'Whoosh'
The drops of fresh hot water on my skin, felt like silk. It felt grand to be able to have hot water showers. After more than 2 weeks of just cold showers combined with salt water, this just felt dreamy.
We took the slow ferry (anywhere between 4-5 hours) to Bali (port of call: Padang Bai) from Lombok. The journey was long, almost a whole day in fact. Up at 8am, our transport picked us up from Kuta (Lombok) and dropped us off at the ferry terminal for the 12pm boat. Delays are nothing new and being delayed an hour didn’t hurt.
The drops of fresh hot water on my skin, felt like silk. It felt grand to be able to have hot water showers. After more than 2 weeks of just cold showers combined with salt water, this just felt dreamy.
We took the slow ferry (anywhere between 4-5 hours) to Bali (port of call: Padang Bai) from Lombok. The journey was long, almost a whole day in fact. Up at 8am, our transport picked us up from Kuta (Lombok) and dropped us off at the ferry terminal for the 12pm boat. Delays are nothing new and being delayed an hour didn’t hurt.
Mt. Agung of Bali is a welcoming sight as the ferry makes it was to Padang Bai.
The ferry itself was comfortable, best to make sure to load up on snacks and also have a meal before hand, as all you get on board is instant noodles at an expensive price plus people coming around selling nasi bungkus (rice with some fish or chicken, accompanied by vegetables and rice). I'm not sure how fresh they are but it's all you get, plus you ride with cockroaches along this journey. As much as I hate them, they were little so I managed to ignore them, not squeal, and get some snooze time on the boat. We could have flown in as it is quicker than taking this boat or the fast boat (no point taking a fast boat as flying is almost the same price and fast) but on a backpacker’s budget, this was pretty sound.
We got to Padang Bai in Bali at 5:30pm, just before sunset. It was a sardine can in the 'shuttle bus' to Kuta-Bali, which took almost 2 hours with the mad traffic. We got into Kuta just as the rain was dying down. The first place we saw was Tune Hotel, run by the AirAsia group. A room for two at Rp.245,000 with fan and hot water shower. It's located close to Jalan Legian and pretty much in the main part of Kuta town. For one night it was great and it was really comfortable too. If you would require Internet or anything additional, there is a fee.
We got to Padang Bai in Bali at 5:30pm, just before sunset. It was a sardine can in the 'shuttle bus' to Kuta-Bali, which took almost 2 hours with the mad traffic. We got into Kuta just as the rain was dying down. The first place we saw was Tune Hotel, run by the AirAsia group. A room for two at Rp.245,000 with fan and hot water shower. It's located close to Jalan Legian and pretty much in the main part of Kuta town. For one night it was great and it was really comfortable too. If you would require Internet or anything additional, there is a fee.
Good morning Bali! The only time you find Jalan Legian to be this quiet.
As I got out of the shower, prepped for bed, the electricity in the room I was sharing with Hanka (an Estonian I met in Lombok) went off. Great! I started to wonder if any of my electronics charging set it off? Just past midnight, in my pyjamas I headed to the front desk, explaining the situation. The front desk staff was really sweet, trying to help me out and next thing I know I had a huge cake in front of me. It was my birthday and the front desk staff took note of my birth date while booking us in. They were so sweet! I didn't expect this! While the boys snoozed away, both the night staff and Hanka celebrated my birthday with me. Had one of those never-burn-out-candles on the cake too! It was a good surprise, and to Tony Fernandez, well done to having such wonderful staff and service at the Tune Hotel in Kuta-Bali.
It was a little sad checking out of Tune hotel after last night’s antics but we moved on to a cheaper accommodation, and it had a pool! Warung Coco is located on Jalan Majapahit, just close to Jalan Legian. For Rp.330,000 for 3 of us. This place came with breakfast and air-conditioned rooms with hot showers. The location is a bit of a walk to get to the busy part of Kuta, but for the price it was a comfortable and decent stay.
It was a little sad checking out of Tune hotel after last night’s antics but we moved on to a cheaper accommodation, and it had a pool! Warung Coco is located on Jalan Majapahit, just close to Jalan Legian. For Rp.330,000 for 3 of us. This place came with breakfast and air-conditioned rooms with hot showers. The location is a bit of a walk to get to the busy part of Kuta, but for the price it was a comfortable and decent stay.
These two threw me a little birthday surprise! Talk about hospitality!!
I have been to Bali before so it wasn't all too new to me. The people of Bali are wonderful, helpful and genuinely honest about lending a helping hand. Bali is known as the island of peace, but the only peace you will get is most likely somewhere in remote Ubud or further up north, away from crazy-busy-tween-filled Kuta.
As we meet up with another friend in Kuta, we headed down to Legian Street for drinks. People watching is fun around here. What we noticed was that Kuta is filled by youngsters in their tweens bar and club hopping. It’s rather loud and busy on in Legian but for a more toned down scene, Seminyak is perfect. Seminyak has lots of shops, perfect for shopaholics. Jalan Legian takes you straight into Seminyak and the street is packed with stores of all sorts.
As we meet up with another friend in Kuta, we headed down to Legian Street for drinks. People watching is fun around here. What we noticed was that Kuta is filled by youngsters in their tweens bar and club hopping. It’s rather loud and busy on in Legian but for a more toned down scene, Seminyak is perfect. Seminyak has lots of shops, perfect for shopaholics. Jalan Legian takes you straight into Seminyak and the street is packed with stores of all sorts.
Monkey forest temple in Ubud.
Scooter or better known as Sepeda Motor to the locals, are the best way to get around the city and perhaps exploring out of the city. The traffic here is hectic and combined with narrow roads, you might as well get a scooter and whizz around. It's quick, easy and you get tanned as the same time. So remember to sunblock even on a cloudy day! The scooter cost about Rp.50,000 a day and petrol, which comes in Absolute Vodka bottles seen along streets, cost about Rp.7,000 - Rp.9,000 a litre.
Pura Dalem Agung (Holy Spring) at the monkey forest temple in Ubud.
I revisited Ubud with Fabien, as well the monkey forest temple. It is the same I would say but more tourist than before. It's beautiful, with huge over grown trees and the temple complex is stunning in its mystical demeanour. Mind you the monkeys here are really cheeky and fast. If you've got food on you, be prepared to be surrounded by monkeys, climbed on by them and surrender your food items.
Along the way in and out of the monkey forest temple, the streets are filled with cafés, and shops. The little old shop, at the corner of the street as you turn to the temple was still there. I remember this shop well as it was the only one that sold postcards back then (going back 3 years). As we drove down further on we arrived at the Arts Market, situated at the main junction. It’s big, filled with lots of stalls selling paintings, carvings, clothes and so on. Bargaining is an art, and if you’re good at it, you’re sure to get things at a good price over here.
Along the way in and out of the monkey forest temple, the streets are filled with cafés, and shops. The little old shop, at the corner of the street as you turn to the temple was still there. I remember this shop well as it was the only one that sold postcards back then (going back 3 years). As we drove down further on we arrived at the Arts Market, situated at the main junction. It’s big, filled with lots of stalls selling paintings, carvings, clothes and so on. Bargaining is an art, and if you’re good at it, you’re sure to get things at a good price over here.
Pura Batu Bolong at Tanah Lot.
Don’t get sucked into surfing on Kuta beach, especially if you are an intermediate surfer. Make your way down to Uluwatu, Blue’s Point. It’s a breath taking spot to sit, relax and surf. As you get to Uluwatu temple, turn right and follow the road along. You will see signs saying Blue’s Beach. It’s about Rp.3,000 to park a scooter. The step leads into a little village on the cliffs. There are accommodations here if you fancy living close to the surf spot. A steep descent to the beach, which is sadly a small spot of sand. But follow the steps up the rocks to your left as it takes you to a café, right on the edge of the cliff where you can watch people surf and take in views of the sea. It’s breath taking. The endless sea setting out to the horizon in front, to the sounds of crashing waves on the rocks on both sides of the cliffs…peaceful.
This beach is rocky and its not meant for swimming, rather an opening for surfers to get to the break. The waves crash in hard and it’s a rather tough swim out from the beach. But according to my surfer friend, it’s one of the best waves he’s gotten so far throughout our journey. There are lots of surfers out here, but I have to admit, it is much beautiful compared to Kuta beach and not many pedlars around too.
This beach is rocky and its not meant for swimming, rather an opening for surfers to get to the break. The waves crash in hard and it’s a rather tough swim out from the beach. But according to my surfer friend, it’s one of the best waves he’s gotten so far throughout our journey. There are lots of surfers out here, but I have to admit, it is much beautiful compared to Kuta beach and not many pedlars around too.
Blue's Point at Uluwatu is perfect for surfing.
Nusa Dua on the other hand, is known for its luxurious hotels. Mind you, before you get into Nusa Dua you have to go through security checks. Since we were beach hunting, Nusa Dua is said to have beautiful beaches. Sadly this was not the case. Suppose after going to Lombok and its islands, the beaches in Bali especially around the south, isn’t as good as we were hoping for.
Praying in the middle of the road! Talk about devotion.
Pura Tanah Lot is a temple situated on a rock to the West of the island. There is more than just one temple here in Tanah Lot and these shrines are built to worship the sea gods. Thanks to the influx of tourism expect to pay Rp.30,000 per person to get in. It’s a beautiful cluster of temples dotting around cliff edges and on rocks. I do believe it to be most beautiful during sunrise and sunset, as usual we got there just before midday and was welcomed by a large number of tourist.
A few local guys in traditional outfit carrying huge shoulder bags caught my attention. They go around taking pictures of tourist, and believe it or not, the pictures are printed out there and then and sold to them. Basically that huge bag has a printer in it! Talk about capitalism.
Apart form visiting temples and checking out the main town, one can always catch the Kecak dance or a traditional Balinese dance. Its both beautiful in nature but capitalism has a way of ruining it every so slightly.
A few local guys in traditional outfit carrying huge shoulder bags caught my attention. They go around taking pictures of tourist, and believe it or not, the pictures are printed out there and then and sold to them. Basically that huge bag has a printer in it! Talk about capitalism.
Apart form visiting temples and checking out the main town, one can always catch the Kecak dance or a traditional Balinese dance. Its both beautiful in nature but capitalism has a way of ruining it every so slightly.
Whizzing around Bali!
As my journey comes to an end here in Bali, I wish I stayed longer as there is more to see and do. I am impressed with the new Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali as it has taken on a new architecture as to the one I landed in 3 years ago. Beautiful modern facilities tied in with its rich cultural tradition. It is truly a beautiful piece of construction.
Balinese culture is beautiful, take time to understand it. People here are ever so devoted; I’ve seen a family praying in the middle of the ‘round-about’ where a little shrine, in the mid of morning traffic. Almost every place you walk into, you will notice little offerings of fresh flowers placed at the front door or by the side.
For those looking for comforts of home, a bit of luxury and fun, Bali is the place to be. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation and the island caters to ever class of holidaymakers. Tourism has taken over and much of the true untouched beauty of this island is slowing fading. But for a week of fun, culture and sun Bali has it all! If you haven’t been, for once in your life you have to make the trip.
Next up: Land of Smiles
Balinese culture is beautiful, take time to understand it. People here are ever so devoted; I’ve seen a family praying in the middle of the ‘round-about’ where a little shrine, in the mid of morning traffic. Almost every place you walk into, you will notice little offerings of fresh flowers placed at the front door or by the side.
For those looking for comforts of home, a bit of luxury and fun, Bali is the place to be. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation and the island caters to ever class of holidaymakers. Tourism has taken over and much of the true untouched beauty of this island is slowing fading. But for a week of fun, culture and sun Bali has it all! If you haven’t been, for once in your life you have to make the trip.
Next up: Land of Smiles
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