Today we longed for mantas all day. Even though today was our second day off, we were still thinking about manta rays. Though we did try to recharge to ensure we can remain productive for the rest of the internship.

This morning we started with passion, and began to review all the photos and files that we’ve collected during research dives over the past few weeks. Today we’d set ourselves the goal of making sure all our data is organized. We tidied up some photos, backed up our dive logs, and sorted the photos and videos that could be used for communication materials so that we can inform and educate others.

Keeping our data organized is very important, to ensure we can analyze and use the data effectively. It allows us to understand and inform the manta population condition. From now on we must keep our data organized every day!

In the afternoon we went with the mentors to The Lounge Restaurant, to see the beautiful panoramic of the ocean from the rooftop Sky Bar. The sunset was so beautiful, and made us feel even more privileged and proud to be visiting Labuan Bajo.

In the evening we were invited to attend a small party hosted by our landlady Umi. In Labuan Bajo it is a tradition that the day before Eid Al-Adha families worship and read the Quran together. And afterwards, they eat together. We detected fantastic smells coming from the kitchen: rendang, opor, fied noodles, kabutu and ketan lontong. Yum! Genuine food from Labuan Bajo served for us, and we loved it. It felt like a wonderful family moment, our new MantaWatch family invited to be part of Umi’s family celebrations!

Life is so beautiful in Labuan Bajo. I’m Proud to be an Indonesian who cares about our planet and people. Go Mantawatch!!!

Ocean view from The Lounge