While in the Komodo Islands, Cockatoo II had sent us a copy of their track. We could overlay this onto our electronic chart and see where they had been, including their chosen anchorages. We were also able to see where they shouldn't have gone and avoid those hazards.
 |
Five star resort with five star tents, it was stunning.
S08 16.3 E117 29.2 |
 |
As "Black Pearl" and "Catcha Star" arrived at the bay on Moyo Island, Cathy and I noticed that "Cockatoo II's" track showed that they had anchored outside the resort and then moved on to another anchorage about 500M along the coast. As we slowed down and weighed anchor, looking for a gap in the coral to set the anchor I noticed a Guy heading towards us in a fast runabout. He waved and made it very clear that we were not going to anchor in front of the resort, he then escorted us along the coast to near where "Cockatoo II" had also gone. It all made sense when he explained that they were protecting the reef and anchoring there was not allowed. He invited us in to the resort saying their restaurant was open 24/ 7. David asked about Bintang beer being available and was told there was a bar, but drinks were very expensive.
 |
| We have since learn't that the coral is not the only reason they forbid anchoring near the resort. Their client-ell consist mainly of celebrities Royalty and VIP's. The "Beach Manager" is actually security and does his job well. |
|
An hour later we were in the dinghy's, heading for the resort. An electric storm had formed and as we made our way to the resort a couple of lightning strikes hit the ocean just in front of us, with that horrible hissing noise that high voltage can make. The smell of ozone filled the air as we beached the dinghy's. "That was close enough" came out of every ones mouth simultaneously. We were all ready for a drink, no matter what the price.
The resort was equal to any of the best five star we had ever seen, within minutes we were greeted by Kevin the Manager and were invited to stay for dinner. He explained that it was a fixed menu with a choice of meat or fish. David and I cleared our throats and tentatively asked what the charge for dinner was. Our guests pay US$150 per head, however we only have one group of guests tonight so if you like I can offer you dinner for US$50 per head. We looked at each other accepted and agreed "What the hell" this is very different. We ordered four Bintang beers and were again warned that they were US$8, expecting the large 750ml bottles we agreed to the price and ordered. Four small 300ml bottles arrived, so we only had one beer each. The food was fantastic and the service impeccable. Kevin came over to our table again later, checking that everything was okay. We asked for permission to snorkel on the coral in the morning, he explained that he would not be on the island as he started his four day break but that he would make sure the staff new that we had been given the okay to dive.
The next morning we were in the dinghy's and off to the area in front of the resort for a dive, just how spectacular was this protected reef going to be.
 |
Louis also enjoys snorkelling, hangs onto his Dad and away they go. We saw a small shark, many turtles
and a huge variety of fish. Unfortunately most of the coral is already dead, as is the case in most of
Indonesia and Malaysia |
 |
| There is no need to dive for checking the anchor has set. The water was so clear we just looked over the side. |
 |
| The fuel from Bima was less than perfect......... Always filter the Indonesian fuel before it goes into your tank. |
