Day 2: Snorkeling and Big Lizards

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Today we decided to try out one of the nearby islands.  The islands have some coral reefs for diving or snorkeling and white sandy beaches.  We just wanted someplace with no jelly fish and I am happy to report that we did not see or feel a single jellyfish.  We went to Sapi Island which is a part of Tunkul Abdul Rahman Park and about a 10 minute ride from our hotel.  Sapi is very small but ended up being a good choice.  The big surprise was the presence of huge monitor lizards.  They enjoy the BBQ's that are done every day for lunch and there were probably over a dozen trying to get close enough to steal some scraps.  Some of the lizards are over 6 feet long and we were about 15-20 feet away from them, taking pictures.  Kinda scary when they start ambling your way.

Next to the lizards, snorkeling was the next best thing.  Despite being stung the day before, Justin shook off any fear and went back into the sea.  All three kids did great and successfully made it from the shore out to the reef, which was about 200 ft. away.  Of course the new camera we bought did not get charged up the night before so we only got a few shots before the battery died and did not get any on the big part of the reef.  Hopefully, we will get some good shots on Thursday when we plan to go back.   The colors of the reef were fairly muted at this location but the sea life was very active and colorful.  The highlight was a couple of clown fish that would swim out from the sea anemone towards your hand when you dove down close enough.  We got some fish food and let Tanner and Justin feed the fish out over the reef while we were snorkeling.  We were quickly swarmed by about 50-100 fish, so many that you could not see anything but fish through your mask.  It was weird as they were trying to take the food, nibbling your fingers.  Justin was a little overwhelmed,  but got a kick out of the experience.  Amanda did great in the open water and all three did well adjusting to the salt water.  They are eager to go try some other locations.  Here are some shots on the way out to the reef before the battery died:

Another great sunset occurred and this time we got some shots from our room, here is one: