Another Day in Paradise!!!

Bobby share of his's Nasi Kunning (yellow rice) to Gerry Large from US!!

Look at them how romantic was sharing food together!!

In return Gerry give a KISS to Bobby!!

Aaron Liew, Fang Mun Yean, Lim Hov Hock & Sheren Yeo of Malaysian group photo with SWV Divecenter staffs!!

Weather on 27th April was sunny!!

Ricardo, Iliana, Guillerno, Tania & Froi!!

Ricardo Gomez Lozano (in center with red cap) Director of Parque Nacional Arrecifes De Cozumel, Mexico.

Alexey Valuyskiy & Andrey Samatov from Russian had group photo with SWV Divecenter Dive Guides together with Andy of Scubazoo!!

Research Dive - Part 3!!!

This was continue on Part 2!!

On 24th April 2009 Research dive at Siamil & Danawan!!

2nd group were Froi, Abi, Jimmy & Alex (not in photo)!!

Nudibranch Willan's Chromodoris!!

Kune's Chromodoris!!

What is this?...rock?....soft coral? No!! Is nudibranch!!

Found by Alex & he was searching for this species when saw in the new book of Nudibranchs Encyclopedia!!

Coleman's Melibe - Tethydidae

This Melibe species was 1st discovered by Neville Coleman in Mabul Island & was named after him!!

Alex call it a Ghost Nudibranchs & not easy to spot if doesn't move!!

Ornate Ghostpipefish!!

2 Butterflyfish was fighting & another 1 watching!! Sorry couldn't take good photo of its!!

Siamil Island now most dive operators bring their guests went there diving!! Remember that we had make the resting place or BBQ?? Now few dive operator use it!!

Not many dive to Danawan Island!!

This morning was rain shower but later was cloudy & sunny!!

Little Dragonfish!!

This was species of Spider Crab!!

Long-nose Hawkfish!!

Ocellated Flounder!!

Pair of Many-host Goby....

This female Many-host Goby just laid eggs on the ascidian!!

Upside down Jellyfish!!

School of Catfishes!!

This was our pack lunch & we had done 4 dives!!

"Shall we Let's go diving!!"

Pair of Crab-eyed Goby!!

Pair of Red-margin Shrimpgoby!!

School of Banded Trevally!!

Mantis Shrimp feeding on dead fish!!

Pair of Black Shrimpgoby!!

Hermit Crab!!

Mimic Octopus found by Jimmy!!

Mimic Octopus has its elongate arms with brown transverse bands!!

It was beautiful species octopus!!

It can mimic many thing like if doesn't move can look like feather star, anemone, snake eel and if move like stingray, crab walk, swimming lionfish at many more!!

What a dive that can never be forget & so much micro marine lifes found!!

Young Flamboyant Cuttlefish!!

Spine-cheek Anemonefish!!

This nudibranch maybe new species?!

STOP Fish Bombing!!!

On 24th April we do research dive at new site saw many dead fishes on reefs!!

Saw school of Catfishes in far distance were act defensive behavior!! Normally when get close to its then will has such behavior!! Why??

There was a blast happening near this site and we follow the dead fishes!!

After swimming 5 minute then found the blasted site!!

This was done in early morning because when we arrival at 0830 didn't saw any fisherman boat near by!!

Most of dead fishes on the group where we saw were school of Silverside & young Fusiler species!!

We wonder why many dead fishes on ground wasn't pick up?? Are they have enough for today catch??

We start to look around & investigate the blasted area!!

Found dead butterflyfish!!

Found dead Rabbitfish!!

Saw small school of Silverside strange swimming behavior!!

Those Catfishes & Silversides behavior we believe was cause by the impact of the explosion!! When we heard loud explosion sound underwater was actually very far because sound travel 4 times faster!! Imagine if the explosion just close & near!! Those fishes today lucky can survive but what next??

Look at Jimmy has pick up few kinds of dead fishes!!

Why Fish Bombing??

Look at those Coral reefs that has been live million of years and where its now??

This home made explosion getting powerful more than 10 years before!!

This Blackspotted Puffer wasn't dead & it doesn't swim away when touched!!

Ops! Another dead fish!! Look at the branches coral cover of sand powder!! It not blasted today but it will dead slowly because of cover by sand strom & attack by bacteria!!

Those fishes at this site where we saw early wasn't big!!

Are those dead fishes size good enough to serve on table??

"We found survival here! Medic quick came over here!" above rescue voice can heard in mainland when a disaster happen!!

How about underwater life??

This Butterflyfish was really struggle for survive!!

This Cardinalfish still live but it couldn't stay long while the above already dead!!

At the end this Butterflyfish (on above picture) finally dead!! No help come! We human can't do anything just watch it dead!!

Same as this Angelfish!! Where is our Angel??

We had counted total about 30 dead fishes (size shown in Jimmy's hand) & thousand dead fishes in small size left over in ground!!

We had been reported to authority about recently active back of fish bombing start last year!! There wasn't any fish bombing after the 911 incident in the year 2001 where we had more securities guarded in our water!! Now we had the securities all over the area but still fish bombing on!! WHY??

Are this peoples challenge our enforcement?? Or they been told from other that our punishment for such activity was weak?? What will happen that the fish bomb place in human place??

We believe if the enforcement & punishment heavy and such unhealthy activity wouldn't happen!!

Most such fish bombing done by refugee & encourage by local for demand of fishes!!

Enforce of punishment to send back where coming from & cannot stay in this country, seizure of all belonging goods & properties, last was the Death penalty of own a Home made bomb because it can kill lifes.

What ever was need to act fast for stop fish bombing before it too late!!

For Enforcement units & Highest Authority must been brief by Marine lifes & Environments Expert time to time that not only safe guard for the Country and for our natural treasure resources!! If everyone have a heart of loving nature then our World will peace & happy life!!

God's creation & are our duties to preserve & protection!!

Do you want to see it break like shown on picture??

Let's us know what SERVICE you want?!!

Do you like this hair cut & manicure service after DIVE?!!

Just let us know in advance & can be arrange but CHARGEABLE!!

In reasonable price....Heeheeheeheehee!!

If want FREE then let the Cleaner shrimps to do but fishes will not happy!! So please don't offen to visit this place & let's the fishes had their private time especially in evening!!

Make sure your finger stay still & don't move while in cleaning!!

These Hinge-beak Shrimps really do thier job!!

You will like & enjoy it!!

After breakfast, lunch or tea break and lazy to brush the teeth then let's these White-banded Cleaner Shrimp work for you!!

These Cleaner Shrimps really work inside the mouth too!!

Please don't eat it!!

Please REMEMBER to PUT back REGULATOR to BREATH!!

Can same time together clean in mouth & hands but please don't do the foots together!!

Research Dive - Part 2!!!

continue from part 1 & here below underwater marine lifes to share with...

School of Soldierfishes!!

Spot-face Moray!!

Soft Coral new species??

Ornate Ghostpipefish!!

Zebra Crab or Urchin Crab!!

This Urchin Crab live in Fire Urchin!!

Pair of Scorpionfish!!

School of Convict Blennies!!

This Convict Blennies sometime can be mistaken to young catfishes!!

Pair of Egg Cowrie!!

Western Clown Anemonefishes!!

For best taken photo on Clown fish was during cloudy sky & late evening where it anemone closing like a bowl!!

Siamil Island had it beauty reefs!!

Lot of Table type Acropora species!!

Some table like Acropora corals here big & round!!

Siamil Island!!

Danawan Island!!

Paron Shrimp - Gelastocaris Paronae live in sponges!!

This maybe new species of spider crab that from claw, body & legs completely covered with sand & seagrass!!

Close up to Ocellated Flounder!!

This big branches Acropora table type was overturn to one side but still healthy!!

Mulliner's Nembrotha - Polyceridae!!

Crab-eyed Goby!!

This branches Acropora look alike a Flower!!

If we out one day research will have pack lunch on boat!!

Allen's Ceratosoma - Chromodorididae

School of Five-line Snapper!!

"You better go eat now!!" said Royal Hypselodoris in high ground!!

"YES Your highness! I'm coming!" said Allen's Ceratosoma below!!

or

"We better move now! I can sense Human going to bomb this place!!"

See the next blog on Fish Bomb!!

This photo shown branches corals damage by boat's anchor!!

This new site got lots of branches corals!!

Can found fews species of branches corals & above was one of species!!

It was really beauty scene of branching corals on this new sites!!

Too Bad!! This site still heavy on Fish Bomb - Illegal unhealthy method of fishing use of home make explosion!

We can said that only SWV Dive Team done the research dives & others dive operators just spy or follow!! Proof us wrong so please do own research because this place huge & wide!! Don't follow us on same dive site because we been watched none of dive operators ever dive this sites!! We happy that everyone done own research & can save the coral reefs here for No Fish Bomb!! We can't stop anyone to follow but please look after, take good cares, don't remove the marine lifes let its be there, don't drop anchor, take pictures don't damage the surround because this reefs are our's rice bowl!! For those who read our blog please stay & dive with us! If stay in other operators please stop for follow our SWV Dive Boat!! Too many divers at same site wasn't good!! How GOOD this Blue Planet will depend on YOU?!! For our beloved guests we found Best Micro dive sites and do make a date with us!! Check out part 3 on next blog! Thank You!!

Zoom Malaysia?!!

This Malaysian group from all over Malaysia meet up each other & arrange local tour to SWV!! They all really enjoyed the SEA of Celebes here!!

They had done snorkelling, swimming & JUMPing!!

Look how happy they are!! Finally they get close a friendship between themselves!! Thanks to SWV Resort!!

That's was our boatman, Jabar done the dive!!

"BAGUS" in malay word mean GOOD!!

Research Dive - Part 1!!!

On 23-24th April 2009 Dive team done research dive to Siamil!!

The 1st team member on 23th were Alex, Allan & Richard!!

That day was cloudy but no rain!!

Siamil & Danawan Island!!

We need to register the names to Army there for security purpose!!

The underwater visibility was so clear!!

This was Richard!!

This was Allan!!

More marine life pictures will show on NEXT!!

This Clown Anemonefishes taken by Allan!!

That day weather was so fine!! We cannot perdict the weather now but it change fast in the Islands here from rain to sunny & sunny to rain!!

Can see Allan's happy face after dive mean found somethings!!

We try find a new dive sites!! Sorry the internet line was bad for past few days!! Check out the research dive part 2 on next blog!!

Good Job RON!!!

Ron was went dive pick up rubbishes on Earth Day!!

Today is Earth Day!!!

What will the peoples do for this Earth Day?!!

What will the island peoples do for today?!!

Last night had a storm here and in morning weather was fine..

had a bit choppy sea condition and underwater visibility was bad!!

Can see the water wasn't clear & plastic bags floating!!

How can we help or stop this litter-bug?!!

We had done given the lecture, provide dustbins and help to bring out rubbishes to mainland for dispposing!!

We ask the divers to help pick up rubbishes underwater!!

Bring for snorkelling to pick up rubbishes!!

We teach not to litter!! What else can we do??

Nor matter what we had done still we have to continue teach & guide not to litter!!

Just hope one day this will STOP!!

Today Rika san teach American woman for Discover Diving!!

We had new information notice boards....

this to show what can do & don't!!

We had translate in Japanese because we got Japanese guide and we can't translate to others languages but hope everyone understand in English!! Thank you!!

What will you do for today Earth Day??

What's has happen today in SWV?!!

This moring was a downpour but afternoon weather fine again!!

Rika san, Etsuko san & Kimiko san....

Kimiko & Etsuko san went for Housereef dive!!

Iterasshai!!

A family from France ride on the transparent kayak!!

We aren't not that busy during this week...

but we need to prepare plan for research dive this week...

next week will be a busy week and was Golden Week!!

Today a day has pass and a new day will start tomorrow!!

Regatta Lepa Lepa Semporna!!!

This was early morning sunrise view but lots of cloud!!

This group Italian lead by Marti e Miano from Scubacqueando after a week visited here and today leaving back to HOME, ITALY!!
CIAO CIAO!!

This morning on the way to Semporna Town will show them the Regatta Lepa Lepa event!!

Highlight of Regatta Lepa Lepa was the Sea Bajau traditional curved wooden boat!!

This event held annually in April!!

Lepa Lepa was the name of the curved wooden boat!!

After taken pictures of Lepa Lepa, Italian guests on the way to airport!!

CIAO CIAO!! Have safety flight back HOME!!

This morning the weather was fine!!

Arrival of the Head of State Sabah & Head of State Sarawak & VIPs!!

Malaysia & 2 States Anthems start of the Lepa Lepa events!!

This Japanese group guided by SWV Semporna staff Mery (in pink shirt) to watch the event!!

Lepa Lepa event held 3 days & end on Sunday!!

Here the group Japanese guest lead by Keiko san join the crowds to watch event!!

VVIP really enjoyed & took pictures!!

You had to make a date to witness this colourful event yourself!!
Check out this event date next year with SWV!!

In Sabah we had multi-cultural event & this was part of it!!

Tradition was important in our lifehood here!!

Look at this picture that from Old to young that must passing the tradition from one generation to next!!

Small Kids must learn & practice the tradition!!

This is Bajau tradition dance!!

This was Bajau young dancer's tradition dress & head wear!!

In front of each boat will see Sea Bajau from Old woman to little girls perform the dance!!

Old man to small boy also known very well of this dance!!

This was latest innovate curved wooden big boat by Deparment of Sains, Innovation & Technology and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)!!

Ms Zarinah of UMS taking photo of it for record!!

This was the oldest Lepa Lepa use of piece of log to make, use hand to paddle & depend on winds direction while behind it was latest motor wooden boat & the rest was painted beautiful!!

This big modern curved wooden boat run by motor engine!!

Next year hope can let Tourists to try ride or stay overnight!!

This Bajau dance in local words call "Mangalay"

The Bajau's dress can be any colour....

same as the Lepa Lepa must colourful but NO in Black & white!!

Little girl at this age already master the tradition dance skill!!

Can see how master the skill was to curved the said wood!!

Can see the anchor also made from wood!!

Old day this group people care on reef but how about present day??

How many really care the Reefs now??

It is time to announce who the winner is?!

Here are the VIP stage!!

This is Datuk Dr Tengku Zainal Adlin chairman of Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation!!

Pattern of Hawk curving!!

This was Police marching band!!

National & States's anthems were play by them!!

Music instrucments their play and tradition gong by local native which one??

Come & listen yourself to judge!!

The big flag on those boat called in local word 'Sempulayang'

After 2 hour show was the end & Heads of both States are leaving!!

Here are Traffic police group for important person!!

Most of modern big wooden boats run with inboard motor engine!!

Nowaday travel with motor engine more convenience!!

This Lepa Lepa was the winner 2009!!

Hope to see you here to watch the Lepa Lepa event!!

Check out the date next year with SWV!!

This really a life time that can't be miss for the colourful event!!

Here shown old women play on tradition small small gong & in local words call 'Kulintangan'!!

Where here are the 2 big GONG play by little girl!!

SWV has bigger Gong display in resort!!

This small girl practice the move of hand while her mom was teaching!!

After finish the show and Lepa Lepa on their way back to their HOME!!

This was tow by a small boat on outboard motor!!

Some arrive back home to water village!! Old day people stay in the Lepa Lepa but nowaday many had built a house & stay in island!! Not easy to find big tree wood because many forest been cut down!! To keep the Forest, Tourism Industry play very important roles for economy here!! Not so much of Sea Bajau Boat people living on Lepa Lepa and nowadays live on big modern wooden inbound motor engine boat!!

Nor matter how modern will be but they always keep their tradition!!

This early morning left big group of Italian but in noon come a small group Italian!!

Here are the lines up welcome by SWV staffs for the guests same like the welcome of VIP!!

Just we don't have the red carpet.....

but we had a warm welcome heart....

cold tower for refreshing, welcome drink & welcome brief!!

When you be checked in?!!

Sabah Head of State visited!!!

Today weather was cloudy!!

SWV Resort was still busy!!

Welcome back to Ren Xian Zhi our Chinese repeater guest from Japan!!

This Malayian group lead by HNG CHEE LEONG (close in front) do House reef dive!!

Please log on to Diving-Malaysia.com for more dive destination!!

Bobby guided a group to dive at Mabul!!

Ron guided Edvin's group from KL for early morning dive to Sipadan!!

Look how happy Edvin Eng of Ocean Explore with his angels!!

Allister with his local students PADI Open Water Diver!!

Today & tomorrow start of the Regatta Lepa Lepa Semporna Annual Event!!

Today we have our Sabah Head of the State day trip visit and having lunch!!

SWV staffs group photo with Sabah Head of the State Tun Haji Ahmadshah Abdullah (with cap) & wife!!

Today whole day cloudy and have just a little of rain!!

Beautiful Sunset!!

Late in afternoon paddle the transparent kayak was fun!!

This two ladies from Hong Kong!!

This evening the Sunset view was beautiful!!

Close up view onto the cloud sky!!

This Sunset view picture taken near to Restaurant!!

Yesterday Expedition Research Dive!!

Start from the left was Nina from WWF, Zarinah Waheed from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Alex from SWV & Dr Bert Willem Hoeksema from Naturalis, Netherland had done expedition research dive on to Islands of Ligitan, Siamil, Danawan & Cust Reef. Dr Bert expertise in Mushroom Corals!!

This is Ligitan Island!!

This was all left over sea shell break open by the Bajau Sea gypsy!!

Mangrove trees, limestones & coconut trees found here in Ligitan Island!!

This island was small in size but most on Mangrove trees!!

After the 1st dive at Ligitan Reef & walk round the Island!! In the limestones growth many algae, found some snails & shore crabs!!

This young mangrove tree!!

Spotted butterfly & lots of dragonfly (cannot take any photo of its)!! Found a chicken here in the Island & was named Robinson!!

There a signal light tower in the island for passing Vessels!!

Those colourful flags was for respect of those passed away!!

This Island was known as Snake Island but no sea snake was found!!

Ligitan's huge reefs link up to Danawan Island!!

This was 2nd time for Alex set foot on this island but most day only stay at boat!!

Next dive to Siamil & Danawan Island!!

This is Siamil Island!!

Villagers from Danawan came here by wooden boat for fishing!!

No villagers stay at this island!!

Young Banded Sea Snake swimming!!

Siamil was very clear visibility on this dive!!

This Mushroom Coral in orange cause by bacteria!!

Dr Beth so far has discover & recorded 40 species this trip....

Some of site can found more then 20 species!!

Mushroom Coral can be found in deep to shallow depth!!

Those photo taken by Dr Beth was new species?!

Young Pinnate Spadefish clean by Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse!!

Mushroom corals are conspicuous and commonly encountered members of coral reef communities!!

Most species are free living and unattached to the sea bottom and exhibit a mushroom like appearance!!

This big rock has attached hard & soft corals!!

Most of the big rocks can seeing hard or soft corals growth healthy!!

Free swimming young squids!!

Ms Zarinah has very good buoyancy control!!

Few species coral of Acropora Table size can view in shallow depth!!

Long Beaked Coralfish's feeding!!

Species of Brain coral!!

Species of Plate coral look alike a flower!!

This healthy table coral has broken it base and sit on one side but each end tip form small table facing up the sky!!

This another angle view how those small table form & staying alive?!

Siamil really had lots & big round table corals species!!

Can view how many young table coral here!!

Green & clear water..what a dive....

some more beautiful reefs too!!

After this dive left only sweet memory in the mind!!

Siamil Island still the best for view coral reefs!!

After lunch, 3rd dive on Danawan Reef & it's too beauty reefs!!

But sadly this small site here was been fish bomb believe done few days ago!!

Can see from this photo how the corals after been blasted!!

This dive site still can heard 2 times loud explosion underwater!!
Early heard 1 at Ligitan Reef!!

Sponge Ghostgoby with eggs on sponge!!

This nudibranch named Allen's Ceratosoma & appears to mimic Xenild Soft Coral!!

This Hairy Octopus found by Alex!!

When it swimming was so cute!!

Not only 1 but 2 of the Hairy Octopus...

They were fighting each other!!

Above 3 pictures shown how its fight?!

This young Flamboyant Cuttlefish found by Nina!!

Mandarinfish!!

Species of Ovulid - Calpurnus verrucosus!!

Yellow Coralgoby!!

This dive site more on Branches corals!!

Here are more species Hard corals can found here!!

On shallow depth some damage site caused by boat anchor!!

In shallow more beautiful Branches corals!!

4th Dive at this signal warning for passing vessels light post!!

All vessel saw this sign mean shallow reefs behind!!

Saw school of Spanish Flag Snapper!!

Lobster!!

Carnation or Hibiscus Corals??

Dwarf Hawkfish!!

Mantis Shrimp!!

Lots of Sea Gull hang around this light post!!

One day can't finish done all dive at these islands and need more time!!

But at least can tell how different of each island stand!!

Urgent need to act on stop fish bomb!!

Need dive operators cooperate do more research dive at these islands!!

Hope everyone join together to save & look after the Coral reefs!!

What happening today?!!

This group are from Kuala Lumpur, most Malaysian & had 2 Singaporean Divers!!

This morning was rains....

The rain doesn't can stop Divers for diving...

Well! Divers get wet anyway.....heeheehee....

We had group of Japanese Divers here in resort and Rika san does the General Dive brief!!

Is Good Weather day!!!

Rika san teach a couple from China...

PADI Discover Scuba Diving!!

Is fun to try out Discover Diving here!!

Lot's of marine lifes can easy to watch here!!

Allan General Dive brief for a group Japanese from Osaka!!

Today weather Sunny, windy & cloudy but no rain!!

This was the Japanese guests just finished the Check Dive!!

This is Edvin Eng from Kuala Lumpur just here in Resort noon & he bring together group of Divers!! Edvin has took many fascinated pictures of marine lifes!!

The Dive center still busy...

We now have Italian, Bruneian, American, British, Japanese & Malaysian!!

Can view this photo how the crowd in Dive center!!

We have 2 group of Malaysian here early group was brought by Edvin & this group by Hang shown in above picture Dive brief by Sandra!!

Common Underwater Marine Lifes!!!

Banded Snake Eel!!

It's head bury in sand!!

School of Yellowstripe Scad!!

Marbled Snake Eel bury body in sand & only head protruding!!

Horned Flathead!!

Female Fingered Dragonet!!

It's always seen walking & feeding!!

Spearing Mantis Shrimp!!

Pale Monocle Bream!!

Coral Grouper!!

Orange-lined Triggerfish been clean by shrimp!!

Face to face with Tomato Grouper!!

Tube Anemones!!

Close-up view of Tube Anemones!!

Group of Rigid Shrimpfishes!!

It's Sunny Day!!!

Today finally the SUN was shining!!

Families from Swiss & France went for snorkelling around Mabul!!

Abigail guide this Brunei group lead by Kimmy to Dive Sipadan!!

Yesterday the kids can do & today the ladys join...

That's same to the guys too!! Let's do the bomb splash!!

When the sun out & it's HOT!!

Many guests leaving today but still quite busy here!!

Today the sky was so beautiful!!

Blue sky with lot's of white cloud!!

Look at the sky full of white clouds!!

It's really cloudy day in afternoon!!

Have you ever see this scene?!

Today really good sunshine day!!

This was in late afternoon when sun going down & shine the SWV Resort!!

Look how nature colour when the sun shine the whole Chalets!!

Today was really great view of scene from the SUN!!

Most Thai Divers celebrate Songkran Day in SWV!!!

Well! Today morning is still going to rain!!

Today was Thai Songkran Day...

In Thailand today, everyone will splash water to each other!!
In SWV we do the same thing to our Thai guests but we today got the rain shower to help out too!! Sorry!! No photo during splashing!!

In Thai tradition after splash water must say "Koa Hai Mee Kham Suk" That's mean a blessing of Happy Always!!

Here again shown how busy these day in SWV!!

This morning we got the early morning dive to Sipadan & breakfast was serve in Dive Center!!

Most of our Thai guests today last day of diving!!

This was Jimmy group (All Star Dive Shop) today for Sipadan Dive!!

Chok-Dee!!

This also All Star group guided by Allan to Sipadan!! Chok-Dee!!

Korb Khun Krab to DAN (holding 2 camera) & Jer Gun Mai!!

Froi & Sandra guiding the families of Swiss & France while American lady Roberta join together Dive at Kapalai!!

After had great time of snorkelling, Dianie & Ian Wilson finally take the PADI Discover Scuba Diving with Rika san!! Hope both of you back here next as a DIVER!!

Ron guide of most Thai from All Star & British couple to dive around Mabul!!

Abigail guided Thai's Dumnam group to dive Kapalai!!

Chok-Dee!!

Ciao Ciao!!

Bobby guided a group of Italian to dive Mabul!!

Alex guided 2nd group of Dumnam to dive at Kapalai!!

Korb Khun Krab to Mr Poosak, Naui Course Director (right hand side half naked) & Jer Gun Mai!!

Dumnam.com

This group from Brunei & team leader, Kim-Mee On (Lady from 1st left hand side) was guided by Richard dive around Mabul!! Sorry another 2 members was not feeling well & wasn't in this photo but will retake next day!!

Finally in afternoon, the SUN out shinning!!

Look how happy the children playing & parents enjoy the late afternoon SUN!!

Look how the children playing the skill JUMP to sea!!

Ops! Watch out!! Heeheehee..... He not fall.....

was doing the skill of front over head kick!!

Here group of Italian with family enjoy the late afternoon SUN!!

"Helloooo Look here...camera here..." said the little girl in RED!!

'Wait!I'm coming.....' said the little boy

Was he a Superman or Spiderman??

A future young Olympic Diver athlete??

How about this pose?! Cool!!

"Do youuu geeeet itttttttt" said the flying boy to the little girl in Red!!

Watch this Big guy!! I can do your Superman fly too!! Down down awayyyy

OK!! How about this? I am Handsomeeeee!!

Excuse me! Give way for me to practise Diver's skill!!

Yeah!!! Me too I'm Handsomeeeee

Hey all Big guys! Your handsome but I'm more CUTEeeeeee

When the SUN is out.....children play water & others play Kayak!!

See the sky is blue!! Hope tomorrow will good sunny day!!

Look the little girl perform the jump too!!

Is fun to do the jumping but don't try this at HOME please!!

If want to JUMP just make a date to SWV!!

Here a Thai couple paddle the transparent kayak!!

Can you spot there another kayak?!

Yes! Was this 2 Thai lady!!

Here are group photo of the Jump Divers.....but most of THEM are Certified Diver except for light blue short pant kid!! Start from left hand side Axelle, Aurelien, Christopher, Jeremy & Alexander!!

OK! Let show the jumping skill together shall we?!

1 2 3 JUMP!! Bravo Bravo!!

Thank you Thank you!!

You all are GREAT!!

Happy Easter!!!

Selamat Datang!! Welcome!

Dianie & Ian Wilson from Australia!!

Today was the best snorkelling ever in their life!!

We hope can see you both back to this Paradise again!!

Welcome back Roberta Finke from The State of America!!

Believe me! She love to dive more in Mabul & Kapalai!!

Her faviour point House Reefs 'PARADISE'!!

Today weather same as yesterday...RAIN RAIN RAIN!!

Today is Sunday & also Easter Day!!

Due to limited permit to dive at Sipadan.....

Most of the guests dive in Mabul or Kapalai!!

Here we had the only Local Sabahan Divers group lead by Edward (far right hand side cover with towel) & Susanna (in red t-shrit)!!

Here the Kids play the Rummikub game while parents reading!!

In noon the weather getting better.....

But will going to rain again in afternoon!!

Well! Just hope tomorrow will be better day!!

We, the staffs & managements in SWV Resort would like to wish all "Happy Easter"!!

Oh Boy! Is busy day!!!

This morning was cloudy & going to rain!!

Rika san teach 3 Junior Open Water Divers!!

This Kids are from Swiss & France!!

The rain finally come & later was heavy too!!

Rika san with her Junior students Axelle, Christopher & Alicia!!

In this picture from Left hand are Nur Fazzillah Mohd Noordin, Sharifah Malek, Mohammed Noordin from Bluefin Dive Associates, Noriyati Hassan & Sheikh Yahya!!

Thank you for coming back & see you all again!!

Sawaddee Krub! Yin Dee Ton Rub Krub!!

Welcome back to Phuttakhun from All Star!!

Sawaddee Krub! Yin Dee Ton Rub Krub!!

Welcome back Poosak & congratulation been a Father!!

This morning come about more than 30 Thai here!!

The Dive General briefing was done in afternoon after the check dive in morning!!

In the morning, Froi does the welcome briefing while Allan & Bobby busy written down all the names!!

This group here come from Brunei!!

Here some of the dive bags & total about 40 dive gears will be in Dive center!!

Here can see how busy in Dive center!!

This was in the morning after the rain stopped & divers prepare for check dive!!

This was the skill of Giant Stride entry!!

This morning we had about 40 divers for check dive!!

This was early Brunei group entry the water!!

On the surface when the Dive Guide get all together was time to dive!!

Deflate BCD and check proper weighting!!

Remember entry the water not to jump!!

Just give a big walk!!

This was the 2nd group & total are 4 groups!!

Allan briefing about what to see & do & don't & hand signal &..!!

Please wait turn?!!

If jump during entry water & this will happen...look at the picture above shown!! lucky not hit the wood!!

Please don't jump!!

Wait at surface & remember to watch where the Dive Guide!!

Here something to share with that nowsday best entry water is without fins!! Just hold on to the fins & once in water then wear it!! Make sure regulator in mouth & BCD half inflated!!

This was the 4th groups!!

Allan get everyone together...

then inflate BCD & descent & equalize!!

Once underwater swim to dive guide & make a semicircle..

Remember have to show the skills of mask clear & regulator remove & replace then the Guide will show the interested Marine Life in Paradise!!

After exit water remove fins & if not strong enough to carry the scuba tank then remove BCD!! We always had the staff help carry up BCD & Tank!!

After the morning shower & in noon the SUN back!!

Divers going to surface after a dive!!

Can see how clear was the water!!

Remember inflate BCD when at the surface!!

Wait turn for exit water & be sure remove fins!!

What a beautiful Sunny day again!!

Ciao Ciao!! Motta Ivano & Bruselles Gianluca from Italia!!

They going back home to ROME today after spend a week holidays with us!!

We miss you both & see you soon!!

Take care & Happy Easter!!

Beautiful Sunray!!!

Yesterday evening had beautiful sunray!!

Good Friday! Good Sunset!

This sunray not often can view!!

But Sunset can easy view here!!

There gone a day & tomorrow will another day of Paradise!!

We fall but we stand up strong!!!

Bobby (in center wear white T-shirt) has failure in Instructor course again because he over confident fews of PADI system!! WeLL! General Standards & Procedures that guide us to achieve success in diving business!! We must obey the Standard & Procedures then the system can work well!! Is OK to make mistake and been punished by all member (shown in picture)!! Just never give up and make it pass next!! We always give support and unity we stand!!

Good Friday!!!

Today is Good Friday & weather was fine!!

We are busy now & today is Public holidays in Malaysia!!

Tomorrow will start more busy till after next weekend!!

All Dive Guides are back on duties!!

Here we got guests rental the transparent kayak!!

Don't worry!! We had 4 more the said kayak!!

Today is the Fullmoon too!!

Can clearly view the Corals Reefs when water level going low!!

There many species Corals just in small area!!

Jesus Christ, Son of the God sacrificed himself die at the cross & what we, Christian sacrifice for?!

Well! NOthings!! Just want to live long & have good lifes?!

One thing for sure we everyday pray to Almighty GOD!!
What we can do in living now are together help to preserve the Mother Nature!!

NIGHT DIVE!!!

Night diving is fun and really enjoy watching behaviour of underwater life at dark!!

Can watch fish sleeping, Shrimps & crabs are out, Squids, cuttlefish & octopus hunting, Lionfish feeding, Feather stars wide open, Snails out look for it prey & many more!!

Do you know some fishes at night change their colour?!

If lucky can see Corals spawning!!

Night Dive in SWV Resort only at House Reefs - Paradise 1 & 2!!
Only those had night dive experience can allowed to sign in!!
Those who don't can try out Discover Night Dive or taking credit of Night Dive course!!

Night Dive is chargeable where guided per person RM50!!
Self Night Dive charge per person RM20!!

Richard guided Fion, Carol & Yvonne for Night Dive!!

Here are few tip of caution at Night Dive:- watch out Sea Urchins, watch out the Fire Worms that attracted to lights at night, watch out Lionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish, at surface turn light off or shine it to the sky to avoid been jump hit by Needlefish!!

If had good buoyancy skill above things can easy to avoid!!

Come Let's Do The Night Dive!!

It's going to fullmoon!!!

Today Weather is sunny back after morning shower!!

In noon seawater going to lowest level!!

Can see clearly many fishes at low tide!!

Many fishes feeding on seagrass ground!!

Many species of Coral reefs can be view too!!

Life's with full colour!!!

"We are watching YOU!!" said Cardinalfishes

Can YOU tell how many species of Snappers in this pictures?!
YES!! 3 species!! Clearly see was Bluestrips & Five-lined where swimming away was Spanish Flag!!

Free swimming Round Batfish!!

Bigfin Reef Squid!!

Nudibranch - Pustulose Phyllidiella!!

Hinge-beak Shrimps!!

Shorthead Fangblenny!!

It's home in the bottle!!

Commensal Shrimp!!

This is Fishes Cleaning Station where Cleaner Wrasse will does its job!!

Life's without NO colour!!!

Free swimming young squids!!

Blue-spotted Stingray during cleaning!!

White-tipped Anemonefishes!!

Now you see its (Head of Black-finned Snake Eel)!!

Now you don't!!

Green Turtle resting!!

Weather forecast report!!!

Today back to sunny day again!!

The resort not really full but 70%!!

Here was the guests for dive around Mabul or Kapalai where dive to Sipadan already take off!!

We also had non diver for snorkelling trip!!

Are we busy?? No!! but Next week!!

The Crabs talks?!!

This is a species of Shore Crab 'Grapsidae'!!

This another species of Shore Crab too!!

Can easy to view those crabs at the jetty!!

They always busy feeding!!

Close look at the Shore crab in front!!

This view from behind to see it carapace!!

This species of Shore Crabs can spends most of the time out of the water!!

What a DAY?!!

Yesterday was heavy rain just after the 1st boat dive in the morning!!

This few day rain a lots but it stop for a while & rain again!!

Well! We live in the Land of Tropical Rainforest and it was a call by Mother Nature!!

Just hoping don't cut those Rainforest trees.....especially those forest tree at the hillside!!

Do you know many species of plants found in Rainforest for medicine purpose?!

This white flower plant (in center) call Misai Kuching in Bahasa Melayu language mean cat's whiskers!! Here in Mabul Island where Local people plant it!! Is good to drink direct after boiled the leafs,trunk & flowers for good health!! This plant easy to care & growth!!

Misai Kuching (Orthosiphon Stamineus) is a medicinal herb found mainly throughout South East Asia and tropical Australia. It is believed to have antiallergic, antihypertensive, antiinflammatory and diuretic properties. It is used as a remedy for arteriosclerosis (capillary and circulatory disorders), kidney stones, diabetes and nephritis.

www.misaikuching.com

More new Agriculture land to develop?!

Natural Disaster cause by Human Being?!

Which one YOU pick??

It's now call Land below the Winds but will this name stand forever?!!

Today is back on Sunny day........it's HOT!!

We had group of locals bring a small group of Monks from India & China to visit!!

They really enjoy what God's creation!!

We really need more Ecosystem Tourism development that can help Mother of Nature!!

God's create the Mother Nature!!

Our duties to preserve it & LOVE it!!

Welcome to SWV Dive Center!!!

SWV Dive Center location at right hand side from Resort Reception if facing to the island view!! Was on the walk way to MaBul wing till end!!

This picture shown Dive center facing the sea front!!

Inside view of the Dive Center!!

This jetty for the Dive boats!!

It also for diver & non diver entry & exit point!!

This room for diver to store their BCD & REG!!

This counter to register the number of weight taken from diver & rental snorkel equipments!!

Here are the full air tanks & room inside is Compressor air units station!!

Sorry! No Nitrox because O2 supply not enough!!

Used tanks place under the sign, next was way to wash room & beside it was locker room!!

Here are the shower area!!

This is the pantry corner where morning & afternoon snacks serve here!!

Try out our home made cookies!!

Make your own Mocca?!

Dive Center counter where information and payment made here!!

That's Rogen in the picture and behind her was the DC office!!

View from the dive boat!!

This was view from the chalet M105!

Next to dive center got beautiful coral reefs!!

See how beautiful the reefs!!

The building shown from this picture on left hand side was the Resort reception!!

The center picture to the right hand side was the chalets under Mabul wings!!

Hooray!! Recorded New Species again!!

IDENTITY CRISIS ( A/2J)

Neville Coleman

REPLY: Dear Richard,

what an interesting little critter and congratulations to Mr. Alex. I have never ever seen this species before and thank you for taking the time to send it to me. This is how the knowledge of the World of Water is increased.

FAMILY: VELUTINIDAE

COMMON NAME: DIDEMNUM LAMELLARID

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lamellaria sp.

REMARKS: Lamellarids are very strange little molluscs which mimic encrusting ascidians upon which they feed, and as such are extraordinarily difficult to find. I have no idea what this one was doing crawling along on a sea cucumber, except that as sea cucumbers move very slowly and Lamellarids have no eyes. Perhaps this one was looking for a new host and crawled over the sea cucumber much the same as it would the bottom. Or it moved up off the bottom to smell the current for a trace of which way it should go for dinner.

I have a number of species of Lamellarids featured in my book 2002 SEA SHELLS and have illustrated for the first time a number of undescribed species. It would appear that Mr. Alex's specimen is another undescribed species. Now you guys will have to find the ascidian it lives on and see if you can find more.

Best wishes Neville

It's rainy day?!!

Are those the latest Animation Hood?!

Bear & Chick very cute!!

This Japanese group from Free Way Dive Shop, Niigata, Japan!!
"Ops! Taking too much you time..OK!! OK!! Free to GO!!"
"IRASSHAI MASE!!"

Early morning we had thunder storm but it stopped!!
Before the 1st morning dive, the sky seem going to rain soon!!

Niger guiding guests from Italian, Germany & Hong Kong!!

Ron guiding a small group from Espanola & a British!!

Welcome back Mr. Andrew Copper from British!!

He was here last year!! Believe me!! He got 2 watches & was wear on both wrist hand!!

This group non diver from Belarus going for snorkel at Sipadan Island!!

Froi welcome brief a couple, he from American & she was Japanese!!

Alex guided a small group divers from France!!

After the 1st dive, the rain shower finally come!!

Guests from Lithuanian just back after snorkelling at Kapalai Island!!

Afternoon the weather getting better but it going to rain again!!

Richard guided a group diver from American, Japanese, Swiss & a Malaysian!!

Today the rain fall on & off...it will rain again in late evening & stop...... at night time rain again....maybe!! It's seem like rainy season start early!!

Froi today job Check dive!! In the morning done twice already and afternoon for small group of Malaysian Divers!!

Sunset view in early April!!!

Yesterday we had Sunny day & nice Sunset too!!

Above & below pictures of Sunset view from Dive center!!

Not often can view the sunray!!

Isn't it beautiful?!

Is the month of APRIL now!!!

Today the weather is sunny & windy!!

This April will be a busy month because now we had American, Lithuanian, France, Italian, Malaysian, Japanese, German, British, Espanola, Australian, Belarus & Swiss!!

World economy wasn't good but we had value for money packages during Dive Trade Fair!!
Come to Dive Trade fair for best value deal!!

Dive Center now had more ample space & repair work done!!
This April month had the Ching Ming Festival, Good friday, Easter, Thai Songkran, Semporna Regatta Lepa-Lepa, near end of month start Pesta Keamatan, Sabah & Japanese Golden Week!!

This morning come a group of Japanese Diver and welcome brief by Rika san!!

Can notice we had new schedule board & had the Dive center painted!!

Ron welcome brief a couple from Australian!!

This afternoon Sandra welcome brief to guests from Espanola & Malaysian!!

We had family group of non divers from Belarus!!

Look how happy if we living near to Sea side...

can enjoy the sun, swim, dive & Mother Nature!!

Something to share with!!!

Gold-specs Jawfish!!

Have you ever seen Jawfish with Shrimp?!
This shrimp is a species of the genus Palaemonella!!
It share with some Jawfish's burrows and relationship still unknown!!

Jawfish can spotted on sand & rubble bottoms near reefs when it head just stay out or protrude from burrows!!

Jawfish retreat to burrow with its tail first!!
To watch this behaviour need to keep or give a distance!!

It always watching out on floating past Zooplankton as for food!!

Jawfish has a large mouth used for incubating eggs!!

Males job are mouthbrood clutches of eggs!!

Pyjama Cardinalfish!!

Ring-tail Cardinalfish's mouth brooding fresh eggs!!

Spot-face Moray!!