaginary tea parties, talk shows at home
-read lots of wonderful books

The above are just some of the stuff we do together. And they don't really take a lot of time...but they "open" my children's eyes to a wider perspective of things. They provide bits of inspiration and ideas that become a stepping stone to a creative project.

So..Creativity...yes, there are classes that can help enhance creativity, but the best help is to give the child time (lots of it) and space.





@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013

Forensic Science - Blood Typing and Blood Spatter

Co-op learning has always been something my children look forward to. Our co-op started several years ago with just 2 families. Now we're 5 families, and we've decided this is the max we can be so every child benefits fully from each lesson. I will write more about Co-op another day. Well, this month we started on a new unit, an exciting one, Forensic Science!

To kick start this unit, we borrowed story books where crime scenes and mysteries were the main plot. We also watched this short interesting video -  where detectives try to solve the mystery of a half eaten cake. (Children loved it!)

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During today's class we discussed the role of blood analysis in forensic science. As preparation, children reviewed blood components on their own at home, and played this wonderful game, Blood Typing Game,   to learn about blood typing.

At Co-op the children were given a mystery to solve. Who killed the Victim? 6 samples of blood (artificial blood, made of milk and colour) were labeled and provided. Children had to gently pour blood into anti -A, anti-B and Rh serums to determine the blood type of each suspect/victim/blood found at murder scene.
[*Anti serums actually consisted of water or vinegar, which were pre-prepared in selected containers. Clumping will occur when vinegar and milk combine.]

Based on the results obtained, children discussed possibilities of who suspects were, and what  happened at crime scene.

Part II 

We headed outside and using stuff from the kitchen, we made artificial blood. I think the children really loved this bit!

We then ran several different tests to study blood spatter patterns.

- We tested dropping artificial blood we made from different heights to study patterns formed.

-We walked/ran at different speeds to see how the patterns differed.

-We dropped multiple drops from different heights.

Children plotted results on graphs, and made sketches of patterns. We also discussed how blood pattern analysis helped in crime solving, and what information it provided. (Eg. weapon used, direction victim was walking, timing of crime etc.)

Of course, there was fun involved...creating gory scenes. :)

Co-op ended with older children cooking lunch, which was spaghetti (colour of red!) and tomato juice (colour of red!!)

@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013

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Road Trip East, Camping on Perhentian Island

 Rarely do we get to go for a family holiday longer than three days. But when hubby was asked to take a one week compulsory leave for Hari Raya, we decided on a road trip. :)  Well, the 6 days went by way too fast, and we're back, happy, tired and with pretty bad sun burn!

We drove along the East Coast, stopping by Cherating, Kuala Terengganu, Setiu and finally camping on Perhentian Island (the highlight of our trip.)

CHERATING
Our first destination, Holiday Villa Cherating. Puasa month is a really good time to visit Cherating, as almost all hotels offer a 50% discount off room rates. Thus a room that would usually cost 360RM cost us only 160RM.  The kids enjoyed the beach tremendously, until Jo got stung by a jellyfish.  Her whole left arm turned red and red bumps began swelling all over. Was pretty scary, and painful for her. Thank God, after rinsing with salt and running water, it began to subside. The rest of our stay there was relaxing and wonderful.

PENARIK INN SETIU

Penarik Inn is located on a really REALLY quiet stretch of beach. The effect of it is wonderful...peace and tranquillity. I felt like I'd gone back years and years in time. There are no motels nearby, and the only sound we heard was the crashing of waves and laughter of the host family as they celebrated Hari Raya with loved ones. 

The rooms are very simple/basic, and the beds...kinda sink in the middle. But that's ok for us. We really loved the hospitality there though. We were served a feast of ketupats and rendang for Hari Raya, all on  the house and had wonderful conversation with the lovely host and family that runs the place.

The little inns at Penarik Inn. Very basic accommodation.

 Our children really loved this tree house and spent hours in it.

The very peaceful beach, and a turtle and terrapin hatchery run by WWF.

We met the son of the host family, Kidir, and he happens to be an artist. He and friends have set up a really small, but lovely turtle information centre with art and sculptures all made up of recycled materials brought in by the ocean. I loved his turtle painting and the little art decorations all around the inn.

Overall, we enjoyed ourselves at Penarik Inn. If going, bring lotsa mosquito repellent. Do not expect a perfect room. Rooms could do with improvement. But excellent hospitality and location, if peace and tranquillity is what you're seeking. By the way, they are planning on having Hari Setiu on the 6th of September. Itinerary include gasing (top spinning) and Wau competition.

CAMPING PERHENTIAN ISLAND

This was the most exciting part of our road trip. We awoke very early and arrived in Kuala Besut jetty to meet Sh and family.The moment we arrived, motorbikes followed us, each one persuading us to get boat tickets through them. In the end we went with the one that offered the best deal. Adults RM70, and children half price.

Upon arrival on the island, Sh commented "How lovely...just us on the island campsite."  We spoke too soon, for we heard the sound of loud engine approaching, and turned around to discover a large fishing boat with an entire kampung of campers arriving. Later in the day, 2 other large boats turned up. So all in all, there must have been close to a 100 campers staying the night with us. :)

One of the fishing boats parked 

The first night was like celebrating Hari Raya on campground. Generators from the campsite and boats whirred through almost half the night. Fireworks blazed through the darkness, laughter, barbeque, music. The people were really nice though. They told us it was a yearly affair to have Hari Raya reunion on the island. How lovely indeed. Wonder if I could ever convince my uncles and aunts to do the same? Impossible I think.

Our campsite, right by the snorkeling site. It got really quiet when the group of campers left on the second day. Still we loved it As my lil one mentioned, "I miss camping mum. I miss getting up early in the morning, putting on my swimsuit and just jumping in to snorkel." Indeed, the snorkeling site at Teluk Keke is lovely! :)

During the day when the sun got too hot, the children built and ran this restaurant, which occasionally got destroyed by fellow picnickers, and which the children kept repairing. In the end to protect their restaurant, they made booby traps all around. (Don't ask me who taught them how to make traps..ahem.)

While diving, our children found sea cucumbers. They discovered that these creatures have tentacles that are really sticky and will stick to the hands!

While enjoying the corals and beautiful fish, we also found a  Cushion Star (Culcita novaeguineae) which we picked  up just for a while before releasing it back to where we found it.

Rock climbing, another favourite pastime while camping.

As for food, the nearest restaurant was about a 15 minute walk away. We feasted mainly on instant noodles, but twice during the stay we walked to the restaurants to have a good meal and ice cream. :)

We booked a snorkeling trip by boat. At one point we saw a turtle swimming. I dived in to watch the turtle way down on the grass bed feeding slowly, gently. Unexpected encounters like this make the trip all so worth it. The turtle and encounters with the Clown fish "Nemo" and sea anemone was the highlight for the children. Jo however, loved the parrot fish most of all.

Children watching  boats pass by.

I guess, the only downside of camping on Teluk Keke was that, all toilets were NON functioning. No flush, no water supply. Thus a spade to bury "stuff" came in really handy. As for bathing, we depended on well water. The children did become experts at drawing water from the well. Basically...as the Malay saying goes "Mandi Kerbau"....

Would we camp on Perhentian again? Oh definitely a Yes. If camping there, pack light, as you'll have to carry everything onto the boat and unload on to campsite.
Things to bring:
-Goggles/snorkel
-Swimming board/life vest for kids
-lots of sunblock
-repellent
-vinegar for standby in case of jellyfish bites
-tea tree oil or ointment for bites
-paper and spade for toilet
-cooking stove and lots of snack.
-at least four bottles of 5L water for a 3 day stay if cooking. (buying necessities on island can cost almost double!)
-etc.

There was one more thing we loved about being on the island.....the dark sky like a sea of endless twinkling stars...oh so mesmerising... :) 

(For our first road trip East, with more stops and visits to random places, please click on this post HERE. )

@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013

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