dolphin watching 2013

We went dolphin watching a couple of years ago, but unfortunately did not see any, because it was the wrong time of the year. We promised the kids we would try again another time, during the more favourable months of June and July. So after much pestering, Daddy arranged for another trip in June, after we came back from the Maldives. Like the last trip, we took a boat out from Permai Rainforest Resort, Santubong.

This time, we managed to see plenty of Irrawady dolphins, the flat nosed type, not the more well known bottle nosed dolphin. However, they were a distance away and kept surfacing at different places, so we could not get any decent photographs. We watched them playing about for a good 20 mins. They were hanging around some fishing boats. The guide told us that the fishermen would bang on their boats and the dolphins would come and help chase fish into their nets. In return, the fishermen would feed some of the fish to them! How cool is that?

We also saw huge crocodiles which were really creepy! One came in our direction and went into the water! I was just praying the boat would not tip over!!

 gorgeous electric blue crabs and mudskippers at the mangrove swamp

 The boat took us past some floating fish farms. One of them used to belong to Hubby, before he sold it off. Annie even went fishing there when she was much smaller.

Then we headed for Satang Island for our picnic lunch, a beautiful little island a bit off the coast. On our last trip, we didn't go to this island, because it was the end of the year I think, and the sea was rough. The boat was rocking everyone to sleep! Anyway, this time we did go to the island, but declined to snorkel, as it was mid-afternoon and the sun was out in full force!

The beach on Satang Island is gorgeous, with surprisingly clear water. The only downfall was the sandflies! I really detest sandflies! Their bites can itch for weeks!

Well, the kids really enjoyed the sea and the sand. There were plenty of fish swimming around too.

On our way to the island, we passed Pulau Burung (Bird Island), which is just basically some huge rocks jutting out of the sea. There were so many birds of different species living on the island and there was a cacophony of bird sounds! The guide said that after August, most of them would migrate elsewhere to escape the monsoon season.

On the way  back to Permai, we also saw a half sunken ship! Another ship was there, helping with salvaging efforts.

It was a  great trip and all the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves! Solomon loved the boat ride... boys and their fascination with all modes of transport!

Its always good to get the kids back to nature isn't it? :)