Watching Turtles and Snorkeling at Derawan
Arrived early, just me and my partner. Sea calm. White sand glowing in the morning sun. Coffee brewing. Rolled cigarette ready. Pure presence.
Snorkeling with the Reef
Water warm. Coral alive with colors. Fish darting in patterns I can’t name. Breathing slow. Feeling tiny. We drifted over coral gardens. No rush. No crowd. Only the current guiding us. Every glance underwater felt like discovering a secret world.
Surfacing, we laughed quietly. Shared a puff of smoke while floating on our backs. The morning sun painted the water gold. It was a gentle reminder: this is why we travel slowly.
Night Walks and Turtle Sightings
After snorkeling, night falls fast. Beach dark but safe. A turtle comes ashore. Lays eggs. We watch quietly. No flash. No sound. Only respect. My partner whispers, “This is why we come.” I nod, rolling a cigarette while sitting on the sand.
Firelight from small lanterns flickers. Wind salty and soft. Every step, every breath, every moment felt sacred.
Moments with the Locals
A local fisherman joins us. Talks about turtles, tides, and keeping the beach peaceful. He laughs at my cigarette, asks for a puff. I laugh back. We share coffee brewed over the tiniest stove I’ve ever seen. Simple, honest, quiet moments — lessons in presence.
Reflections on Silence
Silence here is not emptiness. It’s alive. Every wave, every turtle, every laugh carries it. Some places demand patience. Some places reward awareness. Derawan doesn’t shout. It whispers. It invites those who want to slow down, breathe, and see life in small, sacred moments.
Take your time. Notice the colors of the water. Watch shadows on sand. Breathe deeply. Roll your small smoke. And just be.