Year 2 – 26 September 2025 Guest Blog - Benoa Marina

Today, the crew took their usual early-morning dip in the plunge pool to cool off.

After finishing the inventory, defrosting the fridges, and a valiant attempt at doing some corking, they took off to the turtle sanctuary. It's rather off the beaten track, near the small ports, and it looks rather run-down. But inside they are doing an amazing job, saving many turtles with the intention of taking them back to the sea once they have recovered. Most have been injured by getting caught in fishing nets, often losing a limb; others have swallowed plastic bags, probably mistaking them for jellyfish. One large turtle is a waiting for a court case to be resolved: a victim of illegal poaching. We were told the man who is charged is likely to get a hefty fine, plus five years in jail. Thankfully, illegal poaching is taken very seriously in Bali.

We also saw 3-day old babies and nests that had been collected from various beaches around. A guide took his time to answer all our questions, and their was no charge, but donations are gratefully received. 

The beach was the next stop, via a kite flying competition, This is a national sport here during the windy months, finishing around now. Home-made kites made of thin plastic and beautifully decorated are flown high in the air, some emitting humming noises.

Bali is full of little surprises.

 The picture is of one of the kites.