We have moved on to Indonesia, starting in Bali. Seeking some local currency, we stopped at an ATM and were able to withdraw 1.5 million rupiahs. Hoping there was some fortunate mistake on our behalf we soon learned that all this cash was actually worth less than $200. The Bare Naked Ladies will have to do another take on their song for this country since our first million didn't last very long.
Our first night was spent in Kuta, the party capital of Bali. Lots of bars and restaurants, along with tiny streets filled with autos and motorbikes. It seemed more crowded than Singapore with only a fraction of the population. We walked the beach in the morning.......it stretches for many km's but unfortunately so does the litter which was sad to see. Probably a good place to stay for the young and restless who like to party into the morning but one day was enough for us.
We then moved inland to Ubud which is much more immersed in Balinese culture, with many small temples, local artisans and performing dance troupes. We spent today walking through the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, leaving our snack food in our room so that we wouldn't be molested by the macaques like many other people were. Some pool time and a quick trip into a bar to avoid an afternoon shower made for a very laid back day.......which is good because tomorrow we will be on the road (and water) most of the day. In the morning we bus back to Kuta, then take a van to the north-west corner of Bali where we will catch a ferry for the island of Java, and then continue on up into the mountain town of Cemoro Lawang where we will get a chance to explore Mt. Bromo, an active volcano site.
If you are still in Bali, get a driver to take you to Dreamland Beach, it was the most beautiful spot on the island. I agree that Kuta was a little too nuts, even for Mike and I. We also visited a nice turtle sanctuary by Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua (you'll notice all the para-sailors here). Pack warm for Mt. Bromo - we stayed at Cemara Indah Hotel, and had to buy hats and rent jackets it was so cold. The sunrise Jeep tour overlooking Mt. Bromo and subsequent hike to the crater was worth every penny - then get outta there as fast as you can! We found these "best accommodations" quite poor, there was no need to hang around once the crater was toured. Is Koh Samui, Thailand on your agenda? If so, you have to eat at Ninjas!!
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