Discovering a cute little family of four clown fish in a fluffy sea anemone on the reef just off the small close-to-Jakarta island I like to frequent was just the beginning of a great weekend. Along with being able to photograph these cute little fish, I was also able to take pictures of many other underwater delights, underwater photography being a new fun addition to my snorkelling and diving hobby. It was also great fun exploring the reef around the smaller adjacent island which included the sighting of a little eel and a bigger stingray. Then there was the deliciously spectacular table coral which stretched for kilometres along the coral reef where we snorkelled on the Sunday morning boat trip. Such a gorgeous expanse of unspoilt, radiant and alive coral is a rare treat to see. The one not-so-nice thing to find on this little snorkelling trip was an overabundance of the pretty-on-the-outside-but-evil-on-the-inside Crown of Thorn Starfish, a species which have been imported to the area and have the potential to slowly kill the entire gorgeous reef. We did endeavour to clear some of them, but this is a task that will take vigilance and close monitoring to ensure the starfish don’t destroy everything that makes the region so amazing to explore.
On land, other wonderful things were also found. Some great new Jakartan friends were made, for a start. There was also an abundance of laughter, sunshine, beers, delicious food and a little sunset party that led to all sorts of night-time shenanigans happening, all ready for the taking (and not so difficult to find at all!). I also found myself happily engaged in two completely relaxing and worry-free days to enjoy what I love most about life, and to remind me why I work hard each day and what it takes to pursue my dreams.
I really do feel like I have discovered more than a weekend getaway on my regular jaunt out of town, and it’s now more than a place to take my visiting friends. The small little island has become a place where ideas are discussed and formed, where new friendships are made, where dreams are hatched and beliefs are based. My little island getaway never disappoints me and the community that is developing there excites me. As always I can hardly wait to go back to find what else there is there to discover and explore.