Friday, December 25, 2009

Some IT Practices which are Useful for Other Situation


Just wanna share some thoughts I gained after many IT cases for years:

1. Get the info at the soonest by any chance if possible. Decision made in rush usually makes you regret.

2. Sometimes user are not aware what they've done which caused the problem (or they don't even know what happened). It is no harm to check with them for more info before troubleshoot, but try out your own for confirmation.

3. Learn not to be angry when someone spoke something you feel offended. They might not mean to challenge you, it could be just their normal habit. Take a deep breath and walk away if they can't take reason rationally (best if you equipped yourself with self defense skills :P ).

4. The more you learned, the more you know what you're lack of. Never feel embarrassed to ask others for info you really don't know. Keep your mouth shut & listen more when they explain. You may do further investigation later if you feel doubt (something similar in rule 2).

5. Say "sorry" if it really is your fault. You need courage to do so. Also you better have a remedy plan for the chaos you've caused.

6. Never ever attempt to think you can out smart others. You never know how many 'smart a**es' surrounding you. At the end you're the one who looks like a silly monkey at the public.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

My Company's Website is Up & Ready!



It is my great pleasure to announce my new company's website is finally ready.Here is the address:
www.commectent.com

I've categorized all services available in different segment and did some photo shooting & drawings as I wanted to avoid graphics ownership issue if simply using pictures from internet. Currently the website is English based but I'll get the Chinese version ready soon (maybe another 2 weeks time which is during early year 2010).

For your information, all on-site service is only applicable to mainly KL & PJ area. However those who need basic technical advice via E-mail & phone are always welcome as I'll do my best to assist :)

Last but not least, thank you for your time & hope I have the honor to grow with your business!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Something You Should Know When Selecting Notebook


Since I've mentioned something about notebook / netbook during previous post, might as well I continue sharing my thoughts in some basic things which you might be interested to know before you make your final decision on getting the notebook you desired but might not fulfill what you hope for. What I'm about to say might be something common but generally get overlooked easily. Here goes:

1. Look for notebook with build-in features like WIFI, Bluetooth, Card reader & Web camera
I noticed there are power issue happens when we try to add in the feature mentioned above using USB adapter in notebook models with no such function ready for use. The situation is very obvious especially when we try to use USB bluetooth / WIFI adapter which usually draw lots of energy where you might notice other USB device suddenly stop functioning & lost sight in the system. If you really can't have it all, try go for at least WIFI, card reader & web camera which are the basic features nowadays.

2. If weight is an issue, opt for notebook with external DVD-ROM
Some user might prefer to have a lighter notebook or rarely use ROM drive thus an external drive such as slim DVD-RW ROM would be suitable for them. Best is getting the notebook model which includes such slim DVD drive within the package.

3. Get a notebook with at least 3 USB port (if possible)
This is crucial especially if you can't counter the issue 1 mentioned above where the notebook still lack of some feature. Best practice is spare 1 vacant USB port for temporary plug & play device such as thumb drive & mobile hard disc.

4. Keyboard layout must be sensible
Since you may rely on the notebook keyboard for data input, the buttons must be arrange in suitable size and ergonomic (comfort for human interaction) order. It is not feasible to force your fingers to type on small and congested keypad which result slow performance and higher mistake rate.

5. Choose the notebook with wider touch pad
Some notebook manufacturers prefer to add in scrolling features within the touch pad region which might cause the initial not very wide touch pad become even smaller to navigate the pointer. Best advice is to get the model with minimum 4.5cm x 8cm touch pad size.

6. Ensure good internal air flow and ventilation design
Some notebook processors does generate great amount of heat when operating under normal room temperature where you can't even stand it when you place the notebook on top of your thighs. Do simple test on the preferred model where you can let it on and run some simple application for about 5-10 minutes while observe if the heat generated can be dispersed properly or not.

Last but not least, get some decent advice from reliable notebook seller to increase good chance to own the right notebook within your budget. Hope these helps!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Recap on Penang Trip : 10 Dec - 13 Dec 2009

A planned visit to Penang with my friends with main purpose to attend my close friend's wedding. We've make the schedule 2 days advance so we can go walk-walk, eat-eat and see-see at Penang Island since my last visit which is almost 2 years ago.

I followed my friend's car who reached my house around 6.30am while I'm still rubbing my eyes. The 4 1/2 hours journey is nothing to me as I continue my dream session excluding the short stoppage for breakfast. We reached our resting spot, Old Penang located at Georgetown at about 10.30am based on the help of GPS and pre-google.


Old Penang, a homestay guesthouse located at Georgetown.

After unloaded our stuff, we headed for the food hunt tour (mainly at Jalan Penang) such as follow:


Cendol which is a must try at Penang not only for the flavor but also to counter the hot weather.


Asam Laksa which taste sour and spicy.


Lobak which means seasoned pork meat served with delicious sauce.


Iron plate mee where the mee is pre-fried and mix with meat and vege.

Meanwhile for places we've visited during the 1st day are also within walking distance:


Guan Ying Temple.


Walking on streets which seems like time travel to the past.

The next day after checkout, we continue the eat full-full, nothing do journey......


Gek Lok Temple, located at Air Hitam.


The giant Guan Ying statue located at the top of the hill on Gek Lok Temple.


The famous Asam Laksa stall located nearby Gek Lok Temple


Him Heang located at Burma Street where you can get famous Dragon Ball cookies for gift.

Finally we reached the groom's house at about 10.00pm. Since long time no see, must snap some photos:


Fun Heng (the front busy talking via handphone), from left: me and Jun Pin (the lucky guy)


Front (from left): Jun Pin, Chin Khoon & Yen Ann, me at the back

We stayed one night at the dedicated home-stay guesthouse and headed for the big ceremony the next day morning. As usual for Chinese wedding, we also went for the wedding dinner session:


Front (from left): Jee Ken, me, Caine Yee and Soon Leng. Back (from left): Fook Yang and Chit Han.

It was a memorable session as some of us had not meet for 10 years...... Although this is not a complete group photo (some can't attend), it is still a very happy moment as we drank & bluff around. I got drunk after 7 glasses of beer (trust me, I still able to count) but managed to gain back normal sense during the later chatting session after the event.

During Sunday morning, we had a short meet up with the newlywed and headed for brunch where we had delicious fried small chicken, steamed octopus, fish and my 1st attempt on Tuak which is a light alchoholic drink brewed from coconut flower. All went well until we had a small accident when we make our move back home......Luckily nobody is injured and we managed to solve the issue in calm manner.

Conclusion of the trip: Great. Keep in touch buddies!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Should I get a NetBook? Or a Notebook instead?


Pic of Acer Timeline Notebook
(Source: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=3360&tag=nl.e101)


Just finished reading one of my favorite IT tech info spot, TechRepublic post which is talking whether to go for Notebook or Netbook. It is obvious the blogger is more preferring Notebook currently after experiencing disappointment from Netbook (which I guess is due to high expectation previously). The debate arised when the author adviced readers to go for the low-range Notebook with long battery hours, smaller size and cheaper price (which is the model shown in the picture above, Acer Timeline series) instead of considering Netbook.

To be honest, I'm not siding any party (nor gaining profit from any party) on this argument, but I do prefer to use Notebook which suites my multipurpose requirement. The best solution? Know what you want, then go get it. Get a Netbook if all you need is fair performance for usual document processing and surfing internet. Get a Notebook if you desire better performance (faster speed & multitasking) such as running multiple applications at the same time. However there might be some budget & mobility limitations. Plan well on how much you willing to spend and use the money wisely.

My advice is do some survey on the model you're interested, important info such as warranty period and where are the service centres available are such not to miss. Best is do the purchase during promotion event such as IT fairs (just make sure you know you're buying from which company & remember to obtain a valid receipt).

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Mist on Installing Windows 7



Windows 7 Logo
(Original source from NST: http://neosmart.net/gallery/v/os/Win7/Windows+7+Logo.png.html)

Just received the upgrade toolkit from one of the wellknown notebook vendor for migrating to the new OS (Operating System): Windows 7 last Saturday after the official launching about a month ago. This reminds me the days when I was amazed by the previous OS, Windows XP which seems like a triumph of Microsoft great achievement. This makes me thinking since I'm now more IT literate, it is a good time to actually give back as during the times when my friends helped me in my learning curves. I'll try to use simple human language to make things simpler. Here goes:

1. What is Windows 7?
Good question (need to praise you a bit to keep you excited). To be simple, Windows 7 is the latest OS product from the world well known software creater, Microsoft after the non-so preferable version, Vista which tend to fully replace Windows XP but doesn't work out as planned. According to Microsoft, there are lots of enhancements and improvements compared with Vista & XP thus some might find Windows 7 is something similar to XP in the backend (method of handling process which seems faster) and look-a-like Vista (very similar to Vista's AERO theme). For more info, go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7

2. OK. What should I do to get Windows 7 in my PC or notebook?
There are several ways to obtain Windows 7. The easiest way is to get a new set of PC / notebook from authorized branded IT distributors such as HP, DELL, ACER, TOSHIBA, SONY, FUJITSU etc. NOW :) (I'm not doing commercial anyway). If you've purchased the new set with genuine (means original) Vista installed just after JULY 2009, then you may go and check out if your purchase qualified to obtain the upgrade kit (like my case here).

If you do have genuine Vista  or XP installed in the new machine bought before July 2009, then you still eligible to purchase the upgrade kit from authorized software reseller. Do check out further details with them as always since this approach is still quite fresh at the moment. From what I noticed for Vista case, you need to get the right product key (a code of 25 characters + digits which shown on the proof sticker) which match your Vista version, for example you need to get Windows 7 Home Premium if you want to upgrade Vista Home Premium. For XP users, the information I have is that the upgrade is confirm suitable for XP Professional and I am not sure if it also work for XP Home or not.

If you have an older machine and considering to run Windows 7, you can do a self assessment check using Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor which is a tool provided by Microsoft and you can download it for free via link below:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

Basically if your machine can support Vista, it shouldn't be a problem for the new comer.

3. Any important issues I need to be caution?
Yes. Similar to XP and Vista, there are 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 which meant for respective processor type. From what I understand, Windows 7 32-bit can support 4GB RAM thus you have no worry RAM investment limitation which happen in XP repeat in Windows 7. You need to confirm your processor type if you intend to install 64-bit Windows 7. For your information, most of the program / application in the market are suitable to run in 32-bit OS but 64-bit OS have faster processing speed advantage thus for general user, I'll advice to go for 32-bit version.

Another thing need to be aware is how to perform the installation. The case is plain simple for new PC / notebook set with no OS installed at all and the hardware specification is good enough (advice at least 2GB Duo Core Processor Speed, 2GB RAM and 160GB Hard disc space) where you can get a Windows 7 full installation DVD to perform a custom installation. This method requires IT knowledge and quite time consuming thus best to get reliable IT shop to do it for you if you don't know how.

Similar case happen to current XP users: You can only perform full installation where you  will be force to erase all existing data and setting. Best practice is to do necessary data backup before proceed.

Good news for general Vista users where Microsoft claimed to make it possible to upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 with all data, application and setting fully migrate. As mentioned earlier, this only apply to matching version. However I still advice users to backup important data at least in case any thing goes wrong.

For more detail, go to the links below:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Installing-Windows-recommended-links

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7

4. Is this entire upgrading process bullet proof (no error)?
Another very good question. To tell you frankly, I'm not sure if it will be as simple as ABC. It seems there are post on the internet stating chances if the process might experience difficulties. Fortunately counter steps are also provided so if you are attempting to do the upgrade process on your own, hope the link below helps when you crying for mama:

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/183382/fix_the_most_common_windows_7_upgrade_problems.html

Generally, I do give positive respond to Windows 7 release compared to Vista based on the feedback from test users since the BETA (non official release which meant for testing) version which will be expired during next year. I guess I'll be using it soon so will update you all later, OK? Till then, back to work.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Template selection process

As mentioned earlier, I'm in the process of creating my own company's website. The process was started about 3 weeks ago till now. Progress? So far I've managed to filter and selected down to 6 most preferred templates (pre-designed which need some customization) to start with.

Since I'm doing template selection, might as well talk something about template. To make story short and simple, there are many templates available for many purpose. Let's name some: Office templates in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, website, blog, logo and so on. Templates makes life easy as you can have a quick start on task you've plan but don't have much idea to start with thus you can do official letters (Invoice, chart, presentation etc.) or create website like what I'm doing now.

However there are give and take session: Generally you can get the templates in commercial manner (wish is via purchase) or FOC. Regardless of which method, usually you're not allowed to re-distribute it or claim it as your own work. Most of the templates fall under EULA which varies so if you're unsure do go for some reading.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/EULA.html

Usually the creator who offers the template will have at least a brief disclaimer note on how user should treat their work. Since this is offered on their good will, we as general user should respect it and try not to exploit their work.

Ok, I guess it's time to start the customization......

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Some great quotes from one of the richest man in the world: Warren Buffett

Just read through some articles on the internet (which I've been doing very frequently recently) and notice this post which I find very inspiring. I've read book about Mr. Warren on his experience in stock market & most of the key points can be found within these quotes:

"Rule No.1: Never lose money. Rule No.2: Never forget rule No.1."

"Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful."

"It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company with a wonderful price."

"You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out."

"Whether we're talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down."

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."

"I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over."

"Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can't buy what is popular and so well."

"Never count on making a good sale. Have the purchase price be so attractive that even a mediocre sale gives good results."

"In the business world, the rear view mirror is always clearer than the windshield."

"The investor of today does not profit from yesterday's growth."

I guess the main teaching here is face your worse enemy: you yourself. Only by learning to know the limits & understand when is the right time to make proper action. For sure these will help in my future :)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Should I repair it? Or should I buy a new one? Hmm......


While I was scouting on the internet this morning, I ran across this post topic on one of the famous Technical Info site called TechRepublic where they discuss about what is the right decision on whether you should send the device (be it PC, notebook, mobile phone, plasma TV, digital camera etc.) for fixing or you should go get a new one instead.

They actually come out a list of reference for general users as a guide to make up their mind for the next step, unfortunately you need to pay to view the document......(which I didn't). From the brief discussion revealed, the editor of the magazine which release the document advised users to consider on repairing the tool if it still within 2-3 years of time especially for PC where the lifespan is in the top notch for the 1st 2 years (it is sad where you noticed your income can never satisfied the spec for the best PC to keep current). If the cost of repair is more than half the price you paid for it, then might as well you look at the current price list from the supplier and get a new one instead. Also it is not advisable to try to save an ancient device back to life when it can't suite your needs later.

As an IT background user, I would like to give my own fair comments (this is totally free of course): If the device is too old (eg. more than 4-5 years), you can consider to get a new one. If we study this in an economic point of view, the device might have reach the end of its lifespan and you've utilized it to the fullest, right? You wouldn't want to face the situation where you find it hard to accept the high cost of repair but feel heavy to keep it aside till the end of the world arrive...... You can consider to "give" it to the respective dealer who is willing to accept it & probably get some rebate on purchasing the new model. I guess that's sort of a fair trade :)

If the device is still working but you find it operating like snail which causes you feel like you wanna just throw it away like hulk, then you may consider to send it to a trusty dealer for inspection to see if some minor upgrade might help the donkey to speed up a bit? If the answer is no, you still have other options where you can get a new one and donate the old stuff to young kids who is in learning age or put it to the charity association where they can help to find a new home to serve.

Just remember never dispose such electronic devices recklessly like normal junk. If you really don't know what to do to the old machine, last option is to sell it as used metal (although it doesn't pay much but is better than remain stagnant at home). This is the simple act you can contribute to keep the nature breath longer :)

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Sharing Time!

Well, I'm now working on selecting web templates to see which best fit my choice for my new company's website design. FYI, there are plenty free website templates on internet where all you need to do is put some time & effort to pick some desired design for detail selection later.

Since there are offered as FOC, sure there are some rules if you plan to use it. The most important thing is you need to reserve the link to the designer's website in your design (usually it is allocated initially at the bottom part of each page). The rest you might need to do some reading on a clarification text attached together during download (mostly usual stuff like don't do minor changes on the design & claim is yours, bla bla bla......)

Since I'm facing some hard times to filter the ideal design now, let's talk something esle :P. This time I'll share some of the tools I've been using which helps a lot during my days & the best part is, 90% among them are FREE! Here goes:


1. Avira Antivir - The best home version antivirus I've ever used so far. After some comparison with other antivirus products (even the ones you need to purchase), I still find this pretty thing does the best where it manage to detect several types of malware, spyware, trojan & fishing activities when others can't.
http://www.free-av.com/


2. CCleaner - One of my favorite PC maintenance tool where I can do stagnant files clearance, registry checking & basic repair, uninstall unwanted applications & control program that you don't wish to start during system boot up (which will strongly increase the PC ready state time).
http://www.ccleaner.com/


3. Revo Uninstaller - The right kit to manage applications. When time comes where you need to remove unwanted application in the system, use this tool as it helps to scout down to the root & remove all traces even normal uninstall can't do.
http://www.revouninstaller.com/


4. Recuva - 1 word I can say to this tool...... It saved my day. It helped me when I try to dig in the PC to find long lost data I deleted but needed now (I know, I know, that's stupid, but I'm human, & human do make mistakes......). You have a great chance where you might reclaim what you've lost if you can remember the file type & you didn't do massive changes in storage allocation (eg. re-use of the same directory for other purpose after deleted the data, worse is the drive is formatted......). One more thing, it only works on local hard disc drives.
http://www.piriform.com/recuva


5.  Orbit Downloader - The multipurpose download tool which is a must have. What it can do is not only perform normal download but to actually speed up the process. It supports various format of download (even ftp) and best part is you can use it to download desired flash clips on certain websites.
http://www.orbitdownloader.com/


6. Inkscape - A simple tool suitable for basic graphic design & touch up with vector graphics when you don't have CS. I find it very easy to use thus you get the effect in short period of time & I guess that helps since time is money, right?
http://www.inkscape.org/


7. Foxit Reader - An alternative PDF file viewer instead of relying on the so famous Adobe Reader. Foxit offers almost identical performance but using far lesser resource of your system (small installation file, no obvious system slowdown after install & during PDF viewing).
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/


8. Limewire - One of the P2P file sharing tool which I think is reliable. It manage to start up within a short period of time & the speed seems quite well (of course it still rely on the quantity of users who sharing the file). Beware though as it is a sharing platform, make sure you have a good security feature for your system to avoid unwanted sharing like virus & trojan.
http://www.limewire.com/


9. FastStone Maxview - A useful picture editor which is direct & simple to use. You can do picture resize, color toning & some effects such as watermark. Also you can convert the source to other picture format. Bare in mind this is a shareware which means you have a period to try it out but eventually you need to pay for future usage.
http://www.faststone.org/FSMaxViewDetail.htm


10. Thunderbird - I guess most of you have heard the Firefox browser, right? Well this is the sister product also from Mozilla offered to public for free :) It is an alternate solution for those who prefer to manage their e-mails in Outlook manner where you can download all e-mails to your PC / notebook & issue new e-mails without hassle. It is not only free but also easy to install as there are detailed instructions on how to setup the account(s) (usually for POP mail server). The new version consists some common e-mail services selection (eg. hotmail, Streamyx, Yahoo) so all you have to do is insert your e-mail account detail & hola, you can sit back, relax & enjoy coffee while waiting all the e-mails coming to your Thunderbird. Just to remind that you might consider to do some configuration if you prefer to leave e-mail copies in your original e-mail server so you still can access your e-mail elsewhere but remember to do housekeeping :)
http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/thunderbird/

Ok, that's all for now. Hope these info helps in your daily IT life :D (Better get back on template selection......)

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Good Info to Share with All :)

Just read through one of my favorite blogger, Robert Pagliarini from BNet who shared an interesting info which I think is quite helpful to those who planning to share their knowledge & expertises with others (maybe I'm one of them soon). Do check this out:

http://moneywatch.bnet.com/career-advice/blog/other-8-hours/make-money-from-your-hobbies/683/

Friday, November 6, 2009

Recall of the Trip to Crabi (Part 2)

On day 2, we wake up with a breezy feel. The air and the scene outside the balcony is so nice. Wish I can lay on the bed longer......


Beautiful sunrise. The air outside the room is as cool as we are in the room with air-con (with birds singing)



  Jeat is having some local fruits for supplement during breakfast. FYI, the restaurant is on the 2nd floor where we can enjoy the view next to the swimming pool while having our food.


After having breakfast at the hotel (buffet style with lots of selection including Asian & Western dishes), we wait at the hall for pickup to our 1st day trip, visit to the islands! It is important to keep the receipt for the trip purchase to avoid mixup with other tour agents. Our pickup truck arrived about 8.00am lead us to our destination, Ao Nang Beach.


Pic taken during the journey to the seaside with a foreign tourist who's doing backpack around Asia countries. FYI, his age is far more younger than me...... Wish I did such act before T.T



Sighting during the journey

 The journey toke about 20 minutes but it seems like a glance to reach Ao Nang Beach. The seaside view is so nice where the long beach is covered by soft sand & the sea is like so wide for the 1st time I feel like wanna hug the sky.



 Beautiful beach view at Ao Nang. Speed boats stopped by waiting for tourist groups


There are shops all the way along the roadside where you can find all sorts of goodies like swimming & diving gear, sun block (I personally recommend NIVEA), restaurants, cybercafe & even massage centre. There are hotels & resorts which offers various price range, so best is stay at Ao Nang beach where you can enjoy unbeatable seaside view while enjoying your massage & lunch/dinner! 


Shops all along the roadside next to the beach. You can find McDonalds here too!

FYI, we've joined the Phi Phi Islands tour offered by Barracudas Tour, one of the tourist agency located at Ao Nang beach. You can actually come over to Ao Nang beach & look for your desired tour, like sea tour, river tour or exploration tour, but to play safe it is always prefer to book earlier at least 1 day in advance to secure your seat. 

Our tour is not that pack as it is not peak season during October. Once the tour guide confirmed the amount of people, we head to the speed boat. The tour guide reminded us to remember the speed boat number & color as there are so many speed boats conducted by other tour agency.

Jeat & I headed to the front of the boat. As expected, the front of the boat is the most rocking seats as when the speed boat accelerating, the front part will get tose up & smack down back to the sea surface when encountering countless of small & big waves :P We shout like 2 mad man while snapping photos.



View at the front of the speed boat. For sure you can't hear us screaming!


Some miniature islands along side looks special & some even got funny names like Chicken Island because the shape of the rock looks alike the chicken head......

 
The Chicken Island. Seems more like Turkey  or Peacock to me from this angle :P


 Heading to the 1st pit stop


Our 1st stop is at the beautiful island surrounded by natural bay called Maya Bay. Lots of people gathered at the beach side and the place seems a bit packed. There are even film shooting scene for Bolywood (I guess I'm correct as there are Indian songs playing at the background with Indian actors dancing at the front & many more foreign girls wearing bikinis at the back as supporting dancers......).
Look at the crystal clear water......


The view of the bay from the beach......You don't see the truth yet


I can only show 1/5 of the people on the island......

There are rules where the total number of people on the island needs to be control thus we are only allowed to stay on the island for 30 minutes max to give rooms for next comers. Since no bargain can be made, we managed our time the most efficient manner......10 mins at the beach side, 10 mins explore the island, and remaining time just lay at the white sand and do nothing.


Sign board showing toilet resides within the bushes......Something like crouching human hidden toilet?



The view from a high point
 

Kampung boy attempting to climb the rocks (kids, don't try this elsewhere)
 

Natural stones formation creates a cozy place for us to hang around from direct sunlight exposure (ignore the guy in the pic......)

Soon the tour guide is urging his 'sheeps' to go back on the boat once the time is up. We head to next exciting spot where we can do snorkeling.



Photoshot with one of the local girl named Phat (If I'm not mistaken?) Jeat is so happy :P

We reached the place called Pi Leh Bay which is a beautiful spot in the middle of the sea next to some islands. The water is so clear where we managed to see various type of fishes with different shape, size & colors surrounding us when we snorkeling. Too bad I felt dizzy after 15 minutes & I tried my best to get back on the boat. I guessed I can't get used to sea swimming where you need more energy to counter the waves & direct exposure to sunlight causes me de-hydrated. Luckily there are plenty of supplies of mineral water on the boat thus I'm rebirth :P



Pi Leh Bay


My face became so pale. Actually I still feel bit dizzy after consumed some water, but still need to show a happy face in front of the camera (must be professional, right?)

We stayed at Pi Peh Bay for about 30 minutes, then we head to a famous spot which was filmed in "The Beach" starred by Leaonardo. We can't land our foot there as there was no suitable spot to do so thus we snap photos from the boat. 

"The Beach" where shooted here

On the way to our next location we passed by some forbidden village build within the rocks. 


Small village believed were once stayed by fishermens

Next we head to Phi Phi Don, an island with most of the population where the major source of income is tourism. We had our delicious Thai cuisine meal and we are spared for about half an hour to wonder around before we leave. We managed to bought some small items for souveniour. By the time we leaved, I was told that at least half of the sutface of the island were destroyed during last Tsunami. Due to the hardwork of the villages, the tourist centre were reformed within short period of time.

Without delay, we were brought to another snorkeling spot. This time is the open sea! Jeat hoped in the water without hesitation, not for me :) I stayed on the boat enjoying the watermelon slices and coke offered by the tour guide (can't wait till they come up). 


 Many small green stripe fishes wondering around

The best part was when I was wondering where should I dispose the watermelon skins after finished, the tour guide instructed me to throw them into the sea to feed the fishes! Wow, that was the first time I heard such act. With some doubt, I throwed the first piece into the sea and guess what, all the fishes rushed to the piece and finished it off within seconds!


All the fishes were fighting for the watermelon skin......You have to see the video clip to believe it!


After about 20 minutes later, the tour guide called all of them back to the boat where we're going to another place called Monkey Bay.......Yeah you're right, this place is really fulled of monkeys and we were not allowed to land on the island for safety precaution (which is different from another group of tourist where they attempted to go near the monkeys). Still I preferred such viewing from the distance.


Monkeys scattering around the shore. Beware as the monkeys are untamed and might harm visitors when they attempt to steal food from human

Finally, our last stop of the day is Bamboo Island......Nope, it is not full of bamboos. It is an island with long white beach and for those who prefer snorkeling so much like Jeat, it is a perfect place where you can see beautiful coral reef . Since we finished previous places beyond schedule, we were allowed to wonder freely on Bamboo Island for one hour plus.


Jeat who can't wait to head to the sea again......


Boats stopping by the beach creates a harmonic scenery

 
The sky, the sea and the land before heavy rain
 

 FYI, this was the mark where the sea water rises during Tsunami......

The weather changed within short time as the sky turns dark as grey clouds gathered. Luckily we get to finished our time allocated fully before the heavy rain actually hit us. During the journey heading back to the shore, rain started to form and those who sitted outside the boat had no place to go but to get wet. It's ok as I take it as another special experience :)
  

Another speed boat rushing back to the shore

The time when we reached the shore was about 6.00pm. We managed to meet up with some folks who we met during morning ride and joined different trip. We shared the great experiences during the journey back to the hotel. For dinner, we had instance noodles which we bought from 7 Eleven earlier (Yum yum). It was a stormy night but nothing change our mood as we sat at the balcony and drinking beers. The life is so enjoyable and we can't wait for tomorrow's next trip :)