Essential Bali Issue 3 Jan/Feb 2015 | Page 19

sojourn but everyone on board as they settled in for the 90-minute journey. Our collective reverie was temporarily interrupted by three members of staff who appeared to provide a snorkelling demonstration. You would think nothing could be duller, especially for those to “The resort was quiet with a relaxed atmosphere. It would be superb to return for a stay in the Balinese style accommodation known as traditional lumbungs.” Brian Rilatt, Essential Bali Guest reviewer whom snorkelling is anything but a new experience, but they somehow made it into an attraction in itself with a variety of weird and wonderful actions. We’re not sure if anyone learned much about snorkelling, but everyone enjoyed the show. Nusa Lembongan appeared on the horizon, looming ever closer, and the anticipation of indulging in the numerous activities on offer grew palpably. Just before we arrived a welcoming party appeared off the bow, a pod of dolphins adding a new layer of excitement for the humans regarding them from above. This particular cruise has two options – the Reef Cruise or the Beach Club Cruise. Those on the former have access to a purposebuilt reef pontoon, a nautical playground to while away the day. We stopped off to make use of the facilities here, including the water slide that ends with a drop into the ocean and a diving board. An underwater viewing chamber allows you to appreciate life under the surface without even getting your feet wet, while you can see even further afield with a trip on the semi-submerble that ESSENTIAL LOWDOWN Type of activity: Adrenalin level: 1. All aboard: The Essential Bali cruising club and friends 2. Floating playground: The catamaran, pontoon and semi-submersible EDUCATION CULTURE WILDLIFE ADVENTURE PHYSICAL CHILLED WAKE-UP CALL WOW AAAARRRGGGHHH Price (US$): $0-50 $50-100 $100-200 $200-$300 $300+ Length of activity: UP TO 2 HOURS HALF-DAY ALL-DAY Child friendly: NO Experience needed: NO YES Meal provided: NO YES YES www.essential-bali.com 19