Bali 30-1May2006
30/4/2006
0730 Woke up. Have bath & change. However have running nose as I was sleeping without properly covering myself. I thought the watery nose going to stop soon but wrong, it seems going to be hell all day long. Cindy woke up at about 0745. Since our arrangement with Nyoman was at 0830, I called from the hotel (Rp18300) to inform him to come at 1000, Nyoman answered no problem. So breakfast at KSC, the usual suspect - rice, noodles, bread, cake, omellete, juice, coffee, tea, fruits, cake..... so we enjoy our breakfast slowly. The dining area is without aircon but bearable condition. I luv breakfast. You can say I'm a breakfast man. Finished & straight to hotel lobby & Nyoman was waiting. When we sat down at the sofa he informed us that his "kakak" (brother) will replaced him today b'cos of family matter. His father just been released from jail for a gambling offence. Fined Rp1000000 in default 1 year jail. Nyoman had to see his father. Nyoman shown us the car, in fact, a blue color taxi and introduced the driver Ngengah Sudi. So we informed Ngengah that we would like to go MtBatur(MB) & Besakih(B). He said that he can arrange PTL, I quicky informed him that we went there yesteday. Then he asked whether we would like to buy "ole-ole" (souvenirs) such as silver, I told him that we bought some already. When we passed Celuk, Batubulan he asked whether we would like to have a look at silver/wood
carving/stone products, we answered no, as we afraid lacked of time & don't want to be in a rush. I enquired whether we will passed by GunungKawi(GK), he said yes. I asked him can we stop there & still have time to go MB&B. A silent moment passed by but when we reached a junction he said this is the way to GKi and asked whether we would like to stop. Yes! We reached the parking area & alighted, a number of vendors called out selling sarong. Since I had requested Cindy to bring her own sarong, fully aware she has no inclination to share attire with others, we gave them a miss. And it did not occur to me to buy one for myself as the price offered was "seh wan" (in Mandarin) about Rp10000 ( did I hear wrongly??). So we walk along a road leading to the tickets counter (Rp12000). We proceeded following the path until we reached the sash area (donation Rp1000) and walked again. It is quite a long walk through some paddy field & the scene afar is coconut plantation. Even the sun was shining brightly however there was a cold breeze as we walk down the valley. The view is beautiful (must be as it was proclaimed "Best View" on the cement) at the place I took the coconut plantation. Took a breather and our time to see the scenery. When we reached an arch entrance, there was a bowl and a note "please sprink
le some holy water on you" we did as noted. Immediately after the arch we took left and there, the rock carving. Perfect for photos. Since there was a couple with their 2 kids, I snapped a natural scene of kids with the offering stage at background. We followed a path leading to a temple by crossing a bridge. There are more rock carving at the side of the temple, with water coming out from one of the head carving. The water is cold & refreshing. We washed our hand & feet & face. The exit is a the side of the entrance whereby you can see the padi fields. It was quite a walk & rough estimation we spent about 1.5 hours there.
The next destination Lake & MtBatur. The road reaching to Kintamani uphill is good with view. Downhill we paid Rp6000 for tickets, Rp1000 for parking & Rp200 for insurance coverage all to KapubatenBangli. Even though we reached at the temple at about 1315 the place was empty with one couple there. I guess the other tourist were having their lunch. Upon stepping out of the car, 4-5 vendors offered sarong, sash for sale & started tying around our waist. They were aggressive. The younger one were selling postcards. Cindy got agitated. I lost my cool too & without properly using my brain or to remain calm, I offered renting of sarong & sash at 16x extra! What a moron I am! I guess that by losing my mind had caused me the most expensive losses that I ever encountered in my life. Just imagine how much in percentage in term of the actual lost. I promised myself not to lose my calmnest anymore. In the middle of everything I think someone step on my sandals & the saddle came out. It really spoilt my day. I voiced my unhappiness over Cindy's moment of agitation & this proved to be my mistake instead, both of us were unhappy & Cindy unhappy with me. The blame should go to me. We walk to the temple & a young gal kept pestering to me to buy postcards & said will wait for me. She insisted that I paid donation, which I intent to do, it seem she viewed it the most holiest thing & a must, afraid I might not donate. Put Rp2000 in the donation box. So we walked about at the complex. The complex is quite big has few pagoda like structure. It has beautiful carving and we saw an altar resembling a chinese deity altar. At the back we can view MB and its lake. We walk out to the next complex. We returned the sarong & sash to the young gal who was still waiting for us to buy her postcards. We had sat in the car but she held on to the door insisted me to buy postcards. It drag on for 15minutes & Ngengah intervened since his car was idling too. Since I had paid a bomb for the sarong, any sense of supporting the vendors there went down the drain. I felt cheated, stupid & lost of self respect to me & the Balinese. This is a lesson as I thought I'd prepared for it. Moreover it strained Cindy & me, which cost more than the Rupiahs. I am sorry, Cindy. I requested Ngengah to bring us for lunch & Ngengah suggested a restaurant with a view. It has indoor & outdoor dining with the best seat, I think, was on the edge of the restaurant looking down at the valley. On the left is MtBatur, middle the lake & right MtAgung. BaturSari is the name of the r
estaurant. We have buffet at Rp100000 per person & added tax 21% it cost Rp242000! It was expensive as the restaurant is not classy at all & with some flies. However the view is breathtaking. You can just have your BintangBeer & enjoy the view as suggested by LonelyPlanet. The spread were potato rice, noodles, sate, quite a number of vegetable dishes, keropok, coffee/tea, goreng pisang, dessert pulut hitam, fruity, banana, local citrus etc usual suspect. A supir (guide) with 4 Europeans, stting next to us, has his Sprite with yellow yolk, he said it make him strong. I requested a waiter to buy for me a pack of Malboro since the restaurant has none & it cost Rp12000. We took our sweet time & our lunch took about 1.5 hour.
Our next stop was Besakih. It is a winding road from Batur to Besakih, Cindy head went spinning. When reached the paying counter, I paid Rp9800 & enquire whether need to wear sarong & was informed no need if wearing long pants. Armed with this info, I told Ngengah. When we reached parking area few vendors trie to sell their sarong Ngengah quickly interupted them by telling them tha
t i had enquired at the counter. So no business for them. Ngengah also told me that not necessary to pay guide as it's expensive. I read in LP that the guide can be forceful. When we turned right of the parking area there was a counter marked "Information". A moustache guy called us & started to explain about this association for guide & said need to pay Rp70000. A young chap was beside him. I told him that we don't need guide but he insisted. I said I will made donation to the association isntead of a guide. He answered that we might be harrased by other guide not associated with them. Despite the soft reminder from Ngengah, I gave in. I guessed LP should further stressed that everyone should ingnored them despite their threat. Not to have problem, I said okay & paid Rp60000. What a bum. He showed us his nametag & started to guide us. He spoke good English. Not many people around as I guessed that majority of the tours had gone. The sky was cloudy. This is a huge area covering 3 main temple. This is the mother of all temple in Bali. The ultimate for the Bali people and their soul. Everybody (I guess?) wish their body/soul to be prayed here. I was informed by Ngengah, if his funeral take place it will cost Rp5million, taking into consideration the distance from his home. The money will be spend for the relatives, visitors, friends surrounding his kampong, thereafter his ash will be brought to this temple to be payed by relatives and finally the ash be retunr to the sea.
We ended today visit, back to Kuta. Requested Ngengah to bring us to spa. He brought us to this Spa Semara at Jalan Blambangan No.4 Kuta. Was introduced to a 2hours massage for Rp255000 since the other 1 hour package is too short. What a bummer! The massage was lousy, the massage lady fingers felt like playing piano on my skin. Furthermore the massage is 1 hour only and the balance 1 hour for soaking in flower water (with no aroma at all) and to steam room. After bathing, I complaint to the lady who introduced that package as 2 hour. She denied that. So paid up and returned the change to me, which I found out the next day, 3 pieces of Rp20000 note being considered not legal tender as it had been replaced. They have van to fetch you back. Of course my mistake in not identifying what was the current legal tender, but it also show the tendency of the other party in being dishonest. Of course through my research from internet, there are a lot of caveat emptors being placed by the writers of blog, of course the reasoning that life is harsh, the people are friendly, that we had to be extra careful. Of course it happened everywhere. But with all this money that they earned, where did it goes to? Buying of land? Tax to government? Lifestyle? But to what extent of developement took place there beside the touristy area?
I need a pair of sandal as mine was torn during the hoo-hah at MtBatur. Cost me Rp105000 from PlanetSurfNorthStore at Kuta Square. We also bought the backpack Kappa brand at Rp99500 after 50% discount at Octopus, Kuta Square.
1/5/2006
We intent to go to Bedugul/Ubud today but Ngengah suggested NusaPendua on the reasoning that there will be festival something. So off to the said beach resort area, we reached a sandy beach with about 6 people around. 3 causcacion, I presumed are waiting for their diving.snorkelling trip?? The morning was very hot, so the umbrella was up & both of us start walking to the beach. A lady try to sell the Turtle island package or the paragliding ride, we said no. Suprisingly she was not pushy, off she go. Maybe the umbrella? Saw a couple just return back from their boat trip.
Our next destination was Uluwatu famed for its sunset, temple and fierce monkeys.We reached at the entrance, paid fee and donation for sash. Adviced from a young man that hat, sun-glasses is a big no-no and offer to accompany us to chae away the primates. We just follwed the road and reached a stair ground. We started walking to the left side even though we saw tourist coming from the right side. There is a sideway walk along the cliff... teh sea, cliff, wave are beautiful. We reached until the wooden performing area with few monkeys around. So far no problem with them. Took photos and walked back to the temple. It seem going to be along walk. We took our time. We were about to reached the stair to enter the temple site, suddenly an old monkey with its pirate face tried to snatch Cindy sunglasses. That monkey had quietly move along the bush and jump over the cement ridge (the ridge was about a head lower than Cindy) and rushed to Cindy in quick time, few seconds. Cindy was not facing the monkey, but it just seem about I turned to face Cindy and saw the monkey. My reaction was to hit the monkey by extending my hand to the back of Cindy's head. I felt I hit something, which I think was the monkey's hand after I asked whether did I hit her. The monkey managed to touched Cindy's hair but I think my hand was faster therefore managed to sling at the monkey's hand. Cindy got a shock so we needed a rest. There was a couple watched the whole action. The monkey sat at the ridge not far away of course posing to the guy who was holding the camera. I guess I won this time, I am the hero saving my gal from being harm. After Cindy cooled down we walked again to teh temple and the far side. On the way back there are a lot of monkey with all their individual posing for your taking.
So with this trip finished Ngengah suggested GWK, a huge park hald completed with one of teh biggest statue of ......??? can't remember. We decide to give it a miss as we want to explore Kuta town to do some shopping. Then Ngengah stop at a souvenir shop neaby town, we did not buy anything, but the price are cheaper compare with the mall/supermarket. First we had to change money so Ngengah bought us to Kodak shop but they were not wiling to accept old US note. So off to PT Central Kuta, No. 168 Raya Kuta Street with the rate of US$100 = Rp875000. The notice stated that they don't have money for xchange. But after I spoke to the cashier, she told us they had Rp20000 note only, we said it's okay. Ngengah left us somewhere at the Kuta Arts Market so we walked up to Discovery Shopping Mall, Jalan Kartika Plaza, Tuban. Bought some bread & cake at BreadTalk (California cake Rp6500, Blueberry Rock Rp4500 & MeatChesse Rp7000) and ate it at KFC outside table (Cola Rp6000) So we explored the mall. Nothing much just a modern mall. Back to Kuta Arts Market, there are painting, arts, t-shirt, clothes, souvenirs which are the same all over the place. cindy bought short (Rp20000) sleeping gown (Rp35000). We did bargain for painting, but at the end did not purchase any, since most are acrylic rather that oil painting. Seem like time flies, it's going to 7pm, so hurried back to KSC for Ngengah to bring us to Jimbaran for seafood. I asked which area of Jimbaran, Ngengah told me it belong to a friend which he did not earn ಅನಿ ಕಮಿಷನ್. ಹೊವೆವೆರ್ ಇ ವಾಸ್ ರಾಂಗ್, ದಿ ವರ್ ದಿ ತ್ರೋಯತ್ ಕತ್ತೆರ್!
carving/stone products, we answered no, as we afraid lacked of time & don't want to be in a rush. I enquired whether we will passed by GunungKawi(GK), he said yes. I asked him can we stop there & still have time to go MB&B. A silent moment passed by but when we reached a junction he said this is the way to GKi and asked whether we would like to stop. Yes! We reached the parking area & alighted, a number of vendors called out selling sarong. Since I had requested Cindy to bring her own sarong, fully aware she has no inclination to share attire with others, we gave them a miss. And it did not occur to me to buy one for myself as the price offered was "seh wan" (in Mandarin) about Rp10000 ( did I hear wrongly??). So we walk along a road leading to the tickets counter (Rp12000). We proceeded following the path until we reached the sash area (donation Rp1000) and walked again. It is quite a long walk through some paddy field & the scene afar is coconut plantation. Even the sun was shining brightly however there was a cold breeze as we walk down the valley. The view is beautiful (must be as it was proclaimed "Best View" on the cement) at the place I took the coconut plantation. Took a breather and our time to see the scenery. When we reached an arch entrance, there was a bowl and a note "please sprink
le some holy water on you" we did as noted. Immediately after the arch we took left and there, the rock carving. Perfect for photos. Since there was a couple with their 2 kids, I snapped a natural scene of kids with the offering stage at background. We followed a path leading to a temple by crossing a bridge. There are more rock carving at the side of the temple, with water coming out from one of the head carving. The water is cold & refreshing. We washed our hand & feet & face. The exit is a the side of the entrance whereby you can see the padi fields. It was quite a walk & rough estimation we spent about 1.5 hours there.The next destination Lake & MtBatur. The road reaching to Kintamani uphill is good with view. Downhill we paid Rp6000 for tickets, Rp1000 for parking & Rp200 for insurance coverage all to KapubatenBangli. Even though we reached at the temple at about 1315 the place was empty with one couple there. I guess the other tourist were having their lunch. Upon stepping out of the car, 4-5 vendors offered sarong, sash for sale & started tying around our waist. They were aggressive. The younger one were selling postcards. Cindy got agitated. I lost my cool too & without properly using my brain or to remain calm, I offered renting of sarong & sash at 16x extra! What a moron I am! I guess that by losing my mind had caused me the most expensive losses that I ever encountered in my life. Just imagine how much in percentage in term of the actual lost. I promised myself not to lose my calmnest anymore. In the middle of everything I think someone step on my sandals & the saddle came out. It really spoilt my day. I voiced my unhappiness over Cindy's moment of agitation & this proved to be my mistake instead, both of us were unhappy & Cindy unhappy with me. The blame should go to me. We walk to the temple & a young gal kept pestering to me to buy postcards & said will wait for me. She insisted that I paid donation, which I intent to do, it seem she viewed it the most holiest thing & a must, afraid I might not donate. Put Rp2000 in the donation box. So we walked about at the complex. The complex is quite big has few pagoda like structure. It has beautiful carving and we saw an altar resembling a chinese deity altar. At the back we can view MB and its lake. We walk out to the next complex. We returned the sarong & sash to the young gal who was still waiting for us to buy her postcards. We had sat in the car but she held on to the door insisted me to buy postcards. It drag on for 15minutes & Ngengah intervened since his car was idling too. Since I had paid a bomb for the sarong, any sense of supporting the vendors there went down the drain. I felt cheated, stupid & lost of self respect to me & the Balinese. This is a lesson as I thought I'd prepared for it. Moreover it strained Cindy & me, which cost more than the Rupiahs. I am sorry, Cindy. I requested Ngengah to bring us for lunch & Ngengah suggested a restaurant with a view. It has indoor & outdoor dining with the best seat, I think, was on the edge of the restaurant looking down at the valley. On the left is MtBatur, middle the lake & right MtAgung. BaturSari is the name of the r
estaurant. We have buffet at Rp100000 per person & added tax 21% it cost Rp242000! It was expensive as the restaurant is not classy at all & with some flies. However the view is breathtaking. You can just have your BintangBeer & enjoy the view as suggested by LonelyPlanet. The spread were potato rice, noodles, sate, quite a number of vegetable dishes, keropok, coffee/tea, goreng pisang, dessert pulut hitam, fruity, banana, local citrus etc usual suspect. A supir (guide) with 4 Europeans, stting next to us, has his Sprite with yellow yolk, he said it make him strong. I requested a waiter to buy for me a pack of Malboro since the restaurant has none & it cost Rp12000. We took our sweet time & our lunch took about 1.5 hour.Our next stop was Besakih. It is a winding road from Batur to Besakih, Cindy head went spinning. When reached the paying counter, I paid Rp9800 & enquire whether need to wear sarong & was informed no need if wearing long pants. Armed with this info, I told Ngengah. When we reached parking area few vendors trie to sell their sarong Ngengah quickly interupted them by telling them tha
t i had enquired at the counter. So no business for them. Ngengah also told me that not necessary to pay guide as it's expensive. I read in LP that the guide can be forceful. When we turned right of the parking area there was a counter marked "Information". A moustache guy called us & started to explain about this association for guide & said need to pay Rp70000. A young chap was beside him. I told him that we don't need guide but he insisted. I said I will made donation to the association isntead of a guide. He answered that we might be harrased by other guide not associated with them. Despite the soft reminder from Ngengah, I gave in. I guessed LP should further stressed that everyone should ingnored them despite their threat. Not to have problem, I said okay & paid Rp60000. What a bum. He showed us his nametag & started to guide us. He spoke good English. Not many people around as I guessed that majority of the tours had gone. The sky was cloudy. This is a huge area covering 3 main temple. This is the mother of all temple in Bali. The ultimate for the Bali people and their soul. Everybody (I guess?) wish their body/soul to be prayed here. I was informed by Ngengah, if his funeral take place it will cost Rp5million, taking into consideration the distance from his home. The money will be spend for the relatives, visitors, friends surrounding his kampong, thereafter his ash will be brought to this temple to be payed by relatives and finally the ash be retunr to the sea.We ended today visit, back to Kuta. Requested Ngengah to bring us to spa. He brought us to this Spa Semara at Jalan Blambangan No.4 Kuta. Was introduced to a 2hours massage for Rp255000 since the other 1 hour package is too short. What a bummer! The massage was lousy, the massage lady fingers felt like playing piano on my skin. Furthermore the massage is 1 hour only and the balance 1 hour for soaking in flower water (with no aroma at all) and to steam room. After bathing, I complaint to the lady who introduced that package as 2 hour. She denied that. So paid up and returned the change to me, which I found out the next day, 3 pieces of Rp20000 note being considered not legal tender as it had been replaced. They have van to fetch you back. Of course my mistake in not identifying what was the current legal tender, but it also show the tendency of the other party in being dishonest. Of course through my research from internet, there are a lot of caveat emptors being placed by the writers of blog, of course the reasoning that life is harsh, the people are friendly, that we had to be extra careful. Of course it happened everywhere. But with all this money that they earned, where did it goes to? Buying of land? Tax to government? Lifestyle? But to what extent of developement took place there beside the touristy area?
I need a pair of sandal as mine was torn during the hoo-hah at MtBatur. Cost me Rp105000 from PlanetSurfNorthStore at Kuta Square. We also bought the backpack Kappa brand at Rp99500 after 50% discount at Octopus, Kuta Square.
1/5/2006
We intent to go to Bedugul/Ubud today but Ngengah suggested NusaPendua on the reasoning that there will be festival something. So off to the said beach resort area, we reached a sandy beach with about 6 people around. 3 causcacion, I presumed are waiting for their diving.snorkelling trip?? The morning was very hot, so the umbrella was up & both of us start walking to the beach. A lady try to sell the Turtle island package or the paragliding ride, we said no. Suprisingly she was not pushy, off she go. Maybe the umbrella? Saw a couple just return back from their boat trip.
Our next destination was Uluwatu famed for its sunset, temple and fierce monkeys.We reached at the entrance, paid fee and donation for sash. Adviced from a young man that hat, sun-glasses is a big no-no and offer to accompany us to chae away the primates. We just follwed the road and reached a stair ground. We started walking to the left side even though we saw tourist coming from the right side. There is a sideway walk along the cliff... teh sea, cliff, wave are beautiful. We reached until the wooden performing area with few monkeys around. So far no problem with them. Took photos and walked back to the temple. It seem going to be along walk. We took our time. We were about to reached the stair to enter the temple site, suddenly an old monkey with its pirate face tried to snatch Cindy sunglasses. That monkey had quietly move along the bush and jump over the cement ridge (the ridge was about a head lower than Cindy) and rushed to Cindy in quick time, few seconds. Cindy was not facing the monkey, but it just seem about I turned to face Cindy and saw the monkey. My reaction was to hit the monkey by extending my hand to the back of Cindy's head. I felt I hit something, which I think was the monkey's hand after I asked whether did I hit her. The monkey managed to touched Cindy's hair but I think my hand was faster therefore managed to sling at the monkey's hand. Cindy got a shock so we needed a rest. There was a couple watched the whole action. The monkey sat at the ridge not far away of course posing to the guy who was holding the camera. I guess I won this time, I am the hero saving my gal from being harm. After Cindy cooled down we walked again to teh temple and the far side. On the way back there are a lot of monkey with all their individual posing for your taking.So with this trip finished Ngengah suggested GWK, a huge park hald completed with one of teh biggest statue of ......??? can't remember. We decide to give it a miss as we want to explore Kuta town to do some shopping. Then Ngengah stop at a souvenir shop neaby town, we did not buy anything, but the price are cheaper compare with the mall/supermarket. First we had to change money so Ngengah bought us to Kodak shop but they were not wiling to accept old US note. So off to PT Central Kuta, No. 168 Raya Kuta Street with the rate of US$100 = Rp875000. The notice stated that they don't have money for xchange. But after I spoke to the cashier, she told us they had Rp20000 note only, we said it's okay. Ngengah left us somewhere at the Kuta Arts Market so we walked up to Discovery Shopping Mall, Jalan Kartika Plaza, Tuban. Bought some bread & cake at BreadTalk (California cake Rp6500, Blueberry Rock Rp4500 & MeatChesse Rp7000) and ate it at KFC outside table (Cola Rp6000) So we explored the mall. Nothing much just a modern mall. Back to Kuta Arts Market, there are painting, arts, t-shirt, clothes, souvenirs which are the same all over the place. cindy bought short (Rp20000) sleeping gown (Rp35000). We did bargain for painting, but at the end did not purchase any, since most are acrylic rather that oil painting. Seem like time flies, it's going to 7pm, so hurried back to KSC for Ngengah to bring us to Jimbaran for seafood. I asked which area of Jimbaran, Ngengah told me it belong to a friend which he did not earn ಅನಿ ಕಮಿಷನ್. ಹೊವೆವೆರ್ ಇ ವಾಸ್ ರಾಂಗ್, ದಿ ವರ್ ದಿ ತ್ರೋಯತ್ ಕತ್ತೆರ್!
posted by YSLim @ 10:28 am
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