So we left the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and jetted off to Bali making our first stop in Kuta. We were a little surprised how commercialised it all was, a surfers paradise however. The beach was lovely during the times I wasn't pestered by hawkers, old crinkly masseurs or guys trying to sell bow and arrows no less. After a couple of days chilling out at the beach and around the pool we made our way over to the other side of the island.
Once at Sanur we instantly noticed it had a more chilled out vibe and the beach was less overcrowded. People trying to sell us transport are in abundance and the constant pipping of horns does start to grate. Despite this we have had a lovely day on the beach where we began to plan our tour of Bali.
Yesterday we began the day by watching a Balinese Barong and Keris Dance. An hour long performance involving dance and music (I reckon they could have condensed it into about half this time as I felt it did drag on a bit.) We then returned to the car + driver we hired to taxi us about for the day where he proceeded to take us onto the elephant cave. It was here I adorned a fetching sarong and could't help but feel a little disappointed by the temple as it was pretty small and hard to discover. It was then onto Kawi Agung - a shrine created at the bottom of a deep valley. It was ok to get down to, but a mission to climb up from trying at the same time to refrain from the persistant hawkers.
Wayan our driver guided us onto an amazing view of the volcano Mt. Batur where we sat and had some drinks and admired the view. As we headed back down the island we stopped off at some padi fields to admire their distinctive formations within the landscape. It was then through Ubud the arts and crafts capital before we were introduced to the Monkey Forest. The forest is home to many Macaques and three temples. This is where we ended the day and slumped back into our room exhausted.
Today we headed down the beach to the Sanur Village Festival. It took a little longer than expected (1 hour) but on our arrival were welcomed by the sight of hundreds of spectacular flying kites. The arena beckoned us where we saw a bonsai tree competition, many international food delights and a big decorated events stage.
The walk back presented an unexpected sight in the form of a spikey starfish that I picked up with my flip flops and saved as it appeared beached. We're off for another adventure tommorow exploring the rest of the island.
Some Words for The Class of '09
14 years ago
2 comments:
Hi both,
Hope yo ar eenjoying yourselves = sounds as though you are!
I was looking at Bali the other day as Rick Stien did his new programme from there. The food looks great- especially the fish - he was eating one type and said it was fantastic - I will let you know he name of it as it has slipped the memory - but I kept the programme as I thought it might interest you.
He was also extolling the tast eof the world best coffee. Apparantly a civit ( smnall mammal) eats only the best coffee beans, but onlt digests the husks leaving the bean itself to "appear naturally" as they say. these are collected and hay presto - the worlds best coffee - I understand it is expensive though.
Bron and I had a great time at our hotel - 5* all the way - food was great and the room looked over the small inlet and beach - so we had the waves lapping below us. By the way we where not in France! as per your card - thanks much appreciated.
Got your message re return - and I will be there.
Enjoy - have fun - talk to you soon.
Love Dad xx
Hi Kevin,
Just had a man knock on the door - interested in buying your old car - any thoughts on how much you want for it - if you have I can ring him as he has left his number and it may be gone before you get home!
Dad
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