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Hi, Just another quickie as the internet's not too cheap on remote Indonesian islands. After the mountain climbing expedition in Sabah (Malaysia) we went south to dive/snorkel off Sipidan Island, one of the world's top dive sites. It was indeed a top site and we did the best diving (Michael) and snorkelling (me) yet. Saw loads of huge turtles swimming all around us, really close up and lots of white tip reef sharks. Plus the usual range of tropical fish in vast quantities including a school of giant parrot fish.
Then flew to Singapore where i have already said about our short stay and after the last entry had a luxury flight to Bali (although a bit bumpy for my liking). Spent 2 days in the surfers paradise of Kuta, the biggest resort in Bali and site of the bombings a few years ago. Looked around the hundreds of surf shops without really being able to buy anything as we don't have enough money and can't fit anything more in our suitcases, saying that though, i still managed to pick up a bikini!
Then on to the centre of Bali, staying at Ubud, very artsy. Spent our time cycling around the surrounding countryside and also took a trip to the volcanic area in central Bali. This didn't prove to be very easy as we attempted to use public transport but that's a long story. In Ubud we met up with Michael's work mate Duncan and his girlfriend Christine for their last night/our first night there and went to watch a traditional dance at the Palace there. Had a nice evening, good to catch up with people from home. Ubud was very nice but we left after 3 nights to go to the coastal town of Candi Dasa where we walked to a nearby village unique to Bali as they still live in accordance with ancient traditional Balinese people's customs. Had a guided tour around the small village from the brother of the current chief of the village and looked around his home. Very interesting.
Today we left Bali for Lombok and the Gili Islands just off the north west of the island. We have just arrived and had a nice dinner, now off to recover from a day of travel (although it wasn't too bad, mainly on a calm ferry ride). Looking forward to a few quiet relaxing days on the island, which has a population of under a thousand.
That's all for now, take care, Nicola and Michael xxx
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