Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival 2014

No, you don’t say ‘I want to catch a squid’ or ‘fishing for squid (!?!)’, instead you say ‘I went squid jigging’. The one and only sea activity that makes you sound like the hot Will Smith (dancing to the song 'Gettin' Jiggy Wit It'). 

‘Candat’ is the Malay word for ‘jigging’ which not many locals know it too, just like me, many of us can’t even imagine how one jig a squid. Being my curious self I went over the moon searching and researching on squid jigging; from the squid jig to the boat to the ideal time to squid jigging. I’m now a virtual Squid Jigger. Ahaks!

I’ve learnt that…

• Three main important species of squid (well, at least in East Coast of Malaysia) – ‘Sotong Torok or Sotong Ketupat’, ‘Sotong Jarum’ and ‘Sotong Mabang’.
• Squid jigging season is from March to September (coinciding with spawning season).
• The chances of catching a squid are better during high tide on a cloudy or rainy night (Hemm…).
• Squid changes its colour according threat or the presence of a potential mate.
• Squid defense mechanism is their dark ink.
• Fisherman uses fluorescent lamps to attract squids.

Feel smarter now? *wink*

Note :

Terengganu International Squid Jigging Fest 2014 or Pesta Candat Sotong Antarabangsa Terengganu 2014 is sponsored by the state government of Terengganu, this annual squid jigging carnival aims to introduce as well as relive the old tradition that was once livelihoods for many along the coast of Terengganu between April and August each year. It has since taken on a role as a recreational activity loved by people of all ages. This year’s event will also witness foreign participation from across the region. Various activities have been lined up and include cooking demonstrations and competitions, exhibition stalls, food stalls and the likes centered about… squids. The 1Malaysia Green 1Malaysia Clean campaign that runs concurrently is aimed at promoting the beauty of the state’s coasts, beaches and islands.

I failed myself in Southern India

I dedicated this entry to Nadirah Babji. I will return. 

1. I failed to plan a perfect itinerary which at the end worked perfectly great as the go-with-the-flow is more fun and thrilling.

2. I failed to pre-book any land transportation and guess what, the destination-by-destination onsite booking taught me to be flexible and practical.

3. I failed to travel like a hardcore backpacker (never in my life claiming I am), traveling with one cabin size and a 40L bag was a smarter move as our accommodation in Goa was far from the bus station. Far. Very far.

4. I failed to source for halal restaurant and to my surprise, almost everywhere are halal. Even the KFC and McDonalds. Yippee.

5. I failed to do an in depth research on Mysore and I never regret it one bit, surprise over surprise showered me when I was there. I. Must. Revisit. Mysore.

6. I failed to see the beauty of Southern India just like majority of the travelers, raving on the Northern beauty. Southern India – Love At The First Sight. Enough said.

7. I failed experiencing their famous scenic route but was compensated with a houseboat overnight cruise in Alleppey, a train ride to Bangalore, a sleeper bus ride to Hampi, a flight to Goa and the multiple tuk-tuk rides during this trip. So, yah, I covered all mode of transportation. *proud*

8. I failed (not) taking those lovely people photos. Mission, accomplished. *smile*

9. I failed to not shop for sarees. How could I not buy many a few? Hahahaaa…

10. I failed at keeping my promise to myself to not eat their curries, you know what, I tried all the briyanies (served with curries).

Still having doubts? Well, don’t. Pack your bag and go!

* For Malaysian applying India visa, please take note of the ‘Bin/Binti’ placement, it cost me unnecessary RM20. And bring a book or powerbank, the waiting was...

** Going to start my Southern India entries, so stay tune.

My Life = My Adventure (extreme [not?])

Life is an adventure, seize it, live it.

While writing my earlier entry, I have a vague idea to blog about this. Sorting them picture puzzle in my brain (while figuring where are those long gone forgotten pictures) was not easy, I did so many trips that many were not captured in that piece of 4R paper, what some would say "I capture memories not pictures", I rather have both. Yah, call me kiasu *smile*.

I start going through my folders which were saved in CDs, external HDD, Facebook, 2-3 notebooks, iPhones, iPad and thumb drives [note the plural in some gadgets, sigh....], narrowing down the activities and at the same time feeling proud to show off (ish... berdosa dak? Whatever.). 

So here is the list. My list. My Adventure List!

Said to be the first theme park in Malaysia, a weekend in Mimaland is like an exploration to fantasy land for little me; riding the splash (I even did the adult ones!) was extremely adventurous. So yah, I started young. Cool giler heh!

Other naughty stuff I did like setting my late dad boat engine on fire, walking home from school (Sg. Way to Kelana Jaya!), riding my bicycle to Kampung Tunku from Kelana Jaya (during primary school) etc was not capture in camera lah.... Nasib baik. Phew.... (kesat peluh).

Let's fast forward.

I tried skiing before (saja nak cite and aksen kat John, pakai jeans je ok!) in Switzerland. Yeah I know ... on a bunny hill aje. Jadilah (sedar diri).

Experienced another ski trip with besties in Seoul, Korea. Magical.

Swam across Lake Chini (no dragon at that time, on leave kot), hiking, camping etc with IBMers. This is when Knights of the Tasik Chini formed. Fun fun fun! Miss you guys much.

Did this the second trip to Perth, snow-boarding next, maybe?

Went to Chiang Mai and did the boat ride to 3 Golden Triangle countries in the rain, worried as hell the boat gonna capsize on us. And that 2 backpackers behind, we still keep touch and visit them.

Elephant ride in Chiang Mai jungle, this pic was taken from my elephant climbing the hill. Very worrying ride but fun though.

Chiang Mai trip is always full of outdoor activities, bamboo rafting up in the mountain, oh, the kids were least scared. Cis aksen..... bluek. Hahhahahah....

Ostrich ride in Seremban, but NO one took my pic on it pulak. Geram!!! Give it a try, it's ticklish tau.

Chiang Mai again (banyak Chiang Mai dalam entry nih), Microlight ride at sunset for RM200. A must must must try. Sumpah best giler.

Elephant ride is normal but try riding it in a sunflower field, you'll feel like a queen. Where? Lopburi in Thailand.

Broga Hill at sunrise. I think everyone who is a Malaysian have climbed here before, as I am not much of a trekker hence this was a big deal for me. Like really big. 

If you are visiting New Zealand, extreme sport is a must do. I injured my leg the year before thus bungee, paragliding and ski-diving is a no-no. What else to do but... Shotover jet! Weeeeeeeeee........

ATV ride is something I do every 2 years. Hahahahah.... this was taken in Kemensah (behind the zoo, kotlah sesiapa yang tak tahu).

Sand dunes ride mid last year in Mui Ne, Vietnam. Sweet. 

Nothing much to do in Siem Reap? Ride their ATV at sunset, they'll take you around the villages; awesome experience. 

Bali is not just sea and temples, try lah canyon tubing in Ubud. They even have waterfall ziplining as well. Try tau.

Paintball. Favourite activity especially for the guys and I played this in almost every state in West Malaysia. Gigih dak?

Somehow I don't have a picture of me go-karting. Nak upset lah.

Driving for the first time in New Zealand and during heavy snow. Enough said.

First trip to the east coast's Redang Island on a snorkeling trip with #TravelholicAwesome. Gitew...

My longest and shakiest train ride ever, 16 hours or so. But it was worth it.

Finally. I am a certified diver. 

I camped before during school days but as I said earlier (geram), no pictures back then. This was taken during my diving/camping trip recently.

Gave it a try. Bad at archery. Not trying again. I will die in Hunger Game. Hahhahahhaha....

Sailing in Club Med. Sukaaaaaa... wanna do again if given the opportunity (and monies).

Manual roller coaster ride in Dalat, a hilly trekking/park area. One word = FUN.

So, what's your story like? Share me your adventurous moments.