Coming back to one of our oldest tradition - our Annual Parish Outing, today over 60 members of the parish, half of which included children and youths of the parish converged on the beautiful virgin breach of TEMBILA after Bukit Keluang in Terengganu. It is about one and half hours drive from Kota Bharu. Starting around 7.15 am, we arrived at Tembila Beach at 8.45 am. The beach is just right for a picnic, with clean golden sand and gentle waves in the blue bay. Right opposite we can see the South China Sea and the silhouette of Pulau Perhentian! The bay is enclosed and backed by rocks and a steep cliff at the back, making it a cozy place for a picnic.
We started the day with our usual Friday weekend mass, right on the beach in the open-air, followed by breakfast before making a beeline for the water. Young and old alike, played like little kids in the sea, having fun while the youth were playing water polo. There were fun and games on the beach with tugs- of-war and Fr. Robert even allowed himself to be buried in the sand! While some of the older parishioners sat around chit-chatting, the parents of younger children were busy, keeping a watchful eye on their offsprings. The weather was fine throughout the day. After lunch and a further dip in the sea, it was time to pack up and after a final group photo session, the weary but happy picnickers bid farewell to Tembila Beach which will be remembered by us in many years to come, as a wonderful Parish Outing of 2014!
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| Beautiful and serene Tembila Beach! |
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| Before we could step on Tembila Beach, we encountered our first obstacle, wading through the little stream! |
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| Picnickers, carrying their bags walking along the beach to the picnic site. |
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| Fr. Robert presiding at the Open-air Mass at the beach |
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| Members of the congregation in rapt attention at the mass. |
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| Children playing in the sea, under the watchful eye of Sr. Carol |
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| 10 members of the IPG Besut trainee teachers joined in the picnic. |
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| Enjoying a hearty breakfast |
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| Sr, Regina surveying the beautiful scenery in her 'director's chair |
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| A lovely mermaid on the rocks? |
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| Games in the water |
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| Resting under the main tent shade |
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| Part of the beautiful rocky cliff flanking the beach |
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| Heave and pull, heave and pull, |
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| Fun in the sea under the noon sun |
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| Our Super Philip clambered up the cliff to untie the rope holing the tent! |
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| Folding up the tent and packing up as we prepare to call it a day. |
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| Group Photo of the picnickers. |
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| Another group photo before we leave. |
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| A final farewell as we leave the beautiful Tembila beach. |
