Let’s Go to ‘The Beach’

One of the highlights of our Thailand trip thus far was definitely our visit to Maya Bay, 'The Beach' precious Leo DiCaprio made famous.

Maya Bay is located on Phi Phi Lei, a quick boat ride from where we were staying on Phi Phi Don. We had the pleasure of visiting this breathtaking place twice while in Phi Phi.

Longboat Tour

Our first visit was part of a fantastic longboat day trip around the islands. We watched fellow travelers cliff jump, visited the other 'Monkey Beach' (Saam Had Beach), swam and dodged trigger fish at Pileh Lagoon, snorkeled in Palong Bay, saw the Viking Cave (where the Chinese delicacy bird's nest soup is made) and explored Maya Bay.

After sunset, we went to a private beach for dinner, fire shows, a cave party and swimming with plankton. I was most excited about the plankton, but the water had more trash than plankton, so our time spent glowing was short lived.

This day trip exceeded our expectations, as the guides were hilarious, our fellow boaters were fun, the snorkeling was the best I've ever experienced (we saw sharks!), and the Pinterest-worthy eye stuff was incredible.

Shangri La Party Yacht

Our second visit to Maya Bay was aboard a luxury yacht with 20 or so fellow backpackers.

Basically we did the same exact trip as before, but with unlimited booze. We had so much fun on the sea jacuzzi, tubing under caves, flipping off the diving board and celebrating one of our Canadian friend's birthday. This crazy day blew our budget a bit, but it was the perfect way to spend our last day on Phi Phi.

 

 

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Life’s a Beach in Gili

I cannot say enough good things about my time spent on the Gili Islands. Sure, getting there was an adventure, but the discomfort of one day of travel was well worth the six glorious days we spent on these beautiful islands in the sun.

Gili Trawangan

We spent the majority of our time on Gili T, an island small enough to walk around in less than two hours. This truly is a special and picturesque place, with turquoise colored water and white sand beaches.

The fact that no motorized vehicles are allowed on the island make it extra calming and carefree (until you're dodging a horse carriage piled high with propane tanks). There's also no police and only one health clinic, but we felt completely safe.

We had such a great time surrendering to the island lifestyle – spending our sunny days bronzing on the beach, eating well in waterfront bungalows and walking around the island.

There are a few quirks here though – the loud speaker prayers booming from the island's mosque, the roosters that crow at nightfall rather than sunrise, cat's whose tails look like they've been slammed in a car door, bulls on the beach and the drug pushers trying to sell you magic mushrooms.

Unfortunately, we did have a few severe rainstorms, which completely flooded the streets (ringworm fest) and dampened our outdoorsy plans. Thankfully our hostel was an awesome refuge where we could hang out with our new friends, watching movies, playing games and sharing cold Bintangs and Juss shots with at the tree house like rooftop bar.

Even in the sometimes soggy evenings, we always ventured to the nightly food markets, one of the highlights of the island. Backpackers, tourists and locals all frequented these delicious stalls for satay, noodles, corn on a stick, veggies, to die for pancakes and an assortment of other Indo dishes. At first, we were a bit scared of getting sick from the local food, but we made it five nights strong, Bali Belly free.

One sunny day, we joined some hostel mates on a snorkeling trip around all three of the Gili Islands. Through the crystal clear warm water, we saw brightly colored fish, corals, sea turtles and occasional ocean floor junk. After getting a glimpse of the underwater beauty, I can see why the Gilis are overrun with dive schools.

In addition to divers, Gili T definitely suits the younger, banana pancake eating traveler crowd. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, each of the three main bars on the island (Blue Marlin, 'The Irish Bar' and Rudy's) have their own party night where everyone on the island, including the locals, come together to sweat under the stars.

While we were there, we also got to experience one of the island's Full Moon Parties. There was a huge bonfire on the beach, fire twirlers, fireworks and a sandy dance floor. While cool to see, it was a bit too trancey for us, and once amateur fire twirling hour came, we decided to trek back to the hostel before seeing some stupid drunk German ignite themselves.

When the morning came to head back to Bali on the fast two hour boat (thank goodness!), I was quite sad to leave paradise. I really loved Gili and could've easily stayed a few weeks longer. But our Asian travels have just begun and it was time to give Ubud in Bali our attention for our last few days in Indonesia.

See you again one day Gilis!

 

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The Great Barrier Reef

Since arriving in Australia, I’ve been dying to take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and after a day spent up close and personal with the reef, I can confirm: It’s as magnificent as you’d imagine.

Home for the day: Ocean Freedom

From the time I boarded the Ocean Freedom, greeted with coffee, fresh fruit and a very enthusiastic staff, I knew it was going to be a great day. On our way to the Upolu Reef, all those signed up for the introductory scuba dive were taken aside for our crash course in diving. We learned the basics and I discovered I was in group one for diving – ack! I’ve always wanted to scuba dive, but I never thought I’d actually do it. But hey, why not try it by the Great Barrier Reef?

Taking the step off the dock

After zipping into my wet suit, the butterflies started swimming around in my stomach. I was shocked with how heavy the air tanks were – who knew air could make you almost topple over? Walking in flippers on a wobbly dock with a heavy tank of air is more difficult than it looks! The scariest part of the dive for me was taking the big step off the deck. While not a far drop, with so much weight on your back, I felt as though I would just sink to the bottom.

Once successfully in the water, we practiced our breathing, sign language, clearing our masks and replacing the mouthpiece should it fall out (simple enough). Next, it was time to dive! The instructor took me and one other girl by the hand and led us to the reef. As a first time diver, this personalized attention and guidance was much appreciated. I felt so comfortable and at ease underwater – there’s something so peaceful about diving.

School of fish surrounding us during our dive

Observing the reef was truly spectacular. I could stay down there and watch the organisms sway and breathe in the crystal clear water all day.

Holding a Sea Cucumber

It was surreal floating around so many diverse species – we saw colorful coral, all types of fish (including Nemo, many times), giant clams, sting rays, eels, an uncomfortably close barracuda, and I even got to hold a sea cucumber (big water slug, which felt like velvet).

During the 30 minute dive, we went about six meters deep, and I was pleasantly surprised with how well my ears and tricky sinuses adjusted to the depths and pressure of the water, which is similar to how your ears pop on an airplane. A lot of people on our boat weren’t able to dive, as some health conditions make diving unsafe (especially those with asthma).

Scuba diving by one of the seven wonders of the world is hands down one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I truly loved every submerged second of my dive, and I cannot wait to scuba again!

Before our delicious lunch break, we also had the opportunity to board a glass bottom boat for a quick ride over the corals. Coming from being arms length to everything to seeing it through a blurry glass floor, was not that impressive, but still fun to do.

Upolu Reef

After the exciting first reef stop, we cruised over to our next destination – Upolu Cay, a small beach formed on top of the reef. It was a little piece of paradise – white sand surrounded by the most brilliant blue water. Luckily, at both stops, our boat was the only one around, so we were never rushed by herds of other tourists.

Upolu Cay

From the cay, we snorkeled our way slowly back to the boat.

Snorkeling

This was my first experience snorkeling as well and it was way easier than I expected. You literally just float on your stomach, kick your flippers and take in everything your eyes can see through the mask. I was again so struck by the beauty of the reef and could’ve snorkeled all day.

Nemo, I found him!

Sadly, our time in the turquoise water came to an end and it was time to head back to Cairns. However, on our way home, we had one last marine treat – we got to observe a gigantic humpback whale with its calf. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable day.