Diving at Pulau Biola

A few years ago, my brother and I had the very rare opportunity to dive at Pulau Biola for a Book project named Islands of Singapore which he wrote. It was tough getting permission and after many attempts, we finally secured a slot from all three authorities to dive there for just an hour. I found a day and time when the tidal stream was slack, usually during periods of neap tines (half-mooon phase). As excpected, the diving was incredible. I descriped it as the Tioman of Singapore. The reef was prestine and full of life. The fish populatuon there was something I had never seen before, not even in Tioman. For the first time, I saw large schools of parrot fish going about their foraging and numerous species of small fish were schooled eveywhere I truned. Although I didn't see any large fish, I'm sure there were plenty of them around. Here's a poory done video of that dive using a cheap land camera in a waterproof-case. I can imagine how beautiful Singapore's reefs much have been in the early 1960s

Moorings for Pleasure Craft

 Saving our Reefs in Singapore is certainly a worthwhile effort for the benefit of our children. One way is to anchor mooring buoys in and around thriving reefs fringing the offshore Islands. Namely Pulau Hantu, Jong, Lazarus & St John's, Salu & Semakau. One project that has done this already is the Sister's Island Marine Park project that was 15 year in the making. Fishing and certainly anchoring is no longer allowed around Sister's to protect the delicate fringing reef. Pleasure boats can secure to the yellow mooring buoys already anchored there on a first come first served basis. Diving is allowed, but arrangements must be made prior for the divers to engage in a guided dive. 

Lazarus then during reclamation works

Lazarus today - a popular spot for boaters 

Pulau Jong is rarely visited and maintains a healthy fringing reef

St John's Island. Once used to quarantine migrants; today a destination for picnickers 

The Helical anchor is superior in so many ways to concrete blocks

    

The December 2019 Powerboat Race at NSRCC, Singapore

I had a fun time assisting in the preparations leading to the Powerboat race at NSRCC off the East Coast Park.  Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic that has captured the full attention of possibly 90% of the world population, I remembered the race, the thrills and spills and joy of having been involved with it. Here are some pictures of the event.