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Why go to Pompong Island
In late 2008 I had been researching my father's life and death for reasons indicated in "My Father's page". During one of my searches on the internet I came across a web site by David Hope. David has been living and working in Singapore for the last fifteen years and has been researching the fall of Singapore for a few years now. He is concentrating on the three ships bombed near Pompong Island which are the Kung Wo, the Kuala aand the one my father was on the Tien Kwang. So we had something in common to discuss and during our emails I found out he was interested in visiting Pompong Island too. The reason he got interested in the war is because he in living in an ex-harbour board house and decided he should find out more on the history. So one thing led to another and eventually he set up his web site.
As time went on I realised that the 14th February, the day my father was killed, fell on a Saturday in both 1942 and also in 2009. I immediately decided that I had to be on Pompong Island at 11.00 hrs on the 14th February. So how was I to acheive this.
Problems I would have to overcome:-
- I was thousands of miles away
- I didn't even know exactly where Pompong Island was
- I didn't know anyone out in Singapore
- What visas would we need and where could I arrange them
- Would we even be allowed to visit the island
- I was sure that more problems would arise as time went by
I told David of my plans to visit Singapore and that I was going to try and organise a boat trip out to Pompong Island on Saturday 14th February. I received the following email from him:-
17/11/08
Dear Stan,
Great to hear you will be coming out and I hope that there is a chance that we maybe able to meet up while you are here. I would be happy to advise you of all the key related sites that you should visit while here.
Regarding Pompong I wish I had the easy answer as I have been trying to arrange something myself for the last 6 months and it has proven to be quite elusive so far. The island is still uninhabited and relatively remote. There used to be a number of diving schools in the Riau archipeleago but they seem to have died up for some reason. Charters from Singapore seem elusive unless have a good number of people to defray the costs. Anyway I will keep exploring and will let you know what I find. As I am concentrating my research now on the three ships and the Pompong island stories I am determined to get there some how! In the event you have any related photos of your father's time here I would be most interested to view them and try to help piece together the story for you where possible.
Brgds
David
I asked him if he had any idea exactly where Pompong Island was and did he knoww where I could get maps. He replied with:-
18/11/08
Stan
here are the nautical chart scans and you can see the wreck position next to the island.
Brgds
David
S now I had a better idea where it was, and the island I had earmarked on Google and Multi-maps was correct - more by luck than good maps. Try it and you will see what I mean.
So where would I start?
Well I needed a contact out there to help arrange the trip. Someone who knows where the island is, what countries water it is in, do I need visas and where to get them. Someone who has a boat to take us out there or can arrange a boat. Someone who can communicate with the officials and locals involved in the arrangements required.
So I decided to send an email to as many clubs associated with scuba diving, marinas and boating clubs as I could find on the internet. In fact anyone I could find who might have a boat and the capability of going to the island. I sent the folling email to them all:-
"Hi,
I am visiting Singapore around the 14th Feb 2009 because that is the anniversary of my father's death on 14th Feb 1942. He was being evacuated from Singapore on the SS Kuala which was sunk off Pompong Island about 45 miles south of Singapore. I can send you a small extract form a chart of the position. I was hoping that you might be able to give me a quote for the trip or that, with your connections, you might know someone who could take a party of approx 4 people out there on that day. I would appreciate any advice you could give me about this.
Thank you,
Stan Pyke"
You might note that I mentioned the Kuala, that was because at the time I thought that was the ship he had been on. It was not till later that I got proof of him being on the Tien Kwang.
I got a few negatives from people who could not help, a couple who would like to help but were not available on the dates concerned and one that was far too expensive to even consider (I was prepared to pay a reasonable price but not several thousands). Then a couple of days later an email from someone called Quee, she could not help as they were 500 miles away up the North East of Malaysia but had contacts in Singapore and would pass on my request.
24/11/08
Hello Mr Pyke
thanks for your mail. Unfortunately we are based in Terengganu, Malaysia and not in Singapore.
I've made some enquiries on your behalf...but have yet to hear from them. I'll hook you up with them once I get the reply from them, alright ? I think some of the marinas here as well private charters do have that service. What kind of boat do you have in mind..small speedboat (outboard) for 4 or at least a comfortable small yacht ?
warm regards
Quee
...have boat will travel....deutzia nautical
www.deutzianautical.com
The first ray of hope so far, don't get too excited yet though. then the next day:-
25/11/08
Hello Mr Pyke
I think I've found just the right person to help you with this.
Allow me to introduce Major Tan Hua Chiow. He's an old sea salt ! He's not only active in running marinas but also building them - an old guard of the singapore islands too though he's not that old :) !
The Pompng island that you've mentioned may be beyond the boundary of singapore water so permit to visit may be required. But I'm sure Major wld be able to help you with that.
Thanks Major. In your good hands. I've attached the charts that Mr Pyke has sent over.
Mr Pyke...all the best..hope you will find what you're looking for.
cheers
Quee
Then virtually before I had finished reading that email and it sinking in I got this one:-
25/11/08
Oi,
No picture or chart attached.
Pyke,
If you are British, then I am extremely glad to meet and assist you.
I was trained by the Royal Navy in Dartmouth and Portsmouth many years back.
Currently, I am a Marina Consultant and operate a marina here in Singapore.
Please let me know your requirements, including rough dates of the trip, so that I can quicky get the ground preparation started.
I am familiar with the Indonesia waters and have good contacts with the officials ( including the pirates there !).
You can contact me via this email or Tel : (I have witheld all address & Tel No's)
My correspondence address is :
I hope to hear from you soon.
Rule Britannia !
Tan Hua Chiow
Head, Marina Project Development
XXXX Corporation
Then a few minutes later:-
25/11/08
Oi,
Got it now.
Distance too far. No point to sail from Singapore.
Better to take ferry to Bintan and ferry again to Lingga Island.
Set up base there,then we hire a local boat to go to Pompong Island.
Local knowledge of the water there is important because the chart can be inaccurate.
The last time when the British Admirality surveyed and charted the place was World War II !
I got contact in Lingga Island and can make arrangement ( many Indonesian crews in my marina and one of them lives there)
I will wait for Pyke to furnish me with more information and get it organised.
Cheers!
I can't tell you what this meant to me or how I felt reading these two emails. Here was a total stranger, in fact two total strangers, who do not know me from Adam and he is offering to help organise our trip to Pompong Island. Can this be real, am I going to wake up and find it was all a dream, is this someone's idea of having a good laugh at someone's expence. - Well after reading them again and again I decided it was for real, just something about the messages said -
"This was a genuine offer of help and it looked like we were going to Pompong Island.
I immediately copied the emails to David and knowing he was interested in getting to Pompong Island I offered him the chance to come along if I managed to get the trip organised and to open the invitation to anyone else who wanted to go. I felt that if anyone was interested it was an opportunity not to be missed as it may not be repeated.
The next day I got the following emails from David & Major Tan.
26/11/08
Stan
Interesting as I have been lobbying Major tan for 12 months without too much progress (originall due to seasons) but he seems to have been receptive to your mail. I will continue to lobby him my end as well to see what he can do!
Brgds
David
Then later,
26/11/08
Stan
Potentially good news!
I have just spoken with Major Tan and we may have a solution!
The rough plan being the following:-
- Singapore to Bintan by Ferry (very comfortable approx 45 minutes)
- Bintan to Lingga island (will check the details but sure it will be fine)
- Stay in a hotel at Linnga Island and then make a day trip to Pom Pong island.
Most likely we will need to stay two nights.
More information will be forthcoming but we are one step closer Stan.
Brgds
David
And copied to me.
26/11/08
Major Tan
It was good to talk today. As discussed the option sounds promising and I look forward to hearing the next level of planning details.
Brgds
David
A couple of days later I got the following emails from Major Tan & David.
28/11/08
Stan,
A mutual friend, David Hope, called me two days ago on this matter. It is a small world indeed.
Being Scottish is even amazing. Firstly, I am a recent external graduate of Heriot-Watts University in Scotland.
I was so fasicnated by the movie " Brave Heart" that I flew to London to attend a Boat Show, then drove straight up to Stirling to pay respect to the heroes at the Memorial Monument. Off course I also played a round of golf at St. Andrew. That was many years back but the trip was inspired by the Scot's Spirit ( pun included !)
My Indonesian staff is now doing the ground work.
Don't worry about cost. Being an old Boy Scout before, and still in my heart , I obey the Scout's Laws of being thrifty.
Ferry trip to Pulau Bintang is about S$50 ( return ) and another S$50 ( return) to Lingga Island.
There is no any star-rated hotel there but simple local lodging that I can arrange. Cost about S$30 to S$40 for a room ( two person).
No western food locally so we have to eat what the villagers eat with those fresh sea foods.
I am asking my staff to negotiate for a local fishing boat and will let you know the price. ( They know the way better )
It won't be expensive because they don't operate QE line there.
By the way, one sterling pound is about S$2.70.
I will take leaves and accompany your entourage with my staff as a local guide.
No fee charge.
This is a complimentary service by an ex- Her Majesty Serviceman.
The Royal Navy educated me to be an Officer and a Gentlemen.
I did my officer part during the end of Vietnam War in 1975, mopping up renegades of the South Vietnamese Army in the Siam Gulf.
As for the Gentlemen part, this is the time for me to return my service with pride.
I am currently a Marina Consultant and travel frequently for my overseas projects.
So keep my contacts and keep hot on this line.
Lastly, we must thank Ms Toh for linking us up and I also copy David on this line
Cheers!
Tan Hua Chiow, Commander ( Retd)
Head, Marina Project Development
xxxx Corporation
28/11/08
Major Tan
This is fantastic and will be a remarkable once in a life time journey for Stan and I am honored to be a part of it. It will be a facinating jouney traveling with you too. To be there on the exact anniversay is incredible.
Major Tan what is your view on numbers? Is the size right or would it be better to bring a few more? I know people who want to join but if a small group is most manageable then let's keep it small.
I am really looking forward to this!
Brgds
David
28/11/08
I just briefed my Indonesian staff this morning.
He is going back to Lingga Island from 6 to 11 December 2008.
He will find out more details and the cost.
Usually the fishing boat will take 10 paxs.
I and my staff will be two already
Wonder whether my buddy Quee is coming too.
Lingga Island is a historic place too.
The Old Riau / late Johore Sultanate Palace is still there.
Can also hike up to a beautiful water fall.
When we get more infor, we can firm things up.
Cheers!
Then a few days later,
1/12/09
My Indonesia staff is leaving this Friday for his home leaves and he will reccee the ground for us.
I have block my dates around the 13 to 16 Feb 2009.
I will furnish you with more information as time get by.
Cheers!
A LONG couple of weeks pass by with nothing which is understandable as Ismi is away to Lingga Island and there is nothing to report yet. Then I get this email:-
18/12/08
Dear All,
My Indonesian staff, Ismi, has returned from his home visit at the Lingga Island.
His assesement as follow :
1. Pompong Island is nearer to Pulau Bintan than Lingga Island. So it is better to commence our expedition from Tanjong Pinang which is the island town of Pulau Bintan.
2. There are private fast boats to charter there. A typical local boat is equipped with four outboard motors that can run fast and return back to Tanjong Pinang on the same day can carry twenty passengers. The private charter fee for the round trip is about @1,200 ( 450 pounds).
3. There is no one living on Pompong Island so need to return on the same day.
4. However, people living in the other nearby islands can recalled that a ship sank off Pompong Island during WW II. The story carried on from one generation to the next.
Next step
My Indonesian staff and I plan to make a trip to Tanjong Pinang in January 2009 to make ground preparations as follow :
1. Book and confirm hotel rooms for the overnight stay.
2. Source and bargain for a cheaper boat if I can. If not, I will book the boat for the day trip to Pompong Island.
3. Make contact with my counterparts there for security arrangement.
Proposal
1. Depart Singapore on 13 Feb 2009 morning and stay overnight at Tanjong Pinang. Rest and organised ground works.
2. Depart by local charter boat on 14 Feb 2009 for Pompong Island. Return the same late afternoon.Then take the last ferry back to Singapore.
Please check the above dates are right and need to know the number of participants to book room.
My Indonesian staff will come along as guide and interpreter. I will cover his expenses.
Cheers!
Tan Hua Chiow
In the mean time I had recieved a delated reply from Waarren Blake, the owner and captain of a couple od boats, whom I had contacted earlier. It was interestion as he had found the wreck of the Kuala had been diving theree a few years before. I sent a copy of his email to Major Tan as I thought he would be interested.
31/12/08
Stan,
I am a close and old friend of Capt Warren Blake.He is a nautical nut like me.
Obviously, he knows more about the wreck and Pompom Island than me.
So, there are two choice open now.
1. Engage Capt Blake 's yacht - which will take more days and cost.
2. Proceed as I am planning now.
I am making a day trip to Tg Pinang in January 2009 to lay the ground work - checking out the hotel and tentative booking of rooms
- inspect the charter boat and put the deposit
- co-ordinate the safety and security with my counter-part there.
Understand from my Indonesia staff that the charter boat carry 20 pax and is equipped with 4 x Outboard Motors.
So we can do the off-shore trip in one day.
My draft program :
Day 1 - Saturday 14 Feb 2009 - Depart Singapore in the morning for Tanjong Pinang ( route take about one hour ).
- Settle down in the hotel and prepare for off-shore trip.
Day 2 - Sunday 15 Feb 2009 - Depart for Pompom Island at first light.
- Return at 3.00 pm for Tanjong Pinang
* We can either stay at Tanjong Pinang for another night or leave for Singapore on the last ferry.
Please let me know your view and confirm the dates are correct.
We can also invite Capt Blake to join this trip if he is keen.
Today is the end of 2008 and I would like to wish your a Blessed 2009 - beginning with this trip !
Cheers!
1/1/09
Major Tan
Happy new year! I am on a yacht in Phuket and will call you when I am back next week and here is a quick response as sometimes these mobile emails do not send and I cannot save so a few quick points:
1 the 14th of feb is the 67th anniversary of the sinking so ideal if we could be on the island that day? I would prefer to go earlier and possibly back on the Sunday?
2 I know other people who would be interested to join from a historical perspective and if you let me know if that would help and how many people would be a practical group size I can start formal checking.
3. Capt Blake's yacht sounds interesting. What would be the time and cost and how many people would it take if we pursued this option?
Cheers and looking forward to this.
David
I had also sent an email to David with Cpt Blake's email and got this reply.
1/1/09
Hi David,
Happy New Year.
I got the Major's email and replied to it earlier.
Along the same lines as you about being there on the 14th and leaving on Friday.
As for Capt Blake, I had been communication with him previously but had been sort of committed to the Major as he was the
first to really come up with a workable plan. I also got prices from Capt Blake and it's a good bit dearer then the Major and also
restricted to a max of eight. I have copied his last email below. I got it before I had confirmation my dad was on the Tien Kwang.
Cheers for now, see what you think but I feel it will be too dear, for me at least.
Stan
And then got this reply,
1/1/09
Stan
Happy New Year to you as well.
Unfortunately I cannot see any attachment to this email? I will try again when I am on a PC as opposed to a small hand held that I am using now.
If I don't hear from the major I will call hime early next week to understand the costs and possible PAX numbers to understand cost per head Vs time for each option and then we can review what is the best overall option. I already have one person committed but need the details from the major to be able to ask for Olliver Maunder's confirmation (his father was a child POW in HK and has an interest in the topic). I am sure I could secure a couple of others as well.
Brgds
David
I replied:-
1/1/09
Hi David,
It isn't an attachment, it just follows on from the end of my message, after"Stan then Email from Capt Blake". I have put it on this one too. His cost
would be about 12,300 SPG for the 3-4 days quick trip or perhaps more.
Looks like pax is about 20 max from the major or 8 max from capt Blake. Glad to hear you have a few interested, a great chance for then.
Another thought is that if we use the major we could be back to Singaporefor the memorial service on Sunday 15th.
Cheers,
Stan
And then got this reply,
1/1/09
Stan
Facinating email from Capt Blake. His boat is at the same Marina I regularly visit and did not know until this email that he had any association with the Kuala! I will speak with Major Tan next week and let you know what I find out!
cheers David
Major Tan sent this email For our confirmation,
5/1/09
Stan & David,
1. Can we finalised the date to be :
- Depart on Friday 13 Feb 2009 for Tanjong Pinang
- Depart on Satuday 14 Feb 2009 for Pompong Island
- Return in the evening to Tnajong Pinang - either take the last ferry back to S'pore
- or stay another there.
2.My side will have 3 of us - my Indonesia guide, a security officer and myself.
Understand the charter boat can take 20 pax.
I am going to Tanjong Pinang this Friday to finalise details.
3. Captain Blake's option is too expensive - S$3,500 per day. Need 3 days so it will be $10,500.
Any comments ?
Cheers!
We both agreed on the details.
5/1/09
Major
Good Thanks!
Both Stan and myself are prioritising this trip so I am flexible to fit the best schedule.
I am flexible to take leave on Thursday and Friday if need be so what ever you think is best.
I know that Stan is hoping that we can be at Pompong before 11am on Saturday which is the anniversary day and approx time.
With Stan and myself means 5 PAX so far so I will start to send out invitations. Hopefully I can secure at least another 2-3 people. One looks pretty certain so far.
Capt Blake's boat looks like a great option but the only way would be too have enough PAX to get the cost down. As it could be a challenge getting the number secured at this point the TP option & charter looks best at this point.
As it will be a busy day maybe best to stay in TP Sat night as well before making our way back Sunday morning?
Brgds
David
Major Tan sent this email confirming,
5/1/09
Stan & David,
We will go for the simplest, cost-effective and ability to confirm option so that things don't get foul up along the planning.
Since it is a weekend, we can extend the stay to Sunday.
I was thinking of bringing Stan to visit the old Seletar and Changi Bases on Sunday if we return on the Saturday.
Urban redevelopments are tearing the bases down. See it before it is gone.
Cheers!
5/1/09
Major Tan
Agree your points and sounds good. It would be good to see Changi on the return if practical. I believe that Stan's father would have been based near Changi based on the location of the final radar position when moved back to Singapore before the fall but Stan may know more about that. Also if my memory served me correct Stan was based at Seletar in the late 60's (Stan - correct?)
Brgds David
5/1/09
David,
Stan have limited days to stay in Singapore before going to KL.
The Changi Base is near to the Ferry Terminal and we pop by to see it.
I am taking a few days leave to show him whatever he misses, including foods !
Cheers!
As you can see the emails are flying back and forth good style, all copied to me if not sent direct. I have not included most of my emails to them as I am trying to show the involvement of Major Tan and David.
6/1/09
Major Tan
BTW not sure if you have seen my wsbsite....
http://www.singaporeevacuation1942.com
This is how Stan got in contact with me. On a similar note I have developed a friendship with a contact in Auckland who also contacted me through my site. He was born in Singapore and his uncle was with the Malaya volunteers and he manned one of the beach pill boxes on Sentosa. When Singapore was about to fall approx 150 made it to Tanjong Pinang in various vessels and approx 100 were able to continue on and escape. The remaining 50 were rounded up as the Japanese arrived and made to stand in the sun on a tennis court next to a missionary church for a full day before being massacred the following morning. The story is not well known and there have been no books or history published but I have seen some of the investigation records.
Apparently the tennis court and the church are still standing and I will try and visit the site while we are there.
There is some incredible history all through these islands.
Brgds
David
I sent David this email with some info I had just recieved:-
13/1/09
David,
I have just had some info from Dr T C Carter about the last few days of the radar personnel on Singapore and beyond. I have put some of it on my web as it fills in a few more of the missing pieces. His daughter is going to send some more when they get it scanned.
By the way, how easy is it to get pay as you go mobile phone sim cards out there. It's no use us using our UK ones there. Also is it necessary to take malaria tables for the trip out to Pompong?
Cheers,
Stan
David replied with this email,
13/1/09
Stan
One month today! Looking forward to it.
I look forward to reading the extra information on the web you refer too.
Also I met Major Tan briefly on the weekend as he was about to jump on a boat but it looks as though all systems go.
Re sim cards I believe you can buy sim cards / rent phones at the airport but I am not sure where. As for Malaria tablets a much bigger mosquito problem at the moment is dengue fever and there is no protection from that. In 15 years in Singapore traveling every where I have never taken malaria tablets but I am very careful with spray and repellent. In a couple of books it says there were no mosquitoes on the island but of course we can't rely on that! I will just be taking the spray. I am more concerned re the mosquitoes in the hotel in Tanjong Pinang then I am on the island.
On another note related to your interests I bought my son his first HO scale electric train set for xmas (Santa) but it was a 110V for the US market and much cheaper so I bought a step down transformer thinking that should do the trick. Anyway the lights come on the train but it does not move so I am under lots of pressure from my 7 year old!
BTW I will send you a photo of myself and Brenda McDuff so you can put a face to who you are dealing with. If you have a recent photo that would be great which will make it easier when we finally meet up.
Cheers David
As it was getting close to us flying out to Singapore I thought we should exchange photos so that we would recognise each other. So I sent David & the major photos on Maggie & myself and got photos of then in return.
15/1/09
Stan
Thanks for the photos you sent me. Good to put a face to your name!
By return here is a photo of me in December sitting beside 94 year old Brenda McDuff in Auckland. Amazing woman!
Cheers
David
And then from the major,
22/1/09
Stan,
I met up with David and everything is arranged.
I will be going up to Tanjong Pinang again one week before the expedition to counter-check the arrangement.
Indonesians do not operate like Singaporean. Hope no communication breakdown.
My picture attached.
I am the one in uniform and the other is the yacht stewardess.
Cheers!
I sent Major Tan this email to get a breakdown of the cost for the trip:-
22/1/09
Major Tan,
Thanks for the photo, nice to put a face to the words and to be able to recognise you when I get there.
Any idea of the total cost of the trip, including your services and expenses, so I can have the money ready. Also how will it need to be paid in Tanjong Pinang. Cash or card and what currency.
Thanks again for all your help,
Stan
And got this back,
23/1/09
Stan,
The ferry from Singapore to Tanjong Pinang is S$50 per head ( return ).
Hotel per night is about S $65 per night ( Twin ).
The charter boat to Pompong Island is S$1,200 ( return ) - we split this among those who are participating.
No fee and expenses on my side. We go there in fellowship and to remember those who had sacrificed for us.
Cheers!
And this is the incredible thing - after ALL this time, effort and expense he will still not take anything for it. And still wouldn't, right up to the end. A true one in a Billion.
More info from David, he has two people confirmed coming on the trip. This will make it all the more interesting and worthwhile.
27/1/09
Major Tan
FYR I now have two passegers who will join us being Ollie Maunder and Don Cameron confirmed.
Brgds
David
I enquired as to who Don was so I would know his interest in the trip,
28/1/09
David,
Glad there are more going on the trip. Just for the record and to help conversation, who is Don and why is me going. I remember about Ollie from earlier.
Cheers,
Stan
28/1/09
Stan
Don is an 'aussie' Scott who is in his 60s and lives in Singapore. He enjoys reading on Singapore history and has started to follow the whole evacuation story through our friendship. Very nice fellow and his son and I coach our kids rugby team. When he heard I was going he asked if he could join us.
Cheers
David
It is getting close now and starting to get excited about it all. Can't believe this is really going to happen.
28/1/09
Stan,
Confirm on your side are two persons ?.
I need the following details to book the ferry tickets.
- Full name as in passport
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport Numbers
- Place of issue
- Date of Issue
- Expiry date
Thanks
I sent the info requested and David did the same as far as he had at the time. The rest was to follow
4/2/09
Major Tan
Here are the passport details:-
Hope David Anthony
Australian
Bengt Anders Thorbjornsson Hellermark
Swedish
Two more to come shortly
Thanks
David
4/2/09
David,
Thank you and I will wait.
I am leaving for Tg Pinang this Friday to book the hotel rooms, down payment for charter boat and ferry tickets.
As we are traveling on Friday and return on Saturday, I expect the ferry to be full.
Stan's side will be two people - One room.
Your side, three people - Three rooms
My side, three people - Two rooms
So, Stan and you - please confirm.
Cheers!
My last email out before we set off on our holiday to Singapore. I did not have internet access over there and got the last emails when I got home.
4/2/09
Hi all,,
Well we are in the last phase of packing, off to the airport in a couple hours, hope the snow stays away for the next 5 hours so we can get away. Not too bad up here in the North. Will be in Singapore 16.30 your time tomorrow 5th. This should be my last email to you for now, will call you when we get sim cards in our phones out there.
See you all soon,
Stan
4/2/09
Stan
Have a great trip Stan! I am back Friday night and hope to see you sometime over the weekend. Cheers David
4/2/09
Major Tan
My side will be 4 people ( me + 3) so four rooms
I have sent you two passport numbers and will send two more hopefully today
Cheers
David
We set off on our holiday to Singapore. The snow did stay away for the next few hours to let us get away. Later that day the main road, the A96, from Elgin to Aberdeen was blocked for several days, so we just made it. When we drove back home I was surprised by the number of trees that had been broken by the weight of snow on them.
11/2/09
David,
My last Friday trip to Tanjong Pinang with my Indonesian staff was very fruitful.
Report as follow :
| Date |
Time |
Activity |
Remarks |
| 13 Feb 09 |
1115 hrs |
Meet at Tananh Merah Ferry Point |
Need 45 mins to check in and boarding |
| |
|
(S$59-for return trip and advance boarding card) |
| |
|
(Rp12,000 - S$12.00 for Indonesia sea port tax) |
| |
|
(Oliver will take the last ferry at 1820 Hrs) |
| |
1230 hrs |
Ferry depart for Tanjong Pinang |
Takes 1.5 to 2 hrs journey |
| |
1400 hrs |
Arrival and check into Laguna Hotel |
|
| |
|
Deluxe Room - Rp 387,200 ( About S$55.00) |
- Stanley and Margaret
- 2. Major Tan and Wife
Superior Room - Rp 302,500 ( About S$43.00)
- David Hope
- Lee Kwek Chong
- Cameron
- Bengt Anders
- Ismi
- Oliver James
Rooms include 21 % tax and breakfast.
Clean ,Comfortable and Spacious.
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1500 hrs |
Rest for the day and dinner. |
Explore the town |
| 14 Feb 09 |
0800 hrs |
Breakfast |
Put all luggege in my room. Wife will look after. |
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0900 hrs |
Depart for Pulau Pompong. |
Less my wife By fast boat with 3 x 200 hp OBM |
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Charter fee is Rp 6 million (About S$750 to be divided by 8 participants. About S$97 each. |
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1030 hrs |
Arrive at the island |
Do our activities and ceremony |
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1300 hrs |
Depart Pomping Island |
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Lunch - Eat simple sandwiches only. (these were supplied by Major Tan) |
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1630 hrs |
Arrive Tanjong Pinang |
Pack our luggage |
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1800 hrs |
Depart for Singapore |
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2030 hrs (Spore) |
Arrival in Singapore |
End of expedition |
Except for Asean citizens, all other citizens need to apply for "Visa on arrival" at US$$10.00 each.
Attached is the passenger list. I need the date of birth of you, Bengt, Cameron and Oliver as soon as possible by today 1300 hrs to be faxed to
the Ferry Company to pre-book the boarding cards.
Please call me or sms urgently.
Thanks
11/2/09
David,
I got yours and Oliver. Still need Bengt and Cameron.
Stanley called me yesterday and I am to meet him today. But his local phone don't seem to work. Do you have his contact ?.
And your mobile too.
Cheers!
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