TRRG Reunion at KLCC Aquaria

Last 5th November 2008, TRRG organized the 2008 annual TRRG Reunion Dinner for all volunteers and TRRG workers to share our experience during the 1 week stay at Chagar Hutang. It was held at KLCC Aquaria and they agreed to give TRRG volunteers a discounted entrance fee of RM 18 per person to visit Aquaria two hours before the reunion. So of course, Wei Hoe and I take this opportunity to visit KLCC Aquaria once again and also too brush up our photography skills.

TRRG Annual Dinner 2008

The annual dinner started with a detailed presentation from Professor Chan (founder of TRRG) and Pelf (RA) on the summary of TRRG activities as well as the statistics for number of nests deposited and number of turtles landed. Below are some of the details :

"We touched the 600 mark in nests deposited in Chagar Hutang, the third highest since the egg protection program was initiated in 1993. A record of 606 nests were laid by the end of November and on the 5th of December 2008, I received a call from Mahadi that a new green turtle had landed on the 4th and successfully deposited nest number 607. Wow! She is the 78th neonate (first time nester) green turtle nester for 2008 and bears ID 2008G078. " By: Professor Chan

After the presentation, a video of TRRG Majalah 3 documentary on 'Turtle's can fly campaign' was played and it was indeed very touching. Click here to watch the video.

After the video, it was followed by the Live Russian auction where items like key chain, hand phone decorator, necklace, ear rings, pin and other were austioned to raise fund for the TRRG. But due to time contrained, after a few auctions, they ended up selling the items where i got my sexy pewter turtle earings for RM15.00.

For more information on this event kindly click here

And below are the some of photos we took at KLCC Aquaria. Enjoy!!

Our beloved RA, Kak Lea

This cute baby croc is lazy!

This eel looks very lonely in the aquarium

Beautiful Indoor Silhouette Effect

Cute Small shrimp was spotted

Well, I'll be going to Chagar Hutang again this year, somewhere end of July 2009 or beginning of August 2009, So if you are interested just contact me as I am gathering people to fill my booking of 8 slots, the more the merrier right.

“Say NO to turtle eggs” - TRRG

Dear people, UMT have just ported the “Say NO to turtle eggs” petition online to simplify the signing process of not eating turtle eggs for the rest of your life. Therefore, All that you need to do is read and sign the petition then send the petition link to your contacts, and also encourage your friends to sign it and then forward it to their contacts. I have signed mine and I am the 33th person who signs it. Below are my 'signature':

Dear Friends,

I have just read and signed the online petition:

"Say "NO" to turtle eggs!"

hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition
service, at:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/trrgumt/

I personally agree with what this petition says, and I think you might
agree, too.  If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider
signing yourself.

Best wishes,

SIM YEE JOO

Besides that, for more information kindly click here to browse the UMT blog browser. Thank you!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFRENCE~!!

Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group [Part 4]

Hey people, Here is my Part 4 which is Other Random Shots that I like.. Enjoy!

Sunrise View from the Sky

Cheeky Wei Hoe and the Hatchlings

Cool Random Shots by Wei Hoe

Hatchlings (I love this pic which means it is the Shot of the trip!)

Squeky licking the biscuits...

Another Shot of the trip. So cute right

Butterflyz. I took super long time to take a good shots (I still like this shot)

Usually, monkeys are naughty but monkeys at Chagar Hutang are so tamed

Therefore, with this I would like to say I truly enjoy the Turtle Research & Rehabilitation Group Programme and I will definitely attend this volunteer again next year. So hope to see more volunteers next year and always remember to SAVE THE TURTLES in order to prevent them from extinction.

For further information kindly click here to access to UMT Turtle website.

Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group [Part 3]

Chagar Hutang [Part 3] - Other Activities


Day 1 (Saturday)

We met at UMT's Turtle House for short Power Presentation, to Merang Jetty by Mini Bus and to Laguna Jetty (Redang) by Laguna Ferry. Once, we reached Laguna Jetty at Redang, we were transfered to our own speedboat named Si Penyu and then to Chagar Hutang. We were given an on-site briefing by Kak Lea and as well as our assignment of duty rosters and patrol teams or both day and night patrols. Then it was our leisure time to unpack our baggage, shower, cam-whore and preparation for dinner.

Day 2 (Sunday)

Early in the beautiful Sunday morning, our first activity was Beach Cleaning. It was surprising to see many rubbish everywhere throughout the 350 meter long beach including Styrofoam, Shoes / Slippers, Cans, Water Bottle, Tyre and etc. These rubbish probably are from inconsiderate and irresponsible human behavior who does not bother about the surrounding or should I say human who does not know the word 'dustbin'. I don't understand,why is that so difficult to throw their rubbish into the rubbish bin or does it just their 'tidak apa' (don't know don't care) attitude. Therefore, I would say Please throw your rubbish into the rubbish bin but not anywhere outside the road, the river, the jungle or the whatever.

P/s: Simple way to throw small rubbish like tissue, can drink, water bottle, etc is to bring it HOME and throw it at your home rubbish bin.

Day 3 (Monday)

(Gary and Harry climb the coconut tree and hill side like REAL MONKEY~!!Siao~~!!)

(My Snorkeling Partner, Very Adventurous and Fun to be with [My Cup of Tea])

As for Day 3, we were told that we are going for SNORKELING~!! WoOhoOo~!! And Of course, Cheeky Gary and Harry will be our tour guide and being cheeky as always, they drive the boat like riding-on-horse-at-sea which means your butt will be spanked hardly onto the seat due to the strong wave. However, They brought us to 3 Snorkeling Spots which Ming and I prefers the second spot as we had spotted Clown Fish, Puffer Fish, Small Grouper, Some Barracuda looking Fish, Stone Fish, MANY MANY Jelly Fishes and of course Beautiful Corals.

(Don't the Platform looks like dating? The one with wheel are Male and without are Female)

(Da Boyz are SUICIDING becoz the Chicks does not bother them)

(Da Girlz, So Happy coz da Guyz are suciding~!! BTW I really love these pictures, So Studio Photo)

After Snorkeling, Gary and Harry brought us to the REAL REDANG RESORT side. It was so beautiful and More-Civilize-Hi-Tech-Place. Everyone started to make phone calls to Mum, Dad, Sis, Grandma, Grandpa, Boyfriend, Girlfriend and the list goes on and on. We had our lunch there with BIG BIG BIG Coconut that you never see in KL ( bigger than human head). After our lunch, we are back to Chagar Hutang~!!.

Day 4 (Tuesday)

(Uprive Hike @ Prawn Spa)

(5 Gorgeous Girls during the Prawn Spa)

(Ming's Feet and Little Black Shrimps)

After a day with guided tour, therefore it is time for Unguided Tour to the Chagar Hutang Upriver Hike. Even though the word 'Upriver Hike' sounded tiring and very adventurous, in actual fact it is only 5-8 minutes hike up to the River from our Place. Initially, we thought the staffs were lying about the Prawn Spa, but once we soaked our leg into the clear river, you can see cute little black shrimps surrounding your feet and then bit your dead skin. Besides, I am the only one who did not soak my feet into the River as it is too ticklish and had a slight itch whenever the shrimp bit my feet. Therefore, I just take pictures of the sceneries and them~!!

(The Slippers represent us.. Nice right..)

(Models of Slot X 2008)

After the Upriver Hike, we have plenty of time till we started doing our usually most busy job which is Cam Whoring. And as usually, being the most cheeky of all, I planned all those formation and though some have failed but Wei Hoe our personal photographer still manage to take nice picture of us. Which picture is the best? Kindly comment...

Day 5 (Wednesday)

(Turtle Rock Hike and Beautiful Sceneries)

Day 5 I would say was one of the best among the best because it is the the Real Hiking up to the Turtle Rock. It took us about 30 minutes to hike up to the Turtle Rock which is much shorter time and route in comparison to my 5 km Hike at Bako National Park, Kuching which took us few hours to hike. The Turtle Rock was a little tougher as we need to climb the big Rock which is pretty sloppy and scary. But However, the handwork pays off with the amazing 5 beautiful spots on top of the hill side, with the strong wind and beautiful sceneries.

Day 6 & 7 (Thursday & Friday)

On Thursday was the Bye Bye Day to Gary and Harry (On Leave) and Yii Sin, Yii Lun and Swee Ling as they have to go back to KL and Johor early. Which means left only me, Ming, Joanne, Wei Hoe, Khek Meng and the ISLAND itself. It was pretty cool as it felt like in Survivor Island which only have the 5 of us. But still, we never forget to Beach Clean-Up and of course Patrolling.

On Friday, the itinerary for us is Camp-Site-Clean-Up. Instead of just cleaning up our own dorm itself, we had cleared many ant nests that are in the FOOD cupboard, below the stove and others by burning them alive as there are TOO many of them. We also had thoroughly washed the floor, the stove, the sink or should I say the whole kitchen. It was pretty cool to see the happy face of Aband Adie and Abang Mann when we told them we had cleaned the kitchen. Therefore, double peace for US~!!

Overall

(1...2...3... JUMP~!!!!!)

Therefore Overall, we had a Blasting Volunteer Job at Chagar Hutang. Cheers~!!

Stay Tune for Part 4~!!

Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group [Part 2]

As Promised, Part 2 will be the Turtle Rehabilitation Process. Below are the pictures showing Our Morning Patrol Process and also Our Night Patrol Process. Enjoy!

Turtle Rehabilitating Process

Nest Check by Staffs and Volunteers

Dug Nest to Check whether is Hatched or Unhatched

Every Morning at about 8.00 a.m for Puasa Month or Evening for Non-Puasa Month, the Chagar Hutang staffs will Nest Check in reference to the recorded information by volunteer every nesting of a turtle. The Nest Check is to ensure that the nest are not harmed from the 2 main predators such as Monitor Lizards and Fire Ants.

Pic1 : Damaged Eggs, Pic2 : Semi-Hatched Eggs, Pic3 : Relocation of Eggs

Excavating the Fully Formed Hatchlings

In addition, whenever a nest were infested by Fire Ants or Destroyed by Monitor Lizards, the Staffs will Excavate the Hatchlings or Unhatched Eggs. Volunteers will rescue hatchlings from Ants Bites or others. Besides that, if the location of the Nests are not suitable or infested by Fire Ants , staffs will relocate it to a suitable sand for better natural hatching.

Hatchlings Cycle

1. Hundreds of Turtle Eggs [50-60 days to hatch]

2. Unfully Formed Hatchling @ Middle Level

3. Fully Formed Hatchlings that are ready to be released

4. Dead Hatchling

In accordance to Kak Lea, Only 1 out of 100 Hatchlings will OR can survive to Adult Turtle which is 50 Years Old.

Albert and Ernie

Besides that, Albert and Ernie was turtle borne in Chagar Hutang and raised in Aquaria KLCC. They both aged 5-6 years old and is in their Juvenile Age. They were sent back to Chagar Hutang for medication and then release. Therefore, Good Luck to Albert and Ernie and wishes you both will come back to Chagar Hutang next time!

Turtle Landing and Nesting

During the Night, Staffs and Volunteers will take turns to Patrol around the 350 meters Beach to look out for Mother Turtle for Nesting. Mother Turtle lays their eggs all year round, up to 15 times per year. After Mating, Mother Turtle Comes up to the beach during the High Tide for nesting. The Process started with :

1. Mother Turtle Landing
2. Body Pitting - Searching for the perfect spot to nest [30-60 minutes or Return to Sea]
3. Nest Chambering - Dig hole to lay its eggs [30-40 minutes]
4. Nesting - [20-30 minutes]
5. Canvasing - Mother turtle close the Nest Chamber after Nesting [5 minutes]
6. Sand Bathing - No Idea why it Sand Bath [ 30-40 minute]
7. Returning to the Ocean

P/S : Sorry I only manage to capture the Canvasing Picture as my camera were malfunction during the Landing and Nesting. But I will try to get pictures from Other volunteers to post it up next time. Besides that, If my Information is Wrong kindly correct me by leaving me a comment or at Shout Out Box. Thank You!

Stay Tune for Part 3 that will be Posting up Soon~!!

Turtle Research & Rehabilitation Group

Hey Friends , I am back from the 1 week Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group (formerly known as SEATRU programme) at Chagar Hutang, Terrengganu. In addition to it , my Slot's name is SLOT X which is from 6th September 2008 to 13th September 2008.

I am sure many of you may be wondering what are my duties during the 1 week programme. When I was excited and told people about my 'Save the Turtle Programme" some graded me as crazy, strange or wow. Here, I wish to share my experiences throughout the stay.

I will be dividing my post into 4 Parts as follows:

Part 1 : My Arrival and Chagar Hutang

Part 2 : Turtle Rehabilitation Process

Part 3 : Other Activities

Part 4 : Other Random Shots

PART 1 - My Arrival and Chagar Hutang 2008

New Fireflyz Plane @ Subang

We took our very first time Fireflyz airline from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang to Kuala Terrengganu. It's kinda cool to take the Fokker plane as it is adventurous yet exciting. Although it's abit noisy at first but it's a great experience to take the small fokker plane.

I will definitely take Fireflyz again for my next trip. The flight services, plane condition and on time schedule were real good. Don't listen to peoples' comment that this humble fokker flight may collapse! Do you know that you actually save some money by departing from Subang Terminal 3 Airport rather than taking a so called cheap Air Asia flight from LCCT if you are residing in PJ? Useful information, my friends.

Kuala Merang Jetty

Upon reaching Sultan Mahmud Airport, Kuala Terrengganu, we took a Taxi which cost us only RM15.00 per cab to University Malaysia Terrengganu's Turtle House. Then, Kak Lea, our Sweet and Tedious Research Assistant (RA) gives us a detailed briefing on Turtles and the Rehabilitation Process. After the briefing, Pak Cik Uda drove us to pick up our 1 week food supply and thereby heading to the beautiful Merang Jetty.

The Beautiful Blue Tone Beach

Burning Hot Sun and Shadowz

We were really fascinated with the blue and white tones of this beautiful private beach. Our temptation made us feverish and we started taking pictures at the beach under the perfect sun temperature. Oouch.... the heat were actually burning hot yet we cam-whored, then jumped into the sea. The sandy beaches with varieties of sea corals decorated the island.

The Chagar Hutang Hut


Our Bed, Though it looks Uncomfortable But It's Truly Comfy

This place is only 3 years old. Previously, volunteers overnighted at by the beach and the toilet were the village-dig-hole-system. You poo, it went into the sea. LOL.

We were luckier this time to have a wooden plank house, equipped with kitchen facilities, comfortable fold-up beds and of course a modernised-city-toilet with environmental bath foams. Morever, the place is clean with solar system for multi purpose charging and and of course Back to Nature Environment!

The Equipped Kitchen Utensils. Hungry chef at beach seriously preparing the 3 minutes noodles


The Turtle Gallery and our Dining table

This is ALBERT, one of the many handsome turtles which I admired.


Therefore, Stay tune for more upcoming post~!!

Turtle Research and Rehabilition Group (SEATRU) - Save The Turtles

Have you ever Thought of Saving the Extinction of Turtles in Malaysia?

Do you really intend to see the extinction of the Beautiful million years old sea creatures due to human's selfish behaviour of eating turtles meats, eating turtles eggs, illegal turtles fishing and not forgetting turtles eating plastics or rubbish left by human?

( Turtle Eggs for Sale, Turtle Meats for Sale, Dead and Extinct Turtles, Turtle's Eating Plastic)

At the mid 1980's, University Malaysia Terrengganu (UMT) formerly known as Kolej Universiti Sains dan Teknologi Malaysia, KUSTEM in Kuala Terrengganu had formed a research team which concentrates on Marine Turtles and were self-named as Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) and were now known as the Turtle Research and Rehabilition Group.

In addition, UMT started the volunteer programme not only to create awareness to the public but also for public to get involve in Saving the Turtles in Malaysia. The volunteer program runs annually from April to October each year and is open for booking in February. Slots are of one week duration (Saturdays to Saturdays).

The Cost for the 1 week Volunteer Programme :

Malaysian students : RM300
Malaysian non-students : RM500
Foreign students : USD 150
Foreign non-students : USD 250

The costs are inclusive of the following:

• Briefing and supervision
• Boat transfers to and from Redang Island and within the island
• Food and accommodation at Chagar Hutang for one week

Kindly click here for more informations on the Volunteer Programme 2008.

Moreover, Below are the endangered turtles species at Terrengganu.

The green turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Local name : Penyu agar, Penyu pulau

Shell length : 90 - 110 cm.

Weight : 110 - 180 kg.

Colour : Olive-brown to green or black.

Food : Predominantly seagrass and seaweeds

Range : Coasts and islands in the tropics.

The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata)

Local name : Penyu sisik, Penyu karah

Shell length : 70 - 90 cm.

Weight : 40 - 90 kg.

Colour : Combination of dark brown, yellow and brown.

Food : Predominantly sponges

Range : Tropical oceans near coral reefs.

The Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Local name : Penyu belimbing

Shell length : 150 - 180 cm.

Weight : 300 - 600 kg.

Colour : Black with white or grey patches.

Food : Predominantly jellyfish

Range : Oceanic. Nest in the tropics but moves to temperate waters to feed.

The Olive-Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys Olivacea)

Local name : Penyu lipas

Shell length : 50 - 70 cm.

Weight : 30 - 60 kg.

Colour : Olive brown.

Food : Crustaceans, molluscs, jellyfish, fish and seagrass

Range : Coastal tropics.

Therefore, Why are you waiting for? Click Here to participate in the Volunteer Programme just like I do and my slot will be from 6th September 2008 till 13th September 2008. For those who won't be able to join the 1 week programme just remember :

1. DO NOT litter into the sea or beaches
2. SAY NO to Turtle eggs
3. SAY NO to turtle meats.

Thanks You and Hope to see you there!