Tidal Bore Surfing

Have any of you heard of Tidal Bore Surfing? I once think about trying it in
Sarawak but decided that i stick to beach surfing instead of river surfing...
Here, I just give you a short brief on what is Tidal Bore..

Tidal Bore Phenomenon

Tidal bore is a solitary wave formed when a rising tidal front tries to enter a shallow and narrowing river with high tidal range from abroad estuary. In the process, the tidal front is retarded by the river flow and the bed friction start to build up. When it reaches the critical point, it breaks and moves forward upstream as a rushing wave called tidal bore. As it travels upstream, it will decrease in height and velocity and eventually dies out due to energy dissipation.In Malaysia, tidal bore phenomenon can only be seen at Batang Lupar, Batang Sadong, Batang Samarahan and Batang Saribas in the state of Sarawak. Sri Aman is situated about 194 kilometres by road from Kuching City. The unique phenomenon of tidal bore occurrs in Batang Lupar. Batang Lupar flows from the Klinkang Range to South China Sea with river length of 275 kilometres. Geographicaly, Batang Lupar has a big opening at the rivermouth and becomes narrow when it reaches upstream. It is believed that tidal bore starts at Pulau Seduku located about 44.6 kilometres from river mouth and 34.5 kilometres from Sri Aman town. Tidal bore or locally known as benak occurs everyday with different wave lengths and heights. However, during spring tide, normally on the third and eighteen day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, tidal bores with high magnitude can be observed clearly.

Besides the danger of the waves, the best part about this river is the residence beneath it.
It is a legendary spot for the Malaysia most famous crocrodile "Bujang Senang".

Bujang Senang’ or ‘Happy Bachelor’ was the name for a huge crocodile that grew to 19 feet and 4 inches. The crocodile is notorious as a man-eating ‘monster’. It had a well-formed and worn canines on its huge jaw. ‘Bujang Senang’ was well known back in 1993, when it went on its killing rampage around the Sri Aman area. The Batang Lupar River, which flows through Sri Aman, still conjures up fearsome images, as it was home to this legendary killer. It was struck down by a shotgun shell in Sg. Pelaban in Lingga Batang Lupar at Sri Aman.

So i anyone up for it? hehehehehhee

Surfing East Malaysia, Sabah

It was Pantai Nexus that i've surf before when i was working on a commercial in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah a while ago with my mate Kanesh. Today, i manage to get some info. from surfers all the way from KK on the spots available in Sabah. I will gather more info. and post soon.

Here are some of the pictures.....Pantai Nexus, Kudat, Tuaran!!!

The New Generation Takeover

The ultimate search for the UK’s best young musicians hits the South West throughout July and August with The Teenage Rampage Tour 2009.
Run by Bristol Music Foundation and in partnership with Colston Hall and Youth Music the summer tour will see the finest teenage bands and solo artists from the area competing head to head at the regions top music venues and in front of local audiences and music industry figureheads including Conal Dodds, Oasis' promoter, and Chris Morrison, Blur's manager.
With 8 regional heats taking place in towns from Swindon to Falmouth, industry professionals will decide on the best 4 acts to play at the final, held on September 19th, alongside a national headline act on the same stage once graced by the likes of The Rolling Stones, U2 and The Beatles – at Bristol’s largest venue, the newly developed Colston Hall.
If you’re an aspiring young musician there is still time to enter the South West regional heats by visiting the Teenage Rampage website and downloading the entry form. Times and details of all gigs, venues, Industry Insight sessions, can be found online here.

The New Generation Takeover

The ultimate search for the UK’s best young musicians hits the South West throughout July and August with The Teenage Rampage Tour 2009.
Run by Bristol Music Foundation and in partnership with Colston Hall and Youth Music the summer tour will see the finest teenage bands and solo artists from the area competing head to head at the regions top music venues and in front of local audiences and music industry figureheads including Conal Dodds, Oasis' promoter, and Chris Morrison, Blur's manager.
With 8 regional heats taking place in towns from Swindon to Falmouth, industry professionals will decide on the best 4 acts to play at the final, held on September 19th, alongside a national headline act on the same stage once graced by the likes of The Rolling Stones, U2 and The Beatles – at Bristol’s largest venue, the newly developed Colston Hall.
If you’re an aspiring young musician there is still time to enter the South West regional heats by visiting the Teenage Rampage website and downloading the entry form. Times and details of all gigs, venues, Industry Insight sessions, can be found online here.

The New Generation Takeover

The ultimate search for the UK’s best young musicians hits the South West throughout July and August with The Teenage Rampage Tour 2009.
Run by Bristol Music Foundation and in partnership with Colston Hall and Youth Music the summer tour will see the finest teenage bands and solo artists from the area competing head to head at the regions top music venues and in front of local audiences and music industry figureheads including Conal Dodds, Oasis' promoter, and Chris Morrison, Blur's manager.
With 8 regional heats taking place in towns from Swindon to Falmouth, industry professionals will decide on the best 4 acts to play at the final, held on September 19th, alongside a national headline act on the same stage once graced by the likes of The Rolling Stones, U2 and The Beatles – at Bristol’s largest venue, the newly developed Colston Hall.
If you’re an aspiring young musician there is still time to enter the South West regional heats by visiting the Teenage Rampage website and downloading the entry form. Times and details of all gigs, venues, Industry Insight sessions, can be found online here.

The New Generation Takeover

The ultimate search for the UK’s best young musicians hits the South West throughout July and August with The Teenage Rampage Tour 2009.
Run by Bristol Music Foundation and in partnership with Colston Hall and Youth Music the summer tour will see the finest teenage bands and solo artists from the area competing head to head at the regions top music venues and in front of local audiences and music industry figureheads including Conal Dodds, Oasis' promoter, and Chris Morrison, Blur's manager.
With 8 regional heats taking place in towns from Swindon to Falmouth, industry professionals will decide on the best 4 acts to play at the final, held on September 19th, alongside a national headline act on the same stage once graced by the likes of The Rolling Stones, U2 and The Beatles – at Bristol’s largest venue, the newly developed Colston Hall.
If you’re an aspiring young musician there is still time to enter the South West regional heats by visiting the Teenage Rampage website and downloading the entry form. Times and details of all gigs, venues, Industry Insight sessions, can be found online here.

SURFING BALI, INDONESIA

Surfing Bali, Indonesia

Surf Season
best surf on high season (May to Sept) but u can always surf somewhere on the east coast if u r there the low season Oct-Apr......remember high season can be overcrowded!!!good luck...

Flight
always opt. for Airasia if u are looking for the cheapest flight (USD50-150). Airasia charges RM40 for surfboards (15kg) one way. However, your check-in luggage (15kg) is separated from the surfboard weight. But if u looking for a better flight, checkout MAS or Qatar Airways.....


Arrival
Just get a local cab from the airport. It is quite safe to get from the airport as if u take taxi from outside, they will rip you off. Normally taxi from airport to Kuta area is around Rp. 70,000 to Rp. 100,000.

Accomodation
If budget is your type of thing...always look for place in Kuta area.
Best opt. is always around Poppies 1 or Poppies 2 area...it is smack right in the middle of everything for surfing, parties, shopping and so on..........
Normally it will cost around Rp. 70,000 - Rp. 200,000 for both fan & a/c room.
This are some of the places that ive stayed before;

AP Inn, Fat Yogi, Puri Agung, 51 Lima Satu,La Walon Bungalows,Masa Inn,
Kedin’s Inn, Beneyasa Beach Inn, Bali Duta Wisata, Taman Ayu II
Bali Manik, Komala Indah 1&2, Komala Indah Cottages, Suka Beach Inn,
Note: Please browse internet for their contact.


TRANSPORT
Taxi - always lookout for Blue Bird taxi Only...this is the most reliable taxi in
Indonesia. It is a metered taxi so dont have to worry!

Bike - motorbike rental, is around Rp. 30,000-Rp. 45,000 depending on your
negotiation skills. You might need a international license but i always show
police (polisi) my m'sian license and it works!!! just photocopy your passport
and keep it on your bike plus some small change, just in case.

Car - It is hard to drive along the small lanes in Kuta area. So i suggest you get a
bike or else get a car with driver. I have a good car rental with reliable driver.
8 seater 4 WD very clean with a/c.......budget is suited on each individual. Ask
me if u r interested...i can recommend you.

SHOPPING
There is shopping through out Jl. Legian, Jl. Pantai Kuta, Jl. Poppies 1,
Jl. Poppies 2, Seminyak, Baypass Highway...u will see Factory Outlet
and also Billabong Factory Outlet for the best bargain. If u r looking for
cheap local stuff, go for Sukawati market instead of tourist Ubud market.

DVD
U can get cheap copy dvd for Rp.100,000 for 14 pcs. (approx. RM35) almost
whole of Kuta area....remember to test all your dvd. Some is empty dvds,
some is not working.....dont be shy to test out all your dvds.

CLUBBING
Double 6 at Seminyak, Kamasutera at Kuta beach, M-bar-go, Paddy's, Eikon,
Bounty, Sky Garden, Reggae Bar, Espresso...and so many more......

FOOD
Warung Made, Warung Warisan, Ryoshi Jap Rest. Treehouse, Balcony
Warung Nikmat, Warung Malang, Sate Babi, Nasi Padang, Gado Gado,
Es Teler, Ku De ta, Bebek Bengil Ubud and more if i can remember....
not forget to drink ARAK API or Sake Bali.....or even Magical Mushroom!!!



TO SEE
Tanah Lot temple, Uluwatu temple, Mount Kintamani, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Benoa Watersport, Ubud,
Monkey forest, Oleh-Oleh outlet (souveniour), Nusa Dua....and more.



SURF SPOT(too many, so i listed some with easy access)


Sand Bottom - Kuta beach (In front of McDonald)
Kuta beach "Halfway" (In front of Harris Hotel, Kuta)
Padma beach (near Jl. Padma)
Double Six (in front of Double 6 Disco)
Cangu (Pantai Brawa)
Dreamland

Reef Bottom - Kuta Reef, Middles, Airport Left, Airport Right
(boat ride to all is Rp. 40,000 except Airport Right Rp. 100,000)
Balangan Beach
Bingin Beach
Impossible & Padang Padang
Blue Point (Uluwatu)
Serangan
Keramas

For beginners, i would recommend only in Kuta beach. Other place not recommended. As any intermediate surfer who like to try out reef for first time, can tryout Balangan or Kuta Reef when waves is about 2-4ft.
I have friends who lost their board in Reef....so use thicker leash/new...dont save money! Or u lost your board!!!

When leaving Bali....u have to pay Rp. 150,000 for airport tax and again
Rp. 115,000 for your surfboard with Airasia. Good luck and have fun in Bali

REMEMBER: Show respect to surfers in Bali n u will gain your respect back.
Earn it..........

Want to know more update about surfing in Bali, checkout;
www.baliwaves.com or www.magicwave.org/id/home.html