Another beautiful day in paradise.
A girl could definitely get used to this!
Breakfast was cooked and served to us by the rather sullen Ayu again this morning.
We did try to make her smile each day but the best she could manage was a bit of a derisive smirk once.
Then we were off on our snorkeling trip around the islands .
As we cruised past Sandy Bay we got a view from the ocean of the lovely Island House.
It's the one behind all the trees.
The Devil's Tears
You can just see Mt.Agung over Rob's left shoulder peeking through the clouds.
It was one of the more uncomfortable jukungs that we have traveled in, without a 'step down' to put your legs. You can't beat these boats for there stability though.
First port of call was Crystal Bay, which is just ahead.
Whilst heading into the bay, to the left was a small island with a staircase carved into the rock (which you can just barely make out on the far right) it led to a temple at the top of the island. We wondered if it could be the lovely Putu from Villa 88's place of worship.
There was just one other boat in the bay at the time.
Once we dropped anchor the others wasted no time in climbing in and checking out the underwater scenery.
I sat this one out as it was a bit choppy and swelly for me.
I posted lookout.
The smiling Wayan had very little English and pretty much provided just the boat and assistance climbing in and out of the boat.
Every other snorkeling trip we have done by boat in Bali we had a guide who jumped in the water with us,showed us some things of interest and kept a close eye on his 'flock'.
We kind of missed that. I was kicking myself that I had forgotten to bring water bottles crammed with bread to attract the fish. I love when the fish nibble the bread out of your fingers.
It's amazing how quickly you can stray far from the boat when your checking out the wonders of the sea.
I called out to Luke to keep his eye on his Dad as he had swam quite a distance away. Luke headed off in his direction without lifting his head once. By the time he got to where Rob had been, Rob was back at the boat!
I had my concerns about Pam at one point ( I take my job as look-out seriously :0) but she just needed a little rest after she too had looked up and found herself quite far from the boat. She just swam around close to the boat after that. They had all seen lovely coral and lots of little reef fish.
We headed off to Gamat bay next.
I hopped in here where the water was calmer. I used a little trick that a helpful guide had once showed me and used one of the life jackets under my chest and belly to keep me more buoyant and I like just floating over all the coral. The water was quite shallow here and you couldn't tread water without hitting the coral with your flippers. We all took care to not leave a flipper print anywhere. Pam followed suit with the buoyancy vest and we just glided around.
I was thrilled that this was the bay I had been searching for after a Bali Hai Ocean rafting tour I had done with my cousins back in 09'. This was the place I had gone home and raved to Rob and the boys about.
The water was crystal clear and warm. It was like an aquarium down there, full of beautiful coral, sponges and colourful fish.
After Gamat bay we were off to Mangrove Point.
Ceningan to the left and Penida to the right.
It was lovely around this area and we would love to return and spend more time here.
Apparently there is great snorkeling at Wall Bay too which I think we are about to cruise past in these 2 pics.
A seaweed farm in the distance.
As we headed toward Mangrove Point it became very shallow and the motor was raised, Wayan needed to 'Pole' us in.
You can see Wayan on the bow 'Poling'
We landed at the Mangroves and Wayan waved us off in the direction of the strip of small warungs on the beach front for makan siang (lunch) and he headed off for a siesta in the shade.
Phew it was hot.
We wandered into the first warung that showed any signs of life. It came in the shape of a lovely smiling wanita who happened to be the owner, head chef, bartender and waitress ;0)
It was nice to be back in the shade. A couple of bintangs and Pina coladas were ordered and enjoyed whilst we checked out the menu.
Nano Nano is the warungs name and we were looked after well.
I liked this map and top right is where we are.
The handful of warungs around here all seemed to offer snorkeling tours too.
Nano Nano's equipment looked good.
The main drag back to town.
The barbie was lit by pouring some 'fuel' on the coconut husks.
And Luke and Pam's fish in banana leaves was a happenin' thang.
The owner had found herself some help who I think may have been her shy daughter.
Whilst I was standing here happily snapping away 2 scooters pulled up carrying some German tourists who proceeded to loudly negotiate with the lovely owner (who wasn't smiling anymore) a snorkeling tour. They rode off in a huff with much arm waving, when she wouldn't come down another 10,000rp!. I think we were all relieved when they buggered off...bloody rude. I growled after them and she laughed and went back to happily cooking our lunch.
It was all very delicious.
Luke and Pam's fish was indeed the stand out.
The spices used were just beautiful and the owner was happy when we asked her to explain some of her ingredients. Enuk sekali!
We headed back to the boat with our full bellies.
This guy had been seeking out any stray bits of seaweed to add to his haul.
Another snorkel at the mangroves was on the agenda but after lunch we were all in relax mode and so the call was made to just head home. It was just a quick 15min trip back to where Wayan moors his boat. I think it may of been the area around the 'scoot office' on the map.
Strangely Ketut from Island House was there on the shore waving and smiling and waiting to drive us home. I hadn't seen Wayan make a phone call and I can't imagine Ketut had been there waiting the whole time had he?
So, very conveniently, we were back at Island house. It is located on the map to the left of Dream Beach and on the opposite point to the Devil's tears which are the view from our bedroom.
Inside view of the entrance...the pond was not a scratch on Villa Madu's.
Nice to know where North is so you can keep your bearings. The house temples are always placed in that sector.
Kitchen with a view.
Nice floating stairs.
Before long we were back soaking up the good life.
On the other side of the cove are a couple of caves which we nicknamed the Dragons Den.
When the waves picked up and rushed through the caves and out the other side they let out a roar.
This happened at some point every day.
A very lucky Aussie lady is building a house right there, Ketut tells us. During our stay we watched the roof going on.
Later in the day we wandered down to the beach and popped into our local Beach House for a bite to eat and to watch day turn into night in this lovely little bay on this beautiful little island that we were all going to miss. Only one more day left.
A storm was rolling in that night. When the others headed off to bed I just sat and watched the distant lightening show light up the coast of Bali. I hopped onto TA to share how special this place was and a few of the regulars asked for photo's.
Here they are :0)
Sampai Jumpa!
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