The hunt for the molas started early in the morning. The mood was filled with excitement and apprehension. Upon hearing news of molas hiding in deep, dark and cold waters beyond 30m out at sea, we started worrying that we might not even catch a glimpse of them. After collecting our gear from the dive shop, we boarded the dive boat at Sanur.

Once we were out of the safety of the harbour, the horizon seemed to disappear periodically. That was when I realized, our 1 hour rollercoaster ride had begun. The boat captain, trying his best to outmanoeuvre the crashing waves, could only do so much to prevent sea sickness for some of those onboard. When the boat rose to the peak of the waves, we could see the extent of the height of the waves. Looking down, it looked as if we were on top of a small hill. At one point, the waves crashed right into our boat, raining seawater on us for a good 5-10 seconds. It was a relief when we finally reached the dive site.

First dive was more like a check out dive at the north of Nusa Penida. Visibility was incredibly poor. Some divers caught sight of Pygmy seahorses and turtles amidst the drift. We surfaced for lunch before heading for Crystal Bay, the famous sanctuary for the Mola Molas. The choppy waters rocked the boat side to side as we quickly rigged up and jumped into the water before anyone got seasick again. In the cold waters, we drifted effortlessly towards one of the cleaning stations where the Molas were known to visit. Saw some really huge pipefishes and a large school of yellow fishes (I can’t name them again though).

At that point, the guides signalled for us to turn back. I cursed through my mouthpiece as I struggled against the strong current. The needle on my pressure gauge raced towards the red zone in record speed. At that time, I questioned the reasoning to turn back. I was angry. No Molas and a throbbing headache from that workout. When we surfaced, the waves were so high it was difficult to reach the boat. The dive guides made sure all of us were up on the boat before climbing up themselves. Everyone looked dead and no one spoke. I went up to the sundeck and crashed, praying the boat would move out fast.

Once they secured the equipment, the two diveguides went up to the sundeck and crashed as well. As I closed my eyes with a towel over my face (I don’t need a peeling face for the weddings over this weekend), I calmed down and thought about what they did. I guess, water conditions might have been worse if we had drifted out and boarding the boat would then have been an even more impossible task. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

When we thought the worst was over, another piece of drama unfolded just before we reached the harbour. Our boat had slowed down as we were negotiating some waves before entering the harbour. Just then, another boat raced towards us and it didn’t seem like it was slowing down. Moments later, it crashed right into one of the outboard motors and damaged it. Without stopping, the boat then sped away. The lone driver onboard the boat had a rather fierce expression. It was so surreal, almost like a pirate attack! There was some confusion onboard, but the staff looked pretty calm. I have this feeling, they might know one another.

Everyone came back with some story to tell. Seasickness, gigantic waves boat collision, etc. None of Molas actually, there is. But it’s a private joke:P We aborted the next day’s dive as none of us felt like even touching the water. There’s always a better day to dive.

The following day was spent mostly lazing around and having some detox-ing massages in town. My head was floaty most of the time. I was just glad I didn’t have to dive that day. During the massage, waves of memories over the past few days flooded my mind. Vivid, beautifully toned memories. I couldn’t ask for more, really. Rest, rest and more rest. I’ll need the energy for the weddings ahead. Counting down, 2 more days and I’d see sunny Singapore again.

That’s a pretty long breakfast post:) It’s drizzling out there with moments of sunshine bliss. Here are the images:) I’ve not downloaded those taken underwater (not many anyway).

Special thanks to Sharon for that spelling and grammar correction:D haha!:D

On day eleven, we headed to Kudeta to watch the sunset after an excellent 2 hour long massage at Bodyworks (Seminyak). Sunsets in Bali is almost always beautiful. Reflection against the black volcanic sands on the beach of Seminyak.

My favourite flying boat on the beach. This time, with a more dramatic backdrop. I’ve always wondered, how they make that thing fly. It’s just amazing.

As the waves receded, I noticed the black sand had formed the shape of a heart on the beach. I was taking pictures of this when a Japanese girl approached me and asked what I was taking. I showed her the heart and she looked impressed and you might think it sounded like a romantic start. I asked “are you here alone?”, which I thought sounded like a crappy pick up line. And it went downhill from there she didn’t see the waves coming in during the conversation and I ran up the beach leaving her on the beach where the seawater flooded her. Best part I laughed so hard. Then I said, “nice meeting you, enjoy your stay.”.

Kudeta… and the world of colorful lanterns:)

That’s what you’ll see if you had a few more Bintangs. Gotta love Bali:D