$290 Sydney to Kuala Lumpur, return and $90 Kuala Lumpur to Bali return, with 20 kilo check luggage on the return flight only. I was excited to return to Indonesia, but my excitement soon turned to disaster. I had become very ill and my holiday plans had flown out the window until a week before my departure date, when I had realised I could make this trip. Both panic and excitement hit me as I started to research my holiday and being pressed for time it was a struggle. I had broken all my own rules and not prepared anything!
I had added a few extra tools to the tool box on researching
KL, Bali and Java by searching social networks like Facebook (its great having
a few Indonesian friends), Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram, which hold a
wealth of knowledge and don't be afraid to ask questions.
I quickly booked the Hotel Chinatown Inn in Kuala Lumpur it’s
clean cheap and in a very handy location. My next move was to book the Kusnadi
Hotel in Legian Bali for my first night, a great clean quiet hotel with
beautiful gardens and pool. And of course my travel insurance, I wouldn’t
travel without it. Always read the product disclosure statement (PDS) and make
sure it covers your needs.
Day 1
My lift to the airport dropped me off an hour early but for
the price I won’t complain. I made my way to buy a hot chocolate from Maccas
and to sit a read the newspaper for the last time for a few weeks.
I soon wandered towards the check-in counter and waited my
turn, I asked at the check-in counter if I was near a window and she said “NO”,
I then asked could I be move to a window, please. She smiled and said “yes”,
yahoo a free upgrade to the quiet section, I thanked her as she handed my
boarding pass and passport. And with my backpack over my shoulder I headed
towards immigration. Once past immigration I made my way to the gate to wait
for my flight. Final call had me bidding farewell to family and friends via
Facebook.
I boarded the plane and took my seat 12E, to find out the
middle seat was free. I looked at the other guy and we both smiled as we knew
we could have extra room to stretch out. Once we took off and levelled out I
switched on my iPod and got my find the word puzzle book. And 8 hours or 125
song and 25 find a word puzzles and we were ready to land in Kuala Lumpur.
Salt lake over Australia
Once the plane had landed and it had stopped at its gate I
grabbed my backpack and headed for immigration. The immigration hall was
packed; it took a good 40 minutes to get another stamp for the collection. I
made my way outside and arrival hall and turned left and headed towards the
Skybus parking and paid my 9rm fare and settled in for the hour long ride to KL
Sentral. At KL Sentral I stopped in to Mc Donald’s for a feed, and then on to the
LRT to Pasar Seni which cost 1rm. A couple of right turns had me standing at
the cross roads of Jalan Petailing one more right turn and behind a few market
stall I found my Hotel Chinatown Inn. I checked in and went to my room to dump
my backpack, and hit the city for a walk. Later I grabbed a few beers and headed back
to the room.
Hotel Chinatown Inn Photos here with a small review at bottom of page, website here
Hotel Chinatown Inn Photos here with a small review at bottom of page, website here
Day 2
Chicken rice porridge or Bubur ayam
I checked out of the hotel and got them to look after my
backpack and headed to Pasar Seni LRT station to catch the train to Sentral for
breakfast at Mc Donald’s. I love breakfast there, I had a large bowl of bubur
ayam (rice chicken porridge) and an iced milo, I wish they sold this at home
(but for my health it probably a good thing they don’t). After breakfast I
wandered around the city and indulged in some shopping for my girls, who had
suggested I do so and even grave me a little list.I case I forget I guess. I headed back to the hotel at 3pm to
grab my backpack and to pack my shopping. My backpack weighed in at 5.2 kilo in
Sydney I bet its 8 kilo now, here’s hoping they don’t weigh it at LCCT. I took
the LRT to Sentral and the Skybus to LCCT.
Temple Chinatown
Pavilion Shopping Mall
Moon Man
I checked in and got my boarding pass and passed through
immigration easily and quickly, once in the departure hall I headed for the
charging station to find all the power outlets taken. A woman finished and an Aussie guy grabbed it
I pulled out my power board and asked if we could double up, sure can he said
and before too long all 4 outlets were taken and new friends were made. We all
spoke about where we were going and what we hope to experience, with the 3 of
them traveling to Bangkok and worried about the start of the political unrest.
I was waiting for my flight to Bali; I said my goodbyes and headed to the gate
and wait for boarding. This is when you
find out the planes been delayed for 20 minutes. I met a woman who had spent a
few months in Australia and was very happy about heading home to Legian.
I soon boarded the plane which seemed to be parked the
furthest away from the terminal; I got my favourite seat 6A. I settled
in with my iPod and puzzle book and nearly 3 hours later it was time to land in
Bali I looked out the window and saw that terrible eyesore of a bridge just one
of the big changes in Bali I was yet to see.
The new airport looks impressive but there is some cheap and
shoddy workmanship. The VOA counter is first and in a great position I paid my
$25US for my visa but then came the touts trying to sell express immigration, I
just ignored them as I believe corruption breeds corruption. I then preceded on
to join the long immigration lines which took almost an hour to wait for my
turn. Once my passport was stamped I headed for the fixed price taxi stand
which is to the left as you leave the terminal, just follow the signs. I paid
70 000rp to the Kusnadi Hotel in Legian.
The ride to the hotel was an interesting drive with the new
airport a hot topic, seems neither of us were over joyed with it.
Room Key
Kusnadi Hotel Photos here with a small review at bottom of page, website here
Day 3
I made my way to breakfast and ordered eggs on toast with a
black tea and pineapple juice, while drinking my tea I peered up the road to
see taxis already doing the rounds, store owners throwing buckets of water to
clean the path out front of their shops. A female hotel staff member knelt down
and place the morning offering down and paused for a moment giving thanks to
the gods for another day, the smell of incense filled my nostrils. I smiled and
knew life was good.
I made my way towards Ketuts shop off Garlic Lane to grab a
few extra shirts and a towel. Along the way I tried to buy a sim card for my
phone. I found a small glass counter on Jalan Padma Ultara he wanted 350 000rp
for a sim card, rip off! Next I found a circle K shop the wanted 250 000rp, rip
off! Next was a small store selling DVDs who tried to sell me a sim card for 120
000rp, another rip off! I finally called into a small convenience store at the
Sinar Indah (across the road from the Melasti Beach Resort)I bought a sim card
for 10 000rp and 50 000rp recharge which costs 53 000rp.
I made my way back to the Kusnadi and grabbed a bottle of
water and checked-out.
I stood at the driveway of the hotel and called over a taxi,
I threw my backpack on the back seat and I jumped into the front said g’day and
take me to Ubung bus depot. About 30 minutes later I arrived at the terminal and
paid the drive 100 000rp. I was greeted by 5 touts all trying to sell me bus
tickets. The officer of the bus depot came to my aid and assisted me. He
pointed out a few buses and what they had to offer and what the price was. Most
buses had A/C food and movies, but I chose the public bus and my destination
was Banyuwangi in Java which cost me 75 000rp which included the price of the
ferry as well.
After a 20 minute wait we headed off with a total of 5
passengers. I looked around and anything that could be opened to let air in
was, this must be the A/C the bus driver said the bus had. About 20 minutes
into the trip the bus stopped and 3 guys got on all carrying something, the
first guy was selling food and the next guy was selling drinks and the third
guy started playing a ukulele and singing (defiantly not Australia’s got talent
material) he then took off his hat and ask for some change.
Off we went again heading for the ferry to Java. Ten minutes
later the bus stopped at another bus depot and we soon filled up with a few
more people. And yep, again 3 guys selling food, drinks and one was playing the
bloody ukulele again.
Off we set again, this time we managed to keep going heading
towards the west coast. The scenery was beautiful and some of the rice field
looked magic flowing down to the ocean. Life this way seemed so different from
Kuta area. It was hard to lose yourself in the moment when the bus driver must
have been auditioning for the world’s worst drivers. He spent most of the trip
on the wrong side of the road tooting the horn every 10 seconds while smoking
or on the phone or both at the same time. We must have had 5 odd near misses.
Five hours later we arrived at Gilimanuk for the ferry, and again 3 guys got on
the bus selling food and drinks and the bloody ukulele again. By this time the
smallest money I had was a 20 000rp note! I guess it was his lucky day, believe
me it’s better to give than get the look of death because you didn’t. I’ll remember to always carry a small amount
of coins with me when travelling on public transport. The bus drove onto the ferry and parked, I
got off the bus and went to sit on the deck above it was much cooler and a
better view. We crossed over in around 30 minutes but had to wait our turn to
unload which took another 30 minutes. Just as well docked in ketapang Java a
monsoonal down pour hit us making the bus spin the wheels and slide sideways
off the front loading ramp of the boat. I gave out a little hooray once we made
it off the boats steel ramp to the dock and the bus finally stopped spinning its
wheels. About 30 minutes later the bus stopped across the road from Banyuwangi bus
depot. I climbed off the bus to stand in a monstrous downpour, clutching my
backpack I ran across the road in ankle deep water to get directions a lift and
shelter. I soon attracted a few Javanese
guys who couldn’t speak English and with my limited Indonesian it took a while
to work out where I want to go. A young guy came along they called Bruno! I
guess after Bruno Mars. He was a god sent, not only did he help me organise a
bemo (10 000rp) to the hotel he also got me in contact with Pepe. By the time I had
reached the Hotel Baru in Banyuwangi I had organised to join a tour to Kawah
Ijen, where they mine sulphur and one of the most toxic places on earth.
Java .................................................Bali
I booked in the hotel at 200 000rp with breakfast and by this time Pepe had arrived to
go over a few more details of the trip. The price had dropped down as there was
a guy from Spain and a couple from the UK and me so the price dropped. I said
goodbye to Pepe and Bruno and off to bed I went as wake up time was 1230 am.
Hotel Baru photos here with a small review at bottom of page, website here
Day 4
Travel route map here
Hotel Baru photos here with a small review at bottom of page, website here
Day 4
Travel route map here
My alarms are set
12:50am I sat out front of the hotel under an awning trying
to stay dry, eating Oreo biscuits while waiting for the ojek (4wd) to arrive. I
looked down the road and from around the corner I could see the ojek lights
coming, I jumped into the very backseat and said g’day to everyone else in the
ojek, there was a guy from Spain up front and a couple from the UK on the back
seat and me in the very backseat. Next
stop was to pick up our guide Bruno.
An hour later we had reached the car park and starting point
of our climb and the rain stopped the minute we pulled up. The morning air was very cool as I stood in the car park wearing
jeans and a t-shirt freezing, but once I started walking I soon get a sweat up it’s a
very steep climb for the first few kilometres and the last kilometre was a lot
easier walking to the crater rim. We rested here for 10 minutes and were given
our gas masks as clouds rolled over the volcano rim and the stench of sulphur
filled the air.
The blue flames
By 530am we were on the craters base and 3 or 4 meters away from the blue flames , which was amazing and a wonderful sight to see and experience. As the light of the day got brighter the flames slowly disappeared. But we could see the lake better and the working of the sulphur mines.
At the sulphur mine
Climbing out of the volcanos crater was a tough climb, but
once out the walk back to the car was steep but rather easy. And once back at
the car park we grabbed a drink from a shop and spoke about our adventure. Soon
our ojek pulled up and we settled in for the hour drive back to Banyuwangi.
I was met by Pepe once I returned to the Hotel Baru, we
chatted a while about the tour. He helped me get credit for my phone and
organise a driver to get me to Ketapang for the ferry in an hours’ time. I
checked out the hotel without a shower and still stinking of sulphur and sweat.
I ate my breakfast of bread and jam with black tea while I waited for my ride.
The trip to the ferry took 20 odd minutes and cost me 10
000rp. I walked to the ferries ticket office and bought a ticket to Gilimanuk
for 6 500rp and walked on the ferry via the front ramp and made my way up the
steps to the seated deck. The trip across takes about half an hour but the wait
for your turn to unload takes another half hour.
Walking onto the ferry
I jump off the bus in Lovina and was meet by 2 Balinese guys
asking if I wanted accommodation. I said I’ll have a look the first place it was
100 000rp no hot water or A/C the next place was 170 000rp no hot water and A/C.
The third place was perfect A/C hot water and breakfast for 300 000rp and after
the early start and no shower all day I just wanted to stand under the hot
water. I wanted this place so I bargained it down to 250 000rp a night the Hotel Elsa 2 Bungalows
Hotel Elsa 2 Bungalows
I sat out front of the room and jotted a few notes about the last few days. Sipping on a sweet ice tea and chatting via Facebook to my next hotel in Ubud about a room.
I got ready and went for a walk up the road looking for
somewhere for dinner and came across a place and I went in more to get out of
the rain than anything else. I sat down and asked for a beer and the Wi-Fi password,
when I was told to head up to the 3rd floor for Wi-Fi. I ordered
chicken satay and rice I started eating and the rain came down even harder and soon
filled the restaurant with water, I sat for a while drank a few beers and
waited for this monsoonal downpour to finish or slow down at least. After
another beer the rain slowed and I made my way back towards the hotel for an
early night, when I heard the words “Balinese Massage” Why not! I thought and
only 50 000rp for an hour. Bliss and now to hurry home before It pours again
oil, thong’s/flip-flops and rain don’t go together.
Hotel Elsa 2 bungalows with a small review at bottom of page and photos here
Pepe tour guide in Java, Banyuwangi and Kawah Ijen his business card here
Day 5
Travel route map here
Breakfast at the Elsa 11 was simple you can have either
eggs, toast or fruit and tea or coffee with no milk. I had toast and black tea
while checking into my social networking life with the free Wi-Fi in the restaurant.
Dolphin Statue Lovina
After breakfast I went for a walk to find somewhere to get credit and find transport to Ubud, I walked in to a small shop who directed me to another shop to buy phone credit then I walked back towards the dolphin statue and noticed a small tour booth, with a shuttle bus to Ubud. I pulled my phone out of my pocket to check the time…… Shit! I just missed the only bus for the day. I went and sat on the edge of the dolphin statue and watched the angry ocean pound the black sand as the beautiful cold ocean breeze cooled me down, I could taste the seas salt on my lips. As I wondered what to do next, when a Balinese guy sat down next to me and started chatting, we were soon joined by two more Balinese guys and together we tried to fix the world problems. Ha ha….
I had to get going and find some transport to Ubud, and not far away I spoke to one guy who wanted 350 000rp for the trip, I thanked him and off I went the next guy was on a scooter and said 300 000rp I managed to get him down to 250 000rp to Ubud as it was a one way trip. His brother is a driver who had brought up a family from Nusa Dua late yesterday afternoon and stayed at his place last night. I said I’d like to leave about 1130am.
Morning tea
I turned down the laneway towards the hotel and saw the
Jasmine Kitchen a Thai restaurant / café. I stopped in to have a snack before
the trip to Ubud; I had a pot of Balinese tea and a bowl of homemade natural yoghurt.
Click and a quick caption add my location, uploaded to Facebook and Instagram! Ha
Ha …That will make them jealous : ) I also jotted down some notes for my blog
as I sipped on my tea.
I grabbed my backpack and sat at the entrance of the hotel
chatting to a couple of Balinese girls weeding the path while I waited for my
ride to arrive.
Waiting for the road to be cleared
My ride soon arrived and we set off to Ubud via Kintamani,
We started off and it started to rain again we chatted for a while and soon we
found ourselves on a very narrow country road getting steeper and steeper. We
went around a corner and half the road we missing, the rain that fell last
night was a lot and caused a lot of damage as we soon found out. Wayan
navigated his way around what was left of the road as I peered out the
passenger’s window at the large landslide that took half a road and bridge with
it. The river was a raging torrent, as we kept going we saw a few small
landslides and in parts the fog was very thick making visibility was very low.
We started climbing again when we came to a sudden stop behind two other cars.
Wayan and I jumped out to see what was going on; he pointed at a guy in army
clothes and said my brother. Wayans brother came over and spoke to Wayan, my
Indonesian isn’t too great but I did pick up mountain, dangerous and two dead.
Wayan turned to me and said 2 people were pushed over a 50 meter cliff by the
landslide they were clearing away, he also told Wayan we better get off this
mountain before more rain hits. After a 40 odd minute wait till the road was
cleared. We hurried back to the van and off we went we passed 15 landslides on
the way to Kintamani and two roads washed away. We reach Kintamani and Ubud
with no problems except the traffic jam, of afternoon downtown Ubud.
Ketut's Place
Another 15 minutes had us at Ketuts Place a 10 -15 minute
walk from the Ubud Palace, we were greeted by Ketuts son he showed me the room
and we talked about a price, 50 000rp discount a night. I dumped my backpack in
the room and took my ice tea to the pool to toast some flesh and splash in the
pool.
Ibu Rai Restaurant
After a shower, this is the best shower in Bali!!! I
wandered down to use the Wi-Fi and check on my social networks. By this time it
was 6pm and I thought to myself most of the day trippers would of gone by now.
So I walked into town and wandered around until I found somewhere for dinner. I
saw a sign out the front of Ibu Rai, stating “Thai duck salad with tamarillos”
for 45 000rp! I’m a sucker for duck and this had me sucked in big time. And it
didn’t disappoint, it was beautiful and went well with an ice cold large
bintang for 36 000rp. Once the plate was licked clean and the bill was paid, I
moved on to the XL Shisha Lounge (still on Monkey Forest Road) and settle in
for an orange
flavoured pipe a beer and listen to a great rock/blues band. About
10 pm I grabbed a few take home beers and got a lift back to Ketut’s Place for
30 000rp.
Ketuts place with a small review at bottom of page and photos here website here facebook here
I grabbed a few take away beers and got a 30 000rp lift back to Ketuts.
Day 7
Happy Australia Day
Ubud Markets
Ubud Market
Ketuts place with a small review at bottom of page and photos here website here facebook here
Day 6
Ketuts Place Pool
Breaky is either at your room or by the pool, and with the
day looking hot and sunny I chose the pool. And on today’s menu its jam toast, black tea and fresh juiced pineapple juice. After breakfast I grabbed my bag and camera and
wandered towards the markets.
I bought myself a drink and sat down across the road from
the markets, when a Balinese guy sat next to me and introduced himself as Agung,
we chatted for a while then he asked me what I was doing today. I said I have
no idea. Agung then said he was a driver and he asked if I wanted to go
anywhere today, I looked at him and said take me to the zoo. We discussed a
price for go wait and back which I got for 250 000rp and off we went.
The zoo cost a small fortune to enter, I slowly walked
around enjoying watching the animals but part of me felt very sorry for them
also, and hour or so I had walked around the zoo and I made my way to the restaurant
and sat down for lunch and a drink.
I met Agung at the zoo entrance and we made our way back
Ketuts Place and time for a swim in the pool and relax for a few hours.
Chicken Satay
About 6 way, I wandered down to Ibu Rai again and ordered
Chicken Satay 55 000rp and a large Bintang 36 000rp, another wonderful meal in
a beautiful atmosphere and free Wi-Fi.
I wandered up road and sat down for a few beers, and enjoyed
a little people watching.
I walked back past Ibu Rai and noticed a Spa across the road
called Magic Fingers Bali Spa, I took the 60 minute Balinese Massage for 90 000rp, the girl
who massaged me was wonderful the massage was the best I’ve had.
Cheers
I grabbed a few take away beers and got a 30 000rp lift back to Ketuts.
Day 7
Happy Australia Day
Breaky by the pool was eggs, toast, black tea and fresh pineapple
juice Basic but tasty. I loved staring into the jungle at the back of Ketuts
and listening to the river rage past as the morning sun starts to bite as my
skin starts to heats up. I jotted down a few notes in my book and checked into
my social networks.
Band
By 9am I was walking passed the Ubud Palace, there was a
group of Balinese men playing music while a new store was being blessed.
I sat down with a drink in the same stop as yesterday, when
Agung who seemed to appear from no-where sat next to me. We chatted for a few
minutes and I said bye and headed into the markets before the crowds arrive.
The time was 930am and 90% of the shops were open or opening and no crowds and
best of all it was very cool. I was head
hunting; I had seen skulls earlier in my travels and wanted to get some as a
gift for my girls. I had found plenty, but all in one colour I was looking for
the type that are hand painted.
Skull
As I walked around looking I was asked what I was after and
trying to explain I wanted a skull wasn’t an easy task. But on one block a
women asked me what I was looking for and I told her she grabbed my arm and
took me around the corner and along the corridor to block c lower floor and
insisted I stand here and wait 10 minutes her friend will be here and have what
I want . A couple walked in and both said pagi, I smiled and said pagi. They
opened their shop and before they were set up for the day had sold 2 skulls.
I walked down to a small chemist at one end of Ubud Markets
that had a small line of Balinese waited their turn, the guy in the shop was
very helpful, I’m not sure of his qualifications but what he gave me worked a treat.
Not far away I stopped at a small book shop and bought a
ticket on the shuttle bus to Kuta, it was 55 000rp.
I bumped into Agung again and he asked where I was going and
I said back to Ketuts, he offered to take me on his motor bike. I offered him a
few rupiah but he refused and shook my hand and wished me luck.
Blogging
I packed my pack and sat at reception with a coke zero and
jotted some note for my blog and waited for the bus to arrive.
11:55am the bus was a bit early, the shuttle bus was like
new very clean air conditioned and very comfortable and well worth the 55
000rp. We drove for about an hour, and first stop was Sanur. Next stop was the
airport about 30 minutes later and another 30 odd minutes we were in Kuta at
Bemo Corner.
I grabbed a taxi to the Kusnadi Hotel in Legian, once there
I asked if they had any vacancies and how much the room was and I managed to
get a 50 000rp discount a night in room 102 a twin room.
I went to circle K and grabbed some supplies and back to the
hotel for a drink by the pool and a swim.
Nasi Goreng
I walked up to Indo-national for dinner and a beer, and
after I stopped into the Y Bar for a few beers. By 830pm the street were getting
very quiet so I sat by the hotel pool with a few other Aussies celebrating
Australia Day.
Day 8
Breaky today was crispy bacon, egg, toast, black tea and an
orange juice. Living life large. After breakfast I decided to grab a taxi to
Kuta and checkout a few fixed price shops. I grabbed a taxi back to Legian to
check out a few more fixed price shops. I grabbed a few things and also some
info to update my fixed price shopping post found here . Just be careful some fixed price shops aren't fixed price, all those I have listed are.
Nasi Jinggo
I dropped in on some old friends Wayan (my driver) and Turika;
it was great to see these people again. We all keep in contact with each other
via text but nothing beats a hug or a handshake.
By this time I was starving hungry and decided to grab some
lunch, I was on Jalan Padma Ultara when I saw a group of Balinese around a cart
all buying lunch. I then lined up to buy some Nasi Jinggo It cost 5 000rp and
was beautiful and an ice tea was 2 000rp made with water from a bottle that
looked like it had been refilled 100 times before, but John a Balinese guy who
had help me order lunch assured me I will be OK! When we had finished eating and drinking he offered to drive me to the hotel on his motor
bike. I offered him a few rupiah after the lift but he
smile and said bye.
An afternoon swim and relax by the pool was in order.
.JPG)
About 6pm I wandered
toward Seminyak to find La Plancha to sit in bean bags to watch the sunset, I
took my seat amongst the crowds and ordered a beer, Click a photo of an awesome
sunset and a caption “I wish you were here” posted on Facebook will have family
and friends very jealous.
I felt like a pizza after a few beers and decided to head to
Lokha Hotel and to Sopranos Pizza, these are tasty pizzas.
A had a slow walk home and once back at the hotel I had a
quick swim before bed.
The Crystal Palace
Day 9
Breaky today was fried rice, black tea and pineapple juice.
I sat sipping my tea staring into the street as life went by a there was a toot
of a taxi horn, and the smell of incense and the sound of Balinese music played
softly really helped to enhanced the mood.
I made my way to a pool chair in the shade and lay checking
in and uploading photos to Facebook, Instagram and Google+. A quick splash in
the pool then I relaxed back on the lounge.
Just before lunch I walked to the Bintang Supermarket in
Seminyak to stock up on some supplies. I caught a taxi back to the hotel. I
dumped my shopping in the room and walked up the road about 100 odd meters
toward Legian Street to a small warung I was told about and I thought I might
try it out. Called WR.Nasi Sudarma, I made a selection of food on a plate and
ordered an ice tea sour for 12 000rp. Again the plastic bottle that looked like
it had been used 100 times before. But both the food and the ice tea were
beautiful.
I walked back to the Kusnadi and lay on the pool chair with
a cold coke zero and a cheap Balinese cigar. And thought to myself, it’s a
tough life.
Mid-afternoon had me hungry, so I dried off and grabbed my
wallet and headed up the road to Tommy’s Café. It’s a little bit of Australia in
the heart of Legian. I ordered a chip butty for 25 000rp and an iced milo for
15 000rp and darn tasty for about $4.
I slowly walked towards Seminyak and checked out a few shops
along the way. I soon arrived on Seminyak beach and tonight had a drink at The
Crystal Palace which was a bit cheaper than last night at La Plancha. After
sunset I wandered down to Seaside restaurant and ordered some fajitas and a
tall bintang for 100 000rp or $10.
I walked back to the Kusnadi hotel for a beer and a quick
swim before bed.
Day 10
Weetbix and ice milo
This morning I decided to go Tommy’s for breakfast, I chose Weetabix
and an ice milo. Yummo! After breakfast I stopped into the Circle K and grabbed
a few drinks to restock the fridge.
I sat at the pool with me phone checking into my Facebook
and Instagram. I also spent a bit of time organising a trek, and now time to cool
off with a swim.
Warung Malen
Babi Guling
By the time I got back to the room, housekeeping was
cleaning my room. I asked where sell a good Balinese babi guling, or suckling
pig, he told me to go to Warung Malen. I set off from the Kusnadi and walked to
Sunset Road to where the warung is located. I ordered the special at tourist
price of 40 000rp with a sour ice tea. But it was a beautiful meal. I wandered
the long walk back to the Kusnadi to reward myself with a swim in the cool refreshing
water.
Soto Ayam
Late afternoon I walked to Melasti Art Market to visit Wayan
and Turika. We chatted for a while, it great to sit and talk they are both
great people. I said goodbye and walk back down Garlic Lane and along Jalan
Padma Ultara to Warung Yogya (number 79) I ordered soto ayam with rice for 20
000rp and a large bintang 35 000rp a beautiful meal and a good price. After
dinner I walked back to the hotel for an early night.
Day 11
Travel route map here
.JPG)
Day 11
Travel route map here
12:30am!!! Bloody hell!!! I’m too sleepy to move, but I’m
also too excited to lie in bed. Today was finally the day I stand on the highest
point of Mt Batur an active volcano in Bali’s north. I wriggled into my jeans
and hiking boots through on a t-shirt. I grabbed a jumper, camera, head torch
and a bottle of water and shoved them in my bag.
I sat at reception eating a large kit kat and a can of coke;
I will need the extra energy later. Dead on 130am, a car arrived and the driver
introduced himself as Putu and off we went. An hour and half later we were on
the outskirts of Ubud picking up a Danish couple. We arrived at Kintamani which was covered
with a thick fog and no moon had me worried. But as we descended the old
volcano crater and made our way to Toya Bungkah the fog lifted and the star
shone in the sky.
The sunrise view
The breakfast room on Baturs highest point
The car stopped at a small hotel and we went into the restaurant
area and met Putu or guide who gave us a quick talk to and we finished off out
tea or coffee and away we went. We were doing a sunrise trek to the highest
point of Mt Batur and Calder walk with Bali Sunrise Trekking and Tours, I chose
this company and didn’t even ask for a discount as I know this company is
Balinese owned and a percentage of its money goes back into education for
Balinese children who live in the mountains.
Sunrise selfie
It’s a very step and tiring climb to the summit, we reached
it just before dawn. Yahoo!!! I made it!
I have wanted to climb Batur for many years now and I have finally done it. Putu
quickly hurried us down the inside of the volcanos rim to a vent hole which
roared hot steam where the eggs were cooked in moments and the water for a hot
drink was ready as quick. We ate
breakfast of hard steamed eggs, fruit and a few cakes.
Even the monkeys watched the sunrise
Temple at the bottom of Mt Batur
After breakfast we moved to the edge of the volcanos rim to
watch the sunrise a truly amazing experience. Then back down the other side to
meet our driver Putu who drove us home.
By the time I got back to the hotel I was hot, dirty, worn
out and darn sleepy. I said goodbye to Putu and walked across the road to the
Cook Bar, and ordered a coke zero, burger and chips for 80 000rp. It tasted so
good and really filled me up. I waddled across the road to the Kusnadi and
grabbed the key from reception and walk to the room, but when I saw the pool I
just felt like jumping in jeans, boots and all. But I decided a hot shower
maybe a better idea.
I spent the afternoon by the pool with a few drinks and a
book. Later I went for a massage and a quick bite at the Cook Bar of a plate of
chips and a beer and an early night.
Bali Sunrise Trekking and Tours here everytime you use this company for a tour or trek your supporting the Cempaka Putih Foundation
Bali Sunrise Trekking and Tours here everytime you use this company for a tour or trek your supporting the Cempaka Putih Foundation
Day 12
930am!!! Finally. A sleep-in. I got up and got ready and
went to get breakfast before it turned into lunch. I had toast with jam, black
tea and a pineapple juice.
I went back to the room and lay on the bed watching TV. I
was feeling a bit lazy today and thought to myself I might spoil myself and
phoned Chill in Seminyak, and made an appointment for the afternoon.
I thought I might go for a walk along Legian Street towards
Kuta, by lunchtime I was near Indo-national so I called in for a late lunch of
Chicken Satay and rice for 50 000rp and a small bintang for 20 000rp. I
wandered back to the hotel to dump my shopping and to cool off with a swim.
I waved down a taxi at the front of the kusnadi, and asked
to go to Chill in Seminyak. The taxi driver was a funny guy and had my in
stitches all the way.
Booking into Chill always reminds me of a Doctor Appointment,
Name checked as arrived, procedure checked, and what time you require checked.
Then comes the clip board with the quiz on your health and sign your life away.
At least you’re given a green tea with a
twist of lemon and a dash of honey to keep the Zen equal. Patients Andrew, It
will be all worth it soon.
Soon enough it was my turn and was taken to the feet washing
and asked how I wanted it, hard! I said and he took me into the massage room. I
sat in the chair and was cover in a towel/blanket and given an iPod with
chilled tracks to listen to while he waved his magic fingers, the bliss. 90 minutes later and 180 000rp poorer but the
ultimate chill package was worth every rupiah.
Soto Ayam And Rice
By the time I had finished at
Chill and caught a taxi back to Legian it was about 530pm so I got the taxi to
drop me at Warung Yogya on Padma Ultara and ordered soto ayam and rice for 20
000rp and a large bintang for 35 000rp. Dinner was beautiful I love a good Soto
ayam. As I ate my soup I wondered what I could do tomorrow, Rafting!!! I
thought.
On the way back to the hotel, I stopped into a tour booth
and asked about different companies and prices, Alam was said to be the best
but I thought his price was expensive at $50AUD so I thanked him and walked on
to another booth and ask him the same questions and came up with Alam as well
but his best price was $40. I thanked him and walked back to the hotel , the
tour booth was open so I asked about the rafting and he also suggested Alam and
his price was $40 and I ask can you do better and I ended up paying $30 for a
day out rafting the Tegala Waja River.
I enjoyed a beer by the pool as I cooled off under the
starry night sky.
Day 13
Travel route map here
The alarm blasted out a tune at 6:45am. I jumped up and
grabbed my bag that I packed last night and headed off to breakfast. Jam on
toast and 2 glasses of orange juice. I had just finished my breakfast when my ride
arrived. I hurried aboard and got the very back seat again, with a Japanese
couple sitting on the backseat.
Rafting selfie
We arrived at the start point about 9am and were greeted by
a loud gong and a tea or coffee with some traditional cakes. The gong was a
nice touch but it got a bit much every time someone arrived. I paid my money
and hired some sandals for 25 000rp. I was teamed up with another couple and
sent off with our guide Tiger to tackle the Tegala Waja River another of my
white knuckle ideas. The trip down the
river is 16 km of grade 3 and 4 rapids with a 4 meter 45 degree drop halfway!
Excited, Oh yeah!
Tiger took us to suit us up with helmets, life jackets and
paddles. We walk across the rice field for a couple of hundred meters to the
river. We waited till everyone was ready before we set off.
By 10:30am our adventure had begun, it was a lot of fun with
a few heart stopping moment and some breath taking scenery and well worth the
effort.
Once the trip was over, we had hot showers and an orange
juice before heading to the restaurant for a smorgasbord lunch which was nice.
We were presented with a certificate and shown the photos taken of us. Then we
headed back to the car and the long ride home.
I was dropped off at the Kusnadi at 3pm, and grabbed a
lounge chair by the pool and relaxed with a cold beer and a book.
By dinner time I was hungry and thought a meal at Mozzarellaby the Sea, I walked there and got a table and ordered a beer and the Roasted
Duck Breast in Orange Sauce with Mash Potato and Veg. A perfect meal, as it always
is for 125 000rp total. I took a slow walk back to the hotel for a night swim and beer by the pool.
Day 14
8am and I just finished eggs and toast, I picked up my hot black tea and put it to my lips when I paused and with eyes fixated down the road in the frozen state just staring into space. Shit I thought it’s time to go home.
8am and I just finished eggs and toast, I picked up my hot black tea and put it to my lips when I paused and with eyes fixated down the road in the frozen state just staring into space. Shit I thought it’s time to go home.
I grabbed a cab to Legian and grabbed a few last minute bits
and pieces bid farewell to Turika and Wayan and took off back to the hotel.
Fishing Lure
Darn I forgot the tackle shop in Kuta, I quickly grab another
cab to Aquarius, and I raced around the shop grabbing lures and hooks. I had
the taxi driver wait for me and before too long we were heading for the
Kusnadi.
I packed my backpack lightly with only what I needed for a
stopover in KL, I had bought a large Bali bag to put in my hiking boots and my
little bit of shopping, I then wrapped it in thick tape I had bought from the
Bintang supermarket.
With everything ready to go, I had one last swim in the pool
in an old pair of boardies (that I will just leave here) after the swim I had a
shower and carried my bags to the reception and asked them to look after them
while I went to Tommy’s Café for a chip butty with an ice milo. After lunch I
wandered up the road and had one last Balinese massage for an hour.
By the time I got back to the hotel it was time to grab a
taxi to the airport, I had a great chat with the taxi driver who was from
Sumatra. One place on my bucket list I want to visit. I said my farewells to
him and paid my 65 000rp and walked into the new airport, I was soon told to go
one way with other men while women went a different way. I put my backpack and
my Bali bag on the conveyer belt of the x-ray machine and walked through the
metal detector. I was pulled to one side with my bags and question about
exporting body parts! WTF!!! I was in shock! What are they on about! He then
showed me the x-ray scan of my bag and pointed to the 3 skulls in my bag. Phew!
I explained to him they are hard plastic but I had to show him they were not
real skulls. Both of were happy with the
outcome as we both laughed as I walked away.
I had to ask where to go to book in for my flight; none of
the electronic boards were working. I finally found my counter and got my
boarding pass and they couldn’t tell me which gate I would be leaving
from. Then came immigration and
departure tax, I’m not really sure why or what they have done but it takes
twice as long now. I’m not a fan of the new airport. I finally found my gate
and boarded the plane to Kuala Lumpur LCCT.
We took off and I was seated in seat 6a peering out the
window and watched Bali slowly disappear into the distance, but the gods had
one last gift for us a two and a half hour sunset. By the time we reached KL it
was dark and the millions of lights in the darkness looked awesome.
I raced through immigration super quickly and made my way to
get my checked luggage and a quick meal at maccas. I found the Tune Hotel
shuttle bus and paid my 2rm and waited till the bus filled up and off we went.
The checking process is quick and easy and I was soon in my room. The rooms are
small but comfortable, though I did have to set over the toilet to get into the
shower and my knees hit the wall while sitting on the toilet, but still a great
transit hotel.
Day 15
6am and that darn alarm is going off. By 630 I was out front
of the hotel and waiting for the shuttle bus to LCCT. The bus arrived I paid my
2rm and got a seat. 15 minutes later the bus was full and we were off to the
terminal.
I raced to Maccas and got my last feed of Bubur Ayam or chicken
rice porridge and an iced milo. Time had come to head inside the terminal and
get my boarding pass and check my luggage. I asked the guy did I have a window
seat he said no, I then asked was I near the front he said no. I then said can
I move he said yes, but no window. I said oh, he said it’s in the quiet
section. Thank you I said, I really wanted to hug him, but I thought it may not
be a good idea.
Sydney Airport
I boarded the plane and sat in 12d with the extra leg room
in the quiet section, one last selfie for Facebook! And 8 hours to Sydney and
another 2 hours’ drive till home had me staring into the darkness from the car
window wondering …..
What’s next????
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