Aquaria KLCC - Dive With Sharks

Happy New Year 2015. A new year. A new start. A new beginning. 

Today, I start the year with an activity of diving with sharks. Initially, this was scheduled in December 2014, but postponed. I booked this activity in September. My freedive buddy introduced me to diving with sharks in Aquaria KLCC. I did not know there was such activity and priced at RM400. I was hesitant initially due to the price but I decided to go ahead with it when I realised the price will hike up in the future, and it will be a grand experience diving close to sharks. I admit, I am scared at the thought of swimming next to sharks.

11012015 - I booked the 1pm slot on a Sunday. As I was early, my friend and I walked around the aquarium for a while. I could not remember the last time I went to Aquaria but it was definitely eon years back. It could be while I was in college. And boy, have I left college for a long time. I saw the famous feature of Aquaria - the cylindrical tank with a tree inside.

  

Bamboo shark. Which I am afraid to touch but my friend isn't. Maybe it is a guy thing to be brave. 

 

We met our dive instructor, Jerung (means 'shark' in Malay) at 12.45pm. He briefed us on what to expect and what to see and what not to do. The aquarium has a depth of about 4 meter. The water temperature is at 25 degrees to cater to the tiger sand sharks. Hence, one cannot see this shark in Malaysia because the waters here are pretty warm plus that is a good thing because this shark is seen close to shores, therefore the name has the word 'sand' in it. We are allocated 45 minutes bottom time. It was not too cold for me as I was in a wetsuit. During the briefing itself, he gave us our certificate and T-shirt. We also needed to sign an indemnity form. I borrowed their equipment except for the mask. The unfortunate thing is that one is not allowed to bring underwater cameras. I was disappointed. I would have wanted a selfie with a shark. Previously, the camera is allowed but they stopped this privilege soon after. Probably divers enthusiast misuse this benefit. Boo-hoo to us.

Initially, it felt weird being in the aquarium because everyone was staring at us. Now I think I know how it feels to be a fish. So, I looked mostly at the fishes and not the audience. But I did glance occasionally to have my shot taken by my friend's wife. I was anxious being so close to the marine life in an enclosed area. There were sharks approaching us but the instructor held a stick close to its eye which made the shark detected obstacle and swam away. Thankfully, none of the sharks showed their teeth, and I was not too afraid.

The only picture we had with the shark. But that is my buddy.

That is how we looked like in the aquarium but those divers are not us. They are the staff who are feeding the fish. 

Dive with Sharks succeeded! I like.