2nd visit to Mabul-Sipadan Jan 2010

We visited Mabul & Sipadan Island last month and it was really wonderful trip even thought it was just 2 days 2 nights of staying there. This is our 2nd times of visiting this Island. We were lucky this time because we got the chanced to visit Sipadan Island which required permit to enter. Only 150 visitors can get permit from Sabah Park to enter this Island. Even sometimes it difficult to get it from them because the popularity of this Island of diving spot.

As this time, not so many tourist visited this island because of the alert published by the American embassy.

Well I can see that there are nothing to worried. Its worth if you enjoy the marine life especially divers.
For me and my husband we did snorkeling and we saw a few turtles in the water and also beautiful fishes.
My kids were also saw a few turtle on the surface and that was really great experience for them to see real turtle in the sea. While we were on the boat, they keep on looking at the water to search for turtle.

So here are some photos I would like to share

1st day at Mabul Island

Jetty to Borneo Divers Mabul Resort.

The administration and dining building.

Resort where we staying

Welcome drink and briefing about the resort.
Hakim took this Photo.

The chalet.

Our room.

The Dining Hall.

you'll find this flower every where, Bunga Raya.

And Aishah proud to decorate herself with this flower.

walking to the jetty while looking at the clear water. If we are lucky, we can see turtle and fish.
Children loves it. There are so many star fish in the water.

This is what I mean, real turtle in the sea.

Don't confused, this is not turtle or fish, he is searching for it.
Nice snorkeling in the afternoon.

2nd day at Sipadan Island


On the way to Sipadan Island.
Hakim, Oma Belanda, Aishah and Opa Harry were searching for Turtle.

Welcome to Sipadan Island

You have to register here.

The jetty.

Hakim proud of playing this motor boat for children at Sipadan

Hakim & Aishah with thier guide.

enjoy the ride

The place where all the divers rest and having their tea break.

Last day at the resort we just enjoy swimming at the pool
As usual mama is not in the photo.

The resort's swimming pool.

That was our beginning of the year 2010.
Looking forward for our next vacation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today 17.01 is my 32th Birthday..

2009 and 2010

WISHING YOU ALL HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May 2010 bring happiness, prosperity and a good health.

A few days before New Year we had a my cousin wedding celebration.
Congratulations! to both of you.

My cousin Faizul & his wife Murni.

Norliana and her husband, Razali.

Not forgetting our photo. Where is Hakim?

Here he is with his friends.

with the newly wed couple.

We had the new year eve celebration at my house.
Just a small family gathering with our Bed & Breakfast guests and a special visit from Mr. Paul Bekker (the current Dutch Ambassador in KL) with my husband's aunty Tante Dory and Oom Ton.

Mr. Paul Bekker and my husband

With Tante Dory and Oom Ton

2009 Memory

Watching firework from our veranda

Cousins and relative.
Today 4th January 2010, Aishah has started her school. I am happy that she did not cry.
The good news is she has stop using her bottle for drinking milk and sleep on her own.

Today after I fetch them from school.

Lets the year begin..

Back dated story

A visit from Oma Belanda is the most happiest moment for Hakim and Aishah.
Yes..of course..present, present, present..always. Even though they were here for only 2 weeks but we managed to do a few activities with them. To Kota Klias, Beaufort and Swimming at Pacific Sutera. Hakim and Aishah was really enjoyed it. My MIL will coming back to visit us at the end of January till early March next year.


With Tante Petra and Oma Belanda

With Oma.

What do they saw?

A group of wild Proboscis Monkey


2 monkeys on the tree

The boat cruise

The Jetty

Weekend activities, as usual swimming the whole day







Japanese Friend

The most enjoying person in the swimming pool

She is started to trust the floater.

After 2 days of swimming, we become brownie because of sun burnt and sick.
But it was fun.

Reality Check on Car-care Myths

I find this article from Yahoo.com. Keep on reading..

Source: Yahoo by Consumer Report.Org.

To paraphrase Mark Twain, it's not what you don't know that can come back to bite you; it's what you know for sure that ain't true. When it comes to maintaining your car, misconceptions abound. And even the best intentions can lead you to spend more money than necessary or even compromise your safety. Here are common myths that can do more harm than good:

Myth: Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.

Reality: Despite what oil companies and quick-lube shops often claim, it's usually not necessary. Stick to the service intervals in your car's owner's manual. Under normal driving conditions, most vehicles are designed to go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Changing oil more often doesn't hurt the engine, but it can cost you a lot of extra money. Automakers often recommend 3,000-mile intervals for severe driving conditions, such as constant stop-and-go driving, frequent trailer-towing, mountainous terrain, or dusty conditions.

Myth: Inflate tires to the pressure shown on the tire's sidewall.

Reality: The pounds-per-square-inch figure on the side of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire can safely hold, not the automaker's recommended pressure, which provides the best balance of braking, handling, gas mileage, and ride comfort. That figure is usually found on a doorjamb sticker, in the glove box, or on the fuel-filler door. Perform a monthly pressure check when tires are cold or after the car has been parked for a few hours.

Myth: If the brake fluid is low, topping it off will fix the problem.

Reality: As brake pads wear, the level in the brake-fluid reservoir drops a bit. That helps you monitor brake wear. If the fluid level drops to or below the Low mark on the reservoir, then either your brakes are worn out or fluid is leaking. Either way, get the brake system serviced immediately. You should also get a routine brake inspection when you rotate the tires, about every 6,000 to 7,000 miles.

Myth: If regular-grade fuel is good, premium must be better.

Reality: Most vehicles run just fine on regular-grade (87 octane) fuel. Using premium in these cars won't hurt, but it won't improve performance, either. A higher-octane number simply means that the fuel is less prone to pre-ignition problems, so it's often specified for hotter running, high-compression engines. So if your car is designed for 87-octane fuel, don't waste money on premium.

Myth: Flush the coolant with every oil change.

Reality: Radiator coolant doesn't need to be replaced very often. Most owner's manuals recommend changing the coolant every five years or 60,000 miles. Of course, if the level in the coolant reservoir is chronically low, check for a leak and get service as soon as possible.

Myth: After a jump-start, your car will soon recharge the battery.

Reality: It could take hours of driving to restore a battery's full charge, especially in the winter. That's because power accessories, such as heated seats, draw so much electricity that in some cars the alternator has little left over to recharge a run-down battery. A "load test" at a service station can determine whether the battery can still hold a charge. If so, some hours on a battery charger might be needed to revive the battery to its full potential.

Myth: Let your engine warm up for several minutes before driving.

Reality: That might have been good advice for yesteryear's cars but is less so today. Modern engines warm up more quickly when they're driven. And the sooner they warm up, the sooner they reach maximum efficiency and deliver the best fuel economy and performance. But don't rev the engine high over the first few miles while it's warming up.

Myth: A dealership must perform regular maintenance to keep your car's factory warranty valid.

Reality: As long as the maintenance items specified in the vehicle owner's manual are performed on schedule, the work can be done at any auto-repair shop. If you're knowledgeable, you can even do the work yourself. Just keep accurate records and receipts to back you up in case of a warranty dispute on a future repair.

Myth: Dishwashing and laundry detergents make a good car wash.

Reality: Detergent can strip off a car's wax finish. Instead, use a car-wash liquid, which is formulated to clean without removing wax.