After we had said our goodbyes to Helen and Dan (we will miss them, it’s been a great 3 and ½ weeks), we decided to spend our last few days further north at a surf break called Pantai Medewi or Medewi beach.
When you ask how far somewhere is away in Bali, the drivers always exaggerate.
“Oh Cangu that’s an hour, long way, you pay more”.
In actuality it’s 20 minutes.
Medewi on the other hand was a good 2 and 1/2 hours away. We passed rice fields, beautiful forests and beaches and were much closer to the mountains.
We stayed in a couple of different places whilst there. The first and then later last place we stayed was very basic beach cottages attached to a fancy hotel. Despite being basic our room over looked the break, you could hear the waves breaking whilst in bed. Also you had use of the fancy pool (hence the reason we went back there). In the middle we stayed in rooms attached to a lovely Warung just up the road. The room overlooked a rice field and had plenty of ghekos to look at in bed. The food was awesome. Breakfast for example consisted of Freshly squeezed fruit juice (Mango was best), fruit salad, two eggs, bacon, toast and jam, and a cappucino all for less than 2 pounds – bargain!.
The pace of life is so much slower here. We needed this after the frantic experiences of Kuta. There is a much stronger Muslim feel here as opposed to the strong Hindu religion that you see mostly.
The locals are friendly, happy to share their waves. A guy is trying to sell me pictures of the waves I have surfed, but in a very relaxed friendly way.
The wave is great, sorry Dan but we should have come up here sooner. Our good friend Tim had recommended the place to us and he was right. It’s a point break so the waves wrap round into the bay producing LONG rides. The wave is mellow and great fun to ride. Our first day was head and a half high waves with not too many out. It’s the first point break Ruth has ridden and she tells me she caught the best wave she’s ever ridden.
It’s the 1st of Dec. today. They have put a Christmas tree in the hotel. We are missing our advent calendars though! One more full day in Bali, then we start the trip to Melbourne. We have loved it here. It’s a great country and surf location if a little exhausting from all the Balinese trying to sell you things. I will not miss bartering.
Oh hang on a minute, first job in Oz is to buy a van, DOH!!!
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Heart of Kuta craziness
We made the journey back up to Kuta for Dan and Helen's final days in Bali. We'd found accomodation much closer to where the Junkungs set off for the reefs which changed a 1 hour hike into a 5 minute strole, much better. It left us with enough energy to even paddle out on some days rather than take the boat. Being this close meant that we had to stay in the heart of the Kuta maddness (Poppies 1). It is propper party town. Suprisingly once you were back at the cottages you forgot where you were. We have our own huge balcony and we even have a pool, although you had to be careful at the deep end as there was building work going on behind it and the odd item sometimes fell down. The builders were funny characters though, they'd wave to you at the start and end of their working day and they'd sometimes even count you down when you were jumping into the pool.
Although the sound of the nightclubs didn't carry to where we were staying you could hear the pumping bass as clear as anything when paddling out at half 5 on Saturday morning.
It was sad to see Helen and Dan go, It really made the start of out trip having them with us. Helen have an amazing time in France and Dan in Spain. Keep in touch.x
Although the sound of the nightclubs didn't carry to where we were staying you could hear the pumping bass as clear as anything when paddling out at half 5 on Saturday morning.
It was sad to see Helen and Dan go, It really made the start of out trip having them with us. Helen have an amazing time in France and Dan in Spain. Keep in touch.x
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Uluwatu
We are in an ideal setting at Padang Padang. We are right next to the forest which has a real tropical feel. Unfortunately for the wave to be at its best a big swell is needed here, which has never arrived. Dan and myself have been heading further down the coast to a spot called Uluwatu (or Ulu's). Ulu's is Bali's most famous waves. It has spectacular cliffs with a temple at the south and a small beach at the bottom. You have to zig zag your way down cliff steps and small man made streets passing Warrungs (cafe's), surf shops , surfboard repair huts (always busy) and surf photographers huts before paddling out through a small cave to find 4 fantastic perfect left hand reef breaks. The coral reef is very shallow and despite the waves being not much over head high Dan and myself manage to bounce off the bottom once or twice (no injuries reef booties a must!). The waves are great but extremely busy so we opted for surfs at first light. We got some excellent waves. I almost bought a picture of myself nearly getting a backhand barrell but as I didn't quite make it I decided not to bother. We have surfed one of the best left handers in the world and to be totally honest our reef breaks on the north east coast of England can be just as good on its day (at least when it's small). Although here I'm only wearing board shorts reef boots and a rash vest and the water is 29 degrees c.
Padang Padang - the monkey playground
As we headed further south onto the 'Bucket' we stayed in a small place called Padang Padang. The beach is the most beautiful we've seen so far, it's a small cove with white sands, cliffs to climb and monkeys to watch. Although the bay is known for being one on the most consequential waves on the island with forehand and backhand barrels over a shallow reef, this week has brought small surf and so has been an extremely mellow long boarders waves. As John and Dan have been venturing up the road to Uluwatu (a world class wave on it's day), Helen and I have been enjoying Padang. To get to the beach you have to climb down steep steps through a cave with monkeys that appear from all over. We have often wondered why the monkeys don't venture onto the beach. One morning, fairly early when Helen and I went to check the surf we found out they absolutely do use the beach, just early when there is no one about. It was spectaclar, like a monkey playground, there must have been at least 15 monkey on the beach playing a game, what looked like tig. There were a few more playing on a ruined junkung, one was pretending to be the captain. The shallow reefs make for great snorkling, we've seen clown fish, lion fish, baracudas, eels, puffer fish and many more colourful fish. The whole area that surrounds the beach has a real jungle feel. It is less touristy here with a chilled vibe. Oh and great food. Just next door is a mexican restaurant run by a mexican (the best kind). The burritos and chimichangas are Yum!!!
Friday, 19 November 2010
Nusa Dua
Had a great day yesterday! Started the day with a crack of dawn surf (it seems to get earlier each day, it was a 4am get up) which was worth it. After getting back and grabbing some lunch we headed off in a taxi to Nusa Dua (on the south east tip of the island) to see James and Simion before they set off for home. The area seemed to be a world apart from other places we've seen so far, all luxury hotels on the waters edge with a paradise setting, thay even had their very own butler. After exploring the beaches we had a swim in all 5 of their pools. James treated us to a lovely meal (thank you!!!!) and then we enjoyed a few drinks on the beach before James instigated a night swim (clothing optional). After we'd seen Dan's fishing experience the previous night with a 6ft+ fish we didn't stay in long. We followed this with a soggy taxi ride back to Legian. A fantastic day followed by a lie in. Hope you have a safe trip back!!!!
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Bali reefs come to life
With a bigger swell the nearby reef breaks (waves that break over coral reef), started working. As they can be busy we have been getting there early. John gets up at 4.30am and wakes us all up with a cup of coffee. Then follows a 40 minute hike to South Kuta to catch the Junkungs (traditional balineses fishing boats that have been converted to surf taxi). You pay your 40'000 rupiah (2 quid ish)to the man on the beach. Then you paddle to the boat. Its a long thin boat with 2 outriggers, 1 driver, a shelter and an outboard motor. You paddle under the outrigger and pass your board up and then clamber in. The boat then takes you to one of three breaks.: Kuta reef, Middles or Airport lefts. the driver drops you off and hopefully remembers to come back for you in a few hours. There are many tales from surfers who have been left to paddle back, usually after dark. We have all surfed some great waves.
And then there were 6!
After a delayed trip James and Simian (James' friend) arrived. We spent some fun filled days together. A surfing lesson for James - he's a natural. When the sea went flat we enjoyed a fantastic pool at their luxury hotel.
on the hunt to see more of Bali we headed in land. we hired a driver for the day and saw: Jewellery making, artists, wood carvers, a temple, rice fields, a town called Ubud, and our favourite the Monkey Forest. The monkeys were mischievous and would take anything they could get their hands on. helen only just kept her bag after a wrestling match. They were Makaks I think. it was a good day and we made it back just in time for a new swell. we left james and Simian to carry on exploring the Island and we are looking forward to catching up with them again. It's great to have a doctor and a Dietitian about when Bali belly is going round!
Pictures to follow (technical difficulties).
on the hunt to see more of Bali we headed in land. we hired a driver for the day and saw: Jewellery making, artists, wood carvers, a temple, rice fields, a town called Ubud, and our favourite the Monkey Forest. The monkeys were mischievous and would take anything they could get their hands on. helen only just kept her bag after a wrestling match. They were Makaks I think. it was a good day and we made it back just in time for a new swell. we left james and Simian to carry on exploring the Island and we are looking forward to catching up with them again. It's great to have a doctor and a Dietitian about when Bali belly is going round!
Pictures to follow (technical difficulties).
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Beach Bungalow
We have found the perfect accommodation, right on the beach in Legian (just north of Kuta). It has a huge bathroomwhich is only partially covered by a roof. This makes for a spectacular water feature when the rain comes. We have a big bedroom and kitchen with cooking facilities although it is cheaper to eat out than but ingredients. We have been making good use of the fridge though and we've bought a pan to make coffees. The porch is ideal and it comes with a free dog or two and a giant Gheko we have named Gordon.
Pictures to follow.
Pictures to follow.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Kuta beach
We had the first two nights in Kuta but it is a bit too hectic of a place to stay for long. We headed only a short distance out of the main resort to Legian. Still Kuta beach but a lot more relaxed.
The waves have been small but the water is so warm. It's like being in a bath.
It's the rainy season and when it rains it hammers it down. It does this everyday sometimes for only half an hour then its nice again. To be honest its so warm you are usually glad of it.
Dan and John have journeyed off to find bigger waves but unfortunately their first taxi drive out proved fruitless (or waveless). they are on the hunt for junkungs (small boats which take you to the waves), later. It's very cheap here yet can be difficult to stay to budget. Most things are imported and therefore not cheap in supermarkets. We have been so used to free accommodation it has been nice yet pricier to stay in hotels. the main cost is the transport to get to other places. You could hire a moped but its suicide so we will not be doing that. The roads and traffic are crazy. Eating out is cheap though we manage to pick up a meal for around £2. Nasi Goreang a local fried rice, chicken and egg dish being a favourite so far.
James and Simian arrive tomorrow and we are looking forward to seeing them.
Bali
As with many holidays when you arrive it can be a bit of a culture shock in Bali. We had never been to Asia before. The weather was hot and I (John) made the first error of allowing a baggage handler to carry my board through custom's, he then wanted more money than I was prepared to give him, he was not happy.
Then we had to try and barter the taxi drivers down to a reasonable price, which involved playing them off against each other. We finally agreed and headed for Kuta.
We dropped off the bags and headed into town. It was fun, if still a little of a culture shock. The Balinese are very, very friendly people. Hinduism is their religion and they are all smiles and handshakes. They are trying to sell you things all the time though but not in an aggressive or unpleasant way. You HAVE to barter in bali or you pay far too much. To the Balinese it's a game. We are following the rule of always offering at least half of the asking price and working from there. It is actually quite fun.We all slept very well that first night.
Then we had to try and barter the taxi drivers down to a reasonable price, which involved playing them off against each other. We finally agreed and headed for Kuta.
We dropped off the bags and headed into town. It was fun, if still a little of a culture shock. The Balinese are very, very friendly people. Hinduism is their religion and they are all smiles and handshakes. They are trying to sell you things all the time though but not in an aggressive or unpleasant way. You HAVE to barter in bali or you pay far too much. To the Balinese it's a game. We are following the rule of always offering at least half of the asking price and working from there. It is actually quite fun.We all slept very well that first night.
Bali bound
After three very emotional good byes we set off for Heathrow and the next 11 months.
The first flight was overnight to Dubai on Virgin Atlantic. I (John) was very excited as I'd never flown virgin before. Whilst ruth sensibly got a bit of sleep, I ploughed my way through the start of 5 films. there was so much choice I kept cahnging my mind. We arrived in Dubai shattered and with 15 hours to kill. Our first plan was to see the city but we were so exhausted and it would have meant reclaiming our boards before paying for an expensive tour. we decided to remain in the airport and tried to sleep on anything we could find (usually chairs or carpet). We had thought of checking into the onsite hotel but it was $50 US an hour ($14 just to take a shower). After grabbing the odd hour or two's kip and a couple of meals we were on our way again to Singapore. we were given Honeymoon cake and Champagne which was lovely. we felt like we were in first class. Singapore airport is out of this world. So much to do. Bob had told us there was a swimming pool on the roof. We found it and spent a few hours outside swimming and using the Jacuzzi in 30 degree heat. We would have rather spent 15 hours here.
The good thing about our Bali trip is that we are going to have friends with us; Helen and Dan for 3 1/2 weeks and James and his friend Simian for a couple.
Wew met helen and Dan at singapore, unfortunately da\n was on a later flight to Bali so we carried on without him for a while.
We arrived, tired, hot and ready for a beer and bed!
Ruth's new board
Home comforts
We had returned home from France a little early due to protests by the French and a real lack of fuel. A long, long drive home was rewarded with home cooked shepherds pie - bliss!!!!
It was absolutely wonderful to spend some real quality time with friends and family at home before heading on our way again.
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