Around the World

23 February 2013 | Similan Islands Thailand
21 February 2013 | Bay of Bengal
15 February 2013 | Cinque Islands
15 February 2013 | Henry Lawrence Island
12 February 2013 | North Button Island
10 February 2013 | Henry Lawrence Island
09 February 2013 | Havelock Island
06 February 2013 | Neil Island
04 February 2013 | Rutland Island
01 February 2013 | Andaman Sea
30 January 2013 | Port Blair
26 January 2013 | Andaman Sea
26 January 2013 | Andaman Sea
03 December 2012 | Burma
02 December 2012
08 November 2012
08 November 2012 | Thailand
08 November 2012
10 June 2012 | Rebak Marina Langkawi
06 February 2012 | Malaysia

Monkeys in paradise

30 August 2011 | Gili Bodo
michael and jackie
We have been in 'paradise' for two days now. An uninhabited island in the Komodo isles surrounded by acres of pristine reefs, plus water flat as a millpond and only a light breeze. We just jump off the boat and the best snorkelling ever is all around us at just the right depth. There is a tremendous variety of hard and soft corals of all shapes and colours and a similarly great variety of colourful fish. The anchorage is also brilliant for the kayaks as there is no swell, no strong wind and numerous white sand beaches to explore.

When I say the island is uninhabited, it does have a population of monkeys. It is magic to watch the monkeys come out onto the beach just before sunset and first thing in the morning. They obviously feed on something along the water line, possibly shellfish. Some of the larger monkeys stand up on their hind legs and wade in the water up to their chests.

On our first day here, Michael dropped his crab pot over in the corner by some mangroves and at low tide that evening the monkeys went over to investigate it - obviously something new in their territory. He claims the monkeys have stolen the crabs - anyway no crabs so far.

We went ashore to explore, but in contrast to the white sand of the beaches, the island is sharp black volcanic rocks, not easy to walk on. We did, however, find a temple/shrine on top of a small hill. It has two sets of walls, a high outer rectangular wall, with steps leading up to a gate and a tiled floor. Inside this outer tiled area is a small rectangular pit, surrounded by low walls. The pit has an uneven rocky floor and several dishes where offerings are presumably made. A pristine red mat at the top of the steps and the recent clearance of vegetation around the shrine indicate that it is in use. Maybe a shrine to the monkey god?
Comments
Vessel Name: Lady Kay
Vessel Make/Model: Lagoon 380
Hailing Port: Falmouth
Crew: Michael & Jackie Chapman
Lady Kay's Photos - Main
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