Sunday, April 23, 2017
Aur Island
The Aur Island (Malay: Pulau Aur) is an island in Mersing District, Johor, Malaysia. It lies about 76 kilometres (47 mi) east of Mersing Town and is part of the Johor Marine Park. Its corals, lagoons and offshore pools make it a tourist attraction. It has for many years also always been a frequent stopover point for fishermen.
There is also a smaller island close by, Dayang Island, which is separated from Aur Island by a narrow channel of about 400 metres (1,300 ft) width at the narrowest point. Both islands are home to Singaporean diving companies, divers reach the island by chartered boats from Mersing or Singapore.
Due to its overwhelming distance from the mainland of Peninsula Malaysia, Aur Island offers the clearest of waters and the most exciting dive sites in this part of the country. Marine life commonly seen by divers include Manta-Ray, Barracudas, Whitetip Sharks, Rays, Napoleon Wrasse, Jacks, Trevally, Yellowback Fusiliers, Turtle, Angelfish, Titan Trigger Fish and Bumphead Parrotfish.
The Aur Island weather is affected by the monsoon winds that blows from South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca. The northeast monsoon blows the wind from South China Sea from November to March and this is the time when the east coast states have heavy rainfall. Sea activities at this time are very much confined and the main activities at this time is usually the maintenance of boats and fishing related equipment as well as kite flying.
The west coast of Aur Island states are influenced by the southwest monsoon that blows the wind from the Straits of Malacca during the months of May to September. The periods between the monsoons are usually marked by heavy rainfall. The mountains have lower temperature range due to their higher altitude and the temperature ranges from 16 to 24 °C (61 to 75 °F).
The 1804 naval Battle of Pulo Aura between the British and the French took place in the island's vicinity during the Napoleonic Wars.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Pemanggil Island The Best Fishing Recreation
Pemanggil Island (Malay: Pulau Pemanggil) is an island in Mersing District, Johor, Malaysia. It sits 45 km east of Mersing, the take-off point to most islands off the Southern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is situated next to Tioman, requires a 4- to 5-hour ride by boat from Mersing. To get to Mersing itself takes 4½ hours by car or roughly 6 hours by coach from Kuala Lumpur.
As with most inhabited islands in Malaysian waters, Pemanggil has its fair share of history, mystery and spooky tales. The island is fishermen's best-kept secret. It is known for deep-sea fishing and good hunting grounds for marlins and mackerels.
This remote island is also famed for the beauty and abundance of marine life within its clear emerald waters. Its other magnetic charms include endless stretches of white sandy beaches and awesome snorkelling spots. Fishing and diving is excellent here.
For the adventurous, the hill outcrop of the island makes for a challenging climb and the summit holds an inherent scenic beauty of the far reaching ocean.
On the north-eastern coast of Pemanggil Island is Teluk Lancang, an isolated bay where coconut trees grow in abundance amidst the tropical vegetation. At the heart of the island, there is a huge boulder known locally as Batu Buau which locals regard as sacred. It would definitely not go unnoticed and is clearly visible as far as 50 km from the south of Tioman Island.
Well-known for deep-sea fishing, Pulau Pemanggil is fishermen’s heaven located 45km off Mersing.
The calm emerald water surrounds the pristine island homes to lavishness of colourful coral reefs and marine life.
Hence, plenty of water sports can be enjoyed on the island.
Due to the large sacred boulder in the middle of the island, many tourists find this island an elegant yet mysterious one.
Up until now, it has welcomed lots of tourists from all over the world since the opening of their first resort.
Why stay in Pulau Pemanggil?
Pulau Pemanggil is perfect for a serene and peaceful getaway. There are a few well-maintained resorts on the island. Their services are rated excellent and heart-warming.
Pulau Pemanggil offers long stretches of stunning beaches and crystal clear water. Lying on the beach, floating on the water and a leisure stroll are the simplest and the most relaxed activities on the island.
Sea View at Pulau Pemanggil
Photo credits: pulaumalaysia.com
Deep-sea fishing is opened to all tourists in Pulau Pemanggil. There are various ideal fishing spot available and the island holds one of the famous fish hunting grounds in Malaysia. Goods around the island are mackerels and marlins.
Apart from deep-sea fishing, various water sports are available on the island. The resort will provide all the equipment you need. The island is also well-suited for adventurous people.
It offers an exciting and challenging hiking experience to the hilltop for a scenic view of dazzling ocean. Tourists can even visit the local village to learn their culture.
How to Get to Pulau Pemanggil
Mersing is the only take-off point to Pulau Pemanggil and it requires 4- 5 hours boat ride to arrive at the island. Normally, the resort will arrange a boat transfer for you which is either fast or slow boat services. Fast boat services are more expensive compared to the slow one. Please take note that the boat transfers are always depends on the tidal conditions.
There are two ways to get to Mersing Jetty from Singapore, by coach or private car. Both journey takes around 3 hours.
Coach services are cheaper and are suitable for budget travellers. In Singapore, The One Travel & Tours offers coach services to Mersing jetty with Golden Mile Complex as their pick-up point. The coach normally leaves early in the morning. Online booking is available.
To experience a hassle-free and comfortable ride to Mersing Jetty, choose the private car services offered by SGMYTAXI.com. With their experienced and caring drivers, they are dedicated to serve you the best they can.
What to Do in Pulau Pemanggil
Don’t underestimate this small and pristine island as there are lots of relaxing and challenging activities you can enjoyed here.
1. Island hopping at Pemanggil Island
The resort offers an excursion to nearby islands such as Pulau Aur, Pulau Dayang and Pulau Lang. These islands are beautiful and suitable for photographing too.
2. Deep-sea fishing
Deep-Sea Fishing near Pulau Pemanggil
There are various ideal fishing spots available for fishing enthusiasts and even first-timers. September to December is the best period for fishing. Or, fish in between May to August for seasonal fishes.
3. Scuba diving at Pemanggil Island
Scuba Diving at Pemanggil Island
Explore the mysterious underwater world through scuba diving in Malaysia. The divers can have a closer look to the beautiful coral reefs and sea creatures. The equipment you will need can be rent from the resort.
4. Snorkelling at Pemanggil Island
Snorkelling is one of the best ways to get personal with the incredible coral reefs surround Pulau Pemanggil and you’ll find diverse marine life in the water. Mask up and have a try!
5. Hiking at Pemanggil Island
Hiking is great for adventurous people! While staying here, hike to the hilltop for an amazing view of South China Sea and the surrounding islands.
6. Relax on the Pulau Pemanggil beach
Pulau Pemanggil Beach View
Enjoy the beauty of nature by sunbathing and have a stroll along the beach. It helps you to relax and refresh your mind and soul.
7. Visit to Pulau Pemanggil’s local village
Never miss out the chance to experience the local living and learn their culture. Plan a visit to the main village on the island – Kampung Buau. It’s definitely a rewarding and interesting trip.
Where to Stay in Pulau Pemanggil
1. Lanting Beach Resort
Lanting Beach Resort is the most famous resort on Pulau Pemanggil. It features Malay-style beachfront rooms ranging from standard room, deluxe room, family room to suites. Besides, long houses which can accommodate up to 14 persons are available for large group travellers.
Lanting Beach Resort in Pulau Pemanggil
Savour delicious food ranging from local dishes to western dishes at their on-site restaurant. All the seafood is cooked in local ways. They even prepare BBQ dinner with wide array of options.
Lanting Beach Resort Room
Water sports can be enjoyed and all the equipment can be rent from the resort. Also, the resort provides free indoor games include monopoly, cards, mahjong, ping-pong and carom.
For outdoor games, beach volleyball is provided. You can even enjoy latest films and singing at their In-house movie & Karaoke.
Pulau Pemanggil Package
The resort offers a 3D2N packages for tourists. Here is the itinerary of the trip.
Day 1
Leave for Pulau Pemanggil from Mersing jetty early in the morning.
Accommodation check-in
Free time for fishing, swimming, snorkelling, jet skiing or canoeing for the whole day
Buffet lunch and dinner are served
Karaoke and in-house movie are provided
Day 2
Island hopping after breakfast
Packed lunch is provided
Return to resort for more water sports and leisure time
BBQ dinner
Day 3
Check-out after breakfast
Leave the island through ferry transfer
Address: Pulau Pemanggil, Mersing, Malaysia
Contact: +607-799 1939
Email: lantingbeachresort@yahoo.com / eamiplanet@yahoo.com
2. Pemanggil Holiday Heaven Chalet
3. Family Inn Resort
4. Pemanggil Indah
5. Pak Kaleh Chalet
Pulau Pemanggil Tips & Info
Only one plug in the room, I recommend you to bring your own extended socket.
Do not forget to bring your sunblock lotion, hats, umbrellas and other sunscreen items.
You can rent the life jackets and scuba-diving equipment, please contact staff if necessary.
There are a number of necessary items sell in the resort, just next to restaurant.
No towels available in the room, please take your towel at the counter when you do the registration and remember to return back after you check out the resort.
For safety reasons, the resort will based on the weather of the day to decide whether to go to sea.
The Lanting Beach Resort has many ladder, please walk in caution.
If you need hot water, you can request from resort’s staffs.
When is The Best Time to Visit Pulau Pemanggil
Pulau Pemanggil is influenced by monsoon season which falls from October to March. Travel during monsoon season may lead to disappointment as the resorts close their doors within this period of time. Hence, April to September would be the best time to visit Pulau Pemanggil.
It’s encouraged to travel from April to September as there are less rainfalls and the coast is clear. The island is less susceptible to strong winds and rough sea waves. It’s always sunny day thus water sports and other beach activities can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Even though the resort is closed, online booking at the resorts are available throughout the year.
Royal Belum- Eden of The East
Finally the time has come to continue our FW exploration in Royal Belum. After months of preparation and recruitment, finally we have 6 anglers wanting to experience FW fishing in one of Malaysia’s best fishing ground. Hiccups is always part of our lives, we thought we are able to explore slightly further up closer to the main stream system. Due to unforseen event, our permit into the Perak State Park were not completed on time. Thus we were left to explore the center and lower part of the Belum – Temenggor Lake.
It was last minute when we recieve the breaking news, and almost had this trip cancelled last minutue. I knew I had to keep everyone interested to continue this journey, thus came the war speech. It was true from my heart that speaks about dream and glory once we conquered the Jungle Perch that roams in the water of Tasik Banding. I guess everyone were moved by my speech, and finally we are on our to begin our Pre-Monsoon fishing in Tasik Banding.
Belum-Temenggor lake is one of the largest lake in Peninsula Malaysia and divided into three different section. Royal Belum is the protected state park that shares its borders with Thailand. Tasik Banding or Banding Lake is situated in between Royal Belum and Temenggor Lake. An area that surrounds Banding Island promises several great fishing spot for us to venture like Teluk Y, Sg Gadong and Sg Kedah. Temenggor lake is situated further south that completes the complex Belum-Temenggor lake system is an unknown territory for me and that awaits us all.
We leave KL around 2am and reach our final step of civilization in a small town of Gerik at 7.00am. We waited for breakfast and after that we drove to the jetty to begin our fishing adventure. It was full of people, several large group of people take a weekend outing in huge boat house which is great for a large group retreat. A quick pickup by my trusted boatman, and we carry our rations and stuffs on-board the exclusive Casuarina in Shark Island. We were lucky as The Casuarina were not schedule to sail across Royal Belum, and we can use it as of Forward operation Base to stage our extensive assault on Jungle Perch Muahahaha
Knowing 2 days all inclusive TV, Room, Shower, Air-Condition and Electricity does put a smile to our team member and hopefully the next 2 days will be an awesome experience for them.
We begin our morning session with haste and set off to Lubuk Y. I was there back in August and it does proves to be a good spot to begin our fishing day. The journey doesn’t take long and soon we started to cast our metal spoon. A week before this trip, I manage to get Tokwan Lure to permit us to run product review for their newest product in the market Tokwan So’Do spoon. Thanks to Hasya Joran, Tuan Anhar and Tokwan for sponsoring us 4 sets of 4g and 7g spoons. It was not long when Riduan landed our first Sebarau of the day hahaha. It was not big but its a start, at least we know the fish is around.
The most effective way to entice Sebarau is to use metal spoon or spinner bait. Other than deep diving lure like Rapala TDD9 or other deep cranking lures. Fast retrieve spoons will trigger the killer instinct of the Sebarau and surely they will go for it. Duwe demonstrate a fine presentation of his spoon, hooking 8 small Sebarau which we will release it once we change our fishing spot. While Badrul was on fire too hooking several Sebarau but still all size are less than 20cm.
The fundamental rule when we do Sebarau or Jungle perch fishing is that smaller specimen are the first fish to be caught and the size of the next fish will be bigger and bigger.The idea is not to lose a fish while hooking it, once it is off the hook it will spook the other fish thus it reduce the bite rate significantly! Our trip to Lubuk Y were cut short as Duwe and Badrul both loss a fish thus from fishing frenzy it turns quite within seconds.
Duwe on fire this morning, with 8 to his name!
As bite rate drops dramatically, we head out of Teluk Y and proceed to our next location. This time we position the boat on a shallow bank, using a thruster to reduce water disturbance and avoid from spooking the fish. I cast a 7g Gold Tokwan So’do spoon on one of the emerging tree branch and all the sudden I receive a great knock and soon the drag is whistling haha.
It was a good size, 35cm specimen weighing less than a kilo, a good keeper for our lunch today :). Soon after I landed my fish, it was Badrul’s turn to have a taste of a keeper size Sebarau. His Daiwa Morethan 8.1 LPBC was up to the match and safely landed another Sebarau! almost identical in size and will fit nicely during our lunch on the table.
We continue on to our final location for the morning session. Situated closer to our FOB. We only landed a handful of small Sebarau, but Badrul manage to land one keeper to seal the morning tally of 9 Sebarau. A great start to the day after a tiring drive from Kl to Banding. We head back to our base and prepare the lunch. Deep fried Sebarau is on the menu and some meat curry and sambal, perfect for our lunch treat. Boat 2 came back with only 2 Sebarau, and loss several fish but it is still early and we still have one more session today.
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Kenyir Famous Fishing Destination In Malaysia
An anglers fishing at one of the ‘secret’ locations for toman.
TASIK Kenyir, the largest man-made lake in South-East Asia, is one of the hotspots among local anglers seeking an adrenaline rush.
Located in the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, some 40km from Kuala Berang, Terengganu, this pristine location is home to the sebarau, toman and haruan.
While there are many other smaller freshwater species found in this lake, toman and sebarau are the two top species sought by anglers because they are aggressive and put up a tough fight when caught on the rod and line.
Over the years, the number of huge toman and sebarau caught in this lake had dwindled, but the big fishes can still be found in secluded and rarely explored areas around the 38,000 hectares of water catchment area.
However, these places are kept secret and those who have visited the locations often decline to disclose the whereabouts, fearing it would be exploited by other anglers, thus killing the big species found there.
An angler casting to catch toman in Kenyir Lake. Aside from this species, there are also plenty of Sebarau. Bigger fishes are found in secluded areas which are rarely explored by anglers.
Those who fish in these secret locations carry out the catch-and- release method whereby they only take what they need and release the bigger fish back into the water, to preserve the wild fishing ground.
Fishing for toman and sebarau is not difficult but it requires a bit of endurance and skill as one needs to use some strength to cast the line out and retrieve it back, emulating a fast fish’s swimming to lure the prey.
This action has to be done repeatedly, over hundreds of times in a day, and can be tiring for the arms and legs as one has to stand long hours to carry out the action.
But once the lure is taken, the first initial surge with a hard tug or jerk, as the fish tries to free the hook lodged in its mouth, would definitely give any angler an adrenaline rush.
There are many fishing boats that offer to take anglers out on to the Lake Kenyir for fishing trips. These rakit house boats, as they are popularly referred to, can accommodate about 10 anglers per boat.
Depending on the size of the fish, toman and sebarau would fight between five and 15 minutes in a tug of war.
While these two species can be caught all year round, the best time to catch toman is during the hot season, where it frequently surfaces, giving away its whereabouts.
Using the ripples as an indicator, an angler has to cast the lure near its hideaway, in an attempt to lure the fish out.
Repeated castings could result in a successful catch if the fish is still lurking in the area.
The many lures that you can use to catch toman and sebarau.
For sebarau, the best time to catch them is during the rainy season, when it would come out to look for food.
Similarly, the sebarau also plays close to the surface, indicating its presence in the area.
The best way to catch these two species is by casting with different types of lures.
While poppers, deep and shallow runners and even jumping frog are used for toman, sebarau is best caught with a spoon lure.
An angler with a big toman caught with a lure on rod and line.
For easy fishing and exchanging of the lures, either to hunt for the toman or sebarau, my recommendation is a long medium or fast- action rod fitted to a small spinning reel spooled with a 15lb to 20lb line.
My preference is the braided line which is much stronger and lighter compared to the monofilament, making the casting much easier with a further throwing distance.
Of course, one also needs a good guide to take them to the secret locations.
Remember to adopt the catch- and-release practice, especially with the bigger fish and during its spawning period, to ensure the fish continues to breed.
Preserving the place from public knowledge can also help to prevent meat hunters from harvesting the big fish found there.
Happy fishing!
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