After breakfast that morning which we had in the morning nearby our hotel, the kids were eagerly waiting for the pick up from the Bali Seawalker.
We booked the tour through ‘Bali Activities’ before we came to Bali, as we found it is interesting activity and experience to try.
It was exactly the time which they promised to pick us around 8.30am in the morning.
Till then only I realised actually our hotel even though is at Denpasar but it is very near to Sanur, actually it is just across the main road of Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai to the other side.
The driver drove us to Sanur to Puri Santrian hotel where we were met by the hotel stuff and guided us down to the beach front for our activities.
There were another American couple too with us. We were waiting at the beach front. Soon it was our turn. It was a quick walk to the beach and the awaiting speedboat.
Whizzing across the calm blue ocean was refreshing. Our speedboat pulled up to a pontoon-style vehicle and several shirtless, friendly Balinese men with wide smiles welcomed us aboard.
Again, the instructor briefed us the safety measures and the the sign languages which we would be use underwater. Finally it was time to go in.
After a few attempts, the engine running the air pump sprang to life and both the American couples, very graciously offered to go first. Then, would be Daddy. He slowly and calmly climbed down the ladder into the cool, clear water and an astronaut styled helmet was placed on his head. He then proceeded to sink, rung by rung, to the very bottom of the ocean. All was quiet. After it was Issac turn. His was smooth as well.
Then it was my turn. I took a deep breath. I started to descend the ladder and, when only my neck and head poked above the water, the very heavy helmet was placed over my head and onto my shoulders. The substantial weight was enough of a push to glide down the steps, almost in slow motion, the rest of the way.
I moved slowly as the pressure in my ears built up the lower I went. I was almost giving up as I cannot stand the pain inside my ears. The instructor showed me the sign to blow off the pressure through the ears by not breathing using the nose. It took me twice and finally I felt a bit better and can continue on.
At that point of time, I was thinking of Annabelle which she was just beside me at the other side of the ladder. I was afraid that she cannot make it as I am adult, and it was quite tough for me already. In my heart, I was hoping that she was doing alright and fine.
And, true enough this was too tough for her, and she went up and stay on the boat. Once I felt I had sufficient equilibrium I floated all the way down to the floor. Blinking to adjust my eyes to the ambient slivers of light wafting down from the surface above, I carefully surveyed the underwater landscape.
Our first walk along the ocean floor involved 5 of us remain holding a bar consisting of 6 connected rings, and our 2 guides directed us slowly around the coral. I was thinking that if it would be great if Annabelle was able to be together with us down here.
It was amazing, we were closely supervised every step of the way and encouraged to interact with the sea life including hand feeding the fish by hand and holding a star fish. Unfortunately the area, which is obviously a tourist freeway, did not hold as much colourful corals but there were plenty of tropical fish.
The guides handed us plastic water bottles filled with fish food that could be squirted out in bursts to attract the fish. It important to note you cannot bring bread or your own food with you. The fish food only costs a couple dollars extra, but well worth it.
It was quite extraordinary being under the water, walking around and breathing normally. The helmet works in the same way as if you submerge an upside down glass into water. The air stays trapped inside and then through a tube in the top it is constantly topped off via the air pump on the surface.
It was amazing, you forget your even underwater because your so engrossed in the surroundings. We had photos taken but we only purchased the video at the end of the day as we did not have our own underwater camera to capture anything. And, the individual photos taken is quite expensive for us. Thus, we opted for the video.
After a while, our instructor asked, using hand gestures, as it was time to return to the boat.
I cautiously climbed the ladder and as soon as I broke the surface strong steady hands lifted my helmet and helped me on board.
I immediately see Annabelle sitting there and waiting for us to come up. I was relieved as she was doing ok even she did not manage to go down the underwater.
I turned to watch my two big and little man climb out and we smiled at each other. Wow. What an experience we had!
It was a surreal journey back to the mainland and as the wind whipped through my hair I grinned lazily at the water passing by.
And, there were another group of people waiting to board our boat and start their seawalker tour.
We showered and changed and were seated for our lunch which was included in the price.
The food was very nice and the view from our table was just beautiful.
We were having burger with French fries for Issac, Bolognese spaghetti for Annabelle, club sandwich for myself and as for Daddy was Nasi Goreng as usual.
Drinks were extra and a bit expensive thus we did not order the drinks as we brought our own mineral water.
After lunch we were greeted by a staff member who escorted us back through the resort to our driver who returned us to our hotel.
But we asked the driver to drop us at the Starbucks Coffee Sanur as we would like to stroll down the streets and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon.
We left Puri Santrian around 1.00pm. Amazing day for everything for our family. Well worth it in our eyes. The Seawalker Tour was my favourite part of the day.
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