On our last full day in Seminyak (Tuesday), we took a day trip to Nusa Lembongan (Lembongan Island). I had been planning to bring Kenric there snorkeling for an early celebration of his final and complete break from the company that employed him. Today, March 31, 2018 is that day. Last week, when I finally had to accept that I just couldn’t swim with confidence in the ocean, I decided I would stay on the boat while Kenric snorkels.

Not wanting to completely miss out on the experience, I scheduled the seawalking tour, which turned out to be an epic alternative. The snorkeling guide quoted us 800,000 Rupiah (USD $58.11) for a three-hour session during which Kenric would snorkel and I would stay on the boat. Since we wanted an early start, he suggested we take the 8:30 am fast boat (Glory Fast Boat) to the island.

I Wouldn’t Need Flippers

When we arrived at Lembongan, the guide, Made (Ma-day) was waiting along with many other guides. He brought us to his boat and we started sailing away. Once we stopped at the first spot, Made gave us each a snorkeling mask. I reminded him that I will just wait on the boat because I can’t swim. He gave me a life jacket and said since I can’t swim, I wouldn’t need the flippers. I said I didn’t need any of those things because I’m not going into the water. They both assured me that there’s nothing to be afraid of because I’ll have a life jacket, and there’s the outrigger (a wooden bar) I could hang on to. Besides, all I had to do was look into the water and I would see the fish. They taught me how to breathe using the tube, and into the water we went. Whoa! So many beautiful fishies! After about 30 seconds, I said I’m good and got back onto the boat and told them to go explore.

Don’t Panic

Made led Kenric further away to show him a popular spot. I saw him distributing some food which attracted even more fish. Kenric gave me a big smile. Seeing that Kenric was fine on his own, Made came back onboard. He asked if I wanted to get back into the water. I said I was fine, and he went to check his phone. After a few minutes, Made said, “Come Caren, I take you to see beautiful coral over there.” I honestly would have been happy to just stay on the boat, but seeing how sincere Made was changed my mind. He could have just sat there and checked his phone, but instead he went above and beyond. So, I put on the life jacket and got into the water even though the irrational fear was creeping up. Made kept repeating, “Don’t panic. Don’t worry because you have a life jacket on.”

Kenric was very surprised to see me in the water and swam over to meet us. Each of them holding one of my hands they dragged me to where Kenric had been. All I had to do was concentrate on breathing. I was sure whatever kicking I was doing was not “swimming”, but not wanting to be a freeloader, I moved them anyway. Looking back, I should have stayed still because dragging a dead body is definitely easier than dragging a kicking victim. I must have looked like I was trying to kick an invisible shark to death.

Panic!

But what I saw with my eyes was magical. The colorful fish and coral were amazing. I was dragged around for about ten minutes and it was underwater heaven. All of a sudden, panic set in and I lost my breathing rhythm. I asked to return to the boat. On the boat, I thanked Made profusely and told him it was an experience I would never forget. He said, “You’re welcome.”

We stayed there for a total of about 45 minutes before moving to our second location. I was sending pictures to Kenric’s family, and telling them I might go again when I’ve gathered enough courage. His Dad responded, “Jump!!!” I went back in and the gentlemen dragged me around for about 20 minutes. I had to keep reminding myself that what I was seeing was real because the coral here was even more amazing.

Swimming With Manta Rays

We braved the rough seas to the third spot, famous for manta rays. There were only two around. Made said there would be a lot more very early in the morning. They were really friendly, and swam with Kenric and the other four snorkelers that were there. Kenric chased one around for quite some time. We’d already used up all three hours when Made asked if we were ready to return. I am so thankful for this man’s kindness and for the experience. The tip we included can never convey my gratitude.

Try New Things

I congratulate Kenric on this new chapter of his life. It’s been years in the making. I implore all of you to go for what you want for your life. Everyone deserves happiness. If you celebrate Easter, think of this as a time for rebirth. If you don’t, think of April 1st as a new quarter. Try new things, revisit an old hobby, accept help, help others. Encourage the timid, stand up for the oppressed, call out the hypocrites.

Map of Places Visited