Wednesday, November 30, 2011 A.D.

Bye bye BKK

Finally, it's time to head to the airport and fly back home to Switzerland. It's been an amazing time, but now I am happy to go home!

Posted by Scasi at 10:55 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 A.D.

Big Buddha

On my last day in Bangkok, I check out another temple, Wat Pho. The lying Buddha is pretty big!

Posted by Scasi at 09:47 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 A.D.

Flodding market?

Close to the river, some areas are struggling with the floods, even in Eastern Bangkok.

Posted by Scasi at 10:34 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 A.D.

Golden age

I really like all the statues and sculptures of ancient Thailand.

Posted by Scasi at 09:12 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 A.D.

Phra Siratana Chedi

I am visiting the grand palace of HM the King today.

Posted by Scasi at 09:00 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 A.D.

Top of Bangkok

That's the nice from the 84th floor of our hotel.

Posted by Scasi at 06:16 AM 0 comments

Monday, November 28, 2011 A.D.

Khao San Road

It's an amazing look towards Khao San Rd, even on Monday nights!

Posted by Scasi at 04:55 PM 0 comments

Monday, November 28, 2011 A.D.

Old new friends

Tonight, I made up Silvia again, whom I've initially met in Mabul. Her 15 months world travelling trip ends in a few days. So does my (1 month) travelling trip.

Posted by Scasi at 03:07 PM 0 comments

Monday, November 28, 2011 A.D.

Good night, smiling sun

This is the stunning view from my hotel room on the 35th floor. It's Thailand tallest building (304m).

Posted by Scasi at 11:14 AM 0 comments

Monday, November 28, 2011 A.D.

Crazy BKK

I just arrived at the last destination of my South East Asia tipp: Bangkok! Two more nights left...

Posted by Scasi at 09:11 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 27, 2011 A.D.

Last day at the beach

It's my last day at the beach today! The end of this Asia trip is in sight...

Posted by Scasi at 08:11 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 26, 2011 A.D.

Cave explorer

The last 10 minutes of our stop here, I use to check out the impressive caves.

Posted by Scasi at 08:55 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 26, 2011 A.D.

Lying Buddha

It's a very nice temple here. Sad, that our super-touristic tour only allows a 30 minutes stop here.

Posted by Scasi at 08:45 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 26, 2011 A.D.

No whiskey in this area

At the entrance of this monkey and temple area, a warning sign cautioned everyone not to bring whiskey to this area. The monkey might steal it!

Posted by Scasi at 08:25 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 26, 2011 A.D.

Commercial canoing

It kind of was nice, but just tooooo touristic, as you probably guess when you see all the boats.

Posted by Scasi at 05:32 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 26, 2011 A.D.

James Bond Island

Today, I am on a full day trip with my Slovenian friends to James Bond Island (of Goldfinger). An awesome scenery, but the trip is ways too touristic!

Posted by Scasi at 04:22 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 25, 2011 A.D.

When the rain is blowing in your face ...

... it's a bit cold but fun, especially on the ride back to the dive shop.

Posted by Scasi at 07:53 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 25, 2011 A.D.

The last dive

That was it! After 32 dives in Asia, I just completed my last one. I have got 67 dives in total now and really feel the improvements, I have made in the last few weeks.

Posted by Scasi at 07:05 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 25, 2011 A.D.

OK

After the backroll entry, I say 'OK' to the captain.

Posted by Scasi at 06:01 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 25, 2011 A.D.

Krabi rocks

It's an awesome ride towards our first dive site.

Posted by Scasi at 02:27 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 25, 2011 A.D.

Diving Krabi

Today, it's my last scuba diving day of this Asia trip. On the way to our speedboat in the early morning.

Posted by Scasi at 02:00 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 24, 2011 A.D.

Ao Nang is fun!

Let the party begin...

Posted by Scasi at 01:08 PM 0 comments

Thursday, November 24, 2011 A.D.

Safari?

Not at all! My new 5 Slovenian friends and I are being driven to a potential residence... (We took it)

Posted by Scasi at 11:45 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 24, 2011 A.D.

Ao Nang

After four dangerous hours of Minivan driving, we all arrived SAFELY in Krabi. The landscape is fascinating!

Posted by Scasi at 10:58 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 24, 2011 A.D.

Seasickness and a bit of fun

I (respectively my stomach) had it this extremly tough ride to Pakbarra quite under control. Some others didn't!

Posted by Scasi at 03:45 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 24, 2011 A.D.

Time to say ...

... bye to Koh Lipe and my lovely friends at Ocean Pro Divers, but to say hello to the 'other' Thailand.

Posted by Scasi at 03:01 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 A.D.

Sunrise beach

Here we go: I am staying another extra day on Koh Lipe. Recovery reasons ;-)

Posted by Scasi at 06:33 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 A.D.

Mia Luna

Well, I just found out that there's an electro party on Koh Lipe tonight! Might change my travelling plans a bit...

Posted by Scasi at 05:07 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 A.D.

8-Mile-Rock

Finally, after one week of waiting and on my last full day in Koh Lipe, we go to the famous 8-Mile-Rock for diving. At this very moment, I am still dry... The waves and current got pretty tough!

Posted by Scasi at 03:33 AM 0 comments

Monday, November 21, 2011 A.D.

Sunset beach

Today, it's a relaxing day at sunset beach.

Posted by Scasi at 11:31 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 20, 2011 A.D.

Find the Nemo

The common Nemo fighting against the current.

Posted by Scasi at 07:16 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 20, 2011 A.D.

Cuttle fish

Very cool fish!

Posted by Scasi at 07:00 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 20, 2011 A.D.

Scorpion fish

They are very hard to find!

Posted by Scasi at 06:44 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 20, 2011 A.D.

Under water

As I am the only fun diver today, my private guide Rebecca brought her cam with her.

Posted by Scasi at 06:33 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 20, 2011 A.D.

Above the water

Ready to jump in (James Bond entry, of course!).

Posted by Scasi at 04:59 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 20, 2011 A.D.

Serious crew

Our dive masters are always very serious! ;-)

Posted by Scasi at 04:46 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 20, 2011 A.D.

Off to far islands

It's always an awesome scenery, driving out to the ocean or along lonly beaches.

Posted by Scasi at 03:30 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 18, 2011 A.D.

A few Swiss plus one Malay

Going out with Cola, our dive master, is fun!

Posted by Scasi at 05:01 PM 0 comments

Thursday, November 17, 2011 A.D.

Cats, dogs and cows

Out of a sudden, it started raining tonight, as I've never seen it before. Within minutes, everything was flodded in front of my bungalow. Only 1cm was left, and then I would have had water in my room.

Posted by Scasi at 03:35 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 A.D.

Sunset at beach

Suddenly, it all got red, even the white sand.

Posted by Scasi at 01:32 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 A.D.

Diving the paradise

Our next dive will be around this beautiful island!

Posted by Scasi at 07:07 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 A.D.

Boarding Chalalai

Boarding our dive boat, Chalalai.

Posted by Scasi at 03:40 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 A.D.

Koh Lipe

After a long Journey yesterday, I finally arrived on Koh Lipe. Now, heading out to the sea again for the first dives here. The hill in the background already belongs to another island.

Posted by Scasi at 03:30 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 A.D.

Off to Hat Yai

Flying up to Hat Yai in southern Thailand, for very good price :o) Finally, I am even at the correct airport.

Posted by Scasi at 05:10 AM 0 comments

Monday, November 14, 2011 A.D.

Monorail

KL is like my Lego city from childhood - just in real!

Posted by Scasi at 06:00 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 13, 2011 A.D.

Pirate in Malaysia

Visiting a birds zoo next the KL tower. It's a funny experience! Especially the 'fight' with a monkey I had, as he took my cell phone and wanted to get it into the cage.

Posted by Scasi at 07:28 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 13, 2011 A.D.

Top of KL

Now, I finally have the overview from the 421 meters high tower. All KL around me!

Posted by Scasi at 06:52 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 13, 2011 A.D.

Menara Kuala Lumpur

After a walk through the rain forest, I am now at the bottom of the radio tower of KL.

Posted by Scasi at 06:20 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 13, 2011 A.D.

Hot hot hot

I randomly discovered an old rain forest in the middle of the city. It's a very exhausting but impressive walk through it. The noise from animals, the heat, the wet, the trees and everything is something, one must have experienced!

Posted by Scasi at 06:15 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 13, 2011 A.D.

Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers are the highest twin towers in the world. It's an amazing view towards the top. Unfortunately, the sky bridge is closed till December...

Posted by Scasi at 04:55 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 13, 2011 A.D.

Kuala Lumpur!

After a longer journey than I expected, I arrived yesterday night in Kuala Lumpur. It's all pretty cheep and so I booked a 5-star-hotel for 3 nights, before I'll head up to Thailand. This is the view from our hotel pool towards the city center.

Posted by Scasi at 03:35 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 12, 2011 A.D.

The other Semporna

That's a typical street view from Semporna. I have go get used to left-driven traffic again.

Posted by Scasi at 07:44 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 12, 2011 A.D.

Sightseeing in Semporna

On a walk to the bank in Semporna, I discovered this beautiful Mosque.

Posted by Scasi at 04:45 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 11, 2011 A.D.

Happy Birthday

It's Miriam's birthday now! We met one week ago and it turned out, that we kind of have the same travelling plans. Maybe I'll meet her in Thailand again.

Posted by Scasi at 05:00 PM 0 comments

Friday, November 11, 2011 A.D.

Leaving Mabul

Tonight, I go back to Semporna. Leaving Mabul is hard, as it has been an amazing diving week! The Dive Masters are left on the island.

Posted by Scasi at 09:34 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 10, 2011 A.D.

Awesome

Did you know that there is even an underwater gesture for the word 'awesome'?

Posted by Scasi at 10:22 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 10, 2011 A.D.

Sunset at the beach

I 'only' did two dives today and chill at the beach this afternoon. A few hours of rest is just perfect, as it was a though night yesterday.

Posted by Scasi at 10:15 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 A.D.

All happy

A cozy evening on the deck of a 2-bedroom-yart.

Posted by Scasi at 05:39 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 A.D.

Up to the moon ...

… and far beyond! Luckily, nobody felt down.

Posted by Scasi at 05:13 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 A.D.

Yard party

It's definitely lots of fun! Glad, we brought some beers and beverages with us...

Posted by Scasi at 04:57 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 A.D.

Entering the yard

After a cool evening at our Scuba bar, Andy invited us to his yard and to have a party. An offer, nobody denied. Lots of people - including the Dive Masters - are entering the yard.

Posted by Scasi at 04:34 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 A.D.

Mabul Island

Today, it's actually the first real sunny day! Driving back to Mabul from Siamil Island is a fantastic setting!

Posted by Scasi at 09:14 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 A.D.

Happy face

I just had a swim in the sea during our first break. Looking forward to the second and third dive today. Diving three times a day is normal here!

Posted by Scasi at 04:05 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 A.D.

Diving Siamil

We just arrived at the Siamil Island, where we'll have our first dive break today. It's an island, as you cannot imagine! You even can hear the apes!

Posted by Scasi at 04:01 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 A.D.

Philippe and the Dutch guys

Tonight, I am hanging out with only Dutch people. It's fun!

Posted by Scasi at 03:30 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 A.D.

Scuba Junkies

This is the view from our bar towards our bungalows. The one on the very right side is the place I stay.

Posted by Scasi at 06:55 AM 0 comments

Monday, November 7, 2011 A.D.

On the right hand side ...

... of our way to the residence, there is our beach. Pretty clean and nice. What a contrast, so close together!

Posted by Scasi at 04:58 AM 0 comments

Monday, November 7, 2011 A.D.

On the left hand side ...

... of our way to from the diving basis to the residence, there are the 'houses' and boats of the local people. Most of them ar Philipeans and illegally migrated to Mabul 30 years ago during the war.

Posted by Scasi at 04:55 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 6, 2011 A.D.

Diving!

My diving week just started! After we went to Mabul Island where we stay this morning, we got the diving equipment and went straight to Kapalai. Here, we dive in front of the luxus resorts.

Posted by Scasi at 04:31 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 5, 2011 A.D.

In Concert

At the restaurant of Scuba Junkie, it's the time for a small but nice cover band! Settling into Malaysia...

Posted by Scasi at 04:00 PM 0 comments

Saturday, November 5, 2011 A.D.

Harbour of Semporna

Finally, I arrived in Semporna tonight. I sleep here (in the blue house in the background) for one day and tomorrow, I head of to Mabul Island.

Posted by Scasi at 10:22 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 5, 2011 A.D.

Approaching Tawau

Time to leave Singapore, time to head over to Semporna, real Malay Asia!

Posted by Scasi at 07:10 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 4, 2011 A.D.

Roadblock

Julia brought me to a special place: At 7pm, the road is closed and opened for the public and dozens of food shops. Satay sticks all around!

Posted by Scasi at 12:32 PM 0 comments

Friday, November 4, 2011 A.D.

Fat Bird

Read the English description, you have to stand in front of the bird. The Chinese text? Right at its ass!

Posted by Scasi at 09:12 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 4, 2011 A.D.

Little India

Little India is pretty nice and actually quite big!

Posted by Scasi at 02:44 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 4, 2011 A.D.

Pool party

It's pretty normal that 'everyone' has an infinity pool here, Julia said.

Posted by Scasi at 01:33 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 4, 2011 A.D.

Visiting an old friend

Today, I picked up Julia and her son Louan at their home in Singapore. It's a very nice and modern flat!

Posted by Scasi at 01:15 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 3, 2011 A.D.

Pure Singapore

Cannot stop looking at!

Posted by Scasi at 06:01 PM 0 comments

Thursday, November 3, 2011 A.D.

Infinity pool

On top of Marina Sands Bay tonight. The pool looks pretty nice and has nearly the size of the one of my parents ;o)

Posted by Scasi at 05:33 PM 0 comments

Thursday, November 3, 2011 A.D.

Marina Bay Sands

It's an awesome scenery here at the Singapore river towards the city skyline as well as Marina Bay Sands, one of Singapores most famous hotels. Unfortunately, it was too expensive for me.

Posted by Scasi at 01:15 PM 0 comments

Thursday, November 3, 2011 A.D.

Fort Canning

This entrance door is all that remained of the historical Fort Canning, which was built by Europeans in order to protect themselves against the Malay people.

Posted by Scasi at 11:20 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 3, 2011 A.D.

Shooting on innocent people

If you go behind this fence, they shoot on you, even if you raise your hands. Understandable, as there's the water reservoir behind...

Posted by Scasi at 11:07 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 3, 2011 A.D.

Shopping break

Well, 'walking along and through shopping centers and buying nothing but just look' would be the more appropriate expression.

Posted by Scasi at 09:00 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 3, 2011 A.D.

Feng Shui Horror

The old building in front was perfectly built according to the Feng Shui concept. However, since the two skyscrapers in the background were built according to Feng Shui, nobody wants to life or work in the old building anymore because of the two sharp corners of the modern buildings. They are not in harmony with the older building's position, my old schoolfriend Julia said, who is living in Singapore for a few years.