we had decided to shop around for a one night stay at Coconuts Beach Resort. We booked from a counter in Kuta and paid $192 for the both of us.This included transfers to and from our hotel with the Funship cruise to Lembongan with a bbq lunch,glass bottom boat,banana boat rides(which no-one did)as well as a tour of the seaweed farming,an overnight stay at coconuts and afternoon tea on the boat.
We were picked up from the Melasti Legian at 8.15am and went to Benoa Harbour.We departed at 9.15am ,the boat trip was lovely and the bbq was really nice.On arrival an hour later they docked the boat up off shore and allowed some time for some water activities.
The boat has a slide and a jacuzzi.We had several goes down the slide,which has a considerable drop from the boat to the water! and it's not easy trying to swim back to the ladder in the ocean .So ,I decided it was all too much effort and opted to dry off on deck in the glorious sun.The jaccuzzi wasn't an option as it was only a quarter full with water,I'm not sure why??
We also did the glass bottom boat ride. It wasn't what I expected it to be.I have done one in Australia before and maybe there is no comparison.It was a small boat with two green glass windows that were quite small and the driver was going a bit too fast to photograph anything.We did see the occasional pretty fishy and lots of coral.On board were a few elderly people,travelling with their adult son/daughter and their grandparents.It was difficult for them to manage getting on and off the boat as it does rock about quite a bit.Something that I am sure isn't told to you when booking your trip.
It was time for everyone to hop off and be transfered to the Island on a small motor boat.Most people on board were day trippers and would also get some time and a swim at Coconuts.The drop off was onto the beach and from there they would take you on the seaweed tour.We asked to go direct to the resort which wasn't a problem.
Things got a bit 'hairy' trying to get these elderly people off onto shore.The tide was coming in and with one guide on the sand pulling on the rope trying to hold the boat in and the other anchoring,the swell was pushing the boat around too much for the old lady to hop off when told to jump out.
So I stood up with my feet spread to balance and pressing my knee into the outboard motor so not to fall myself,I held onto this Indian lady in her beautiful Sari.We were all working together,balancing,watching the wave in,and ready ,set, go said the guide!!As she stepped her foot over the back of the boat,it became stuck in the hem of her Sari!!SH*T,I'm only 5'2 and 60kgs.This lady was about 100kgs.
I tried so hard to get her foot loose,and then the swell bounced the boat and she started to tumble back!!I was behind her and I ended up back in my seat with this large lady landing on top of me!!There she sat on my knee,composing herself,trying to register what just happened.The boat settled and up we got with a polite nod and smile and off she hopped.Her elderly parents were almost hurled off at the next break between waves.The grandad hit his leg and I suspect would have had a nasty bruise.The motor was started up with just me and hubby on board,and the guide thanked us for helping and said:"they too old,not safe".
I assumed we too would be dropped off on shore close to Coconuts,but I was wrong.We pulled up to the cliff face under the resort.It apparently has stairs from the water up and on any other day I am sure it would be o.k.. but,not today :(
My adrenalin was still pumping,so I wasn't going to question what we had to do .I was ready to jump on command,like an obedient puppy!The boys throw out a rope to the guy above,once we are close enough,he catches it on cue and quickly ties us in.I assess were I could see a step in the water to jump out onto.I am called to throw my bags up to the guy above ,and as I hurl it up hoping he can catch, a huge swell motioned the boat up.He caught my bag and then SNAP!!! the rope broke.
The motor started up and they tried hard to maneouver against the tide to throw in another rope.Thank God they decided it was too dangerous,and off we went around the corner to the beach.Out we hopped and a two minute walk along a track and we were at the cliff were we could've been mangulated."Tide too high today" were his last words and I was glad to get off!
Still to come.... Coconuts resort,Batu Karung and the motor bike lesson!