www.nst.com By Audrey Yeoh Beneath the waters of Tenggol Island lies a rare treasure and well-kept secret among the diving community. Unbelievably marine life are found here.
Up until now, Tenggol Island is almost unheard of, except among avid divers always on the lookout for good dive sites.
Situated in South China Sea, the Tenggol group has been gazetted as part of the Terengganu Marine Park. The main island is an hour by boat from Dungun jetty. Considering the gems you see at Tenggol, the boat ride is worth the trouble.
You will be surprised to find loads of soft and hard corals still fresh and alive in one place. A dive in mahy area around Tenggol Island can truly awaken your senses.
There are more than 20 dive sties arond Tenggol and nearby Nyireh islands. Some are charted on the Tenggol Dive Site map and some known only to the Tenggol Aqua Resort operator.
The popular ones are Tokong Luat, Gua Rajawali, Tokong Timur, Tanjung Api, The Highyway, Fishbowl and Amazing Grace.
Imagine the excitement divers feel when they go 30 metres below. Germans Kruege Waldermar and his wife are on their second visit to Tenggol and are spending 14 days on the island.
"Wow" was his reaction when asked about his first dive in Tenggol. He loves diving because it allows him to stay in one spot longer besides getting nearer to the fishes or corals, which he is able to feel and touch.
He has seen so many fishes and corals that he can't remember most of their names. "Tenggol is my dream island. I have searched many places. to find a place like this and I hope it remains like this forever" Waldermar says.
He has pre-booked another 14 days for next year's holiday.
One of the island's attractions is that it is still close to its original state. Wladermar hopes the authorities will take steps to preserve this condition, especially the corals.
You would understand why tourists from all over the world make a beeline to this house if they are in Kuala Lumpur once you see the grand dark structure standing before you.
The house is charming in its own Malay way. The 124 year-old house is an exquisite traditional Minang house made out of hard black timber. Built on stilts, it has a wonderfully high ceiling, several verandahs airy rooms, kitchen and the old fashion bathroom.
Situated in South China Sea, the Tenggol group has been gazetted as part of the Terengganu Marine Park. The main island is an hour by boat from Dungun jetty. Considering the gems you see at Tenggol, the boat ride is worth the trouble. |