Our this week can be split into two halves. The first part followed a 75 minute flight from Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Treggara) back to the island of Bali. We based ourselves in the Tregar Guest House, Ubud, central Bali Island, for 5 days (total cost IDR 900,000 (NZ$ 90), which included breakfast of fruit and delicious ‘’banana fritters..
Staying in Ubud itself, was very strange as it is full of shops catering for both ‘tourist nick-nacks’ or clothing outlets. However, we ventured down the side-alleys where you can still find ‘free’ temples to visit that show off the amazing Balinese’s building styles. Our culinary delights continue as we sample the Indonesia street food, including Dragon Fruit Smoothie (IDR 6,000 (NZ$ 0.60), Ayam (Chicken) Bao buns (IDR 6,000 (NZ$ 0.60), Molen Breafast pastry (IDR 10,000 (NZ$ 1.00) for 12 pieces) and Roti Bakar Sweet Bread (IDR 17,000 (NZ$ 1.75)) – together with everything else Nasi, Goreng, Mei Goreng, Soto (Soup), all costing IDR 15,000 (or NZ$ 1.50). Of course, we’d also find the local Arak alcohol every now and again to help keep us healthy (costing IDR 10,000 a glass (NZ$ 1.00)).
To escape the tourist,s we jumped on a scooter and drove 60 kms into the paddy fields and mountainous northern – and the hot temperatures/high humidity. We took advantage of this and ended up visiting Lake Beratan and also 4 waterfalls at Banya Wanagiri Amerta.. Being at a higher altitude also meant we were walking through coffee plantations, including the local ‘civit Luwak’ coffee – the civic eats the coffee bean and after it passes through them it is then ground down for coffee.. On the way back from the mountains we also decided to stop off at one of the Monkey Forest Sanctuaries where we watched at a discrete distance.
The second part of our time meant we hired a car and driver (costing IDR 590,000 (NZ$ 59)) to take us from Ubud to the port of Gilimukan on the far west coast of Bali (some 135 kms, which took 4 hours). From this point we boarded a 45 minute ferry (costing IDR 18,000 (NZ$ 1.80)) each to take us over to the next major island (Java). Our first accommodation was at the Snooze Hostel in Banyuwangi. The only real reason to visit the town is to undertake a hike. So whilst Helena’s took it easy – she slipped over and hurt her Coccyx – Alan decided to leave her to head off on an overnight hike up an active Volcano (say no more, it is Alan!!). This was organised through the Hostel (costing IDR 320,000 (NZ$ 33)). Beforehand he had to get a mandatory ‘Health Cert’ ((costing IDR 35,000 (NZ$ 3.50)) to prove he was capable. He left the Hostel at 00.30 am (midnight) and headed off to hike the Ijen Volcano. The 1 hour (40 km) drive was uneventful, apart from the ‘normal’ Indonesian driving, and at 02.00 am the gates to the pathway opened. After a 1 hour of non stop climbing to the top of the rim, there was a 75 metre vertical descent down a stone pathway to a flat area inside the volcano. It was amazing to see the unique ‘blue fire’ of the sulphur burning, and this link will open a short YouTube clip in a new window https://youtube.com/shorts/mBGnJb24l4s
After this is was back up to the rim to see the sunrise, ant 05.00 am and take a few photos of the acid lake 250/350 metres below.
We are now leaving Banyuwangi to experience our first train ride to the Indonesia.
Maravilloso ,
…. we keep seeing so many amazing sights, and we love sharing them with you.