Another Year, Another Adventure

My fascination with Bali began back in 2002 when news of the Kuta bombing by Islamic terrorists exploded onto the world's headlines. Apparently somewhere in the Indonesian archipelago, paradise existed. Was its paradise lost or found? As time went by, my fascination grew into an obsession and I realized that I simply had to see this place. After a failed attempt to go last year, the stars had finally aligned in May 2009. The opportunity came when I flew over to Asia to visit my girlfriend.

To get to Bali from Beijing as cheaply as possibly I had to take several flights with multiple stopovers which required serious stamina. So I ended up stopping in Shanghai, Shenzhen/Hong Kong, Singapore, and Jakarta.

The Swine flu has had a big impact on international travel. Airports everywhere had extensive body temperature screening and anyone that was caught with abnormal temperature were promptly quarantined.

After three days of flying I had finally arrived to Bali. The touch down at the Bali airport was quite amazing itself. As the plane descended you could see massive waves just meters offshore of the airport and they were filled with surfers catching the ride of their life!

A melting pot of different people from all over the world awaited me in small baggage claim at the airport. Even Christian missionaries had decided to show. Once we got our bags, we took a cab to our first place in Nusa Dua and we spent two nights there. The beach was nice but turns out not be good for swimming since it was a tidal flat.

One night was spent in Jimbaran, which was famous for seafood on the beach. And wow, the seafood were phenomenal!

I rented a moped for only $4 USD and ripped it all the way to Uluwatu, a gorgeous temple perched on the edge of a cliff.

After Jimbaran we spent the last 3 nights in Kuta. Kuta beach was a stellar spot for people watching, surfing, and admiring the sunset.

But the best beach of all was Sanur, which is located on the eastern part of Bali. It was much more peaceful than Kuta beach and the calm sea made for good swimming.

Apparently it was here when an estimated 4,000 Balinese marched to their death against the dutch invaders as a defensive assault rather than face the humiliation of surrender in 1906.

In retrospect, Bali has exceeded all my expectations and it is indeed paradise found rather than paradise lost!