Yamdena Island

This morning we explored Yamdena Island, landing at the port in the main village of Saumlaki and then travelling 45 minutes by local bus to the small seaside village of Tumbur. The island has about population of about 120,000 and the village about 1500

We were treated to a colourful sunrise over the island as seen from our cabin porthole

After breakfast it was in to the Xplorers for the transfer to the port

It was quite a colourful and busy port

We luckily scored a pretty basic but a/c bus

We exited town via the busy fish marketing area…

…while being kept well informed by our local guide Cornelius

There was a welcoming ceremony at the village..

…Julie getting the friendship dab of oil on her forehead…

…and the local ladies dancing and singing for us

A fascinating colour scheme on this typical village house

It was a catholic village so plenty of churches of course. This a “corner local” for a quick drop in..

…this one a bit more substantial

After a very hot and sweaty walk around the village a cool coconut drink was very welcome. We didn’t have any trouble by-passing the local crafts

The school kids endlessly fascinated

We then steamed north and pre-dinner we had a premium wine tasting with matching canapés - very informative and good fun

After dinner it was back to our cabins to make our preparations for our first snorkelling outing in the morning at Pulau Nurseen