About four hours after leaving Bangkok some of the islands of Indonesia come into view as we make our initial descent into Bali. What a beautiful tropical sensation as I make my first trip this far South in Asia.
On the walk to Immigrations and Customs I load up all of sort of things to do brochures and I can see already that my time here will be too short. A US$25 cash or payment by credit card with a 3% surcharge and it is not long before I am handing over US$40 cash for a two day car rental. The easiest car rental process that I have ever completed.
The fear of driving in Bali is not as difficult as predicated just more motorcycles to deal with. I am use to dealing with them in Asia even on the sidewalks.
My Bali adventure begins!
Indonesia, Hello Bali
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drive a bit further and lets see how you like it..
rhkkmk,
First I was afraid, petrified thinking how I would drive in Bali without someone by my side ... But then I grew strong
Drove to Legian, then towards Tabanan then to Tanah Lot. A few honks here and there doing what I needed to do and I survived driving in Bali!
Of course, not for the faint hearted or those without a crazy or maybe even stupid sense of adventure.
Initially driving seems to be scary in Bali but luckily everything goes at a slow pace...so you won't be driving faster then 80km (and that is probably only on a empty bypass).
So good luck and enjoy your freedom of getting around Bali. Be careful with passing the big trucks though as it can get tricky, the road is small, there can be potholes and the motorbike drivers seem to thing they have nine lives like cats....
Have you thought about where to to yet. I have driven alot through Bali (not by car but by motorbike) and have discovered great daytrips. If you want you can have a look at http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-sightseeing.html Take care
Initially driving seems to be scary in Bali but luckily everything goes at a slow pace...so you won't be driving faster then 80km (and that is probably only on a empty bypass).
So good luck and enjoy your freedom of getting around Bali. Be careful with passing the big trucks though as it can get tricky, the road is small, there can be potholes and the motorbike drivers seem to thing they have nine lives like cats....
Have you thought about where to to yet. I have driven alot through Bali (not by car but by motorbike) and have discovered great daytrips. If you want you can have a look at http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-sightseeing.html Take care
I'm terribly sorry, I just saw that my comment was posted twice. It was really not my intention. The first time I received an error so I thought I had to submit it again. Tried to find a way to delete the second comment but couldn't find it. I honestly don't want to come over as if I am spamming....
cocomoco,
Thanks for your posting and the link. I think a motorcycle would definitely be better next time
Did see the police stopping a few people on motorcycles but nothing I would be worried about.
I Drank Poop Coffee
In days gone by I would often be offered and accept a shot of real Cuban coffee after getting a haircut in South Miami. Nonetheless, from such rare occasions I would never consider myself a coffee drinker.
However, when traveling abroad I never pass up the opportunity to have at least a cup of some local java. From a cup or two at Fishawy in Cairo to drinking almost a gallon of Jamaican Blue Mountain in Negril, on vacation it is always a treat.
Along the way on our drive to the Ayung River for whitewater rafting a discussion takes place about coffee and in particular one special blend that is made here in Bali.
To date, as far as I know I have never eaten or drank anything that has poop in it but before the day is over I will have had a cup of “Poop Coffee”.
Although the official brand name is “Luwak Coffee”, “Poo Coffee” as it is locally called is made from beans that are reclaimed from the poop of mongoose.
Apparently, as a part of their diet the mongoose will eat only the best coffee beans. As the beans pass through their digestive tract it goes through a process that gives it a unique flavor. This flavor is so unique that once the beans are processed, Luwak Coffee becomes some of the most expensive here in Bali.
I often wondered what crap would taste like and now I know. Not bad, not bad at all.
Video:http://youtu.be/K2kIcyHRVsI
I hope I can get that in Bangkok in the fall. I am a coffee lover and would try Luwak at least once.
During my long stay in Seminyak, I had to drive in a very different roads compared to my hometown in Australia. There are lots of locals and guests riding motorcycles and scooters - I mean a lot of them. So I came to realize that I have to go with the flow. I drove a scooter. It's safer, after all, locals aren't the evil-Knievel types of motorists. Haha!
jacketwatch,
I hope you do find "Luwak Coffee" in Bangkok.
If not hangout at BKK and wait for a flight from Bali. I am sure someone is bringing some back as a souvenir
balivillaholidays,
Next time it will be a scooter for me too
The driving there is not so bad. You just have to not be afraid to do what you have to do to go where you want to go.
Ayung River Whitewater Rafting
In my travels I have done several whitewater rafting trips and without a doubt the scenery along the Ayung River is among the best that I have ever experienced.
Getting to our launch point it in and off itself is quite an experience. I am dripping in sweat after descending several hundred feet and multiple steep steps to get to the rushing waters of the river. A few minutes of safety and basic whitewater rafting instructions and we are ready to begin about a two hour journey downstream.
Although most of the rapids are Class-2 or less, combined with the surrounding scenery this becomes an amazing adventure. Through one rapid to the next we are spinning around and around laughing and screaming as we are tossed around by the forces of nature.
At one point we voluntarily “abandon ship” and float downstream in the cold but refreshing river water. It is calm and relaxing laying on my back peacefully watching the lush green landscape go by. A stop for refreshments then it is “paddle, paddle... boom, boom (get down)” as our guide skillfully navigates us through more rapids.
One area of the river is lined with some interesting modern day carvings that represent a part of Indonesian culture and life along the river. To top off our whitewater rafting experience near the end of our journey we are offered a free massage, a natural and fun one.
Video:http://youtu.be/0NBNEUAlhn0