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Bali, Indonesia
As usual there was no prior planning for this trip. Well it was a calculated risk that I took. I did not even book a hotel and I was sure that I could get one once I reach Bali. I was traveling so much recently that I?m quite comfortable with all those stuff. I always had a picture of Bali in mind and it was just similar to that of Pataya of Thailand and to my surprise I was right. From the airport itself, you can feel the festivity. The whole place was full of tourist from all over the globe with happy faces, jovial attitude and anticipation of a nice and memorable holiday.
You can book a hotel from the airport. This is a cool facility. My first problem in Indonesia (Not only my problem rather its everybody?s problem) is to count the zero in Indonesian Rupiah. I booked a hotel in Kuta area. Kuta is the most famous beach in Bali. This area was targeted in last bomb blast. Bali is a small island and Denpasar is its capital. 90% of Bali?s population is Hindu by religion. In every street corner you can find a Hindu god, glancing at you. Huge statues of Hindu gods are everywhere in the city. Bali sits on the Ring of Fire. In such a small island there are 4-5 active volcanoes.
Once I got myself settled comfortably in the hotel, I decided to take a stroll and get some street photo. Bali is very hot and humid quite natural for a tropical place. Kuta area is quite expensive, I think its more expensive than Singapore. I walked all the way to Kuta beach and that place was really nice; clear blue water and loads of tourists. Though Bali is quite a safe place but its always better to be a bit careful. People were friendly and cheerful. Street vendors were a menace at Bali. So the key is, not to start bargaining if you are not intended to buy; just keep mum and walk. The heat of the afternoon sun was so intense that I lost all my appetite for photo soon and returned to hotel and took a nap. And I missed the sun set at Kuta beach. I spend the evening by just strolling around the Kuta beach.
Day - 2
My taxi driver picked me up from hotel around 9 AM and we headed straight towards Kintamiani volcano. I was quite hyper active to see a volcano as I?ve never seen one and I did not know that a big disappointment was waiting for me. On our way we went to a cultural festival where the theme was from Mahabharat. This festival was not worth the money. Then we headed towards Kintamani (biggest volcano at Bali). On our way we stopped at the carpenter?s village. Then we stopped at the gold and silver village. Soon afterwards we were on the winding road to the volcano. To my disappointment we were not allowed to go anywhere near to the crest. So its a nice idea to hike up to the crest in the morning. I came to know that every morning around 4 AM, an organized group with guide hikes to the crest of volcano. It must be quite nice. But what was interesting, is the sight of this monster volcano. Its wonderful when you stand in the shade of a monster and you know that you are helpless. Its pure nature and mother nature can be unpredictable. The feeling of how small and helpless I am, was overwhelming. Volcanoes of Indonesia are famous, as many of them are active and they have the potential to change the way we live in a matter of few weeks. When Krakatoa erupted in 1800s, it changed the whole world?s weather. The sound of the blast was heard as far as in the coast of Africa. Its quite intriguing that even though we are so vulnerable, we boast about the technological and intellectual advancements. Well after the tour of Kintamani, we stopped for a while at the Coffee plantation. Bali has its own variety of Coffee and Coco. Coffee tasting was free and I enjoyed variety of free drinks. After Coffee tasting we headed towards our last stop of the day i.e. Fire dance, an event with a Ramayan theme. After that I came back to hotel finishing a hectic day-tour. For next two hours I walked up and down the Kuta main road. Sunday night was busy and the whole place was heaving with activity.
Day - 3
Next morning I headed towards Sanur Beach to capture the rising sun around 5.30. As usual the heat of the place was unbearable and I had to pack off soon, but I took some good photos around Sanur. The beauty of Sanur beach is the vast open ocean in one side and Kintamani volcano on the other. It?s a place you should visit if you are at Bali. You should arrive there early in the morning to enjoy the beauty of nature. As most of the drunken tourists are off-limit in the morning, the beach used to be very quiet and peaceful.
Next I headed to Nusa Dua area. I hired a boat to Turtle Island. Never waste your money in Turtle Island trip. There is nothing up there.
Then we head towards Tanah Lot. This is the place in Bali, which you must not miss. Its wonderful. There is no place in Bali which can match this place in terms of its sheer beauty. This is an old Hindu temple sitting on lava rock. High waves, blue water and the enchanting sun set are just to mention a few. Everything was picture perfect. Of all the places I?ve visited this was the best. You won?t stop clicking, trust me. On your way to TL, you have to cross many small villages and paddy fields. You should spend at least half a day at TL. All I can say is ?Nature at its best?. Just leave everything to nature; sit on the hill top, sip fresh coconut and enjoy the sound of crashing waves below with a magnificent view of TL.
Day - 4
Well it was my last day and I was all set to return to my world, the hectic, target-driven, crazy world. I packed Sanur and TL again into my menu. I took a lot of photo at TL. Never forget to hop into a roadside restaurant in Bali. They are very cheap with nice quality food. And please don?t be fussy about hygiene?Everything boleh.
If you are planning for a Bali trip, find the contacts below. Komang is a tour operator and he is very reliable. Give him a call and go no further than that.
Name of the Person: Komang Budhiartana
Mobile Number: 081 338 559 264
Hotel: Restu Hotel
Address:
Jalan Raya Legian No. 113
Kuta ? Bali 80361
Phone: 62 361 751 251
e-mail: info@restubali.com
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