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9th century statues
In front of the main entrance of the Mother temple.. Date visited: 2nd May-7th May
As we couldn't get a flight to the Philippines earlier than the 8th May I thought we could 'pop' to Bali for a few days seeing as its only a 2 hour flight away and the ticket was only 30 quid return.
After observing the relaxed town atmosphere of KK we were ready for a change even though relatively speaking, KK was a breeze compared to other cities. Still, after a week and what with the Diving fiasco, we needed a change, a distraction.
I carefully selected Sanur for our base after hearing that Kuta, the main tourist hub, was more like a Spanish costa resort full of drunk brits and loud clubs. Sanur however was described as a smaller quieter and more upmarket version. I also hoped that at the beginning of the season this town would be quiet and cheaper as a result.
Another winning recommendation by Lonely Planet - we stayed in an excellent hotel called 'Flashbacks' - all made in classic Indonesia style.
Take a look! : http://www.flashbacks-chb.com/
Our flight to Bali was pretty smooth despite the flashes of lightening outside the plane window. We
Tanah lot temple
Bali's most photographed site - we were lucky to catch this one at high tide as the 10 foot waves crashed on its sides. arrived at Immigration with no means to pay the visa - either in their currency or by US$! (it slipped my mind!)
I heard so much about the smiley laid back Balinese people that I wasn't too worried - and low and behold as we explained to the officer our predicament she greeted us with a huge welcoming grin before another officer took us to the atm where we got the cash out. As our hotel provided airport pickup we didn't have to battle our way through a hundred and one taxi requests. Our friend "Nyoman" was there in arrivals holding up a board inscribed ' Selly and Den' with a massive grin on his face!
We swiftly returned to our hotel which was an utter surprise - full of character and in such relaxed grounds it felt like real luxury (pool, chill out areas, green and leafy grounds) - as the website hopefully shows. Our room for 10 quid took up an entire floor! (I have filmed this its so erm unique)! - thatched roof and cable tv!
As we explored the street we were greeted by locals with their huge smiles and soft nature. Their manner
Lunch infront of the rice terraces
Prevalent everywhere in Bali countryside.. was so sweet and humble - especially when you chose a restaurant to eat in the evenings.
Our first evening in Bali would be the beginning of a 5 day assault on the taste buds exposing us to a huge range of culinary delights of a ridiculous standard; Meats and Fish cooked to perfection, drizzled in homemade sauces and dressings, accompanied with a range of tasty veg and massive salads bursting with all you could possibly wish for... then there's the fresh home made Ciabatta for breakfast, or the garlic drenched Bruschetta with Olive and sundried tomatos, or the home made desserts and fresh coffees...not to mention their amazing cocktails - like the strawberry crush loaded with white chocolate, cream, strawberries and high quality liquors. Every meal - breakfast lunch and dinner was a special event here - we would actually look forward to it with hidden excitment as this wouldn't only be the best food on the trip but the best food we have possibly ever had, and consistently so too! Did I say that all this - often 3 course deals (every course stunning) would barely cost more than 6 pounds for both of us!?!?!!
Our time in Bali has been one of the nicest weeks in the trip - effortless and to an incredible standard - all on one street. The people are more smiley than anywhere I have ever been, the vibe is distinctly different and more relaxed than Malaysia or elsewhere in South East Asia, the accommodation - impeccably clean and cheap, and then there's the FOOD and cocktails (ahhhh!)
As if this wasn't good enough we even managed time to see some of the rest of the island inbetween stuffing ourselves by hiring a really good driver guide "Nyoman" (thanks to our hotel again!). Obviously the advantage here being that it is safer but we see so much more. Our chatty guide took us north inland to the volcanic region where expansive valleys and towering smouldering volcanos would loom over the green valley bottom. He then showed us lots of quaint villages, purposely taking backstreets so we could see daily life, hindu temples and panoramic view points.
We were surprised at the amount of traffic in Bali, but as we didn't have the chore of driving in this insanity we could just smile and shake our head at the
various 'close-shaves'! On our last day he took us to the beach to witness the famous Bali-surf - I have never seen such a wall of water in my life! There were some surfers who managed to scale the waves but not many - they were HUGE.
Bali's food and people truly stand out from anywhere we have been before. The smell of incence and Hindu religious music is everywhere - even the smell of incense and the various offerings (flowers, coins, food) are even found in the more sterile environments such as on top of an Immigration Officers' desk. Music and Art is more pervalent here - especially the wood carvings and paintings (as well as the more tacky touristy souvenirs). The temples make a refreshing change to those in Thailand - often carved out of old dark stone they appear older and less tacky than the gold Buddha temples elsewhere. We were glad to see the 2 temples our guide showed us - both impressive, though the one by the sea was extra special - well timed with the full tide and high swell. There is the usual hassle on the street here ("transport... you want transport?
One of many volcanos
...in Bali's volcanic heart... Where you go??") that we have so far avoided, but a firm "No" normally does the trick.
For a 5 day break Bali has been a total breeze but better than that. We leave in awe at the standard of food here and with happy memories of the people and beautiful inland rice vistas of real Bali...no wonder why this Island is described by locals as the 'heart of Indonesia' and why this is the country's prime tourist destination.
I just hope Bali fully recovers from its bomb-past - the hard working, friendly people here really deserve it... I am just glad we didn't let this factor deter us.
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Roy
non-member comment
Glad to hear
Hi there, I am an Indonesian and I muss tell you I am glad that you enjoyed the stay in Bali. Hope you can visit again, maybe the other parts of Indonesia.