Cont.. after casually glancing at brochures near the pool came across the quicksilver one. Looked interesting and i must say we had a great day. We were offered the local rate of 550,000 per adult and half price kids to 15 i think.
Picked up by their company at 8 am the next day and taken to Tanjung Benoa to join the boat. Offered sea sick tabs just in case so all took one to be on the safe side. Shortly after the boat left the harbor and off to Nusa Penida , Cathy and i plus 3 kids. Once on board were offered tea coffee and if i remember rightly a light brekkie.
We were the only Aussies on the boat which was about half full mostly with Koreans who were wearing the most appropriate high heeled foot wear as you do when go on a cruise over to an island. Bit of a competition with us to spot the best shoe style to break ones ankle. This proved even funnier when on the pontoon numerous of the Korean girls got there heels stuck betwwen the boards much to our quiet amusement with our non fashion comfy thongs.. The other thing we noticed was that the latest attire was to have matching his and her bathers what a scary thought.
Anyway cruise starts with some entertainment and aerobics by the staff down the front encouraging the audience participation but with the coffee in hand was last thing to be entering my mind. Quite funny though.
Arrived at the pontoon about 1 hr later with all the choices of activities, most were included with a few optional extras like scuba diving and undersea walking.
Decided on the snorkelling first which was excellent huge fish right next to you an very close to the pontoon. Then banana boating i think the boat driver didnt mind tipping us off knowing that majority of aust. can swim even though we had life jackets on.
Downstairs was an under water viewing gallery where we took pictures of the kids when they swam under near these windows.
Soon after, lunch time with a really good buffet including bbq seafood ,hot dishes, salads ,sweets.
After this we hopped on the smaller boat to go out to the semi submersible submarine to view the ocean floor and fish.
From here we went over to Nusa Penida which is a Muslim island i think by hearing the call to prayer. Here you could view this amazing local lady who was around 77 yrs old making the woven cloth for like table runners etc. The ones with the gold or bronze thread through them took 2 months to complete and sold for about $25 . Cathy bought one a beautiful choc brown colour.
A short walk further got to hold the giant turtles which by Hannahs face showed how heavy these were. Have to be careful the kids dont drop these turtles as would be devastating to crack their shells.
Next our free cocnut drink just fresh of some nearby tree whilst watching a display of what cockfighting was about.. of course just to show you without any injuries. From there back to the boat.
Hannah and the others then had numerous turns on the waterslide on the side of the pontoon just before we needed to pack up and get back aboard the Quicksilver boat.
Of course nothings complete without the Karaoke when on a mainly asian excursion. with us sitting in the prime target seats at the front they were keen to get us up to be their accompaning singers. I wasnt keen but they managed to drag Cathy up to complete their band and give me a few laughs for our trip back.
Afternoon tea was also provided.
As you arrive back at Tanjung Benoa you are offered a photo they had taken on board which we purchased for 50,000 quite cheap as they were good photos and a big size. The same driver was waiting and back to the Patra by about 4 pm and must say we all had a really good day ,well worth the money..
Judi