Help!! Planning a trip to Bali June 05 (3 couples), staying 1 week at Kumala Pantai (safely booked), then probably Tjampuhan, Ubud, but also want to do a side trip for some relaxation and snorkelling. Last time in Bali we snorkelled at Menjangan Island, and did the Bali Hai day trip to Lembongan...Menjangan seemed to have the better snorkelling. This time, had thought of doing 3 days on Gili T., as well as Bali Hai 3 Island cruise (includes Nusa Penida). We are novice snorkellers and not keen on strong currents or going too far out to sea.
Hoped to travel to the Gilis on the Bounty boat, as seemed a straightforward and leisurely way to go, however their Rep at the Perth Bali Expo advised on Sunday that they no longer go to the Gilis due to lack of patronage (can anyone confirm this?). Members of our party are so not keen on the small plane, then car and boat option (paricularly the small plane!).
Someone else at the Expo suggested that snorkelling on Penida was much better and that coral bleaching around the Gilis was extensive. I have searched this forum and others and most comments regarding both Islands are positive, however some stated the coral on the Gilis was dead and disappointing, and others said that Lembongan was a bit too quiet (do prefer to have a few eating places to choose from, and somewhere to have a cocktail or two in the evening). So feeling confused. Don't want to encourage anyone to undertake a complicated journey, only to be disappointed when they get there, but don't want to take an easier travel option only to get a bit board (one of our group likes to be kept active...not into lounging around).
Has anyone been to both Islands recently and able to comment on the quality of the snorkelling? One of our group has dived on the Great Barrier reef, so comparisons might be made. Should we trade our idea of 3 days on Gili T. for 3 days on Lembongan? I would welcome any advice!!