Kelong Paradise Waterfront Resort: Part 3 ( The 24 Hour Fishing Package)

I paid RM170/pax for a 24 hour fishing package in the kelong. This package includes a 2-way  boat transfer from the jetty to the kelong, 3 main meals & 2 refreshments, and the right to fish for 24 hours. (as mentioned in Part 1 of this post)

ANGLING FACILITIES

Fishing is done from the middle and the lower deck of the kelong. You are free to choose your own fishing spot(s).

Initially we chose this spot on the lower deck as it is more shady. Chairs & benches are provided for anglers. Plastic pipes serving as rod holders are also available. You may have to bring some ropes to secure your rods to the holders as the rods may fly off.

Some prefer to cast their lines from the middle deck.

This is a photo of the middle deck.

Some even fished from this inner part of the kelong.

You can use unlimited number of rods or lines to increase your chances of catching a fish.

This is the kelong in the wee hours of the morning. Some anglers do not sleep the whole night through.

There is a toilet on the lower deck. You may take your shower here or in the washroom on the accommodation floor.

Drums of water for washing.

THE BAITS

Some go to the extend of buying live prawns and even oxidate them in a foldable tub.

We brought these but some baits just don't work. The bait that caught the most fish in our batch was the squids. (You can use sotong cumit or sotong katak)

THE CATCH

This is our first catch. It is a Belanger's croaker (ikan gelama). We asked for some ice from the staff but was given just a little. If you are coming here, it is good to bring you own ice cubes.

There was an angler who only caught ikan todak (swordfish).

This catfish is caught by one of the anglers. There is an air of excitement whenever a big fish is caught.

A good harvest for a few seasoned anglers.

Other  varieties of fish caught at the kelong.

Finally a whopping 5kg snapper.

NOT A PLACE FOR PRECOCIOUS CHILDREN

This kelong is not a place for active, precocious children. Almost every corners are exposed to the deep open sea.

It is easy for a child to climb over the fence. The smaller ones can even squeeze through.

There are no security guards in the kelong. This stairways which leads to the deep sea is not gated.

These steps lead to the deep sea.

THE MEALS

We had sweet sour ikan siakap and prawn curry for dinner.  There were only 3 small prawns in the curry for the three of us. The food was generally bland.

Fortunately there were some fried fish and a salted fish dish as supplementary dishes.

 These were the food served for breakfast. The vermicelli was quite tasteless.

Afternoon tea was this simple. Mee Rebus was served for supper at  mid-night but I was fast asleep then. I was told that was hardly eatable too. We did not bother to have our lunch on the day we checked out. Instead we stopped by Pasir Penambang for some delicious crab porridge.

Water, coffee and tea are available the whole day round at the kitchen.

This is the kitchen and dining area. It is located at the middle deck of the kelong.

THE STAFF
There are 2 and sometimes 3 male staff members that oversee the running of the kelong. The staff do multitasking here; cooking, house-keeping & maintenance. They are experts  when it comes to angling and angling know-hows. They are also very helpful and are more than willing to share useful tips with regard to angling. However, they fare quite badly when it comes to cooking, maintenance and house-keeping. As mentioned earlier, their cooking skills are way below average. There is also a total lack of creativity in coming up with an appetizing meal. 

Debris and rubbish left behind by anglers that checked out of the kelong was not immediately removed. Some leftover baits started to rot and the place was not sanitized or washed. Our room (refer to Part 2) was not meticulously cleaned. Only visible areas are  swept.
There is also a lack of eco-consciousness among them as all the debris including styrofoam containers and plastic bags are thrown into the sea during the low tides.

OTHER FACILITIES

There is a lounge at the middle deck but since there is no electric supply during daytime, you cannot do much except to sit around.

There is a pools game but the condition does not permit you to play as the pools table is a bit damaged.

WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT THE KELONG

A good thing about being at the kelong is you get  to enjoy a 360° panaroma of the sea and the horizon beyond. 

You also get to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze most time of the day.

If the weather is fine, you can witness a spectacular sunset and sunrise. Unfortunately the weather was a little gloomy during my stay.

Despite the shortcomings staying at this  kelong was a good experience.  I would probably not come here a second time though.

THINGS SIGHTED FROM THE KELONG AND ON THE WAY BACK TO THE JETTY

THINGS WE DID AFTER CHECKING OUT

We visited Kampong Nelayan BNO which is very near to the jetty to buy some seafood home.

This fisherman just came back from the sea and we bought some prawns and squids from him.

These prawns cost RM30 per kg. The squids cost RM7/kg (small) and RM 13/kg(large) They are a bit cheaper but a lot fresher than those found in city markets.

We stopped to have crab porridge at this restaurant in Pasir Penambang.

To know more about the kelong, getting there & booking and the accommodation available please click to read these related posts:

Part 1: ABOUT THE KELONG, GETTING THERE & BOOKING

Part 2: ACCOMODATION IN THE KELONG