On our first day we were treated to something rather special, the annual releasing of turtles from the breeding centre.  For various reasons but mostly hunting, the turtle population has diminished to worrying levels so a breeding centre was started in recent years. 

This was a very big deal for the island and hundreds turned up for the occasion.  As tourists Zoe, Sam and I were given the opportunity to release three, Sam declined in case she dropped one in front of the crowd and the Indonesian television network filming the occasion, very funny.  Although she did get to hold one.

I managed to follow a few and take some photos as they swam against the current for the first time in the wild, truly amazing.  Out of the 200 hundred released throughout the day, only two are expected to survive to adulthood.

Following the release we were treated to a meal and drinks with local dignitaries including the mayor and the head of island security (somewhat like the mafia). Yet another great experience.