Today was a free day and whilst most opted for a snorkelling and beach trip we chose a visit to a water palace built in the 1940's by the last local king. It was really beautiful and perfectly maintained. We had arrived early so there were hardly any tourists but when we had finished our coffees in the hotel overlooking the gardens it was very busy.
Our driver then took us to the white sands beach,a 500 yard strand in a little cove accessed by boat only until very recently as a dirt road is in the process of being hewn from the valley down to it . Our taxi was the only vehicle parked up. He ushered us to his friend's beach restaurant so we were denied the chance to be jumped on by every other restaurant on the beach. To describe the beach as idyllic would be an understatement. The water was perfect,our beach loungers were shaded,the beer was ice cold and the seafood excellent,all for £20. Upon our return to the hotel we sat by the pool and enjoyed the late afternoon sun before it was time to meet our new travelling companions for our trip to the next island Lombok. Our evening meal was our last with some of our new friends,the big bottle of beers ran out as we watched some more balinese dancing.