Day 2: June 3rd (Friday) ~ First encounters with Borneo Divers Mabul Resort ~
The day I arrived from a journey that felt long with transits and multiple transport systems. I was welcomed with all these islanders, one of which I later connect with on an emotional level.
Who would’ve imagined that there will be a check dive on the very first day of arrival? Let’s be honest, I definitely was not in the right mood for it as I was overwhelmed with exhaustion
The dive at 3pm was guided by a divemaster (DM) called Leo - he had fair skin compared to many others on the island and long hair that could potentially turn out into a dreadlock later in his life, covered by probably his favourite black bandana.
I was lent a GoPro to film underwater by my friend in Sydney, but I did not expect this house reef or they called it Paradise 2 (that was in the backyard of the resort) to be a great dive site and regret not taking this with me! I was informed that we are allowed to dive unlimited amount of time as long as I had a dive buddy. Well? I was here on my own. Yes, solo. He did mention that if I am lucky, that I could find a divemaster to scuba dive with, in return to a schooner of beer. I knew Leo was not going to be one of the DMs to do this with me. He pushed this task to another DM, Eto, who will be leading the trip to Sipadan island the very next day.
There definitely was not even a chance on the first day to meet anyone since it seemed that there was a big dining area but everyone kept things to themselves. It did look a little antisocial but maybe this was a break that I much needed. Just because I was always talking and meeting people literally EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. The purpose of the trip was to, treat myself for my upcoming birthday and to STOP overworking. Wifi was only available in this area, and not in the chalet that I stayed, in room number 128. The fact that there was limited use of internet, I felt quite grateful for, as it had really allowed me to limit my use of social media. Terima kasih! Treated myself with a relaxation massage for 90 minutes at the end of the day. I would choose remedial massage any time but sometimes it is good to have a little change
We were informed to meet at 5:45am at the Jetty for the dive in Sipadan Island the very next day. Initially, I was dreading
for such an early morning dive. The massage that I treated myself definitely helped me sleep like a baby early in the night. Had to make sure that I was fully recharged for my full day of dive!
