Today, I went snorkeling. It was lovely, lots of fish, many turtles, moray eels, colorful fish, unusual and weird fish, and a lot of dead coral. Whether from dynamic fishing of years past or heating of the ocean, a lot of the coral was dead. When I was near live coral, the fish population exploded. Schools of Jack Fish, Dolphinhead Fish, Barracuda, a school of squid, tiny fish, huge fish, the population exploded. Kind of eerie looking up to see 30 or more Barracuda swimming together keeping a watchful eye on me!
Tomorrow morning, I’ll get up early, catch a shuttle bus to Tawau, and begin my mystery tour. It’s a mystery because there is little information here about how things operate on the other side of the border. I was able to find out that the minivans drop me near customs. I am fairly certain that is also the area where the ferries operate. That’s it, I’ll be making it up from there.
I might wander down the East coast of Kalimantan but have read it takes at least three days to get to the next major town. I also learned that Tarakan has an airport so I may be able to catch a flight from there. Some time tomorrow, I’ll have to decide where in Sulawesi I want to go. At the top of my list is the Tana Toraja area where the burial caves and excellent day hiking is.
I’ve read that I can to to Palu and take a bus South. The dive resort recommended there is no longer open, a sign. I’ve just learned a flight to Manado may stop at the city nearest to Tana Toraja so I may do that? Manado is the Northern most section of Sulawesi but is renowned for wonderful diving and snorkeling. However, the Togean Islands are nearer where I’ll be so….decisions, decisions.
I’ll be dropping off the grid quite probably so next time I write, the mystery will be more clarified!
Found an amazing Mango Sago Icy tonight, wyw! Fresh mango mixed with some grape like fruit, icy and oh so refreshing after a day of snorkeling in the sun. I may have to go get another before heading pack and get some sleep!
Ciao…Larry