Responsible Sewage and Water Treatment Practices for Resorts.

I've never really given much consideration to what happens to my toilet waste after i pull the chain. At home of course its treated at dedicated plants and disposed of correctly - but what about when we stay on a beautiful tropical island or stilt resorts over the ocean, where does it go then ?

Large containers of Plants filter the wastewater

The truth is in some cases our sewage can be extremely detrimental to our environment, especially within small islands where government treatment plants are not available.

Take for example the situation on Sipadan Island, where ground water became polluted due to untreated wastewater, sewage seeped out to the sea and polluted the surrounding ocean.

Forward thinking Kapalai Dive Resort and Lankayan Island Resort in Sabah Borneo both use the Hydroponics system to treat all sewage and wastewater before it is discharged to the open sea.

The waste is pumped through several large containers containing plants and ozone which filter the bacteria and harmful microorganisms and purify the water. At the same time plants absorb their required nutrients and enrich the water with O2.

This responsible method of treatment not only produces clean water that can be re-used but also irrigates the resort plant nursery and so saves on water consumption.

Filtered water can be re-used or discharged
to the ocean with no harmful effects to the
environment

The initial set up cost for such treatment systems is fairly expensive and every year they must be maintained - this is perhaps why other resorts are not adopting the same concept.

However with growing environmental awareness we as guests should support resorts that genuinely adhere to responsible sewage and waste disposal practices. They may be slightly more expensive than others in the area but in our opinion this is for good reason. Sadly we have witnessed how some budget resorts save money and its the environment that pays the ultimate price.

We will certainly be voting with our feet and support places that we feel make efforts to not only protect their surrounding environment but also not harm it.

To our knowledge the only two resorts to use this in Sabah are those mentioned above.

Responsible Sewage and Water Treatment Practices for Resorts.

I've never really given much consideration to what happens to my toilet waste after i pull the chain. At home of course its treated at dedicated plants and disposed of correctly - but what about when we stay on a beautiful tropical island or stilt resorts over the ocean, where does it go then ?

Large containers of Plants filter the wastewater

The truth is in some cases our sewage can be extremely detrimental to our environment, especially within small islands where government treatment plants are not available.

Take for example the situation on Sipadan Island, where ground water became polluted due to untreated wastewater, sewage seeped out to the sea and polluted the surrounding ocean.

Forward thinking Kapalai Dive Resort and Lankayan Island Resort in Sabah Borneo both use the Hydroponics system to treat all sewage and wastewater before it is discharged to the open sea.

The waste is pumped through several large containers containing plants and ozone which filter the bacteria and harmful microorganisms and purify the water. At the same time plants absorb their required nutrients and enrich the water with O2.

This responsible method of treatment not only produces clean water that can be re-used but also irrigates the resort plant nursery and so saves on water consumption.

Filtered water can be re-used or discharged
to the ocean with no harmful effects to the
environment

The initial set up cost for such treatment systems is fairly expensive and every year they must be maintained - this is perhaps why other resorts are not adopting the same concept.

However with growing environmental awareness we as guests should support resorts that genuinely adhere to responsible sewage and waste disposal practices. They may be slightly more expensive than others in the area but in our opinion this is for good reason. Sadly we have witnessed how some budget resorts save money and its the environment that pays the ultimate price.

We will certainly be voting with our feet and support places that we feel make efforts to not only protect their surrounding environment but also not harm it.

To our knowledge the only two resorts to use this in Sabah are those mentioned above.

Our Recent Publication

Featured in this months Australian Sport Diving Magazine is our Mating Mandarinfish article - Spawning Splendidus.

Images within the piece show how these beautifully stunning little creatures mate and how we as mere mortals can visit and photograph their delightful habits.

You can subscribe to the magazine online and/or read the article at http://www.divetheblue.net.

Our Recent Publication

Featured in this months Australian Sport Diving Magazine is our Mating Mandarinfish article - Spawning Splendidus.

Images within the piece show how these beautifully stunning little creatures mate and how we as mere mortals can visit and photograph their delightful habits.

You can subscribe to the magazine online and/or read the article at http://www.divetheblue.net.

Japanese People Against Whale Hunting, Please Stand Up !

Why are the people of Japan burying their heads in the sand over their countries whaling practices?

Through travel we meet many Japanese people and from our experience they are kind hearted. Why then are they standing by or in some cases applauding their government's decision to send a fleet of whaling boats to sea today intent on slaying and processing more than 1,000 whales, 50 of which are the protected and threatened Humpback.

Whalers claim they are continuing a tradition however when the practice began in the 1700's it was only a few family owned businesses with handheld harpoons that went out to coastal waters and bought back small numbers of whales, not factory fleets going as far afield as the Antarctic pulling in more then 1,000 each a year.

Japan is trying to encourage the younger generation to eat whale meat from the 400 or so animals caught every year through so called "scientific research".

What consumers are not told is that the blubber of dead whales in some areas is so highly contaminated with organochlorines such as PCBs and pesticides that it would be classified as toxic waste! Organochlorines are known to damage development of children and affect reproduction.

It is suggested that most people of Japan are not interested in eating whale meat, if so surely in a so called democratic country if they spoke out against their governments whaling practices and refused to eat the meat the whalers and government would have no choice but listen and the rest of the world would think better of the country and its people.

The brave men and women of Greenpeace are following the fleet that departed today with the sole objective to stop as many whales as possible from being slaughtered.

Please visit their website and follow the expedition to the Southern Ocean.

Japanese People Against Whale Hunting, Please Stand Up !

Why are the people of Japan burying their heads in the sand over their countries whaling practices?

Through travel we meet many Japanese people and from our experience they are kind hearted. Why then are they standing by or in some cases applauding their government's decision to send a fleet of whaling boats to sea today intent on slaying and processing more than 1,000 whales, 50 of which are the protected and threatened Humpback.

Whalers claim they are continuing a tradition however when the practice began in the 1700's it was only a few family owned businesses with handheld harpoons that went out to coastal waters and bought back small numbers of whales, not factory fleets going as far afield as the Antarctic pulling in more then 1,000 each a year.

Japan is trying to encourage the younger generation to eat whale meat from the 400 or so animals caught every year through so called "scientific research".

What consumers are not told is that the blubber of dead whales in some areas is so highly contaminated with organochlorines such as PCBs and pesticides that it would be classified as toxic waste! Organochlorines are known to damage development of children and affect reproduction.

It is suggested that most people of Japan are not interested in eating whale meat, if so surely in a so called democratic country if they spoke out against their governments whaling practices and refused to eat the meat the whalers and government would have no choice but listen and the rest of the world would think better of the country and its people.

The brave men and women of Greenpeace are following the fleet that departed today with the sole objective to stop as many whales as possible from being slaughtered.

Please visit their website and follow the expedition to the Southern Ocean.

Two Ring Blue Ring Update

Thankyou to Jeff Guzman for the above image, note the
blue false eye and appendage between the eyes

Since our last post requesting information on a species of octopus found whilst diving in the Celebes Sea we have received a number of emails with possible sightings of this delightful critter.

Most we have been able to identify as different species such as the Poison Ocellate Octopus Octopus mototi, recently sent in by Roan Stoel.

A close up of the appendage on the species
found by us in the Celebes Sea

However and image by Jeff Guzman appears to bear similarities.

Notice the blue false eye ring (ocellus) on the mantel and the appendage centered between the eyes.






Although many have a pair of false eye spots, to date we have been unable to find a species bearing the appendage.

I would imagine this animal is fairly abundant within this region but finding and documenting them it difficult due to their small size, shyness and particularly cryptic behavior.

At the very least we can confirm distribution to be North Borneo and neighboring parts of the Philippines !

If anyone has any further information to add please drop us a line.

For more images and information please visit our Marine Biology Octopus section.

Two Ring Blue Ring Update

Thankyou to Jeff Guzman for the above image, note the
blue false eye and appendage between the eyes

Since our last post requesting information on a species of octopus found whilst diving in the Celebes Sea we have received a number of emails with possible sightings of this delightful critter.

Most we have been able to identify as different species such as the Poison Ocellate Octopus Octopus mototi, recently sent in by Roan Stoel.

A close up of the appendage on the species
found by us in the Celebes Sea

However and image by Jeff Guzman appears to bear similarities.

Notice the blue false eye ring (ocellus) on the mantel and the appendage centered between the eyes.






Although many have a pair of false eye spots, to date we have been unable to find a species bearing the appendage.

I would imagine this animal is fairly abundant within this region but finding and documenting them it difficult due to their small size, shyness and particularly cryptic behavior.

At the very least we can confirm distribution to be North Borneo and neighboring parts of the Philippines !

If anyone has any further information to add please drop us a line.

For more images and information please visit our Marine Biology Octopus section.

Kapalai's Artificial House Reef Project

Conservation efforts by the staff and management of Kapalai Dive Resort continue with the construction of artificial reef systems located in front of the dive station.

One of the more established fishing boat wrecks at Kapalai
House Reef, home to Clown Frogfish and Ghostpipefish

Adding to an already established collection of small wrecks the recently sunken boats and purpose built wooden constructions will in time become part of the natural environment providing shelter, protection and food for surrounding marine life.

With worldwide coral reefs in decline space comes at a premium.

An artificial reef system creates its own biomass where coral polyps develop and cover the steel and wooden debris, thus providing extra room for species to develop.

Divemasters placing one of the purpose built
wooden structures

Wildlife concentrates on these reefs and in many cases enhances the development of rare species.

To name but a few Kapalia's artificial house reef is already home to Painted and Clown Frogfish, Harlequin Ghostpipefish, Giant Grouper, Butterfly and Angelfish, various members of the Scorpionfish family and the endangered Bumphead Parrotfish.

The resorts vision in creating this new habitat is, in our opinion to be commented.

Not only will it ease human pressure by divers on natural reefs in the area, it also provides another attraction should Sipadan be privatised or off limits to divers for an amount of time in the future.

Kapalai's House Reef is located a giant stride from the Dive Center

Please visit our Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort section for more information and images of the area. Should you wish to book a trip contact us and we'll put you directly in touch with the resort.

Kapalai's Artificial House Reef Project

Conservation efforts by the staff and management of Kapalai Dive Resort continue with the construction of artificial reef systems located in front of the dive station.

One of the more established fishing boat wrecks at Kapalai
House Reef, home to Clown Frogfish and Ghostpipefish

Adding to an already established collection of small wrecks the recently sunken boats and purpose built wooden constructions will in time become part of the natural environment providing shelter, protection and food for surrounding marine life.

With worldwide coral reefs in decline space comes at a premium.

An artificial reef system creates its own biomass where coral polyps develop and cover the steel and wooden debris, thus providing extra room for species to develop.

Divemasters placing one of the purpose built
wooden structures

Wildlife concentrates on these reefs and in many cases enhances the development of rare species.

To name but a few Kapalia's artificial house reef is already home to Painted and Clown Frogfish, Harlequin Ghostpipefish, Giant Grouper, Butterfly and Angelfish, various members of the Scorpionfish family and the endangered Bumphead Parrotfish.

The resorts vision in creating this new habitat is, in our opinion to be commented.

Not only will it ease human pressure by divers on natural reefs in the area, it also provides another attraction should Sipadan be privatised or off limits to divers for an amount of time in the future.

Kapalai's House Reef is located a giant stride from the Dive Center

Please visit our Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort section for more information and images of the area. Should you wish to book a trip contact us and we'll put you directly in touch with the resort.

Adventure Training in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Kota Kinabalu once again played host to British Army Adventure Training this September.

Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue and Speciality Courses were completed throughout an eight day program in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, with an additional day White Water Rafting on the Padas River.

Thanks to Ben and Maria who, whilst on their Digital Photography Course mananged to snap some pictures of the group and a few underwater critters.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park provides an ideal location for Team Building and Corporate Exercises such as this with year round diving in tropical coral reef waters just minutes from the city and overlooked by Mt Kinabalu.

It was our pleasure to organize and conduct the trip for the group and look forward to the next time !

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from the event.

For more information on tailored group and corporate events please contact us directly.

Adventure Training in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Kota Kinabalu once again played host to British Army Adventure Training this September.

Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue and Speciality Courses were completed throughout an eight day program in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, with an additional day White Water Rafting on the Padas River.

Thanks to Ben and Maria who, whilst on their Digital Photography Course mananged to snap some pictures of the group and a few underwater critters.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park provides an ideal location for Team Building and Corporate Exercises such as this with year round diving in tropical coral reef waters just minutes from the city and overlooked by Mt Kinabalu.

It was our pleasure to organize and conduct the trip for the group and look forward to the next time !

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from the event.

For more information on tailored group and corporate events please contact us directly.

Dive Trip To Lankayan Island - Sabah Borneo. 8th - 14th December 07

We're pleased to announce a trip to Lankayan Island Resort from 8th - 13th December 2007 (6 nights). Having never previously visited the resort we're looking forward to exploring above and below the island.

Reputed for its natural beauty and tranquility the resort is located in the Sulu Sea and accessed via speedboat from Sandakan in Sabah, Borneo.

The surrounding waters are Marine Protected Areas and offer the diver Macro and Wreck dive opportunities as well as passing seasonal Whalesharks.

The resort has adopted an eco tourism concept and has the same owner/ managers as Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort in the Celebes Sea, Borneo.

Should anyone wish to join the trip please drop us a line and we'll put you in touch with the resort to book your reservation.

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from previous trips to other locations.

Should you wish to visit Lankayan Island Resort independently please contact us and we'll provide you with a direct contact at the resort.

Dive Trip To Lankayan Island - Sabah Borneo. 8th - 14th December 07

We're pleased to announce a trip to Lankayan Island Resort from 8th - 13th December 2007 (6 nights). Having never previously visited the resort we're looking forward to exploring above and below the island.

Reputed for its natural beauty and tranquility the resort is located in the Sulu Sea and accessed via speedboat from Sandakan in Sabah, Borneo.

The surrounding waters are Marine Protected Areas and offer the diver Macro and Wreck dive opportunities as well as passing seasonal Whalesharks.

The resort has adopted an eco tourism concept and has the same owner/ managers as Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort in the Celebes Sea, Borneo.

Should anyone wish to join the trip please drop us a line and we'll put you in touch with the resort to book your reservation.

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from previous trips to other locations.

Should you wish to visit Lankayan Island Resort independently please contact us and we'll provide you with a direct contact at the resort.

A New Resident - Marble Mouth Frogfish

It would appear that the rare Marble Mouth Frogfish (Lophiocharon lithinostomus) is not so rare in the waters of North Borneo or at least within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, just off shore Kota Kinabalu City.

Since it was first described in 1908 by Jordon and Richardson internet searches reveal very few sightings or species information and even fewer images.

We have however found two creatures within the park throughout the last year and our recent discovery has not moved from its shallow reef home for a number of weeks.

Our images confirm its identity, note the long twig like Illicium (rod) with no actual lure on the tip and its typical lifeless appearance.

Should you wish to learn more about these wonderfully ugly creatures please visit our Marine Biology Frogfish section.

To read more about a previous encounter with the Marble Mouth see our Creature Features section within this blog or use this link.

A New Resident - Marble Mouth Frogfish

It would appear that the rare Marble Mouth Frogfish (Lophiocharon lithinostomus) is not so rare in the waters of North Borneo or at least within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, just off shore Kota Kinabalu City.

Since it was first described in 1908 by Jordon and Richardson internet searches reveal very few sightings or species information and even fewer images.

We have however found two creatures within the park throughout the last year and our recent discovery has not moved from its shallow reef home for a number of weeks.

Our images confirm its identity, note the long twig like Illicium (rod) with no actual lure on the tip and its typical lifeless appearance.

Should you wish to learn more about these wonderfully ugly creatures please visit our Marine Biology Frogfish section.

To read more about a previous encounter with the Marble Mouth see our Creature Features section within this blog or use this link.

Dive Trip to Sipadan - Kapalai Dive Resort Oct 07

Everyone had such a great trip at Kapalai last August we've decided a return trip is in order.

We'll be there 23rd to 31st October, should anyone wish to join us please drop us a line and we'll put you in touch with the resort to book your reservation.

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from our last trip, all images were taken during the 5 night stay.



Should you wish to visit Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort independently please contact us and we'll provide you with a direct contact at the resort.

Dive Trip to Sipadan - Kapalai Dive Resort Oct 07

Everyone had such a great trip at Kapalai last August we've decided a return trip is in order.

We'll be there 23rd to 31st October, should anyone wish to join us please drop us a line and we'll put you in touch with the resort to book your reservation.

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from our last trip, all images were taken during the 5 night stay.



Should you wish to visit Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort independently please contact us and we'll provide you with a direct contact at the resort.

Business Class at The Kinabatangan River !

Although we have always enjoyed the challenges of basic accommodation at the Kinabatangan River, new luxury rooms at Bilit Adventure Lodge are a real treat.

Twin, Triple and Double bedded rooms with air-con and hot showers have been built and provide a very comfortable stay at the lodge.

A visit to Sabah would not be complete without visiting this region which is acknowledged by experts to be the most varied and easily accessible river in all of Southeast Asia.

Bird lovers will find the bird watching incredible: all 8 of Borneo's hornbill species are seen regularly.

Please visit our Borneo Bird section to see just some of our images from the area

Throughout various trips we've been fortunate to see Proboscis Monkey, Langurs, Orang Utan, Saltwater Crocodiles, Pygmy Elephants and the list goes on and on.

Please see our Kinabatangan River section for more images and info.

Should you wish to visit the region we highly recommend Bilit Adventure Lodge, not only do they have new luxury accommodation rooms they also offer fan and dormitory options.

You can book direct with them by email or visit their Sepilok website at Sepilok Jungle Resort. another resort well worth a visit and owned by the same family.

Business Class at The Kinabatangan River !

Although we have always enjoyed the challenges of basic accommodation at the Kinabatangan River, new luxury rooms at Bilit Adventure Lodge are a real treat.

Twin, Triple and Double bedded rooms with air-con and hot showers have been built and provide a very comfortable stay at the lodge.

A visit to Sabah would not be complete without visiting this region which is acknowledged by experts to be the most varied and easily accessible river in all of Southeast Asia.

Bird lovers will find the bird watching incredible: all 8 of Borneo's hornbill species are seen regularly.

Please visit our Borneo Bird section to see just some of our images from the area

Throughout various trips we've been fortunate to see Proboscis Monkey, Langurs, Orang Utan, Saltwater Crocodiles, Pygmy Elephants and the list goes on and on.

Please see our Kinabatangan River section for more images and info.

Should you wish to visit the region we highly recommend Bilit Adventure Lodge, not only do they have new luxury accommodation rooms they also offer fan and dormitory options.

You can book direct with them by email or visit their Sepilok website at Sepilok Jungle Resort. another resort well worth a visit and owned by the same family.

Kapalai Dive Resort Surpasses Expectations

A recent trip to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort surpassed all expectations for divers and non divers alike.

Reminiscent of the Maldives but without the crowds the resort comprises of 40 luxury wooden stilt chalets built over a once vegetated island. There are no sand-flies or mosquitoes, no need for air conditioning, bathing water is shipped from the mainland and rubbish is disposed of correctly.

Service and luxury are words that come to mind when describing the resort, the dive team are super efficient i don't think i lifted a tank in the 5 days of being there.

Richard Photographs a Blue Ring Octopus
on our last day ! !

Camera washing and storing facilities are excellent, dive guides and boatmen know their creatures and where to find them. The food is very good with ample variety.

Shrimp

The surrounding dive sites, some of which are a simple giant stride away from the dive station support a wealth of marine life - a macro divers paradise, with world famous Sipadan Island a 20 min speadboat ride away. For information on the dive sites surrounding the area please visit our

Scuba Diving Kapalai

,

Sipadan and Mabul pages.

We are still buzzing from our trip, to the point that a return visit in October is currently being planned, if you'd like to be informed of dates with a view to joining us please contact us or re-visit this news page soon.

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from this trip, all images were taken during the 5 night stay.

Should you wish to visit Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort independently please contact us and we'll provide you with a direct contact at the resort.

For a stunning photograph of the Blue Ring Octopus swimming see next months Image Of The Month.

Kapalai Dive Resort Surpasses Expectations

A recent trip to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort surpassed all expectations for divers and non divers alike.

Reminiscent of the Maldives but without the crowds the resort comprises of 40 luxury wooden stilt chalets built over a once vegetated island. There are no sand-flies or mosquitoes, no need for air conditioning, bathing water is shipped from the mainland and rubbish is disposed of correctly.

Service and luxury are words that come to mind when describing the resort, the dive team are super efficient i don't think i lifted a tank in the 5 days of being there.

Richard Photographs a Blue Ring Octopus
on our last day ! !

Camera washing and storing facilities are excellent, dive guides and boatmen know their creatures and where to find them. The food is very good with ample variety.

Shrimp

The surrounding dive sites, some of which are a simple giant stride away from the dive station support a wealth of marine life - a macro divers paradise, with world famous Sipadan Island a 20 min speadboat ride away. For information on the dive sites surrounding the area please visit our

Scuba Diving Kapalai

,

Sipadan and Mabul pages.

We are still buzzing from our trip, to the point that a return visit in October is currently being planned, if you'd like to be informed of dates with a view to joining us please contact us or re-visit this news page soon.

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from this trip, all images were taken during the 5 night stay.

Should you wish to visit Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort independently please contact us and we'll provide you with a direct contact at the resort.

For a stunning photograph of the Blue Ring Octopus swimming see next months Image Of The Month.

Army Air Corp Teambuilding Event

June saw Mamutik Island in Sabah Borneo playing host to 7 Flight, a component of the British Army Based in Brunei. PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue and Speciality Courses were conducted over two 4 day programs with an additional day White Water Rafting on the Padas River.

Parts of the programs were completed in Brunei leaving ample time for the groups to enjoy some of the wonderful diving that Kota Kinabalu has to offer, whilst at the same time perfect their in-water skills.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park provides an ideal location for Teambuilding and Corporate Exercises such as this with year round diving in tropical coral reef waters just minutes from the city and overlooked by Mt Kinabalu. It was our pleasure to organize and conduct the trip for the group and look forward to the next time !

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from the event.

For more information on tailored group and corporate events please contact us directly or view our dedicated website section Corporate Events, Team Building and Adventure Training.

Army Air Corp Teambuilding Event

June saw Mamutik Island in Sabah Borneo playing host to 7 Flight, a component of the British Army Based in Brunei. PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue and Speciality Courses were conducted over two 4 day programs with an additional day White Water Rafting on the Padas River.

Parts of the programs were completed in Brunei leaving ample time for the groups to enjoy some of the wonderful diving that Kota Kinabalu has to offer, whilst at the same time perfect their in-water skills.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park provides an ideal location for Teambuilding and Corporate Exercises such as this with year round diving in tropical coral reef waters just minutes from the city and overlooked by Mt Kinabalu. It was our pleasure to organize and conduct the trip for the group and look forward to the next time !

Please visit our Dive Trip Photo Album to see a selection of images from the event.

For more information on tailored group and corporate events please contact us directly or view our dedicated website section Corporate Events, Team Building and Adventure Training.