For many, the open sea evokes visions of freedom and adventure, but for Noor Azli bin Adnan – affectionately known as Cekli – it is so much more.
At 64, Cekli dedicated over three decades to the water, embodying the spirit of a pioneer in scuba diving in the Sultanate.
His life is a colourful panorama of dreams realised and passions nurtured, both for himself and the hundreds of students he has inspired.
My journey into the underwater realm began in 2012 when I had the privilege of meeting Cekli. Like many others, I was captivated by the ocean yet knew little about diving.
Under his expert guidance, I embarked on my first scuba adventure, nervous yet exhilarated to learn.
His calm demeanour and unwavering patience transformed those early days into a deeply rewarding experience.
Born in 1960 in Kampong Kati, Malaysia, Cekli’s journey began in Ipoh, nurtured by a police officer father. He later settled in Brunei, where his love for the ocean flourished.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
A devoted father of three, he has instilled in his children a profound appreciation for the sea.
His eldest, Qawiem, operates a dive centre in Mabul, Sabah; his younger brother, West, traverses the globe as a Master Scuba Diver Trainer; and his daughter, Hasya, a dancer known as “Cekli’s little mermaid”, holds tight to her ocean dreams amidst the urban sprawl of Kuala Lumpur.
Throughout the years, their mother, Zashimatul binti Aswat, has remained a steadfast supporter, eagerly awaiting her husband’s return to hear tales of his underwater escapades.
A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE SEA
“I love being near the water,” Cekli shared, his voice calm yet infused with warmth.
“Swimming, scuba diving, fishing – it’s all part of me.” These pursuits are not mere hobbies; they are lifelong passions that have shaped his very existence.
In 1997, responding to the ocean’s call, he commissioned his first boat, further deepening his maritime connection since relocating to Brunei in the early 1990s. His passion continued and he even built a 54-foot white catamaran from scratch in the mid-2000s – that became an iconic staple to many of his students and scuba divers.
Cekli’s relationship with the sea blossomed into a calling. He immersed himself in diving in 1995, earning his PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer certification by 2001.
As a mentor in Brunei’s diving community, he has certified over 1,000 students, many of whom have gone on to establish dive schools or pursue careers in the industry.
One of his signature features as an instructor? His iconic white t-shirt and white fins, worn so his students could easily spot him underwater. “It became my uniform,” he laughed, recalling countless dives where he led groups beneath the surface, guiding them through Brunei’s captivating underwater landscapes.
“He taught me everything about diving,” recalled one former student. “His home is always open to divers, whether for theory courses or just to relax.”
Cekli’s unwavering passion has transformed countless lives, fostering a community bound by the love of the sea.
FROM ENGINEERING TO DIVING
Before Cekli became a household name in the diving community, he led a very different life. Trained as a technical instructor in heavy machinery and automotive engineering, he began his career in Malaysia at Institut Kemahiran MARA Lumut (IKML).
However, in 1993, seeking new adventures, he relocated to Brunei, where he joined the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) as a lecturer.
While engineering was his profession, Cekli’s true passion flourished during weekends.
By 1995, his enthusiasm for scuba diving, which had started as a personal hobby, began to take a more professional turn.
“I started diving professionally in 2000 as a Divemaster under Yeo Boon Kiat – along side with the very few people who wanted to start scuba diving,” he reflected, marking the initial steps of what would become an illustrious diving career.
“I began teaching scuba diving in 2001, because there weren’t many instructors back then.
It was challenging and rewarding at the same time. Some of my early students still dive to this day and some even opened up their own operations. I’m glad to see the profound effect I made for my students and they will be the ones who will carry on my legacy here in Brunei,” he recalled. Balancing his full-time job with his newfound passion, weekends became a time for imparting knowledge about the underwater world.
His home transformed into a gathering point for eager divers keen to refine their skills. Word soon spread about this patient and knowledgeable instructor, earning him the title “Father of Scuba Diving in Brunei”.
“I named some of the dive sites in Brunei such as the Arun Wreck and the Zanidi Reef in Jerudong. Some of these dive sites are named from the divers and the fishermen who I’ve shared my adventures with,” said Cekli.
A DREAM REALISED
Among his many achievements, one adventure stands out: in April 2023, at the age of 62, Cekli embarked on an exhilarating eight-day voyage across the South China Sea in his custom-built speedboat, Bahtera Perak VI. The journey was not just about the distance covered – 1,161 nautical miles – but also about reconnecting with his roots, crossing from Brunei to his homeland of Perak, Malaysia.
“This trip was a dream I’ve held since 2017,” he shared, eyes sparkling with excitement. Years of planning were disrupted by the pandemic and other challenges, but alongside his friend and fellow ocean enthusiast, Kamarul Azman, Cekli meticulously prepared for the journey.
They honed their skills by sailing from Brunei to Miri and completed courses in radio communication and navigation. Despite doubts from others about the safety of their small, single-engine boat, Cekli’s resolve only strengthened.
After overcoming logistical hurdles – like securing permissions from maritime authorities and stocking up on fuel, water, and food – the duo set sail in April 2023. Their adventure took them through unpredictable weather and rough seas, but the South China Sea provided smooth sailing. They paused at Pulau Midai in Indonesia, warmly welcomed by local fishermen. “Their kindness touched us deeply,” Cekli recalled. “They offered us food to break our fast and even helped us find fuel for the next leg of our journey.”
For Cekli, this voyage was more than a physical journey; it was the culmination of a lifelong dream.
“Crossing from the east to the west, from Borneo to Perak on my own boat, was the most fulfilling experience of my life,” he reflected, embodying the spirit of adventure that has defined his remarkable journey.
A LIFE WELL LIVED
The sea has bestowed countless blessings upon Cekli, and he has returned the favour with equal generosity. Reflecting on his life, one piece of wisdom stands out: never stop moving, both physically and mentally.
“Once you’re past 50, it’s essential to stay active,” he advised.
“People may try to bring you down, but with age comes invaluable experience – something no one can take away.”
To Cekli, age is merely a number. He believes that passion and determination can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of one’s years.
“We live in an era rich with knowledge,” he noted. “Learn anything, anytime. Use the resources around you, collaborate, and pursue your dreams.”
Looking ahead, Cekli plans to settle in Kampong Permatang, Seri Manjung, where he will continue his love affair with the sea, offering fishing trips and island-hopping tours.
“I’ve dedicated my life to teaching and sharing what I love,” he smiled.
“This isn’t goodbye; it’s just ‘Masa dah time’.”
For Cekli, the horizon remains vast and limitless, and his adventure continues, one wave at a time.
Cekli’s influence has not only shaped my diving career but also my life. To many, he is more than just a teacher – he is a mentor and a role model, nurturing our shared love for the ocean. – Nadzirah Malek-Webb
