Dear Pipsqueaks,
Day 3 in Bali started later around 10am, and we still managed to be in
a rush to meet our driver. First stop of the day was to the Tanjung Benoa area
for beach activity. It really wasn’t a good timing for me, so we avoided water
sports altogether. Though, I do have to say, the prices for those activities
were off the roof! Of all the places I’ve visited, they rank among the highest.
Fly Fox twice in the air, parasailing for 5mins and jet ski for half an hour
were all USD35…per person! That’s a total rip off. The last time I was in Bali
4 years ago, para-sailing on a private boat only cost us USD20 per person, and
that was for a good 45 minutes too. Seriously, Bali has become tourisly
expensive. But anyway, we rationalized having to at least do ONE thing while
we’re here, so we visited Turtle Island for USD50/2pax.
Side note: The prices are relatively set – not much point in shopping
around the beach as they obviously have agreed on a base price. But, you can
always try your luck? Under that kind of sun, we just went for a reasonable
bargain when offered.
Turtle Island was surprisingly fascinating. It’s not the first time I’ve
seen turtles, but it’s the first time seeing a full “life range” of turtles –
from months old babies to 75 year old giant. Apparently, the baby turtles were
so huge because of their seaweed diet – I didn’t even know they eat seaweed.
They also have a shell-covered head, which makes absolutely no sense to pet
them – but I pet them anyway because they’re so adorable. From my half an hour
observation, they quite like attention, swimming towards wherever we were. It
never occurred to me that turtles were any fun, but they can be moody and
curious. Maybe I’ll get a turtle when I get home…
(From babies of a few months...)
(to 75 year olds - the largest one didn't want any photos that day...so I didn't get any)
There were also other creatures there to meet – a frustrated bat (who
should be sleeping but wasn’t), a bored lizard (who didn’t even LOOK at us), a
pair of porcupines (sleeping in the corner), and a collection of snakes. They
were offering us to take a photo with one, but seeing how the roomie was
ridiculously fearful of snakes, we turned them down. But, and I don’t know how
we even got into the discussion, it became an “if you do it, I do it” thing.
So, we did it together. To my surprise, it wasn’t as cold as I thought it would
be, but definitely had a rough skin. Well, that’s what traveling is all about –
seeing and trying new things! Sometimes, it may be your only chance – and I’m
glad we took it.
Before departing the island, we had a coconut while chatting with our
guide. All of a sudden, we saw two Chinese ladies who picked up a 3~4 year old
turtle (toddlers) for photo frantically THREW the turtle back into the shallow
tank of water. That was followed by a long laughing session between the two.
The three of us sat there in shock. How could you just throw a turtle like
that?! It’s a life you know. According to our guide, some tourists do go
overboard – sometimes even throwing them on the ground and stepping on them.
That’s just animal cruelty. Now come to think of it, I should have said or done
something. Let’s just say, I believe that to educate the human race takes
teaching one person at a time. Maybe if I had said something, then they may
realize the seriousness of their actions, and those around us would also learn
that is NOT OKAY. Possibly, my action would spark some “justice” in others to
speak up when it’s not right. Ah, regret. Next time, I’ll do my part for sure.
The next stop was rather odd – to visit Nusa Dua. It’s basically the
rich man’s area on Bali with all the 5-star hotels and private beaches. I mean,
it was odd because we weren’t staying there, but I guess it was an eye-opener
to the other kind of “holiday” one could have in Bali. The first time I came to
Bali, we stayed in a villa with our private pool. This time, we stayed at a
hotel in city center with LOADS of human traffic. Next time, it shall be here.
Why? Because it was just so peaceful. No noise, no sea of people, no buildings
to block the view. Just beach and quietness. Of course, I’ll have to slim down and fit into
my pink bikini…goal set for next Bali visit.
(Can you say private beach? There's practically no one there - literally the other end of the world from Kuta Beach aka pasar malam! I wouldn't mind paying a little more for stay just to enjoy this kind of peace and quiet)
We also visited another destination called “Dreamland”. Honestly, just
by reading that, I wouldn’t have been anywhere near close to guessing that it
was a beach. Yes, it was a beachside, and also a dreamland for surfers. Why?
The waves were huge, and you could tell it was a place for serious surfers.
Unlike the other beaches filled with sitters and walkers, this one was
dominated by surfers with their gear and a face ready for the challenge. The
phrase that kept coming to mind while we sat there for a quick drink was
“catching the next wave”. It’s all about the right timing. Which wave to let
pass, which wave to stand, and how to take the wave on your board when you
finally do stand…it relates so much to life in general. How to go with the
flow, and yet still have a choice. Yes, I was in deep thoughts just looking at
surfers do their thing - a mind-turning experience indeed.
(This is Dreamland...for surfers! Big waves and a lot less populated for them to practice. It wouldn't be a bad place to just lie around and listen to the waves rumbling)
(Uluwatu Temple: This scene is one of my favourites during the whole trip..just LOVE sunsets!)
(Kecak Dance - Balinese Culture Show at Uluwatu Temple: Definitely 10x better than the previous dance we went to see. I would totally recommend watching this one if your going to watch any)
It had been a long day for us – nearing 12 hours of visiting here and
there – so we collapsed after a quick shower. Tomorrow, we’re on a hunt for a
cake to celebrate the roomie’s birthday!
Good night one last time, Bali.