We went in a glass bottom boat to Turtle Island. On the way we dropped anchor so I could snorkel for a little while. I grabbed a few extra pieces of bread from breakfast to feed the fish and swam under the boat to feed them so PPW Jr and Mrs PPW could see the fish.
There were heaps of fish, but much less coral than last time (2 years ago). The visibility wasn't fantastic, but it was good enough.
We then continued around the peninsula and on to Turtle Island. The term Island is used a little loosely here by the water sports operators. The turtle sanctuaries aren't actually on an island. They are actually just on the other side of the peninsula. About a five minute walk off Jl. Pratama (you can access them by following one of the gangs near the Thallasso - formerly Grand Mirage).
Just as we stepped out of the boat, it started puring with rain - and I mean bucketing down. Within seconds, we were soaked. There were Japanese tourists running everywhere, scampering across the beach, trying in vain not to get wet!
We sought refuge under cover in the sanctuary, where PPW Jr was able to hold some baby turtles. He loved it. The looks of joy on his face were priceless. And he hadn't seen the big ones yet!
When the rain died down (about ten minutes later) Ryan was able to swim with the big turtles. I don't know if I've ever seen him that excited (photos in link below).
The sanctuary also has an array of other animals, mostly birds and reptiles. There are a few sanctuaries and which one you are taken to depends on the water sports operator you use.
The boat ride there takes about 20 - 30 minutes each way and is a pleasant trip. You get to see the Tanjung Benoa village and can see across to Benoa Harbour. In my view, it is worth taking the boat trip around there, just for the novelty factor. Including an hour of snorkeling we paid 275,000 Rp. after a bit of bargaining. I'm told this is a good price, but who knows (listed price is US$25 per person, just to Turtle Island, no snorkeling - which for two PAX = 450,000Rp.).
We had dinner at La Scala on Jl. Pratama. This was a nice place, but we wouldn't rush back. We got the usual welcome cocktail (which I love, because I have Mrs PPW's as well!). The food was nice and the service was okay, but the place just lacked spark. Plus, it was a little more pricey than some of the other places along Jl. Pratama. One thing that did set this restaurant aside from the others was its Pina Coladas. They looked pretty special.