Hi everybody! Всем привет! Hola a todos! Bonjour à tous! Hallo allerseits! Поздрав свима!
Our little Suzuki hummed along the winding coastal road, the engine’s steady rhythm blending with the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocky shores. The journey to Tulamben was as much about the drive as the destination itself. The road stretched out like a ribbon, hugging the ocean on one side and lush green hills on the other. At every turn, we were treated to breathtaking views: fishing boats bobbing gently in the water, villagers going about their day, and the endless expanse of the Bali Sea shimmering under the late afternoon sun.
As evening approached, we finally arrived in Tulamben, a small village best known for its world-class diving. The streets were quiet, almost sleepy, as we pulled into the driveway of Ocean Villa, the cozy little hotel we’d chosen as our base. But before we could settle in, we had to meet Steve, the owner of the dive club we’d booked for the next day.
Steve greeted us at the door of his shop, his appearance unmistakable: a stout figure with a slight paunch, neatly combed gray hair, and a face that bore the stories of many years spent near the ocean. But his expression left no room for doubt—he was not happy to see us. It quickly became clear that we had arrived without a prior booking, and it seemed we had interrupted his evening, perhaps even waking him up. His curt and gruff tone did little to hide his annoyance.
For a moment, we felt awkward and unwelcome, unsure if he’d even agree to help us. But as the conversation went on, Steve’s demeanor softened—just slightly. Beneath the frustration, there was a man who clearly knew his craft. He answered our questions with precision, and by the end of the conversation, we felt reassured that tomorrow’s dive was in the hands of someone who cared deeply about the sea, even if he didn’t seem thrilled about us.
Check-in at Ocean Villa was a welcome relief after that encounter. The staff greeted us warmly, offering cool towels and a sense of calm. Our room was charming, with simple yet elegant decor, and the view—oh, the view! From the window, we could see the ocean stretching out to the horizon, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. It was the kind of scene you’d expect to see on a postcard, only better because it was real.
Dinner that night was served on the villa’s veranda, a perfect spot to soak in the balmy evening air. The kitchen at Ocean Villa was a revelation. Fresh, flavorful dishes—grilled fish, fragrant curries, and tangy tropical salads—were paired with excellent wine and the soothing strains of live acoustic music. We lingered over our meal, watching as the sky turned from gold to deep orange and finally a dusky purple.
As the night wore on, the quiet of Tulamben wrapped around us like a comforting blanket. From our room, we could hear the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional call of a gecko. Tomorrow, we’d don our gear and explore the underwater wonders that had brought us here in the first place. But for now, we were content to simply be—to savor the moment, the place, and the promise of adventure to come.
