Johor Bahru kelong weekend getaway.

Many a times, I shudder whenever my friends lamented on “the lack of things to do” over weekends ,etc… if I do delve into the reality of things, I believe the underlying reasons are – budget ? plain “laziness” or the “stay at home” syndrome? limited social circle? family situation (young kids = inconvenient) ? ignorant of activities available ?…Honestly, the multitude of activities we choose to engage in are limited by none other than by ourselves…

In this blog, I touch on an activity that many of us can enjoy over a weekend and still not get our pockets burned. Yes, you guessed it right from the blog title and main picture – Kelong Stay. I had the chance to enjoy this sweet getaway quite some time back with my wife’s colleagues…and the kelong we stayed at is catchy named “Hotboys Kelong”…hmmm…how about “Hotbabes Kelong”? 

 

Idyllic ambience to soothe any tired soul……

HOTBOYS KELONG is the ideal one-stop rustic holiday experience. They are actually the one and only  Singaporean-run kelong in Peninsular Malaysia and is well known for it’s cleanliness, lovely food and great service. But besides fishing die-hards, anyone looking to chill out with loved ones, friends and family are well catered for in this spacious kelong. This is certainly universes away from W Maldives that the TSL team enjoyed recently…but it’s definitely not fair comparison. However, so long one enjoys the trip…that’s what counts. 

The kelong is situated along the east coast of Malaysia, and has a 16-year old history, which tells much about to its safety and stability (read- no tsunami or earthquake to compromise your breaks here). It’s located right in the midst of the serene and turquoise waters of the Sibu Sea (part of the South China Sea)…definitely unlike some other kelongs stay located in Kukup and Batam which are located along muddy beaches.

 

Strong solid foundation of the kelong….the owner also breed and hold their catches under the kelong…jacks, trevallies, giant goupers,….all under within nettings right here…

 

Bunk beds style accommodation…comfy & airy…cooled by sea-breeze & fans…no mozzies, no worries. The toilets have see-through to the sea surface…so you get to see what the fishes are feeding on…ewwwww!

 

Evening view from the bunk…. soothing, pleasing….all at “cheap , cheap price”…

 

Here’s the full view…..enjoy….

 

For those just out for a weekend and don’t own fishing equipment ..no worries, tackles, rods, etc..all available for rent. Baits also avail for sale….

 

Healthy fish population at the kelong…you don’t have to have to wait long for a bite… frequently, you get all hooks on a single line taken at the same time…

 

 

 

 

Some of the small fishes caught by our group…the big ones got away for now…

 

Island hopping is a great side activity provided by this kelong…just a few minutes boat ride away…here at the Twin Beach island…

 

At the island jetty…you can see the Hotboys Kelong in the near distance….

 

Scenes like this is an everyday affair…..nice ?

 

Passing fishing boats supplying fresh fishes to the kelong for meal preparation….. the thought itself is already inviting..the meals fresh and are generously portioned…I didn’t shoot any food pics during meals on this trip (my apologies)… //(O__o)

 

Early morning suppliers…..these guys works with a bio clock…the marine clock….

 

Come visit a kelong one of these weekends ? you will not regret the occasion…Just be prepared to leave the creature comforts of home (WiFi, aircon, hot shower, etc) and “rough it out” a little…and you will be well rewarded with a recharged and energized soul.

The kelong can be accessed via your own driving to Tanjung Leman jetty with secured parking or with chartered transport. Do check out their website for any info you might required for that fun weekend: http://www.kelongfishing.com/

Do plan that trip soon, rather than later.. once the north east monsoon comes in year end…it’ll next year when you can savour that adventure…

Life’s a journey…. don’t stop…keep going… (^____^)//