Exploring the Isles of Pulau Jerajak, Pulau Kendi,Pulau Aman, Pulau Rimau.
Date: Tuesday, 11,May, 2010.
Time: 9.30am till 6.00pm.
Okay-lah! Say what you like about Penang:- full of rubbish; pollution; traffic jams; overcrowding; 'Kiam Siap'(stingy) people; or whatever, - NO NEW TOURIST SPOTS, !, I digress. There are still some nice, enjoyable places around, if you know how to look for it.
I am talking about a boat trip to the islands surrounding Pulau Rimau for fishing.
Meeting Venue: Starbucks-Queensbay
While I gazed out of the tinted window and immersed myself in the beauty of Pulau Jerajak
"Oh... I wonder, what's going on in these islands?"
Is there any life there?
Basking peacefully underneath the hot tropical sun, this island was a former penal island where some of Malaysia's most notorious criminals were detained. I remembered, it made the headlines once when the convicts burned the detention camp and CPO Zaman Khan chasing after them with his baton. It was hilarious!!!
And what about the other islands....? the progress of the 2nd link bridge?..., and so.
These curiosities are about to be answered today.
Bernard and friends - Kenny, George and me decided to go for a fishing cum exploration trip out to the isles on a boat. The islands to cover are: Pulau Jerajat, Pulau Rimau, Pulau Kendi, and Pulau Aman. According to our guide,Kenny, an expert fisherman, there are big fishes there and also the surrounding some smaller islands.
It was a bright, sunny, Tuesday morning. A working day for most people, but not us. I parked my car at the carpark near the Malay food stalls opposite Seagate factory, along the Bayan Lepas Freeway. Opposite the stalls was the sea and the numerous islands dotting around Pulau Jerajak. George and Kenny (Bernard's friends) were already waiting. George Bum,(or boom or bun, not sure with the spelling of these Eurasian names), a veteran guitarist, back in the 60's;
aka - the 'Kenny Rogers' of Penang, were there, together with Kenny.
We got acquainted and went for a drink at the nearby stall while we waited for Bernard.Few minutes later, he turned up in his jeep. Bernard, ever jovial, a friend, an avid fisherman, adventurer, and organiser of this trip. He is a guy who will never say 'no' to have some fun at the slightest opportunity especially after rtirement. He smiled, and unloaded his fishing stuff from the jeep. We helped him to transfer them to the powered motor boat parked at a makeshift jetty. There was this 'China Apek', presumably, the boat owner, who started giving some advice to Bernard regarding the boat. After all the stuff were loaded, Bernard took over the boat and became "Captain" of the day. The frightening thing about been out at sea was that when the boat engine fail in the sea, what are you going to do?? I often heard of motor jammed or refuse to fail to start. Just as I was thinking about this, it happenned. Speak of the devil!
Eerggh.....gh....,gh......., ergh.gh...gh......." the motor coughed intermittently. I looked at Bernard worriedly, but he just smiled. He tried to jump start the boat. Eeegh.............., he tried again...
It couldn't start.
"It was okay, just now! " the 'Cina Apekese' shouted. " Why it won't start now ? " he remarked.
We kept silent. "What if this were to happen in the middle of the sea." I thought to myself. " We will be stranded." I started to imagine the boat sinking and stuff like that. 'Shoove!' this better don't happen. I still want to live ' I shut off the idea.
"Ergghh..........,......
Vroom....,Vroom....., vroom.......the engine finally started and roared alive. There were happy faces as we sighed a sign of relief. Our captain, smiled confidently as he slowly backed up the boat from the jetty, make a 'U' turn, and speeded off to sea. As the boat pick up speed, it cut through the water, pounding against the waves. It was exhilarating! Happy like a schoolboy on his first excursion, I was finally going to visit these mysterious island. With the wind flapping hard against my face and sprinkles of sea water showering over, I felt liberated. Free!!! As I hung tightly to the rails, the motor boat roared fiercely to the open sea.The jetty gradually disappeared behind us.
Then we headed for Pulau Rimau. The Captain suddenly decided to turn towards the first island ; Pulau Rimau. Pulau Rimau (shortin Malay for 'harimau'-Tiger). I am not sure how it got it's name. Maybe the shape of the island look like a tiger crouching. Pulau Rimau Anyway, it is known for many mysterious tales and existence of 'Datuks' and spirits. When we were on shore, Kenny already advised us against bringing pork on the boat as this might provoke the spirits and we will be in trouble. Story had that one guy who did that got drowned.
I was shivering as I just had 'Bak Hu' (pork) bread for breakfast. Anyway, after hearing this, I threw the remaining away. As we neared Rimau, Bernard switched off the engine and the boat rocked wildly with the tide. Anyone not familiar, will sure be seasick,. But I was OK - surprise!
The rest of them like seasoned veteran, did not feel anything. Then it was dead silence. A bird suddenly wailed above flapping its wings and flew towards the thick foliage hills in the island. Fantastic!!! The bird was unusually big. Then an eagle seemed to welcome us as it circled above us. Wow, wonderful!!!!
I immersed myself in the peace and serenity of the environment. "This is life" I screamed. It was beautiful ! We then prepare our fishing rods and bait and threw down the line. Its fishing time. The sun shoned and beat on our backs mercifully as I pretended to fish like a professional. Actually I know nuts about fishing!
The suddelny ""swoosps,, swoops,,,. Yeah, the fish bite. I pulled up my line and there it was - a big 'Garupa' Kuah Kau. Belive it or not?? A novice can catch a Kuah Kau?
Bernard was silent and so was George and Kenny. Then all of a sudden --swoop,,swoop, more bites. this time it was Kenny's and George. One after another we kept pulling up fishes. Some we threw back because they were too small.
We were there fishing till dusk. After a bountiful day of catch, we decided to head home. It was a very fruitful and productive day as all of us went home smiling with the catch. The wives had a good time cooking up sambal belacan 'ikan tengirri' for all of us.
Note: Anyone interested on this trip may contact Bernard or me. Special for all Flames and Clams!
Until next trip, this is your Captain signing off.
