Tag 185 - Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Oslob and another flat tire

Hello everyone

Today our alarm went off at 4 a.m.! Yesterday evening we booked a snorkeling tour for today, which started early in the morning.

At 5 a.m. we were picked up at our hotel with a three-wheeled motorcycle, which you can see here quite often.

The ride took about 20 minutes, then we reached the whale shark station.

It's insane how many people were gathered here!

First, we had to sign a form stating that we don't have any symptoms that could indicate the coronavirus and that we haven't been to China recently.

Then we stood in a verrrrry long waiting line.

We got a number and when it was called, we were allowed on the boat. But we didn't have to go far out... The whale sharks are being fed here and swim very close to the shore. As soon as we were on the water, we soon saw one and were allowed to get in the water. It was really great to see these giant sea creatures up close! But as nice as it was with the animals, we probably wouldn't book the tour again.

There were so many people in the water... Some were screaming, waving their arms and legs wildly, and it definitely didn't seem like the right way to treat them... If we go on such a tour again, it would be with a boat that goes out and searches for the animals - without feeding them for mass tourism...

At 7:30 a.m. we were already on our way back. There was a misunderstanding with our driver... We thought the pick-up from the hotel was included in the price, but he also wanted to be paid separately. Since we didn't feel like having a big discussion, we paid and went to the room to shower. Then we had breakfast and still had plenty of time until check-out at 12 p.m. We lay down for a while and took a brief look at the pictures.

Then we continued on the scooter.

Originally, a 1.5-hour drive was planned, but 15 minutes before our destination, we had another flat tire...

We drove for about two more kilometers until we found a motorcycle dealer. At first, he said he couldn't help us because he only sells bikes. But when we asked him desperately for a workshop, he still called his brother - who could help. The four of them worked on our scooter until the wheel was gone. Then they drove to a nearby workshop with it. Since the tire had to be paid for immediately, Kevin went with them (the three of them set off on one scooter).

In the meantime, I waited in front of the shop and watched the hustle and bustle on the street.

In the end, we got a new tube and a new tire for a total of CHF 20.-. Then we could continue with a one-hour delay.

When we reached the hotel we had chosen, we were anything but thrilled... Only cold water, no flushing toilet, no toilet seat, and no WiFi - but it should still cost CHF 30.-. That was too expensive for what was offered...

So we continued to search... After another hour of wandering around, we actually found something! No idea where the other hotels were hiding along the way... Now we're only paying CHF 25.- and are really happy!

Since we were on the verge of starving, we immediately set off to a restaurant. This one had fully embraced Valentine's Day... But it was sweet and the food was delicious.

On the way back, we stopped to buy some drinks and snacks for the evening, and now we're sitting outside. We're exhausted from today... It definitely won't be a late night :).

So, you'll hear from us again tomorrow ;)