Had breaky at the restaurant over the road from the beach had already packed and we left Padang Bai about 8ish.
Very cruisy ride back to the main road and on towards Sanur, right at the big traffic light control roundabout and up to Semarapura.
We got some fuel and missed the turn off we planned to take but chucked a right further along and leisurely headed up the hill, after about 45mins we saw a large crater type valley below us on the lhs of the road, photo opp. Brake full to the left, u-turn and stall the bike. Won't restart, try and try again, over heated or no fuel getting thru.
There was a local warung and we had a chat and some hot tea, 1,000rph each was the going rate for the whole trip. We stopped at quite a few of these places and loved having a break and a chat. I really love this part of all our travels.
This was definitely a back road, it seemed just about every local that was passing either slowed down or stopped to ask the warung owner what was going on?????????
One of the people that stopped was a guy about 25 with his young son on the front of the scooter. His English was at the same level as my Indonesian and he offered to go get the mechanic at the next village. His name was Bagus
Back he comes and after a while the problem is solved with the carbie needing a bit of attention. Well we were very happy and gave some money to the mechanic and forced some money unto Bagus for his trouble, then he invites us back to his house for a coffee and to meet his family.
Had a great 1hour sitting on the floor and chatting with him and his wife, very hospitable and friendly. Similar to most people we have bumped into from Aust to Nepal. Take away the trappings and get back to being a human being, we can all be friendly and considerate.
We took a few photos of his family and they are on there way back to them as I type. We will go and see them again when next in Bali .......just have to find the place again...!?
Bagus told us of a short cut and down a few steeeep roads and up some others and got back onto the main drag to Kintimani.
Stopped by the tourist police to pay entrance fee just before the main road around the crater rim. 5,000rph I think?????????
Very clear that day, so took some more pics to go with the hundred or so from previous trips.
Decided not to hang around and headed off to Lovina. Long ride that day, very sore bums and very hungry by the time we got to Rambutan Hotel.
Sue as the pillion passenger said she had to close her eyes a few times when overtaking and oncoming trucks and buses were heading our way.
I love riding in Bali, the roads are so winding in places and cornering is great on a bike. Without getting too Zen like, I describe being on a bike in Bali is like a leaf on the river, the rocks sticking out of the river are the trucks and buses that you float around. It all works, the motor bike riders and van drivers are not possessive of their space in front of them and don't speed up when you overtake like some do in Oz.
Anyway, we had booked a Standard Room at Rambutan, which are the little ones on the right as you face into the property. Hot water, fan and it was great, 350,000rph or there abouts, depending on the exchange rate.
Had lunch at their restaurant, there is not a huge selection, but what they do is good value and tasting.
Tini and Richard at Rambutan had invited us to Kintimani full moon ceremonies that were happening the next day. So just chilled for the rest of the day.
We were only going to stay in Lovina for 2 nights and then move onto Candi Dasa for 2 nights, but decided to extend the stay to 3 nights and only 1 night in CD.
Went to Kakatua on Jln Dolphin Statue for dinner, good food and cold beer. No where in Bali seem to get the idea right about not having soap residue in beer glasses as it kills the head and makes it flat as..........Small Bintangs from the bottle do the trip, but when sharing a large one it can't be overcome it seems.
Will do the Full Moon Ceremony and the last 2 nights in Lovina next installment.
Cheers,
Ray