Tulamben is in Bali well-known for the wreck of the Liberty, a US Army Transport ship sunk in 1942 during the second World War). We did 3 dives in Tulamben, ending with the one on the wreck itself.
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a small park in Ubud with trees, temples and many monkeys. The monkeys are interested in visitors for the treats they might offer, but also curious. We stayed and watched the monkeys playing, socializing, and we observed the elder bigger ones stealing from the smaller ones. A one point rain came, and monkeys as well as tourists took cover in a big hall. Monkeys formed small groups to keep themselves warm.
When we came back to Bali, we went to the city of Ubud where we stayed a few days. One of the activities we decided to undertake was a bicycle hike. The day started early with a minivan transfer to Kintamani on the rim of Mount Batur where we had breakfast and could admire the caldera and the lake. After that we went to a place where we got our bikes. The ride was pleasant as we went downhill between villages and rice fields. On the way we stopped at a place where we could taste (and buy as we’ve had the opportunity many times already) spices, tea and coffee and most notably the Kopi Luwak. We also stopped at a family compound where we learned some information about the way traditional balinese families live.
Before going to eat a late lunch, we got the choice between 10 mn of bike and minivan transfer or 45-50 mn of bike, with a warning that the second option was more “athletic”. Aline wasn’t interested, but I chose the second option. Of course, this turned out to be a much more difficult endeavor than expected, led by a couple of very athletic riders, we finished the (mostly uphill) route in 40 (very long) minutes. I was so tired and in need of rehydration that I didn’t really enjoy the lunch.
The good thing about diving in Gili, is that the dive sites a very close and not too deep. We saw our first sharks.
Gili Trawangan is the biggest of the Gili Islands. It a small flake in the sea, very close to Lombok (you can see its coast and volcanos in many of the pictures below). We got there almost immediately after getting to Bali. Several person we know or met described it as heavenly. The beaches and the view are beautiful. The pace is calm (no cars, only horse carriages and bicycle). And strangely no dogs allowed, only cats.
We did cycle around the island (7 km), tried indonesian food at different warungs, went scuba diving. Great memories.
Similan 9 (or Koh Bangu) was the last place we dove in the Similans.
Similan 9 (Koh Bangu)
The dive sites were called “Chrismas Point” and “Breakfast Bend”.
Seethrough
Underwater self-portrait
So, who's Nemo ?
In this picture is hidden a fish
The 9 islands of the Similan Islands are numbered (Similan is derived from the word “nine” in Yawi language), and on the boat we’d only use the numbers. The evening and morning dives didn’t yield many usable pictures because of the low light.
You'd make a nice sushi
Fly turtle, fly !
Donald Duck Bay of Similan 8 (named “Koh Similan”) was the mooring place for our second night onboard.
The rock on the left gave the name to the bay
Turtle-shaped rock: our second dive site
