Jeff and I are from
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia’s capital city); city bred as many
might say. We met through friends at the Hard Rock, KL (not as
sleazily as it sounds) in March 1999. That year, we ventured
up to Koh Samui (Thailand) to welcome the new millennium with
firework displays and giant lighted hot air lanterns that rose
to the sky... We stayed two weeks and had an awesome time
(more about Samui later).
Change Somewhere
along the line, we had decided that we wanted a change of lifestyles
and careers. Jeff worked as a model doing mostly catwalk shows and
some TV commercials. He also represented Malaysia to the Manhunt
International Finals in 1997. I, on the other hand, had been working
in a corporate firm for some years...stress, stress and more
stress....
We share a common love for the sea and the islands
and whenever possible, made getaways for those sandy beaches,
lapping waves and glorious sunsets. Anyway, we contemplated starting
up a small island business or becoming diving instructors. Mind you,
I had not even tried snorkeling at the time.
Learning To Dive The internet
was where we tried to find information about diving and our path
from Open Water Diver to Instructor. After weighing costs and
location, we decided on Phuket and in August, 2000, ventured north
to learn how to dive. Sadly, the weather wasn’t very conducive at
the time and we found ourselves on a plane bound for Samui a couple
of days later.
We had a great time on Samui, making friends
and learning about the industry. We stayed three months, doing Open
Water up to Divemaster internships where we helped out on the boat
and dived almost daily. Then, we crossed back over to Phuket and got
some working experience.
Destination
Bali February/March 2001 was spent in Bali, the
Island of the Gods. Here, we did the Instructor Development Course
back to back with the Instructor Examinations. The people we met
here were great and we had a most memorable time!
New Beginnings Upon receipt of our
teaching status from PADI, we ventured around a bit to look into
possible work. May 2001 found us coming to Tioman where we have
remained ever since. There is an aura about Tioman difficult to
explain till you see her for yourself.
Here’s taking the time
to say hello to everyone we met along the way. God
bless...
Contact
Information:
Eco-Divers, Air Batang/Tekek, Tioman, Pahang, Malaysia
