Nalova Bay

Back to Nacula Island. After a great few days at the Octopus Resort with some interesting company, I was heading back to Nacula Island - not to stay at the Blue Lagoon Resort as last time, but at Oarsman's Bay. It is located literally right next to the Blue Lagoon Resort and as soon as I had checked in to Oarsman's, I headed to Blue Lagoon to say hello to some of the staff I had met there during my stay a week prior.

Last time I was on the island, the weather was mediocre, this time, however, I had sunny skies and I understood why it is called the blue lagoon. We could see that from the ferry already. The colour truly was insanely turquoise and I was ready to jump in pretty much immediately. So I checked in, drank a coconut, got the snorkel and went off to see some fish.

The next day, all guests received a little surprise. As there was some construction going on at the resort, management offered to spend the day at their private island (Yaromo Island) instead. It is a mere 15 minute boat ride from the resort and if I ever say 'no' to a complimentary day on a private island, please shoot me.

First up in the morning was a trip to a nearby interesting cave, though. After a windy and rocky 20 minute boat ride, my group climbed up a few steps and then jumped into the water within the cave. Sunlight was shining through its roof that gave it a somewhat mysterious atmosphere. What was more, the cave had another chamber. However, to get to the second chamber, we had to duck dive beneath a rock for a few seconds. In other words, you have to hold your breath and follow the light of the torch on the other side as the second chamber is pitch black. It was a bit scary, but definitely worth it. The echo in the other chamber was quite something. We didn't stay too long there, though, so we dived back, did a bit of rock climbing and jumping in the first chamber and then exited the cave. It was a nice experience and definitely something different to all the other water-based activities in the ocean.

Following that little adventure, we were now heading to the private island. And given the blueness of the water and the sunny day, it was a perfect spot - apparently it is often used by guys in a relationship to propose to their significant other and the island has extra platforms and spots for such occasions. Quite romantic. It really was a beautiful spot and Julia (a girl from Germany I met in the dorm) and I decided to take the opportunity to snap some photos and otherwise just lounge around on the beach, go snorkeling again, eat lunch and just soak in the paradises atmosphere. It was such a great day in an otherwordly location.

On my last full day on the island, I went snorkeling again (dah) and then did another super cool and very pacific-island-vibe activity - coconut bowling. It is what you think it is. Bowling with a full coconut. The aim is to hit a single big rock or bowl in a way so that your coconut is in a specific corridor that gets you the most points. It was quite fun and, taadaa, I won. Whoop! A simply amazing activity.

Unfortunately, I could not really celebrate my glorious victory, as shortly after, for some reason I had mild food poisoning. This meant for the rest of the evening, I mostly stayed in bed. Luckily, it was all gone the next day and I was back on track.

To review Oarsman's Bay: I liked the place. Together with the Blue Lagoon Resort, it has probably the best location in terms of colour of the water in front of its beach and a complimentary stay on its private island was definitely the cherry on the top. The cave was also a cool little adventure. That said, it was not the best resort (food was average, people were okayish, no diving options) and I preferred the nearby Blue Lagoon, but regardless, I had a good stay there and will look back at it with great memories - especially about the private island.Read more