Anyone been to southwest coast near Benut?

starfinder · Post by **starfinder** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 10:47 pm

Has anyone tried observing in the southwest region of Johor near the coast around Benut / Ayer Baloi?

Looking at the maps, this area would be about 70km from the Second Link, taking the following route: Second Link - Pekan Nanas - Pontain Kechil - Ayer Baloi.

Are there potential observing sites there, e.g. football fields, open fields, etc?

What are the light pollution levels? e.g. compared with the Desaru area?

Here is a Google Earth screen capture of southwest Johor, together with my markings of towns based on road maps.

starfinder · Post by **starfinder** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 11:00 pm

I seem to be having problems uploading the picture file.

Anyway, here is another picture file. This one is of the light pollution levels according to satellite information, taken from the website:

http://www.lightpollution.it/dmsp/

I have added in Malaysian town names.

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 1:25 pm

Yes, at "the last Johor recce trip", Ian drove Chris, his gf and me to an area near Benut for observation. Sky there seems quite dark. We did not find an open space, but I think there is a lot of potential here.

Clifford60 · Post by **Clifford60** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 4:02 pm

Benut / Ayer Baloi are still in the "blue zone". Between JB and Benut is about 82km. Travelling distance via the NS expressway (NSE) and the trunk road may not differ by much, but the travel speed by NSE may save some time, except more tolls to pay. Travel NSE exit at 250 (Sedenak interchange, 4 tolls) to Ayer Baloi to Benut or exit 247 (Simpang Renggam interchange, 5 tolls) to Benut directly.

Ric, I also PM you on other potential recce sites.

starfinder · Post by **starfinder** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 8:47 pm

Thanks Richard and Clifford for the info.

Well, I was thinking that if that area is fairly dark and there are good observing sites, it would be good for quick getaways. Just about an hour from the much faster Second Link crossing.

Anyone might want to go there overnight this Sat? Its around New Moon then, and can try to have some seafood in the afternoon before observing. I won't be driving though... no car to use.

Clifford60 · Post by **Clifford60** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:37 pm

This Sat may be a problem, there is a group going to Mersing (rlow and team), Weixing and group will be at Tampines fm 10pm and Zong's group will be at TP park from 8 to 10pm.