Pacific Jewel - Friday 2 September, Conflict Island PNG

These islands are privately owned by an Aussie - Ian Gowie Smith (I think) He bought them many years ago, sight unseen, in the hope of being able to preserve them and ensure the waters around are kept as pristine as possible. It seems to be working. The island we visited was what I think of as a 'tropical island'. It was stunning. So idillic. (sp)

Another tender port. It didn't take us too long to get onto a tender but unfortunately, for mum especially, we bobbed about in the water for over 20 minutes before being able to dock. As the journey from the ship to the dock wasn't far it meant that we had to wait while the tenders in front of us unloaded all of their passengers before we could do the same. Even though the ship doesn't move a little bitty tender feels the waves. After awhile mum must have been looking a bit green as one of the passengers went and got her a hard hat (that the workers wear) to throw up in, ha ha. Thankfully she didn't need it but she was a bit wobbly when we finally did get off so no time for a photo - it would have been a cracker though!

After mum had a sit down on none moving land and a drink of cold water we headed for the beach. The island reminded me of Mystery Island just bigger. It's probably as long as Mystery but quite a bit wider. It takes about 1 1/2 - 2hrs to walk around, Mystery was about 45 mins.

We found a gorgeous spot to sit and takes some photos (unfortunately my sd card failed from 1/9 so I haven't got any photos, so disappointed but it just means I'll have to go back!). Mum and I went for a swim. The water was a bit colder than what I had thought it would be but still lovely. We bobbed about for 40 minutes or so. After that we walked over to the other side of the island where all the activities and crowds were. You could hire canoes and stand up paddle boards or do a glass bottom boat tour - I would love do have done this but it was a bit expensive. We were told we maybe able to book one on the island as long as all the tours were done first. Going by the lineup to book tours etc I don't think we would have had much chance. I think if I came back here I might budget in for the glass bottom boat. From all reports the sea life was amazing. Again we didn't have snorkel gear so we would definitely bring it next time!

The water colour was incredible!

Mum and I decided to walk around the island, dad declined, and headed off towards the airport. It was a pretty easy walk as the path way was quite compacted and easy to walk on. There were a couple of places with water available and so many photo worthy views.

Apparently you can higher the whole island for $50,000 a week for up to 20 people. The dude doing the talk thought this was great value. Cheaper to visit it by cruise ship.

We met up with dad who was heading back to the ship, mum and I went back to our first swim spot and bobbed around in the water again.

We were relaxing on the beach enjoying the serenity when mum looks at the time and says we better head back as it was almost 3pm and last tender was 4pm. I was surprised how fast the time had gone and a bit disappointed to have to leave. Just as we're getting onto the tender mum realises the time on her camera was an hour fast so it was actually on 2pm, no need to rush back. Too late then, we were on the tender. oh well.

We walked along the beautiful beach back to the tender

I loved this island just for the cleanest of it and the relaxation factor and would happily visit it again.

Time for our last sailaway before we make our way back to Sydney.