Open Water Diving Course: All-In RM1499 Budget

Have you ever thought of scuba diving as your next family holiday? It was always on my mind for many years and it got materialised when my youngest son reached 10. That is the minimum age requirement for PADI Open Water Diver course. Since all my family members could swim and float reasonably well (part of the requirements), I waited no more and scouted for affordable and suitable arrangement that could fit our schedules. Due to different school holidays and other commitments, the most suitable time was during tail end of national school holidays, which co-inside with fasting month.

Breath Deeply & Slowly

18 meters is the Max Depth for Open Water Divers

DIVING AT PULAU PERHENTIAN KECIL

Perhentian Island was my preferred destination as I had never been there prior to this and it was one of the closest diving destinations from Klang Valley.  We drove to Kuala Besut Jetty, which was 500 km++ away from Klang Valley. It took us 6.5 hours to drive to Kuala Besut Jetty; so make sure there are at least 2 drivers. We stopped at Masjid Kampung Gemuruh, Kuala Trengganu at 5am for suhoor and after subuh prayers, we continued driving to Kuala Besut Jetty. We took the 8:15 am boat ride to Pulau Perhentian Kecil. As soon as we arrived, we checked into Senja Bay Resort and quickly walked about 150 meters to Anti-Gravity Divers.

Anti Gravity Divers

Anti Gravity Divers

This sharing is based on my experience and does not represent how the course should be like or how others would have experienced.

DAY 1

PADI Open Water Diver Course is a 4 full-days course. We popped by the diving center at 10 am and  were greeted by sweet Ili, one of the instructors at the center. There were 2 instructors assigned to five of us – Ili and Skunk. The course consisted of 5 sections of knowledge development i,e theory, 5 Confined Water Dives (where you learn important skills) and 4 Open Water Dives where you practice diving skills further. We went through 3 sections on the first day, followed by one confined water dive at Romantic Bay. We had to watch 3 videos and went though review questions and quizzes upon completion of every section. There was also a book we could refer to throughout the course. All content, material and exams were in English, so a good command and understanding in English was pretty important for this course.

padi open water course

Other than video, we got to refer to this book

DAY 2

Put Together Diving Equipment

Putting Together Diving Equipment

Our session started at 8:15 am and after briefing, gearing up and buddy check, we went to Sharila Bay for our second dive, followed by our third dive at 12 noon at Batu Nisan, along Pasir Panjang. We were taught how to fix diving equipment and apply important skills in the water which includes clearing masks whilst in the water, entering and exiting the water and sharing regulator,  After the third dive we watched video 4 and 5.

Ready for a Back Roll

Ready to Enter via Back Roll

DAY 3

We continued Open Water 2 at Batu Nisan, Perhentian Kecil,  followed by Open Water 3 at 3 Ruang, Perhentian Besar. We had to perform more skills in the water like putting on the equipment in the water, dropping weights, how to perform emergency ascend and many more. We also had to swim 200 meters and float for 10 minutes.

Hand Language is Important

12 meter Depth only for Junior Open Water Divers

In the afternoon, the instructors went through sections 3, 4 , 5 & the RDP (Recreational Dive)  table with us. Indeed there were loads of learning at this course. We got to learn about equipment, science, safety, communication and how to care for each other. How did my children ages 11-16 cope with the amount of info they had to digest? Pretty ok, as we had very good and patient instructors who made diving enjoyable.

Wear Suitable Attire

Wear Suitable Attire as You can get Too Cold or Hot

DAY 4

The last day was not as strenuous as days before since we only did one dive; Open Water 4, followed by final theory exams. At the Open Water 4, we got to learn how to use navigation compass on the surface and under water. After a late check-out, we took a boat ride to Kuala Besut at 4 pm, after which we drove back home.

Open Water Dive 4

Out for Open Water Dive 4 with Instructors Skunk & Ili

FASTING & DIVING

Fasting didn’t have any impact on me, but my youngest and second were dehydrated and exhausted on the third day, so they broke fast. As for my husband who could get sea-sick easily – having food early during suhoor eliminated sea-sickness throughout the course. The heat in the afternoon did make us feel sleepy and lethargic, especially when we had to watch long videos and read books.

ONE PERSON BUDGET for 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

Food on the island was reasonably priced and there were many places you could dine in. We broke fast at Senja Bay every night as it was close to comfort, sunset was marvelous and there was a good selection of food to choose from. Here’s a good budget for a person. You can save or spend more based on transport and accommodation preference.

Sunset Breakfast

Sunset at Senja Bay Resort

  • Accommodation : RM290. We got an air-conditioned family room with 6 beds at Senja Bay . Breakfast (suhoor) provided. Do bring insect repellent as you get a lot of mosquitoes at night. You can save more by choosing cheaper chalets, but many come without air-conditioning, fans only.
  • Return Boat Transfer : RM60
  • Food : RM120. You can get a decent meal for RM15-20.
  • Road Transport (Toll & Petrol & Secure Car Park) : RM38. As long as you can get at least 2 drivers, it is much cheaper to drive. If you take the plane, you would need to take a cab from Kota Bahru to Kuala Besut Jetty.
  • Diving Course : RM990 by Anti-Gravity Divers

TOTAL : RM1,498 / USD360

Diving Log

Divers Log – Hope to log more soon!

 

Clown Fish

Clown Fishes

TIPS FOR A BETTER DIVING EXPERIENCE @PERHENTIAN : 

  • Bring your own water containers. Reduce plastic use and refill your container for drinking water
  • If you like to make your own hot drinks in your room, find out if your room has water boiler. You can bring one if they don’t provide any
  • Beware of insects! Bring along insect repellent.
  • If you wear contact lenses, make sure you bring extras or remove them when required. You’d need to swim under water without mask on and eyes opened for a few meters.
  • Beware of sharp objects and dead corals that might hurt your feet. Bring and wear aqua shoes and get a pair of flippers that would fit your feet with aqua shoes on.
  • Ask preferred Diving Center to make recommendations for accommodation close to the center and assist boat transfer.
Camouflage Scorpion Fish

Beware of Poisonous Life : Camouflage Scorpion Fish

Now that we are a family of scuba divers – we could enjoy our beach vacation more – beyond snorkeling and canoeing. There are so much to explore, see and learn from the marine life!

Other adventure family activities :

Ganjaran Kekal Cergas di Bulan Ramadan

Pada bulan Ramadan ini saya bernekad untuk meneruskan latihan larian dan yoga seperti hari-hari biasa. Ini adalah kerana saya ingin mengekalkan stamina, menurunkan tahap lemak badan dan tonkan badan. Apatah lagi, saya masih ingat seramai 3,000 para atlit yang beragama Islam berlatih dan bertanding seperti biasa semasa Sukan Olimpik 2012 yang berlangsung di London pada bulan Ramadan.

Kajian juga menunjukkan terdapat penurunan berat badan tanpa perubahan pada prestasi fizikal para atlit perempuan ketika berlatih di bulan puasa. Inilah masanya untuk terus berpikiran positif dan bina keyakinan diri kerana kadang-kadang akal banyak memberi alasan.

Kekal Cergas

Pada hari pertama Ramadan, selepas memasak untuk berbuka, pada jam 6 petang, saya bergegas keluar untuk berlari 5km. Alhamdulillah, walaupun tahap larian perlahan, saya dapat menghabiskan latihan selama 45 minit. Pada Ramadan kedua pula, saya berlari sejauh 3.3km sahaja kerana kesuntukan masa selepas menyediakan juadah berbuka. Oleh kerana berlari semasa berpuasa adalah baru bagi saya, adalah penting saya peka dengan reaksi atau perubahan badan ketika dan selepas larian. Alhamdulillah, selepas berbuka, saya dapat meneruskan ibadah tarawih di masjid bersama keluarga seperti biasa.

Yoga Ramadhan

Ramadan Pertama : Sambil Berlari, Berhenti Sejenak Untuk Crow Pose Yoga

HotFM Cergas Ramadan bersama AIA Vitality

Ramadan Kedua : Larian 3.3 km sahaja

Ganjaran

Teruja sungguh saya apabila mengetahui HotFM Cergas Ramadan bersama AIA Vitality menggalakkan gaya hidup aktif dan cergas pada bulan Ramadan. Terdapat pertandingan yang amat senang untuk disertai untuk mereka yang meneruskan gaya hidup yang aktif pada bulan Ramadan. Sambil bersenam, ambillah peluang untuk mendapatkan ganjaran berbentuk barangan sukan bernilai RM300. Cuma upload gambar atau video anda melakukan aktiviti senaman di Instagram atau Facebook. Berikan kepsyen kreatif kenapa anda pilih untuk kekal cergas di bulan Ramadan. Nak upload gambar senam bersama rakan pun boleh! Jangan lupa #SayaPilihCergasRamadan dan #AIAVitalityMY serta tag @hotfm976. Apa yang menarik lagi – AIA Public Takaful akan menderma RM10 ke badan amal untuk setiap penyertaan. Jangan lupa untuk menyertainya dan info lanjut boleh didapati di http://www.hotfm.com.my/hot-fm-cergas-ramadan-bersama-aia-vitality/

Teruskan gaya hidup yang aktif dan cergas di bulan Ramadan. Pastikan anda mengambil makanan yang seimbang dan berkhasiat, minum air sekurang-kurangnya 8 gelas sehari, dan mendapat cukup rehat dan tidur sebaik-baiknya 7 jam sehari supaya badan sihat tanpa sebarang tekanan.

Energy & Protein Bar

Mudah Disedia di Rumah :  Bar Tenaga & Protein Diperbuat dari Pisang, Oat, Kacang, & Kranberi untuk memberi khasiat semasa Ramadan

5 ways to get slimmer & fit body on Ramadhan

Ramadhan is the most efficient way to keep your body fit and healthy while at the same time drawing closer to Allah s.w.t.. During this period of month is when people usually grab the opportunity to discipline themselves physically and mentally. Variety ways people tried to find the best diet for maintaining their body shape, but the best way to maintain your body fitness is through following our Prophet’s style of eating habits.

 

In a timeless hadith of our Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) regarding healthy eating habits, he mentions:

“A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.” [Ibn Majah]

 fitness for women

 

 

We all surely have the same thought of losing weight during Ramadhan. Yes indeed, we should be focusing on our deeds for the sake of Allah s.w.t.. But notice this. Does our body gets thinner or fatter? Admit it, most of us eats according to our lust and appetite when breaking fast. Neglecting the nutritional balanced diet and body health? That’s a typical situation for someone that starves through out the day. Then, we regret eating too much and not knowing what to do about it. Tarawih prayers helps to balance back the physical condition of our body. But for some, that is not enough. We usually get too little physical movement during Ramadhan. Well, here are some tips that may boost in losing weight while collecting deen, as exercise is also one of the ibadah.

 

Follow these 5 tips for a fit healthier body in Ramadhan

 

1. Planning physical activity

  • Do 15-45 minutes of light exercise such as walking, house chores, gardening, and etc. It is good for blood circulation during fasting.
  • Less sleep. More sunnah prayer. Probably burn 60-80 calories (according to your weight) with prayers 5 times or 17 rakaah.
  • Tarawih prayers is also an exciting physical activity your strength. Try to calculate how many calories you burn when you do 20 rakaah Tarawih prayers? On average, one burns 4 calories performing one rakaah.
  • Did you know that you can burn 50-80 calories during one hour of reading? Read the Quran in wherever you are. It keeps you alert and your mind can also be sharpened.

2. Eat at appropriate amount of calorie

  • Taking of 1200-2000 calories per day
  • While fasting, we still have to calculate in detail the calorie content of each food. Do not forget two dates contain at least 45 calories. If you take 10 dates, you have to take at least 225 calories.
  • Eat as usual. Eat moderately. No need to exaggerate your diet during fasting.

3. Breaking fast with easy-lose-weight food

  • Eat fruits that contain lots of fiber and vitamins
  • Eat foods high in fiber and protein to balance blood sugar, eliminates hunger and excessive eating
  • Avoid fried and greasy

4. Control the rate of water intake

  • Drink with content appropriate to the weight
  • Avoid salty foods because it can increase thirst during the day
  • Avoid icy drink or drink excessively during the break
  • However you need to drink a lot to ensure you remain hydrated during the day

5. Plan your diet

  • Morning wake up and take enough food and drink for a day of fasting supplies
  • Buy and prepare nutritious food and adequate bersahur rates
  • Avoid wasting food by
  • If you feel like wearing a great fit next month, do not forget to nutrition and health care in the month of Ramadan this.

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