Just back from Bali - each time we go there we think we've seen it all, and each time we discover a new "must go again" destination. This time it was Padangbai. Decided at last minute to go snorkelling to get out of Kuta for a day. Hired a driver to go up there, and had been told that we could walk over the hill to Blue Lagoon to go snorkelling. We then expected to pay about R70,000 each for a traditional boat to go snorkelling for an hour.
Well, it didn't work out that way. When we pulled up at Padangbai, we were met by heaps of guys all trying to sell us boats from there to Blue Lagoon. They told us it wasn't possible to walk over the hill we had to go there by boat - and the boat was R400,000 for the two of us, including snorkel gear. We hesitated (nearly home time, running out of money) but ended up going with it and it was great.
So - can someone clarify for me. We'd like to go up there to stay next trip. The white sand, blue water, and snorkelling are very welcoming. Is there an actual hotel at Blue Lagoon (looked like it from the boat) ? If so, what's the name of it ? If not, is it possible to walk over the hill to Blue Lagoon from Padangbai.
Very appreciative of any help you can give.