Batu Pahat Mar 15

It's the children's school holidays. As Greg had gone for a cruise with his grandparents, I brought Nic to visited my uncle in Batu Pahat, Malaysia.

It's nice to be in Batu Pahat. The atmosphere is relaxed and the pace slower. I could breathe well here and not have my anxiety attacks. Good that my uncle is much into health and wellness, and we ate well and trekked in his favourite spots nearby.


Cactus Flower at beginning of hiking up a hill. Heard that this is not frequent and the flower does not lasts long.


With my uncle at top of the hill


Curios in antique shop


Fish market


Fresh fish


Sundry Shop


Old Market


Used shoes in flea market


Old Market area

Tioman Mar 14

My first real getaway since back in Asia.

Had been busy, am busy, but still needed to remind myself why I had come back, as well as to take a short break. Hence, somewhere near, with sun, sea, beach (minus the cocktails), very low cost - 3 Days 2 Nights Tioman!

In summary, it was not a comfortable trip. Roads were terrible on the way to Mersing. Ferries ply in choppy waves. Resort was basic. Beaches unclean. Food was HORRIBLE! A small consolation was that snorkelling was acceptable at some sites, which was the main reason why I had gone there.




Fortunately, my friend Benny was there to suffer with me. Additionally, he gave me much photography tips. Here, you can compare our pictures of the same visit. Mine (above) was kind of dry but his made our trip looked like we had gone for a romantic getaway somewhere else! Didn't know that lighting and angles can make so much difference to the composition, and make the boring look so interesting.

Benny's photos (copyright?)