Stormy skies

Chilled out at the villa today as it was cool and stormy, and took the time to catch up on some school work – yep, we have all Bea and Ili's school books and schedules with us. Of course, they were delighted (ahem)! Did have time for an evening dip in a stormy sea.

Snorkelling with turtles

Took a boat out today for some snorkelling around the Gilis and had a lovely sighting of a huge Hawksbill turtle that had surfaced for air before heading back down to the deep waters. Magical. Nice swim at sunset time too.

Beach bums

Found a nice swimming beach today with some lovely waves and views over to the island of Lombok.

Baby turtles

Bea and Ili helped out today cleaning algae from the shells of some captive baby turtles which were being set for release. They loved it, especially as some of them where only a few weeks old. Some of the turtles born on the islands are kept until they are old enough to hold their breath and dive under water for long enough and can therefore avoid the predators on the island and hazards such as tourist boats, of which there are plenty!

Evening on Gili Meno

Beautiful sunset tonight with one of Bali's prominent volcanoes Gunung Agung in the distance beyond the Gili Islands. Frith and Bea had a late night snorkel and saw a grouper fish, and what they thought was a lion fish so Bea was very chuffed. Ili and I were content watching the colours of the changing tropical sky and finding shells and hermit crabs. A few pics here too of the place we're currently staying in —  pair of bungalows belonging to the owners of a dive school on Gili.

Turtles!

Currently back at the villa working on the kids school work after having a lovely morning out snorkelling. First time before breakfast when it was beautifully calm, and then later at a site known for turtles, and Bea spotted the first one of the four he saw. Will try and get some pics of the little turtle fellows to post later. The pictures below are after the turtle spotting.

Gili Meno

Headed across to Gili Meno this morning (in a glass bottom boat) where we're staying in the guest accommodation of a couple (French/English) who run a dive school on the island. Meno is a much more peaceful and unspoilt island, and the marine life is supposed to be better, and there's a turtle hatchery. We've got some great bikes to explore the island with.

Gili Meno after arrival — grabbing a cooling drink. 

Our bikes — rather large, but perfect for the sand. 

After our first snorkel on Gili Meno. Bea still wiped out with the heat. 

Touring Gili Meno. 

Our evening spot in a very rustic and backpacker friendly cafe. 

Evening on the beach.