This is the second of three posts covering my recent trip to Malaysia. As it was not a photography or vacation trip, I took one camera with one lens – no tripod, flash, etc. Consequently, the great majority of these images are handheld, and all are taken essentially as ‘snapshots’ throughout the day/night and with whatever light was available, not targeted light. All images were captured with Canon 7D and Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens.
Labuan is one of three Federal Territories of Malaysia and is an island off Malaysian Borneo. This photo-blog will include some scenes from Labuan and some from nearby islands (island = Pulau).
All images are Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.
Tiara Labuan Hotel 2AM-116933
The Tiara Labuan Hotel, where I stayed for the first few days on Labuan.
Water Village – Labuan 2AM-116956
This is one of the “water villages” on Labuan Island, Malaysia. At high tide the water comes within about one foot of the floors of these homes. The people in this village were lovely, friendly, and apparently content with their lot in life – perhaps those of us with so-called ‘first-world problems’ could learn some lessons from these fine folks. This scene reminded me of areas in Papua New Guinea, where I was raised.
Water Village – Labuan 2AM-116959
A closer look at part of a water village.
As my purpose for this trip was marine related, i.e. working offshore on vessels, there are several images of boats and dry-dock…
Labuan 2AM-117376
A storm and rainbow over a large assemblage of seismic vessels in Labuan Harbor.
Labuan 2AM-117371
Pre-strorm light illuminates a portion of Labuan’s commercial district.
Fishing Boat – Labuan 2AM-117064
A few local trawler vessels preparing for departure. I loved the character of the hulls of these boats.
Labuan Shipyard 2AM-117092
Scaffolding surrounds a ship that is dry-docked (photographed at night).
Labuan Shipyard 2AM-117154
A worker inside a dry-docked barge uses an oxy acetylene torch to cut out great plates of compromised steel that are part of the hull of this barge.
Labuan Shipyard 2AM-117173
Spectacular showers of molten steel sparks – a result of three oxy acetylene torches.
Labuan Shipyard 2AM-117166
Sparks rain down onto the great plates of steel as other plates are being cut out.
Water taxis were abundant and necessary for those, like me, who work on vessels.
Water Taxi – Labuan 2AM-117059
At rest – the bows of several taxis.
Labuan has an active bazaar which was both bustling and fascinating. All manner of goods and services are available including electronic repairs, jewelry, food, tailors, fashion, cobblers, etc.
Cobbler – Labuan 2AM-117069
This shoe repairman was amazingly efficient with his workmanship, and a very pleasant fellow.
Cobbler – Labuan 2AM-117074
Some of this cobbler’s tools of the trade – all manually applied instruments.
Bazaar – Labuan 2AM-117080
A vendor watches a shopper stroll through a portion of the bazaar.
Arrrg! Almost without exception, whatever body of water I may be on, this is what I see, to varying extents (and this is only the visible stuff – I cannot imagine how much chemical contaminants are present). These images, though from Malaysian waters, are not endemic to this place.
Marine Trash – Labuan 2AM-117055
Quite the assortment!
Marine Trash – Labuan 2AM-117056
Trash piled up between two small barges.
As there were several days of downtime awaiting the arrival of the vessel which was the vehicle for my work, several of us – Australian, German, French, American – hired a local boat owner to take us to a few off the nearby islands. These places, though offshore, are not exempt from marine pollution.
Pulau Rusukan Kecil – Malaysia 2AM-117011
More marine trash – an aesthetics killer.
More scenics from Pulau Rusukan Kecil, this time sans trash. A thoroughly delightful and complex group of little islands, all very proximal to each other.
Pulau Rusukan Kecil – Malaysia 2AM-116996
Pulau Rusukan Kecil – Malaysia 2AM-117014
A lovely sense of isolation on this island’s beaches.
Pulau Rusukan Kecil – Malaysia 2AM-117027
Tropical paradise.
This next island is designated as a marine park – a “no-take, no damage” island and surrounding waters.
Pulau Kuraman – Malaysia 2AM-116984
The red vessel is the one we adventured with. A lovely place for a swim/snorkel.
The following four images are from Pulau Daat, an island with a village populated by Philippine fishermen and their families. The colors were so vivid – almost startling – so much so that I was keenly wanting to explore and visit with the residents.
Pulau Daat – Malaysia 2AM-117049
The approaching view.
Pulau Daat – Malaysia 2AM-117038
A sampling of the colorful little fishing boats. The fishermen take these little, and highly unstable, motorized vessels offshore to fish – you might notice the outriggers that they troll their lines/lures off.
Pulau Daat – Malaysia 2AM-117040
Home to a fishing family – how about the color!
Pulau Daat – Malaysia 2AM-117044
I was fortunate to spend time visiting with some of the folks whereby verbal communication was challenging due to language barriers. One thing I already knew from my various travels was reinforced though… a smile goes a million miles in human interactions. What started as a chat with the four men (photo-front), soon became a delightful visit with over 2 dozen folks, most of which were children – once they “got their courage up.”
Back to Labuan.
Pond Cleaning Man – Labuan 2AM-116954
A worker harvest plants from a freshwater pond at the WWII Memorial.
As my last location before I departed Malaysia was at a dock in Labuan, I’ll close this post with a few images from there.
Labuan Shipyard 2AM-117392
Mid afternoon a storm began building and I was hopeful there might just be some amazing light as dusk approached. I was not disappointed by the storm or the color!
Labuan Shipyard 2AM-117395
Industrial imagination.
Hopefully you experienced some of the sights, sounds, and scents , if vicariously, through these images.
I sure appreciate you visiting.
Cheers,
Andrew
Andrew McInnes Photography 