Decided to wing it and get a âgrabâ taxi service over from Sanur and look for a dive shop. We were totally ambushed by what my friends and I are calling the mafia⊠I found a reputable dive place eventually when I seen the SSI flag hanging up (water worxx dive centre), (120 0000 rupee, or approx 120$aud for 2 dives and ALL dive gear hire). mafia scared away our âgrabâ driver and we had to pay double to get back with a driver who of course needed a tip plus the price we had agreed on. A bit scary. Wished I had of paid a driver and did more research, was just lucky that guy had that flag hanging. Definitely not for the faint hearted. Lovely scenery, amazing clear water. Had a better experience going to nusa pedina (from a different port) which has similar (absolutely amazing) views- no scalpers. I didnât scuba there so...
   Read moreWe took a boat snorkeling from here to Blue Lagoon and Amuk Bay. You probably donât need a boat as you could probably access from Blue Lagoon beach or Amuk Bay but still was good to have snorkeling equipment and guide. There is lovely hard and soft coral and an abundance of fish (five stars). We booked everything through a trusted local contact who drove us and arranged snorkeling etc. This meant we didnt have to deal with any local mafia etc which made the experience more relaxing for us. Unfortunately as others have noted there is also an abundance of plastic rubbish some of which we collected while snorkeling but it is somewhat depressing when you see the mountains of plastic rubbish on the beach (one star). Why do humans destroy the...
   Read moreWatch out for the local taxi mafia!
Very difficult to get a Gojek or Grab out the Padang Bai harbor!
We walked 2.5 km to the big public road and they followed us all the way, which was very distressing and invasive. It made us feel harassed and uneasy. We finally got a Gojek and the local taxi mafia guy tried to intimidate our driver, but let it go when our Gojek driver said he will call the police.
Our gojek driver was very friendly and helpful, but it was really difficult to get one because of the taxi mafia (even 2.5 km out the harbor). The mafia members also confirm your Gojek / Grab bookings but don't come (to make it more difficult to get one)
Horrible...
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