A bit of an overcast day today, so diving off the agenda for Ollie and I. Rain and a big storm brewing too, so pool was off the agenda and even a walk along the beach became an afterthought. So we had a lazy morning in the bedroom, kids playing and watching a film. Which actually was really really nice relax time. But with lunch looming we had to decide what to do – and renting a golf cart for an explore hit top of the suggestions and so glad it did – what a fun afternoon.
Everything you see here is part of the Nirwana Resort complex – that’s the only place the buggy was allowed – but it sure does give some idea of the scale of this place.
But first things first…
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| How cute is this – this greeted us when we returned from breakfast this morning – nicely done Octav… |
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| OK first thing on our adventure buggy ride – huge monitor lizard. Clearly not at all bothered by me getting about 6′ from him to take this snap – just eyeing me out and sniffing the air with his tongue – cheeky bugger |
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| The intrepid explorers all aboard – is it just me or does it look a little too small for behemoth Ollie??? |
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| That monitor lizard’s mate then comes out for a look too. “You looking at me…” |
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| Head of Expedition and Driver now in shot – one of the rare moments for this holiday to see my face in a photo… |
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| This is a beach over the back side of our place – these are the villas on the complex. Private beach or what. Weather permitting we are here tomorrow – there was about two people on this beach. Amazing. |
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| It’s just beautiful here |
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| Amy just showing you two things; 1 – There is only her footprints on the beach – proving there really is no one here; and 2- Showing you just how soft and powdery this sand is – like talcum powder – amazing! |
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| And turn round and this is hopefully where Ollie and I will be diving tomorrow – he’s never done it before so it is a diving experience. Some pool work and then off from the beach to some reefs. Not far away though. See the naughty weather though, here’s hoping tomorrow is better for us. |
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| Included in our stay is 12 games of bowling at the place just up the hill. So now here are some shots of the gang in full action. Cough cough, just to mention though that Brian Kennett Snr was the champ for both games. Also just to state – it was blue neon lighting hence the weird outcome of the photos |
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| 1st up Ollie – I have used sports capture setting on the camera to get the action… |
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| Next up Amy – not exactly lady-like but it was effective and she got her high-score best ever |
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| Even Baby-Jude had a go – bless – yep he tried to kick it first |
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| We had an amazing lunch in this place – Oxtail Stews and Oxtail soups – that were just incredible. More of that on IsLideaRecipe.net Then took the buggy to the Flying Fox – both the kids went on that – 14m high, across a quasi-ravine and in to a net where we had just eaten lunch. Real fun – Amy even went first. Now all I have of that adventure is video and I cannot put video in to this blog any more sadly – so that goes to FaceBook soon, when I can get better wifi – sorry Miz you’ll need get Facebook to see that. But here is the view from the restaurant – down below here you have horse-riding and Segway driving. Loads to do here, just loads!!! |
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| Yep they even have 7 elephants. So we popped in to say hi. We only bought some bananas for $1 but the guide was a top bloke and let us meet this beautiful 30 year old female elephant. She was gorgeous!!! I love Jude’s face; “I am not taking my eyes off you, no matter how beautiful you are…” Look at his face in every photo – too funny! |
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| It’s feeding time – little bananas for this lovely lady. Jude got a little scared here… |
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| OK send in Mum as a stunt-double – hmm she was even more scared ha ha!!! |
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| OK OK she built up her confidence, nice seat – just as long as that foot stays attached to the elephant. How people can kill these creatures for their tusks, and for making chairs out of the their feet is beyond me. So so beautiful and superiorly intelligent. You could see her looking at you, almost knowing what you were saying. The elephant that is… |
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| Nice shot from the guide again – wow yours truly gets another photo – that’s two in a day. Again check out Baby-Jude, ha ha. |
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| And here is the beach down this side. See that big grounded boat in the distance? That is actually where the ferry comes in, the terminal is about 2 minutes from there at Bintan. |
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| The exploring finished we decided to go for Thai tonight, and so so glad we did. After a top up of mosquito spray we are much more comfortable and settle down in these surroundings to eat. Now that is not bad at all is it. Yep on the horizon is twinkly twinkly Singapore. |
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| You can just espy Calypso Bar, where we were last night, through the trees. I like this spot a lot. |
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| Best meal to date here without a doubt – this was the best. Again read more about the meal on IsLifeaRecipe.net. Excellent Thai food and a truly amazing Bloody Mary to top the night off. Wonderful place! |
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| And Jude today/tonight takes the last photo again – slightly sleepy and therefore a little camera shy, here he is showing off his new banana palm leaf watch as made my his Mum – I think he was very proud of it – end of a great day exploring this beautiful little bit of Bintan – hope you liked it |
