A trip I made more than a year ago. I'll try to recall my notes.
January 2010.
Cel and I have both never been to Bali, so we arranged that we go there. We booked a Cebu Pacific flight. Cebu Pac flights to Jakarta, Indonesia are in the evenings. Remember that when you book an international online flight for Cebu Pac, you still need to pay the Philippine travel tax of P 1620. There is a counter in NAIA terminal 3 for that.
We had enough time before boarding, so we had dinner first at the foodcourt. NAIA 3 has a comfortable food court at the 3rd floor. About 30 minutes before boarding time, we decided to go down and head to the gates. This was something I could never forget ...
Routine, pay the terminal fee and go through another security check before proceeding to the gates. My hand carry was scanned and I was asked by the Security personnel ... "Do you have any item in your handcarry that is sort of rectangular in shape ? " Deep inside, there was panic. But I answered, "yes, I have a maglite in my kit." No, not a flashlight, another item, perhaps? .. Holy sh .. it dawned on me, I have a purple, floral swiss knife in my kit ! Damn it, why didn't I take that out ?! So the security personnel started interrogating me. It was election season and it was a no-no to bring such dangerous items in one's handcarry. I was a threat ! I explained that I really bring a swiss knife for emergency since I drive and it comes in handy at times. But of course they have to apprehend me because its a dangerous object to bring on a plane.
15 minutes or so had passed and I had to explain myself at the Security Check. Cel had gone through checking and was just waiting for me. Even the Cebu Pac personnel are now worrying about me. The secuirty personnel then told me to come along with him and look for the Security head to have myself cleared or I can also be detained. Explain, explain, explain. I told them to just take my swiss knife, and just allow me to go. (next flight to Jakarta is a day after, so if I miss the flight, the Bali holiday is over).
One security guy and I had a walk ... Hmmm... We never got to the detention area in the basement. (Looking back, was this the moment that I should have bribed them ?) I was again explaining to him why I have a swiss knife and in turn he told me why I should not have that in my hand carry. After several minutes, we headed to the security check area again . The Cebu Pac personnel was panicky as Air Traffic control needs the plane to take off already and I was not cleared yet. Cel was already at the gate, waiting, wondering if she will be going to Bali alone. She heard that they wanted to take my checked-in luggage out alteady !
I went through the security check again, then the security personnel asked that I log and sign in their logbook for that damn swiss knife that they have to confiscate. I was signing my name while the Cebu ground crew was in panic and was telling me that we need to run to get to the gate, because I was holding the flight !
After signing, it was like a 200-400m dash. I ran, ran, ran until I reached the gate. Cel was relieved to see me. Then we ran again , through the tarmac, to get to the plane which I held up for half an hour at least. The flight was delayed because of me !
We entered the plane, got looks from the other passengers, but just wen to our seats. When we were finally seated, I was able to finally breathe. It was such an experience.
We reached Jakarta Intl airport, local time is an hour late. We took the shuttle to go the domestic airport where our flight to Bali was, via Air Asia. It was about 1am. We know that we have to wait as our flight is not until 6am or so, what we didn't know was that the domestic airport was closed ! So we had to wait outside, sleep on the metal benches while waiting for the ariport to open. There were a few passengers who suffered the same fate, not also knowing that it was closed. So we took our places and tried to sleep. Worse, it rained ! Though there was a roof over our heads, we were still in the open. Damn.
Finally, the airport opened and we went in about 6am or so. We checked in, but had to pay extra for the checked-in baggage. Note: When doing online booking, this is another thing one must remember, to pay a little extra for checking in baggages. Flights come in cheap these days, because it does not cover check-in baggages for one.
We were on air again, en route to Bali.
Day 1.
Bali airport. Not bad. They have Starbucks, nice duty free shops...
We took a cab to get to Mercure Resort in Sanur where we are booked. Along the way, I saw some outlet shops (Roxy, etc.). The area is idyllic, it reminds me of provinces in the Philippines. Also, I got a bit disoriented because of the right-hand driving.
Mercure Resort. Hotel personnel were very friendly. Our room was ok. We rested a bit, had lunch.
In the afternoon, we decided to explore the resort. For a tourist destination such as Bali, I was surprised that the place is not at all crowded, indeed, very quiet.
We walked around, there was a small road strip. There were some stores (like the local sari sari store) and shops that offer tours. There we inquired about the tours and what we can do in Bali. We inked a deal with ... damn, I forgot his name, let me call him Guide. So we had plans for the next days. Because if we will just stay at the resort, I tell you, I will be bored !
From Mercure, there is a shuttle that leaves every 30 minutes to bring you to an area where you can shop for grocery and other items (about 10 mins. away). Again, the place is idyllic, so do not expect high end malls here. We went to the grocery to buy the usual stuff, water, cup noodles, chocolates (for me), chips.
Day 2,
We were brought by our Guide to another area of Bali. Nusa Dua (Two Islands). Even if the roads are still small, there are other resorts and hotels in this area that looks high end. We reached the place for water sports where we enjoyed the waverunner, snorkelling. The rates are not so bad, as I computed, jet ski rental is more expensive in the Philippines.
We also went snorkelling, but it wasn't so good. Not much fish or corals. Water is not as clear as what I used to enjoy in Boracay or Puerto Galera. (I have not been to Palawan, but I know that tops the list for snorkelling).
This place was not meant for swimming, but for water sports only. There were no fancy shower rooms. So, afterwards, we just rinsed ourselves in an open shower area. They have toilets where you can change if you want to.
Btw, the Guide came with a compact car, so we do not worry about getting around. We were chaffeur-driven ! Here at Nusa Dua, he bargained the deal for our wate sports, we paid him, he paid them. Our package even came with lunch. Set meal was ok, but I was just not too comfortable with flies flying around.Now I also understood why it was quiet in our resort. Sanur is more of a place for the retirees..hehehe. We should have booked in another area.
Next in our tour, we went to another resort. Pecatu Indah. It seems to me a golf course and at the end of the road there was an area for body surfing. I can't say it was for swimming. From where the car was parked, one has to walk to get to the beach. A craggy road of about 150m.
The waves are too strong that it is meant for body surfing. I tried without a board and I got toppled over. So I decided, this is not a place to swim. Another turn off, the beach beds are for rent. If you want one with an umbrella for shade, it will cost more ! So we just paid for one. Taking a shower costs too.
Anyway, it was ok seeing this place, but not really something you will miss if you did not.
GWK.
The Guide then took us for some cultural exposure. First thing I noticed was a busload of students who were likely on a field trip. We may have looked queer as we were still in our supposed after-beach attire. But who would really care ?
A walk led us to a huge statue of their deity.
A walk further opened us to an area similar to a walled city.
There was an area where there were local artists offering free nail painting, hair braiding and caricature sketching that caught our attention. We stopped by. I had my nails painted. If there was not a long queue, we would have our caricatures. I saw the work and it was really good.
Towards the exit, they have, some shops too selling batik and other souvenir items. Naturally, I bought some items.
We had a long day, as we head back to Sanur, we swung by the outlet shops. Also, we drove-thru for some McDonalds fast food. I get hungry every 2 hours or so ...
Day 3.
This day was dedicated to going around the "artists' lair" and some parks, the place known as Ubud.
Our Guide gave us a very good tour, the locale was known for various art forms.
Batik weaving.
Painting.
Wood sculpting.
We were not able to take pictures, but part of the tour was going to the silver shop too. A lot of trinkets made of silver, necklaces, earrings, etc. The art, in all of the places visited, was of course for sale. They do not only showcase their talents, but they make a living out of it. I did not bring home a painting or a wooden sculpture, but i bought a silk batik shawl that costs around Php 2,500 (forgot how much was it in rupiah).
Also in the vicinity was the Sacred Monkey Forest.
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| us and the monkey |
We did not go inside the actual park, monkeys are not my thing.
It was time for lunch. Our guide took us to a place where Babi is served. This was a native delcacy and the place is flanked by tourists and locals alike. Babi is actually pork and it is so similar with the Philippines' lechon. It was such an experience to eat at this place. No tables and chairs set-up. You sit on the floor, there is a low, long table where your Babi is served along with the rest of the customers.
After that sumptuous lunch, we walked around and there were mosques and other places of interest. It was quite a long walk to the car, there was no parking at the restaurant, only street parking. Again, we are thankful that we hired a local guide, that is also our driver.
Next stop, Bali Safari and Marine Park. This is the home to the white tiger (with blue eyes).
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| the famed Komodo dragon of Indonesia |
There were the usual marine life - piranha, turtles, etc. There were also the tiger, lion, zebra, hippos, etc. One can enjoy the tram ride to see all these animals in captivity. Though ... I like seeing the animals, but I have this thing about them being held captive and not in their supposed natural environment. It is a delight for me to see the animals, but at the same I feel so sad that this is their "life" .... in parks.
We came to the park at around 2pm or so already and they close at 6pm. We were not able to go around and worse, it rained. So around 530 pm, we were scampering all over the park, trying to get cover from the rain, while trying to find the exit ! Well, we did get to the exit. Some park guides saw us and lent us their umbrellas, but we were half-soaked anyway.
It was a mini-adventure on its own.
So our Guide came to pick us up by the lobby. Do we still have something on our agenda ? Oh yes, I am intrigued by the Rama and Sita play. This was the Kechak dance in another area, so he drove us there. This show is ideally seen at night because of the supposed fire dance.
We got to the place, kinda obscure, not the kind of theater I was expecting. Nonetheless, I tried to make the best out of the cultural immersion.
That was the last of the activity for the day and we went back to our hotel at Sanur.
Day 4.
This was the day we went to Kuta Beach. The purpose was to get basic surfing lessons. It was some 40 minutes or so drive from Sanur. When we got to Kuta, we were surprised ! So here is where you see the younger tourists, shopping places and some possible night life ! We should have known and booked ourselves this part of Bali ! Why did we just learn this on our last day !
Good thing, we had a long day ahead. We started with the supposed surfing lessons. You just walk along the beach and you will find a lot of locals who will give you the lessons for a considerable fee.
We were not outfitted for the activity and I felt bad about it. Thing is, we were to learn to surf and not really go surfing, so somehow I forgave myself. But I kept on remembering the Roxy outlet shop ....
It was fun to learn to surf and I would say I have a knack for water sports. First time on board, I was able to stand up, balance myself and wade through the water. I made it ! Cel had a little more time to adjust to it, but also enjoyed the chance to learn it.
What makes it less enjoyable is wating for the wave. Since this is supposed to be a natural occurence, you can not dictate when yo want the wave to rush in. Maybe if I tried to order a wave from God, he would send me one ...
After the lessons, we walked around the area, had lunch and a little shopping.
We had to make sure that we get back to the hotel on time. Guide was there dutifully waiting for us, brought us back to Mercure Sanur. When we got back, we immediately showered, packed our bags and prepared for the trip home. When we noticed that we have an hour or so to spare, considering travel time back to Bali airport, we had fun taking more pictures.
Time came for us to leave Sanur. Our trusted Guide was comissioned to take us to the airport. He was with us through the whole of this Bali trip. The cost was not bad at all, the convenience made the trip unstressful.
We reached Bali airport, took our flight to take us to Jakarta International airport once more.
At Jakarta, there was not much we can do but wait out our flight back to Manila. We didn't go shopping at the duty free shops anymore. We just lounged at Starbucks while waiting for our boarding to Manila.
No more hassles this time. I made sure that I do not have a deadly weapon in my carry-on bag. We got back to Manila safely and as scheduled.
