Rice fields and mountains on the scenic road route from Tulamben to Kuta.
DAY 15 :-Monday(25-8-2014):- Departure Tulamben and arrival at Kuta :-
Exotic Bali.
Said goodbye to "Dive Concepts Dormitory" at approx 0745 hrs and waited for the local shuttle bus.At approx 0815 boarded the shuttle bus to "Amlapur" , the ticket costing 50,000 Rupiah.It was a scenic drive along the coastline into the mountains getting a view of the Bali countryside. It was lush green paddy fields and coconut plantations. At approx 0900 hrs reached Amlapur from where i boarded another shuttle to "Kuta", the cost being 1,00,000 Rupiah.It was a long drive and as i was in the front seat had a comfortable journey.At approx 1200 hrs we arrived at Denpassar and to my horror had to change into another "Shuttle bus", my third in this epic journey from Tulamben.The shuttle bus driver waited for passengers as usual and after a short one hour drive finally reached Kuta.Alighting the bus asked for directions to the "Backpackers Location" and was guided to "LEGIAN STREET".
"HUMAN PENISES" as "bottle-openers and "Key-chains , a rage in Kuta.
Checked into "Maha Bharata Hotel", a hotel having a nice palatial estate with cottage rooms , the cost of my room being 1,00,000 Rupiah/day.After entering "Room No 28" made myself comfortable and also realized the reason for the cheap rates in this plush centrally located hotel estate.My room resembled a total abandoned junkyard with the large bathroom roof partially broken and exposed to the sky!Remember, in life you can't get the best as well as the good at cheap rates and hence i consoled myself at this cheap bargain compromise .After a bathe headed into the street.Was surprised at the total tourist atmosphere of Kuta. Had lunch at "Kentucky Fried Chicken" situated in Kuta Square, a box-meal costing 23,000 Rupiah.Made my way towards Kuta beach and was surprised at most shops selling wood carvings of "Human Penises" of different shapes and sizes, some to be used as decorative bottle-openers,others as "Key Chains" and still some more as "Ash trays" ! This scandalized me as the only time i saw "PENISES" being sold in curio shops was in Thimphu in Bhutan.Had seen the play "VAGINA MONOLOGUES" in Mumbai, a women centric play and seems its time the "PENIS COUNT " play was produced.
"T-SHIRTS" & Clothes with Scandalizing messages.
The women would be having a field day in Kuta viewing the different size and shape penis carvings as do we men from ogling women's breasts and nude women art. Ha Ha Ha HEE HEE HEE ! Another factor was the "GAY THEME" and observed numerous shops selling gay poster T-shirts and merchandise, totally for the Australian tourist that literally ran Kuta economics. Kuta reminded me of Mui Ne in South Vietnam that was totally a Russian town in economics.Every second Caucasian tourist in Kuta including women sported "Tattoos" and the number of "Tattoo" and "Massage Parlours" resembled grocery shops, numerous in Kuta.Kuta beach seems to be a favourite for "SURFING" and was filled with tourists.After a brief tour of Kuta beach returned to the hotel and after some rest headed towards "Legian Street", Legian street is what defines Kuta as one of the Night-spots of the World.Pubs & Nightclubs along with "Massage Parlours", "Tattoo parlous" and "Penis carvings" line the street as also travel agents and shops.Visited "Hotel Prawita" situated on Legion street just across "Maha Bharata" hotel and was enchanted by its decor and artificial green-house garden. It had a "Bayan breed" parrot, a local native species of Sumatra in its palatial garden.It was chained to a tree while a Iguana lizard and a Husky dog dozed in their cages, a hotel with a mini-zoo for its guests.
"Kimi" brought back memories of "Mittoo"
The parrot bizarrely resembled my late pet Alexandrine parakeet "Mittoo", totally green in colour with large red markings on both his wings.On inquiring with the owner learnt that the name of this beautiful parrot's name was "Kimi".Came across the memorial created for the victims of the 2002 Bali bomb blasts,the names of all the victims written on a memorial plaque on the wall.Further down the north of Legian street Inquired about air-tickets to Jakarta at a tour agency shop and later while returning back stopped at a grocery for a "Bintang beer". Picked up a conversation with a Australian from Darwin, a law enforcement hacker and got to understand parts of internet espionage.Later came back to my hotel and had a good nights sleep.
Plush and expensive "SEA-FOOD RESTAURANTS" on Kartik Plaza street in Kuta.
DAY 16 :- Tuesday(26-8-2014) :- Have been suffering from a upset stomach since my departure from Jawa, a mild form of Diarrhea. Purchased some tablets from "Apotik Sari Dewi Chemist" situated on main Legian street on the entrance to "Hotel Maha Bharata" on recommendation from the shop chemist.Took the capsules and headed towards Legian Street wanting to change money as well as purchase air-ticket for the return flight from Denpassar to Jakarta.Breakfast was at "Crusoe's Island Bar & Restaurant", a night club that serves food 24 hours!Breakfast was "Omlette/toast" and i felt weird having breakfast in a nightclub. Legian Street is filled with "Money Changers" quoting rates much higher than the "Bank Rates" but most of them are frauds on a look-out for a sucker.Finally changed my money and luckily the money-changer was honest and i didn't get swindled.Visited the ticket travel agent and booked my air-ticket by "Lion Air" for the 0700 hrs flight on Wednesday(3-9-2014) costing 6,50,000 Rupiah.Internal air travel is cheap in Indonesia and convenient.Walked back to my hotel and after a brief rest walked towards Kuta Beach, a now familiar route.Stopped at "Kentucky Fried Chicken" in Kuta Square for a snack and then strolled towards "Matahari" shopping mall situated in "Kuta Square" the plush authentic shopping area of Kuta..Indonesia has numerous ultra-luxury shopping malls and the "Matahari Chain" is one of them. On entering the store was greeted with luxury items and after a window-shopping tour of the entire mall made my way back to the street.The entire road reeked of tourist luxury and on entering "Kartika Plaza" was astounded at the expensive sea-food restaurants and hotels.Live fish could be ordered to cook just from the aquarium.A delicacy is "Roasted pig-lings" and two of these roasted delicacies were on view for pork gourmets.After sight-seeing some of these plush restaurants headed towards Kuta beach and entered "Hard Rock Cafe" situated facing the beach.All "Hard Rock Cafe's" are similar in interior decor and "Hard Rock (Kuta)" was no different with "Rock Memorabilia" lining the walls.
Inside "HARD ROCK CAFE" with the "ELVIS BELT".
Took a "Selfie" with the famous belt worn by my child-hood hero, Elvis .Presley.This thick long leather belt was worn during all his concerts, his trade-mark and honestly, it resembled a "Scuba dive belt". Wonder how Elvis carried such heavy weight on his body while performing his raunchy movements.From "Hard Rock Cafe" took a turn heading towards "Poppy- 2" street.At approx 1500 hrs reached the plush "Satriya Cottages" and inquired the room rates which were only 8,50,000 Rupiahs/day ! Poppy-2 road interconnects with the famous Legian street and after a long walk was back at my hotel room.Later in the evening after some blogging strolled further up Legian street and came across "Skygarden Lounge Nightclub" advertising a promotional offer of beer/buffet dinner at 50,000 Rupiah.As a thrifty "Solo Backpacker" this advertisement was a jackpot offer, too good to be true. Went back to my hotel, a short distance away and after changing into formal wear headed into "Skygarden Lounge" building, the entire building having various pubs and clubs on different storeys.
"SKYGARDEN LOUNGE FREE BEER/BUFFET DINNER"
It was a tiring 5-storey walk to "Skygarden" as there was no lift to the terrace garden.The buffet dinner was on the terrace of the nightclub building and packed with tourists.I have visited various 5-star hotels and this terrace garden could be the envy of any billionaire hotelier.Large trees were planted in huge pots on the terrace garden, a classic setting of exorbitant luxury living straight from a "Great Gatsby" film set. Only difference was that this was for real and not a artificial fantasy.Tourists of all ages were in attendance, kids along with their parents to the trade-mark lonely backpacker in search of the best and cheapest in the town.The night was a unforgettable occasion of lavish buffet dinner along with at least two rounds of free draught beer.The free San Miguel beer is served between 1700 to 1800 hrs only.After the first drink a lady bar server came to the table and poured the beer from a jar in to the empty glass.The ambience was one of the beast in my long years of partying and boozing. D.J music was the highlight and "Hookah" a pass-time along with a giant screening of "Pirates of the Caribbean". A total "House-full crowd" till the time i departed at 2100 hrs and headed back into the narrow street heavy with traffic, massage parlors and live-rock music.No wonder Kuta was and is the talk when defining Night-life in Asia.Remember, i have visited 47 country's to date !
Is "KUTA" the place in Asia for unadulterated "NIGHTLIFE" upto 0300 hrs in the morning ? At "SKYGARDEN SKYDOME NIGHTCLUB " on Legian Street in Kuta.
DAY 17 :- Wednesday(27-8-2014) :- After the normal morning routines and a rumbling stomach headed to Kuta beach for a early morning swim.The beach was desolate except for a few surfers learning the art of surfing from their coaches at a very expensive fee. Had a dip in the sea and later visited the "Surf School", the tuition fees being fit for wealthy sportsperson akin to Scuba diving.Returned back to the hotel and as usual walked along Legian street towards the north from my hotel.
12th October 2002 Bali Bombing Memorial on Legian Street.
Came across the "BALI BOMB MEMORIAL" built on the site of the former "Paddy's pub" and next to the now demolished "Sari Club". The infamous Bali bombings on 12 th October 2002 claimed 202 human lives mostly Australian tourists and the memorial had the names of all the victims inscribed on the wall.Brought back memories of the first modern era serial bombings in the World in Mumbai city on 12th March 1993 ,one of which took place in my own backyard in Worli , approx 200 meters from my house .This bombing claimed numerous human lives, irrespective of caste, creed or nationality. Numerous tourists photograph themselves in front of the memorial and as i myself in Mumbai was a terror bombing survivor paid my respects to the victims of senseless terrorism.Legian street has numerous "Money-Changers" offering various rates compared to the official "BANK RATES".
Plush "SKYGARDEN BEER/BUFFET DINNER"
Almost became a "Sucker" to two different "Money-Changers", the first trying to con me by doing the "Magicians sleight of hand" trick and the second by using a "Rigged Calculator" ! Finally common sense prevailed and i exchanged my hard earned dollars at the legal money changer at a lower rate of 11,660 Rupiah/Dollar.I avoided lunch just having bread and butter in order to get my stomache into normal routine functioning.Later in the evening as usual went for "Beer /Buffet B.B.Q dinner" at "Skygarden lounge" at the unbelievable price of 50,000 Rupiah.The crowd was less compared to yesterday and as usual quenched my thirst with draught St Miguel beer.During the queue for the buffet dinner picked up conversation with a American tourist Mr Richard.Williams and suddenly total strangers became acquaintances.Later after filling my plate took a random seat and had a interesting conversation with two young Australian tourists and felt like a novice at the manner in which some of these young men accomplished in solo backpacking tours.Later Mr Richard.Williams came over to my table and he also admitted that Kuta night club scene was a unique type, not even prevalent in U.S.A barring Las Vegas.After dinner came back to my hotel room and rested for a while as i had the entire night on a night-club exploration agenda.At 2100 hrs made my way back to "Skygarden Lounge" and used the complimentary entry ticket for entrance to the "DJ Tenisha" show.Entrance after 22000 hrs was 1,00,000 Rupiah which included a free complimentary drink.
Erotic Balinese fire dance at "SKYDOME"
On entering the "Skygarden dome" was given a "Vodka/Double bull" cocktail and decided to stay sober the entire morning! It was local "D.J Music" as usual with a young crowd of mostly Caucasian tourists, definitely the majority being Australians.Two young women clad in bikini danced on the stage while the D.J spun his music. Had a dance with a young Indonesian lady named Maya seated next to me and later watched the party from a vantage point near the stage. After 0000 hrs the actual action began and there was a grand entry of a few young women doing flame jugglery as well as dancing.A young man performed unbelievable flame jugglery while the women gyrated, later also playing the drums.Typical Las Vegas entertainment.Finally at approx 0045 hrs Mr Tenisha made his entry on stage and spun his music to the gyrations of the "Go go dancers" on stage clad in bikini costume and the house-full crowd on the dance-floor.Finally at approx 0130 hrs i made my way out of "Skygarden Dome" into the street below which resembled peak morning working hours rather that early morning night-club hours. The street was lined with tourists and music was blaring from almost every restaurant on the street.Entered the "Engine Room" situated opposite "Skygarden" and was definitely surprised by the spaciousness of the "Engine room entertainment akin to being in a ships engine room space with the crowd gyrating to "D,J Music".
"LEGIAN STREET" in Kuta.The Partying street of Asia ?
There were pool tables inside the "Engine Room " lounge.From the "Engine Room" visited the other night-club restaurants on the way to my hotel room and was surprised to see all of them packed to crowds, that too on a week-day ! The "Surfer bar and restaurant" was playing live band to a packed audience.The "Bounty discotheque" had the "Captains Bar" and the "Cadets bar" packed with dancers grooving to "Dj Music" and for the first time i heard "Punjabi music" in Bali.All the night clubs served "Sheesh hookahs" and smoking is a craze in Indonesia let alone Bali.This defines the "NIGHT-LIFE PARTY SCENE" of Kuta.Finally at approx 0230hrs returned to my hotel room and did get a early morning nap.
Recognize the lone "Human Turtle" ? At the "Turtle Conservation centre" on Kuta Beach.
DAY 18 :- Thursday(28-8-2014) :- Woke up at approx 0745 hrs and after a bathe had breakfast at the hotel restaurant, the same included in the room rent.Breakfast was milk-less coffee and fried egg with bread. After breakfast headed into the street and booked a return bus ticket with "Perama tour and Travel" for visiting Ubud the next day, the ticket costing 1,00,000 Rupiah.Walked down my now familiar route towards Kuta beach. On Kuta beach road entered "Horiko's South Sea Bali" pearls shop and inquired the quality and price of Pearls.
"KUTA BEACH" , a surfers paradise."Surfing Classes".
Kuta beach was as usual crowded with surfers and decided to walk along the South side of the beach .The Kuta Turtle conservation project is situated just at the entrance to the beach and after a photo-shoot walked along the plush well maintained beach.Passed along the "Discover Kartika Plaza hotel and Villa's" onto "Bali Dynasty Resort".Through my binoculars saw a "Air Asia" plane landing at Denpasar airport just across the South Kuta beach bay.At "Bali Dynasty resort" took a turn into the hotel estate and came across a beautiful Hindu temple.The Balinese term for temples is "Pura" .The Hindu temples of Bali are totally different in design and architecture compared to Hindu temples in India,open-air compared to enclosed building temples of India as also the local rituals.From the Temple made my way onto the main road of "Kartik Plaza Street". Walking along the road came across "Lippo Mall", a massive mall complex that had very few foot-falls.
St Francis Xavier Church in South Kuta.
Later visited the "St Francis Xavier " catholic church situated on the same street, very well maintained and similar to the church in Jakarta.From the church made my way back down "Kartic Plaza" and entered "Bali Dynasty resort" ,a 4-star hotel to inquire the room charges, my normal habit in every city i visit.Tourism travel is meant for the wealthy as well as the common budget traveller and understanding the accomodation rentals is most important in planning any back-packing tour.The cheapest room was 200 U.S $/ day and later down the road also entered "Discover Kartika hotel(5-Star)" where the room charges were 250U.S $ /day.After satisfying my hotel rates tourist knowledge made my way towards "Kuta Centre". Came across the beautiful "Bali garden beach resort" hotel and seems the locality in South Kuta has some of Bali's finest hotels."Bali water boom", the most famous water entertainment complex in Indonesia was my next stop, situated next to Kuta centre. The entry tickets were 32 U.S $ /person and since i had exhausted my energies in Mountain trekking and "Scuba diving" decided to give this adolescence adventure craze a miss.Made my way back to the hotel via the "beach route", a short cut compared to the normal road route. Yes, i was behaving like a local Balinese baring the "Language handicap" Reached my hotel and after a brief rest made my way towards "Hotel Aquarius" internet cafe, my daily blogging hideout, a few meters walk from "Hotel Maha Bharat". On the way to the internet cafe paid a visit to "Kimi" the Amazon parrot in the opposite hotel .He bizarrely resembled "Mittoo", barring his size, massive as are most parrots.After a brief rest at my hotel room went for dinner at the now familiar "Skygarden Lounge",the cheapest and best food in entire Indonesia considering the drinks and quality of the buffet dinner.Came across some Korean tourists who spoke excellent English and later over dinner picked up a conversation with tourist Mr Carlos from Brazil.The discussion was "World cup football-2014" and Brazil's miserable thrashing to Germany.As a Brazilian he suspected underworld rigging to be the reason for Brazil's dismal show! Conspiracy theorists exists everywhere, not least in the World's most popular sport "Soccer(Football)".After dinner returned to my hotel, a short walk from the most happening street in Asia.
"LEGIAN STREET" :- Street with most Nightclubs in Asia.? "Vi Ai Pi Club".
After a brief rest ventured for a walk on the street and heard a duo playing beautiful live music in "Vi Ai PI' restaurant.The night music action begins at around 2045 hours and the competition to attract customers might be fierce among the numerous nightclubs that line Legian Street.Honestly, if broke on money then the easiest way to while away time in Kuta is standing outside any of the "Night Clubs" in Legion street and listening to the "LIVE" or "DJ Music".Ended the night by standing outside "Espresso bar and Restaurant" listening to the band perform vintage live music of my generation, all cover songs of famous groups and "Gun's and Roses" seemed a favourite at this small cosy nightclub.
Scenic terraced rice fields and coconut plantations in Ubud.
DAY 19 :- Friday(29-8-2014) :- Woke up early as usual and at 0530 was at "Perama tours & travel" office just a few minutes walking distance from "Maha Bharat Hotel".The bus was punctual and we departed for Ubud at exactly 0600 hrs, myself the only passenger ! Ubud is situated at a elevation of 200 meters above sea level. Reached Ubud at approximately 0715 hrs and decided to explore the town and headed towards the "Rajah's palace" and "Monkey forest".On my way came across a pure bred "Pit Bull terrier" with its ears cropped along with its owner.
Mr Satya.Wiratama with his dogs, the "Pitbull" and the Peke mix.
He also owned a pekingese mix dog and both, the pit-bull and the dwarf dog were excellent companions.
This was the first time in my life that i had seen a mature pure bred "Pit Bull terrier" and on inquiring with the owner Mr Satya.Wiratama was surprised to find it very docile, akin to a rabbit rather than one of the World's most feared and dreaded dogs. Ownership of "Pit bull terriers" is banned or restricted in some First World country's.On reaching "Monkey Forest" was surprised at the numerous monkeys prowling around the street but the gates were closed as the opening time was 0830 hrs.Headed towards the "Rajah's Palace" and on reaching it entered the premises which consisted of a temple and a garden, the main residence being closed to tourists.Ubud is considered the cultural Capital of Bali unlike Kuta which is the "Nightlife & Beach" capital of Bali.
Hindu Temple complex in Ubud.
Strolled around the vicinity and visited a Hindu temple(Pura) near the palace,the temple premises being desolate akin to the Catholic churches i visited in Indonesia.Walking through the temple premises i suddenly came upon a group of local gathered in a palatial compound on a exit of the temple premises.A gentleman in the gathering invited me to visit the compound and so i entered the palatial residence of the Rajah's palace little realizing that it was forbidden for tourists.The residential compound was a typical king's residence, palatial and decorated with fountains and aviary birds.As usual i was engrossed in photography and on entering another compound was questioned by a guard on my unofficial entry.
"Royal Palace Residence" in Ubud.
Explained him the situation and everything returned to normal with me exiting the palatial residence of the Rajah of Ubud.Later came across a "Ojek taxi-man" who agreed to show me the "Goa Gaja cave temples" and "Rice terraces" for a fee of 70,000 Rupiah.It was a pleasant motorcycle pillion ride in the cool morning breeze .Enroute stopped at a wood carvers workshop as Ubud is famous for producing wood and stone carvings for the tourist Industry of Bali.Entrance fee to "Goa Gaza temple" was only 1500 Rupiah but was a short strenuous hill trek of the temple hill complex.Visited the Hindu temple carved from a solid mountain rock and realized the differences in Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism.A entire small hill was converted into Hindu and Buddhist temples, the Buddhist temples being in total ruin.After touring the temple complex we drove to the "Terraced rice fields" situated inTegallalang village of Ubud.
Entrance to Hindu temple carved inside a hill in "Goa Gaja Temple complex".
The terraced rice fields of Tegallalang village reminded me of my childhood holiday visits to my parents ancestral towns of Barkur and Mabukala in Mangalore district of India.The terraced gardens were beautiful and seemed designed for Western tourists unaccustomed to viewing rice paddy fields.Purchased a wooden cat carving at the local curio shop and later made our way back to "Monkey Forest". On arriving at "Monkey Forest gate" paid mobike taxi driver and after paying a entrance ticket of 30,000 rupiah made my entry into this unique forest of wild monkeys.Its full name is actually Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.The forest complex houses "Crab eating monkeys" and the area of the forest is approx 1/10 of a square kilometer .The monkeys can also be found roaming on the road near the forest boundary. There are 4 groups of monkeys occupying different territories in this small forest. Macaque monkeys are a common sight in India but the Balinese "Crab eating monkeys" were different in looks compared to the common Indian macaque.These monkeys were also bold and seemed to be leading a privileged life at the expense of tourists overfeeding them with banana's sold inside the forest premises.The tourists were bending backwards to lure the monkeys to pose for photographs by feeding them bananas.It was really hilarious,a natural comedy show.The forest was a huge natural reserve, a equatorial forest with massive trees and flowing stream water, a marvel of nature.There were three temples dedicated to the monkeys and for the first time in my life viewed monkeys swimming in water.The Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple as well as a "Holy Spring" bathing temple and another temple used for cremation ceremonies.
Strolling through "Monkey Forest" in Ubud.
A few of these monkeys could be models for "Scuba diving".!Balinese men normally wear a sarong as also their women and took a photograph of Mr Mide , a local guide escorting private tourists.From the "Monkey Forest" made my way back to "Perama Tourist" office , the bus departure timing to Kuta being scheduled for 1330 hrs.As i had ample time decided to have lunch in Ubud and it was local Indonesian food at "Waroeng Uma's", a beautiful restaurant walking distance from "Perama tous " office.After lunch made my way back to the office and the bus finally departed Ubud at approximately 1415 hrs.It was a long drive and the traffic congestion was the worst i experienced in my life.The bus took a different route and we passed through the "Bali Mandara toll road (Nusa Dua-Ngurah Rai-Benoa Toll Road)" over the Gulf of Benoa , a total length of 12.7 kms, one of the most beautiful long sea highways in Asia. The bus stopped at the Ngurah Rai International airport and hence it was a grand sightseeing via the bus.On arriving in Kuta it was frustrating to wait for almost half an hour on Legion street due to traffic congestion , a street i normally walk in just half an hour !"Legion Street" is a one way street and the traffic congestion i experienced was the worst in my life. Finally reached my hotel at approximately 1615 hrs, a total of two hours journey from Ubud which was just only over a hour in the morning hours.After a brief rest headed towards "Crusoe Bar & restaurant" which was having a "One hour Free beer day" gimmick, normal among the numerous nightclubs in Kuta.Its cut-throat competition among the nightclubs in Bali and every nightclub has its own regular freebies which benefits tourists.At exactly 1710 the referee's whistle was blown and the free drinks hour began.
"BINTANG BEER" session at "Crusoe Bar & Restaurant".
On a purchase of a "Bintang beer pint" at 18,000 Rupiah a customer was allowed to drink as many bottles as possible within a hour. The staff would definitely be aware of me the next time i visited the "Beer Competition" as i finished 5 beer bottles in a hour and was still as sober as day and night.Met some interesting tourists at the bar and one of them Mr Harsh was of Indian origin whom i mistook for a Australian or a Caribbean.Discussed some topics with Mr Daniel from London and got to understand the "British Class system " that does not function on "Money Power" as in most Country's but on "Aristocracy lineage". As they say you are never ever alone as a back-packer tourist.Dinner was later a sausage roll and samosa, the beer bottles being the main meal course.On my way back i was accosted by "Viagra peddlers","Pimps" and "Marijuana peddlers", the loner backpacker always mistaken to be a druggie or a sex maniac!
Russian "DJ FEEL" at the "Skygarden Dome".Partying till 0300 hrs is normal in Kuta.
DAY 20 :- Saturday(30-8-2014) :- Had a early morning breakfast at the hotel, normal egg sandwich and black coffee. Headed into Legian street and took the north route towards Seminyak.It was a marathon walk and at "Arjuna Junction" took the turn towards the beach.Decided to explore the "Luxury hotels" of Kuta and Seminyak.On "Arjuna Street" visited hotel "Sari Bunga" where the rates were 4,20,000 Rupiah for a room, expensive. Went onto the beach and walked towards the Oberoi hotel. Came across a man walking his dogs on the beach as also other people with their pets.Visited Hotel Anantark , a 5-star hotel that had one of the best designed swimming pools where the minimum room rental was 355 U.S $/day !.Took the road route towards Oberoi hotel and it seemed to be a endless road.Finally reached the hotel which has a sprawling complex. Entered the hotel and as usual inquired the rates which was 400U.S $ minimum.Hence my luxury hotel exploration brought me to the conclusion that the priciest hotels in Bali were in Kuta/Seminyak. locality .The return journey was a marathon of marathon walk along the sea beach in Seminyak upto Kuta.July, October and December is peak tourist season in Kuta with August having a average footfall count.There was a "Beach Festival for children" being organized near Kuta beach. Purchased some garments ,a Balinese sarong and a T-shirt and made my way to the hotel, a long walk that started at 0730 hrs finally ended at 1100 hrs.Hiring of motorcycles is the cheapest mode of transport as the hire charges are only 50,000 Rupiah/day and petrol is very cheap, heavily subsidised by the government.My Indian driving license was not a "International license" and hence couldn't take a motorcycle on rental.Observed numerous Hindu Balinese temples along Legian street whose gates were locked and seemed deserted.One such temple was situated on the main road facing "Maha Bharata Hotel".On inquiry with the manager of the hotel was told that most of these temples were private temples owned by local families and hence not for public prayers.Balinese form of Hinduism has differences compared to Indian Hinduism and reminded me of my visit to Jerusalem and understanding the various different sects of Christianity.Had some rest and later strolled to the north end of Legion street to chance upon the most hilarious and in-your-face shop.
Legal "GENUINE FAKE SHOP" on Legian Street!
A shop brazenly advertised that it sold counterfeit goods at a "FIXED PRICE"!.There was no bargaining on the prices for the most famous "BRAND NAMES",all counterfeits sold in this counterfeit shop in broad open daylight.Wonder what "Harley Davidson" have to say about this enterprising counterfeit proprietor of Kuta, the only shop advertising "COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS" while others do it as a "Common secret"! Nearly all the night-clubs and pubs cater to the Australian diaspora with "Australian Football(Rugby)" being televised and advertised in almost all nightclubs in Kuta.I didn't come across any restaurant showing cricket matches although English football was the other attraction after "Australian Rugby".
Lavish "Buffet Dinner" of the "Skygarden Lounge".
Evening was dinner in the now familiar hideout of "Skygarden lounge" and met Brazilian Mr Carlos.Kemer again also making new acquaintances at the dining table. Met J.B from Chile and Mr Imaoka.Takuro from Nagoya in Japan.Through Mr J.B , a engineer, was surprised to know that construction labourors earned approx 3500 U.S $'s/month in New Zealand.Mr Imaoka.Takuro was a young medical student ,my contemporaries children's age and they were surprised when i disclosed my age!Later met two Indian teachers employed in Indonesia.Angela.Robinson and her colleague were teachers in a International school and frequently visited Mumbai on holidays.It was nice meeting fellow Indians,very few whom i met during the tour.The "Skygarden Lounge" buffet dinner and free beer was the subject of discussion on every diner i met, all perplexed at being served classic dinner at a ridiculous price.The "Buffet Menu" was different for every day of the week so that regular diners didn't get bored eating the same rich food.During dinner young sales girls would request customers to purchase their cigarette brands and also observed the same at the night club . After ages i was seeing "CIGARETTE BRANDS" being advertised and promoted actively by young women salesgirls.After dinner went back to my hotel just a few minutes away from "Skygarden Lounge" and after a brief rest at approx 2130 hrs went back to "Skygarden dome" for the "DJ Feel" concert." I had metamorphosed into a adolescent in heart and straining the physical limits of age, a la Mick.Jagger ishtyle! D.J Feel" was ranked nos 62 among the top 100 Dj's of the World in 2013.He was the No 1 D.J of Russia.Local "DJ Bobby" conducted the music proceedings upto 0010 hrs and later it was the same sequence of entertainment as during the "DJ Tenisha" show on Wednesday.At approx 0100 hrs the finale began with the grand entry of "DJ Feel" and he lived up to his reputation. As for me , it was controlled boozying with just a "Tequila shot" with salt !I am no great fan of "Dj Music" and always prefer "Live bands", irrespective of the quality of the music but should say "DJ Feel" rocked the morning until 0245 hrs.Came back to my hotel at 0315 hrs and just had a snooze.
In Denpasar Fish Market.Fish is my delicacy and love visiting "FISH MARKETS".
DAY 21 :-Sunday(31-8-2014) :- After a short 2 hour snooze had breakfast in the hotel and decided to explore Denpasar. Boarded a local mini bus that dropped me at Denpasar market, the cost being only 20,000 Rupiah.Normally make it a point to visit "Markets" in any country i tour as it divulges the true spirit of the common people rather than the malls .Denpasar market was massive and it reminded me of Crawford market back home in Mumbai.Strangely, all the vendors and butchers were women including porters. I was surprised to see women coolie's carrying heavy loads on their heads. Inquired the prices and among meat products beef was costliest at 1,10,000 Rupiah/kg. Pork was available @ 55,000 Rupiah/Kg while chicken was the cheapest at 35,000 Rupiah/kg.The beef vendors were Hindu women as also the other meat stalls while a few Muslim women sold chickens.Purchased a guava and jack-fruit, my meal for the afternoon to avoid stomache complications, both fruits being excellent.Had the local Indonesian drink "Cendol" which has a cocktail concoction of various syrups, fruits and coconut milk.During my entire tour of Java and Bali in Indonesia the only place i found filthy was the "Denpasar Market".
Bali Museum complex.
Later walked to the "Bali Museum" and on paying a entrance of 10,000 Rupiahs entered the precincts of the museum.Strangely there were a few "Wedded Couples" posing for "Wedding photographs" inside the museum historical architectural edifices. Toured the museum and got to understand Balinese rituals and religion a bit better and also the reason for "Human Penis handicrafts" populating Bali curio shops. Later entered the huge public ground opposite the museum where a large number of kites were being flown. For the first time in my life got to understand the working and launching of these huge 7 feet kites made of Nylon and controlled by means of thick nylon fishing line.Handled this type of a kite for the first time in my life and it didn't feel very heavy, a slightly harder pull than the kites i flew back home in Mumbai during the 1960/70's.Later made my way back towards the local mini-bus stop and took a mobike taxi costing 20,000 Rupiah who dropped me at the extreme north end of Legion street near Seminyak! It was again a long marathon walk back to my hotel and realized that a stranger can really be taken for a ride if not familiar with the locale of a city. On the way came across a grotesque metal casting of a naked woman in chains in a standing bended sexual posture.First "Penis carvings" and now this unbelievable life-size statue of a naked woman in chains and in a sexual posture scandalized my sexual thinking beyond comprehension. This statue was kept on the footpath outside a closed art shop on the common road.Dinner was as usual at the "Skygarden Lounge", the menu being different every-day to avoid taste boredom. It was a typical "Australian Sunday roast dinner B.B.Q". I wonder the economics of this scheme as its too cheap to be profitable to the sponsors, a la "Great Gatsby" type benevolence.At the dinner table came across Australian Mr Rodney who sported tattoo's worth a fortune on his body.It took him a year to get the tattoo's needled on his body and he did it in Bali since it was cheaper compared to Australia. Cost him approx 1200 Aus $'s for the body art-work.Read through the tourist brochure book "Kuta Weekly" which was distributed free in the shop "Wetballs of Bali", a shop selling innovative soil in the form of moisturized wet balls..Tourist shops line Legian street and all brochures and information are available free of cost.The night was tame as i decided to stay indoors and rest as its difficult to maintain "Party fitness" on a daily night basis at my age.
"Cockfights", a local gambling pass-time in Kuta.
DAY 22 :- Monday(1-9-2014) :- A decent nights sleep and heard the call of the Muezzin at approx 0500 hrs, the only time that i realize that i am in the World's largest populated Muslim country.After my normal toilet routines had breakfast in the hotel, the normal "egg/toast with coffee".Decided to explore "Poppies lane -1" and since i was early most of the shops were closed.
"Maha Bharata" my residence in Kuta.Beautiful resort.
Suddenly while passing through the street i heard the sound of cockerels crowing and i headed into a small courtyard adjacent to main "Poppies Lane-1" and was surprised to see large Cockerels kept penned in basket cages, a sign of "Cockfighting".On inquiry with a local i was pressurized to know that "Cockfighting" was run on a daily basis In Kuta and the man gave me the address, just walking distance from my hotel.Went to Kuta beach and returned quickly to my hotel through "Poppies Lane-1".On arrival to my hotel, changed and headed towards "Jl Buna Sari Street".Inquired about "Bakunsari hotel", the landmark hotel in whose vicinity the illegal cockfighting was conducted in Kuta.Finally found my way to the location at approx 1000 hrs and was told that the "Cockfighting" started at 1300 hrs in the afternoon. Headed back to my hotel and strolled north of Legian street. While walking a blonde Caucasian suddenly wished me and as they say its a small World and hence had a brief talk with "Dive Concepts Scuba Instructor" Mr Freddie.Mira of France who was on his way to Singapore in order to get his "Indonesian Work Permit" renewed.I was accustomed to seeing him daily in his "Dive Concept" diving swim-suit and hence couldn't recognize him in civil clothes.Purchased a T- shirt and returned back to the hotel room.After a brief rest ventured back again to the "Cockfighting Site".On my way had lunch at a local street-side restaurant close to the cock -fighting venue site which was packed with customers.Tasted local Indonesian barbeque with rice,excellent .
"GAMBLERS INC" inside the "Cockfighting complex".
After a delicious lunch entered the cock-fighting site. .A few beautiful "Cocks" were kept penned in basket cages.The only tourists were three young Germans who didn't stay long at the venue, a total new bloodsport to them.It was a total local crowd with me being the only foreigner and the centre of attraction and distraction ! Entry fee was 10,000 Rupiahs and on entering the shed was amazed on seeing a permanent "Cockfighting ring" along with a enclosed wooden seating spectator/gambler enclosure with a capacity for at least 100 people.Inside the enclosure the place resembled a mini Las Vegas with locals gambling on cards and a ingenuous form of "Roulette".It was akin to a fair with food stalls and drinks.The whole concept seems to have been borrowed from the legalized gambling cockpits of the Philippines.The fights were brutal as are all cockfights and i literally made a documentary on the afternoons cock-fights.The cocks fought until one of them died or could fight no longer.If the cocks were tired they were put into a small enclosed cage in which the result was obvious, only one cock emerged alive .This concept was new to me as i didn't observe this in the legal cockfights of Manila or in the illegal cockfights in the villages in South India.
Sunset at "Kuta Beach", a surfers paradise.
Had a conversation with a local cockfighter Mr Inyoman and was pressurized to know that the entire gambling was illegal but permitted as "Cockfighting" is a traditional Balinese pass-time.In fact its a religious Balinese Hindu practice to have "Cockfights" during auspicious occasions as also in South India. All the cockerels were local birds costing approx 20/25 U.S Dollars while the prized imported Filipino cockerels cost upwards of 100 U.S $'s and were just kept in enclosed pens as show birds.At approx 1500 hrs i made my exit from the "Cockfight" venue and headed back to the hotel.Evening was spent at "Kuta Beach" watching the surfers and the sunset.It was wonderful watching a sequence of planes landing at intervals at Denpasar airport across the Kuta beach bay.For the first time in my life got a chance to use a "Poison Dart blow pipe" being sold by a local hawker.I was surprised at the power and speed of the dart just by blowing through a blow-pipe. This is normally seen in documentaries showing natives hunting animals and birds with these primitive dart guns.Dinner was at a local restaurant on Legian street and later the night and early morning was in the now familiar "adda", the "Skygarden Dome".
Group "ELECTROHYPE" performing at "Skygarden dome".
There was a live band "Electrohype" in action at the "Skygarden dome".They played from 2200 hrs to 0200 hrs , a band consisting of 7 members and catered totally to the Australian music scene.Came across three Indian tourists from Gujarat, middle aged men.They
had previously visited Bangkok and found Kuta nightlife tame !Did they expect "Patpong Street" in Kuta ? The massage parlours are unofficial sex joints of Kuta although the high profile health parlous are genuine health fitness centers.
Last "Sea-dip" on Kuta beach.Lifelong memories of a excess of indulgences.
DAY 23 :- Tuesday(2-9-2014) :- After approx 2 hrs sleep woke up at 0700 hrs and had breakfast in the hotel .Paid my hotel bill stay of nine days which amounted to 9,00,000 Rupiah.This room was given to me cheap as it had bed-bugs and was badly maintained although the entire hotel complex resembles a classic health sanatorium,a country resort in ambience and gardening..No complains as you cannot expect the best in everything, cheap as well as maintenance.Put on my "Balinese Lungi" and walked through "Poppies-1" lane to Kuta beach for a sea dip.Had a conversation with a young man Mr Mohammed Al- Basid alias "Danny" who earned his living as a "Surf instructor" and through "Surf board" rentals on the beach.Its normal for locals or immigrants to take "Westernized nick-names" if working or employed in Western Country's and Kuta resembled Europe or America rather than Asian Indonesia!.It was low-tide and the sea had a few early morning surfers."Danny" explained me the basics of Surfing and the reasons for Kuta being a popular "Surf Beach". Kuta beach had sand unlike most beaches that have gravel or worse hard rocks as i experienced in Tulamben. He requested me to try learning "Surfing" to which i politely declined.I explained him my "Near drowning Death" experience while learning scuba diving and hence as a professional gambler realized life was worth much more than adrenalin "KICKS".The secret of success in "PROFESSIONAL GAMBLING" is in balancing the odds so that your profits are higher than your losses.Watched the planes landing and taxing for take-off with my binoculars from Kuta beach.Denpasar airport has heavy air traffic and a treat to watch with binoculars from Kuta beach.Came back to my hotel and later did a shopping investigation in "Poppies Street 1 & 2" and was aghast to see most shops selling "Counterfeit luxury goods".Indonesia is one of the World's largest sources of "Counterfeit designer products " and no shop says it better than the one on Legian street that proudly advertises its uniqueness!Came across a performing monkey that did a hilarious circus trick which charmed the Western tourists as well as baffled me by its intelligence.
"Performing Monkey" with its "Human Handler".
This monkey rode a cycle in a circle, controlled by its human handler with a string.On a command this monkey fell from its cycle and played "Dead", the little children thrilled and the handler earning tourist revenue, just marvellous.Later in the afternoon visited my favourite friend the parrot.He was out of his chain on the arm of his owner Dian.She took a photograph of me with the bird and told me that he was a Bayan Parrot" indigenous to Indonesian forest of Papua. Bid goodbye to them and made my way to the internet kiosk next to "Hotel Prawati".After a brief rest went for the normal"beer/Buffet dinner" at "Skygarden lounge" at 1700 hrs and the normal discussion with fellow tourists was the secret of this unbelievable subsidised 5-star food in Bali! Met two German tourists and they also liked the "Skygarden Lounge" ,a compliment from citizens of Hamburg, the nightclub capital and whore-joint tourist city of the World.Every red blooded seaman of the pre 1990's generation will swear to the authenticity of Hamburg and "St Pauli street", a shipping port paradise for night-life entertainment .No bigger group than the legendary "BEATLES" began their career in the "Red-Light " district of St Pauli.After dinner strolled the northern end of Legian street and was surprised to see a few more live bands playing in small restaurants like the "Joker" and wonder how many manage a profit as the competition is definitely fierce.A peddler approached me for "Viagara" and "Cialis", penis erection enhancers, my grew beard being the source of attraction! Joke with him him that "Viagara" used me as their "MODEL" in "Unofficial advertisements" and never to judge a man's age by his greying years or appearances.So much for "Hyped Libido"
Pony carts for tourists.
.Later had a walk along the posh and exclusive "Kuta Square", the location that has all the biggest genuine brand shops of Kuta, the exclusive wealthy tourist shopping locality of Bali.Visited "Matahari" and purchased some food for the long plane journey ahead the next morning as i was still recovering from a serious stomach upset.The last nightclub of my Indonesian tour was at "ESPRESSO BAR".This was a small garage type bar reminiscent of the 1970's/80's generation when "Group Combo's" performed in small nightclubs in Bombay(Mumbai) and other night centers of the World.Over a drink of "Arrack on ice(40,000 Rupiah cost )" watched the local group "Black Wood" play until 2230 hrs and later the continuation with the group "Phoenix Project" finally calling it a days end at approx 0030 hrs.
Local band "Phoenix Project" at the "ESPRESSO BAR".
One strange observation during my entire tour of Jawa and Bali in Indonesia was the total absence of Indonesia's most popular sport Badminton.I never ever came across men or women playing the sport of badminton in either parks or street corners, the sport that made Indonesia a household name all over the World. Strange.Went back to my hotel room, a short walking distance and did my final packing for departure to Mumbai.
In "Ngurah Rai " airport enroute to Jakarta and finally Mumbai.Wonderful life-long memories of Bali and Jawa in Indonesia.
DAY 24 :- Wednesday(3-9-2014) :- Just couldn't sleep in the morning as i was subconsciously scared of missing the flight !After a bathe , dressed up and checked out of my hotel at 0500 hrs , alighting a taxi on Legian Street.It was a short drive to "Ngurah Rai " domestic airport, the cost of the taxi ride being 50,000 Rupiah.I was very early and had to wait in the departure lounge After the normal formalities collected my "Boarding pass" and had to pay a airport tax of 40,000 Rupiah.The Lion air flight "T11" was delayed by half and hour and i was on tenterhooks as my next flight ,the final departure from Jakarta was at 1315 hrs.It was a short one hour journey from Denpassar to Jakarta and the aircraft flew low over the scenic volcano mountains.
The last "Birds eye view" of Mt Bromo from the plane.
The Captain announced on the speakers the various mountains , the most prominent being Mt Semeru ,the highest mountain on Jawa and Mt Bromo which together resembled a "Moonscape" from the plane.On arrival at Jakarta airport domestic terminal collected my luggage and checked out of the airport, the next destination being "Terminal -2" of the International airport.There was a free shuttle bus service from the "Domestic Terminal" to "International Terminal- 1,2 & 3". Boarded the "Shuttle bus" and it was a long fifteen minutes drive to "Terminal;-2" of the "Soekarno-Hatta International airport"..I was very early at 0900 hrs and spent my time just sitting in the departure lounge.At 1100 hrs the the "Malindo Air" check-in counter opened and did the normal airport formalities also paying a departure airport tax of 1,50,000 Rupiah. .Came across two young Indian co-travellers, Manik.Suryavanshi from Pune and Mr Amar.Tailor from Ahmedabad.Got into a conversation with them and we discussed our experiences in Indonesia.The flight to Kuala Lumpur was on schedule and on landing at the airport had to pass through another immigration and security check. Like a "Villain" i was carrying my decades old key-chain that had a "Swiss Penknife" and the same was confiscated by the Malaysian security.Was sad at losing a sentimental key-chain owned since my initial years in the shipping industry.
On "Malindo flight Od -215" back to Mumbai.
The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Mumbai was delayed by over a hour and we finally reached Mumbai city at approx 2245 hrs.The landing at Mumbai was rough in cloudy monsoon weather, a first experience in my flying career as a passenger on planes.Landed in Mumbai at 2100 hrs and after the customary scrutinizations passed through the "Green Channel" and booked a pre-paid taxi costing Rs 400.Was surprised to know that it had been raining heavily in Mumbai since the last two weeks.Arrived home in Prabhadevi and as usual was greeted my house-keeper Sabina.Diaz and my two cats eager to impress me with their gimmicks. Tragedy had struck Sabina.Diaz during my absence as she had lost her younger brother Jeffrey.Dias to a heart attack in Goa on Wednesday(13-8-2014) just after my departure from Mumbai. I had met him on a few occasions and realized the abruptness of life and living.I myself narrowly missed becoming a scuba drowning victim in Tulamben ,far away from my home in India.Thanked Sabina for taking care of my house despite her bereavement and as they say life then continued as normal.
