Ubean: SEATRU Program Part 1

Life has been crazy this year and I needed some time off to re-charge. Decided to go for a long holiday. Couldn't get anyone to find time to go with me, everyone seems to be too busy nowadays. I really needed a break, so no choice but to go alone. Not wanting to spend one week holiday at a resort alone (would be darn boring!), I signed up for a volunteer program with SEATRU (Sea Turtle Research Unit) of KUSTEM (Kolej University Sains & Teknologi Malaysia).

Its a one week stint at Chagar Hutang, Redang Island whereby the volunteers will help out in the research and conservation of the Green Turtles. Of course there will be plenty of free time as well for other activities such as snorkeling and hiking.

After 6 hours bus ride from KL, 3 hours wait at the bus stop ( I was there early!), 1 hour briefing on the program at SEATRU, KUSTEM, 1 hour ferry ride to Redang and 20 min boat ride to Chagar Hutang....this is the sight that greets us:

Crystal clear water, pristine sandy beach and best of all... the beach is restricted to outsiders. Basically its a private beach for 7 of us volunteers, 1 research assistant and 2 permanent staff. Woo hoo!

Another view of our private beach, the little boat is our only link to civilisation.

Another beach view

Signboard near our little wooden hut.

Entrance to our living quarters for the week. No telephone line, no TV, no radio, no electricity except for some lights (powered by solar panel). Back to basics, kampung style!

Our sleeping area! One room for the guys, another for the ladies. Just sleeping bag on wooden floor. No fan but just natural air-cond. Remember to bring insect repellants. There are squads of commando trained mozzies doing daily raids on the place.

Kitchen! No buffet lunch or dinner. Gotta do some own cookin here. No worries about food supply. Plenty of can food, instant noodles, breads and biscuits to last you for a week. There is some vege and meat but without a fridge, gotta clear within first two days. Good time to start on a diet!