Posted by Keith on Sunday, 18. October 1998 at 10:43 Bali Time:
Hello all:
Tried to send report for day 6 yesterday, but forum on "read-only" mode.
DAY 6
Woke up a bit early to finish last shopping and loking around. Heard exchange prices better in Kuta than Ubud, so we did that too. Ubud transport arrived on time at Mastapa and we were off. Pre-arranged Ubud shuttle on 13,000/person compared to taxi rate at 60-70K. Many small tourist offices offer the Ubud shuttle. Found one on Poppies II.
Drive to Ubud very nice. Temperature change noticeably different. Fortunately, Ayako brought a travel guide as I had no idea where to stay. Decided on Juwita Inn on Jalan Bisma. Small, secluded cottages at US $12/night with breakfast. The young Balinese man who checked us in came back and chatted with us for about an hour on our veranda. Introduced himself as Yoman. He delighted Ayako with his knowledge of the Japanese language. Quite interested in the USA and peppered me with many questions about my country and people. Yoman's co-worker Imade dropped by as well. Also a pleasant young gent, though a bit more reserved than Yoman.
Took an afternoon stroll along Jalan Raya. Prices higher than Kuta and shopkeepers less inclined to haggle. Ayako wanted a 6-piece wooden coaster set, but the shopkeeper wouldn't take anything less than US $7.
Found our way back to the cottage where we enjoyed some afternoon green tea. Yoman came back and we resumed our conversation. Quite proud of the Nike watch a young Japanese lady gave him several weeks before.
Finally starting to relax in Ubud.
Around 7:00 pm, walked back down to Jalan Raya to look for a restaurant for dinner. Stumbled in to Casa Luna. Excellent food and very attentive staff. A must in Ubud.
Decided to hire Yoman for a 6-hour trip north to Kantimani and Lake Batur.
DAY 7
After a nice western-style scrambled egg breakfast, we hit the road to Kantimani. Imade joined us as he had the day off. Yoman played the gamelan cassette that I had purchased the night before. Appropriate music as we passed the emerald-green rice fields and river valleys.
Stopped at the Royal family temple along the way. Sorry, but I cannot remember the town name. One word - incredible. Could have plopped myself under a banyan tree and sat there all day. Makes sense to buy a sarong in Kuta or wherever as the temples require such clothing if you are wearing shorts as I was.
Arrived at Kantamani around 11:30. Geez, another beautiful sight. The view is spectacular. Would be nice to stay in a hotel overlooking Lake Batur. First time I've been close to an active volcano. Plenty of steam shooting up. Every time I mentioned the word Kintamani, Ayako would giggle. She pulled out her dictionary and lo and behold, Kintamani means "testicles" in Japanese. That was good for a laugh.
Hawkers very persistent in Kantamani.
Took the road down to Lake Batur. The road definitely needs work as the pot-holes are world class. Since it was a crazy ride, Yoman pushed in a Green Day cassette and it blared away. A lot of fun, I must say.
Walked along the lake front for a bit. Dramatic cliffs rising from the east. Checked out the local hot spring. Therein lied a beautiful Balinese woman bathing topless. Ayako averted her eyes, but I had to look. Only disappointing thing here was amount of garbage strewn about.
Made the bumpy trek back to Kintamani for lunch. Nice buffet at a smaller restaurant. Sorry folks, but I cannot recall the name.
After lunch, headed south along a different road. Stopped at a beautiful terraced rice field area and took several photos. Local farmer allowed me to hoist his rice-filled baskets onto my shoulders for a photo. Although I can bench press 275 lbs., this felt quite heavy. Moreover, this guy couldn't have weighed more than 120 lbs. and was probably 50 years old. Amazing.
Stopped into a quite wood carving shop for a spell. Excellent work. Several pieces exceeded US $25,000!
Last stop at Ubud monkey forest. Animals did not seem as interested as I had read somewhere before. Most went about their business. Good photo op though.
Arrived back at the Juwita Inn around 4:00 pm. I gave Imade some money and he bought a few large Bintangs and a sode for a Ayako. Imade, Yoman, and I toasted to our trip and chatted away again.
Found ourselves back at Casa Luna again for dinner. Hey, when you find a good thing ...... Dinner just as good as night before, although restaurant not as busy as night before. Nice way to finish off last night in Bali. 7 nights just NOT long enough!
A few more things .........
There are many internet cafe's in Kuta. Seemed to see one about every 300 meters or so. Prices vary, although most charge around 1,000/ minute.
Take a shuttle to Ubud if you want to save a few bucks.
Well, that's about it for now.
Keith.