3 Months Full of Memories and Experiences - Muhammad Aiman Farhan

Sad, frustrated, and almost got my heart broken in my final days with Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) in Pulau Tengah, Mersing. I will always remember everything I have done, learned and memories that were created together on this beautiful island. Having a refreshing sunrise every morning, fantastic scenery every dawn, and the beautiful clear blue water every day made me realize that three months of staying here was not enough. 

I still remember the first time I came to Tengah Island Conservation (TIC), like it was just yesterday. Everything was mixed in my first few days: feelings, behavior, and habits. I had no idea this place would become a remarkable memory filled with happiness, sadness, anxiety, madness, nervousness, and homesickness. I needed help adapting to the new environment where you could not go to the shopping mall or watch movies in the cinema, and there was no traffic on the island. However, working with a great conservation team makes everything easy and fun. I became friends and colleagues with Izzat, Aiman, Tanya, Eileen, Alzam, and Peivi, the TIC staff.

Under the supervision of Izzat and Aiman, I learned about sea turtle conservation, conducting seagrass and reef check surveys, waste management, and giving educational talks to resort guests. I also got my eco-diver license with my teacher, Alzam, as Izzat and Aiman were not on the island at that time. The best thing that happened here was the sea turtle conservation program and diving session, which also increased my diving skills. Including my sea turtle training, I have already found three sea turtle egg chambers. Diving while doing the reef check survey has shown me the beauty of life underwater. In my free time after work or on my day off, I spent time kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and jetty jumping with my friends.

My three months of staying here flew by so fast, and I have already started packing up my things and memories of them, the place, and the activities to be kept with me forever. Thank you, Tengah Island Conservation, and Izzat and Aiman, for making my time here worth it, and hoping to see you guys again!