For those who are swayed by stories about "easy" VOA payments on arrival...I have some advice.
DONT DO IT!
Two of us arrived and one had Evisa that I had arranged myself and I had to go through the cash on arrival system as I had an "active visitor permit" on my account that does not allow application for on line visa.
On arriving at the arrivals hall I was greeted by around ten packed queues of people waiting to pay.
The time taken for each applicant was around 5 minutes or longer depending on who knows what.
I stood for an hour and twenty minutes till I cracked and pulled an Immigrasi guy and explained my circumstances and he took me to a separate area where they arranged my visa.
I am not convinced however that the "active" problem is fixed.
The guys said that there were some problems due to running dual systems but by then I couldn't care less.
This was on a flight arriving at around 3.30pm.
My travelling partner walked straight through smart gates and was out to the carousel an hour and three quarters before me.
Without me getting looked after this would have been at least two hour difference.
You may be lucky and get a quieter time, but given the choice I would never take the chance.
Anyway.... eventually arrived at our compound to a nice surprise.
Five new double frontage buildings have been completed and tenants sought for all.
It was great to see all taken and either operating or setting up.
We have a tattoo parlour (of course!), a laundry and three warung/cafes of different types.
Wonderful to see the small street lit up and kids and teens helping parents in their businesses...a huge turn around since the dark days of covid.
Early morning walks with my mate Jack the half Maltese terrier.
Around 5,30 am Kuta beach is flat, firm and spotlessly clean.
I took ma ride up to Lizard bar and also Tiger Itchy B, to meet with friends and the beach scene is cranking up prior to high season.
Of concern is the erosion that has now moved north from Poppies One to around where the Kuta Beach skate park and rotunda is.
The stabilising wall will need to be extended to address this area, perhaps simply moving the issue further north again!
There is certainly a more positive feel around the place, with many areas Legian and Seminyak starting to get quite busy.
I changed some cash yesterday at Rp10,450 to AUD.
Kadek (money changer) is helping a customer send a dog to Australia (Yes! Another unlikely dog story)
The quoted price is $20,000 approx..
Must be a nice dog?!!
I am visiting my friend in Berewa later today and will get the latest on the Irish Bali dog.
The weather is cloudy and there was rain yesterday morning.
A nice breeze though so quite comfortable.
I am off on a short trip soon in a rental car.
Will keep you posted.