In lieu of the recent recee trip for Mersing, it might be a good idea to open up the forth coming expedition to everyone (since we are sure the skies are not just okay, but also the chalets serve pretty decent food and a/c lodging). It would be like going for the good old Mersing expeditions once again, but with the difference being the fact that the accommodation is located directly at the fields we used to stargaze (at the far end, away from the Frenchman's house). Now if you are totally new to this, you are also most welcomed to join us whether newbie/veteran, with or without telescope(s).
Stargazing Site
You can have the flexibility of stargazing from the original fields (short grass area), or at the chalet premises. But please bear in mind that there will be local lights from the chalets "intruding" the original fields, unless they are turned off (which is possible). The alternative is where we used to set up (during the recee trip) which is an area behind the chalets, which is directly in front of the sea (east facing). There will be a short bund separating the shoreline and the site, so there will be no seaspray going our way (if you are concerned with this).
Accommmodation
For the default package (See cost below), we will be housed in sea-front chalets, which is a couple of units that is flanked and position at the far end of the chalet entrance (which is also the least light polluted, east facing). These units are all air-conditioned (and goes well to 16 degrees Celsius). They have internal toilets but note there is no hot water shower. Alternatively, some of us have tried boiling the water from the kettle and distributing the water to a number of containers (manual method! aha!). It works! Come on guys, please don expect Marina Bay Sands, or Hilton-like standards, which they don offer great skies, period!
Food
Food will be catered in-house for most meals. Food quality is decent. Last breakfast we had mee siam, bread, nasi lemak spread options. Quite sumptuous I should say. Dinner we had fish, vegetables, chicken, soup. We have yet to try lunch yet, but I think the food is fine so far. But do let me know if you have specific dietary preferences in advance.
Transport
We will engage the minibus/vans once again, two-and-fro from Singapore direct to Mersing non-stop except for brief toilet/snack breaks in between.
Trip Details
Cost per person: SGD$180
Package nature: 3D2N, inclusive of two-way minibus transport, most meals, twin-sharing a/c accommodation (good for couples too!
)Departure Time: tentative July 1st noon-time
Departure Location: TBD till later date
Registration: First-come-first-serve basis (we will fill up minibus(s) by capacity)
Note for those interested in driving up themselves: Am afraid the priority/attention goes to those who choose the total trip option, then thereafter.
Interested participants please only email to remuscj at gmail dot com. Please include your full name, contact number, optical equipment model (if any)
Clear Skies Out!
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