OFF TO THE ISLAND OF BALI

On previous visits to Singapore we have taken the opportunity to travel to other areas of South East Asia.  This time we spent four nights on the Island of Bali in Indonesia. Singapore is well served by many airlines and in addition to the major carriers a large discount airline industry has been developed.  For this part of the trip we used Indonesia Ar Asia.  Now you may have heard bad things about this particular airline because it had a major crash some time before we travelled (but after we had booked!). This plane was en route Singapore when it went down with total loss of life.  It turned out in a recent accident report that the airline was to blame because of improper maintenance.  Obviously we survived the flight which was pleasant, efficient and uneventful.

To view a larger image left click image once.  To return to the Blog use the Back Button or click once off the image

QZ 505 to Denpasar, Bali

 We stayed at a guest house ( B & B) in the town of Ubud, known at the cultural capital of Bali an hour or so North of the airport at Denpasar.

Bali is a relatively small island and it is easy to get around.  It is volcanic and there are quite large mountains in the North as the map shows.  Public transport is, however, difficult and we hired a driver, Wayan Juli, to take us around.  We learned that Wayan is the name every first born male is given. He met us at the airport and took us to Ubud, where he lived.  We use him for two day trips and he also took us back to the airport. He was a real knowledgeable young man who made our visit very pleasurable.

Our guest house  (The Village Guest House) was situated on a quiet road quite near the centre of the town.  It was run by a family and there were many buildings inside a walled compound.

Our accommodation had been built at the bottom of the compound and consisted of three adjoining units, each with a large bedroom/living room and a bathroom.  Outside the units was a lovely swimming pool.
 

A large family lived in the compound including the grand mother of the owner.  She spent most of the afternoons making offerings for the gods who play an important role in Indonesian life.  Each morning she distributed these offerings around the compound.

Grandma with her tray of offerings

Our first evening we ate at an interesting restaurant - the Fair Warung Bale (warung means a small family run business).  This restaurant supports and funds a massive pubic health care program  It is run by a medical doctor and his staff are young people learning a job. They have had social, medical or economic difficulties.  The food is extremely cheap but extremely good.  The doctor spends each evening there after working in the village by day.  It was a heart warming experience - http://www.fairfuturefoundation.org/fair-warung-bale/.

Fish for the main course

The Fair Warung Balé has also a social side by helping young adults aged between 15 and 20 years old, to learn a job. They have had or have social, medical or economic difficulties, and being part of such a challenge contribute to solve some problems of their lives - See more at: http://www.fairfuturefoundation.org/fair-warung-bale/#sthash.zys04LkH.dpuf

The Fair Warung Balé has also a social side by helping young adults aged between 15 and 20 years old, to learn a job. They have had or have social, medical or economic difficulties, and being part of such a challenge contribute to solve some problems of their lives. - See more at: http://www.fairfuturefoundation.org/fair-warung-bale/#sthash.RqOEtkY5.dpuf

And Curry

Just one panic on the first day.  Our bank card was rejected wherever we tried to use it and we had no foreign currency.  There were a host of ATM's on the main street and a few banks.  The banks were of no help at all and we were unable to find a phone .  Fortunately the guest house let us use their phone to call CIBC Toronto where we were told that, in spite of letting them know we were travelling in South East Asia, they always stop the card and the VISA card as well (thanks a lot).  The cards were activated and we had funds.

End of Part 5 of 16 

Continued under Older Posts