Welcome to Bali

Trip Start Mar 17, 2007
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Trip End Ongoing


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Flag of Indonesia  , Bali,
Monday, May 5, 2008

= island and province in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, 1.6 km east of the island of Java. Most of Bali is mountainous (essentially an extension of the central mountain chain in Java), the highest point being Mount Agung, or Bali Peak, 3,142 metres in height and known locally as the "navel of the world." It proved to be an active volcano, erupting in 1963 (after a dormancy of 120 years), killing more than 1,500 persons and leaving thousands homeless. This unfortunate event played a role in our main reason to go there. The main lowland is south of the central mountains. The period of the southeast monsoon (May to November) is the dry season. Bali's flora (mostly hilly tropical rain forest) and fauna resemble those of Java. Some teak grows on Bali, and the giant banyan (waringin) trees are held sacred by the Balinese. Tigers are found in the west, and deer and wild pigs are numerous.
The island became part of the Republic of Indonesia in 1950. A terrorist bombing on the island in 2002 killed some 180 people and reduced the tourism to almost zero, the first years. Size: 5.633 square km. Population about 3 million.
 
We get up 'early': we still have lots of stuff to do.
 
Dad drops us off at the airport, where we take a Garuda flight to Bali:
 
http://www.garuda-indonesia.com/
 
OK, they have a bit of a reputation, like not always landing exactly on the runway... .
But, we are happy, we get drinks and food. Less than 4 hours flight, we arrive in Bali (Denpasar): my first time. We have to buy a visa and all the other stuff before we leave the airport.
 
The city, where we are going, is named Kuta and is the place to be for a lazy holiday. We decided NOT to ask for a pick up from the hotel. It looks VERY close to the airport and they charge 20 dollar.
And rightly so, Hubby withdraws 1,500,000 million Rupiah from the ATM and we pay only 10 dollars to the hotel. We expected nothing: 27 dollars a night but were nicely surprised. Inviting swimming pool with swim up bar and all night service. We have a sea food platter in the pool. So, if you go to Kuta and you do not care not being right on the beach: the place to be.
 
Barong: http://baronghotel.com/
 
Tomorrow morning, Dr T has to call the manny of our hotel in Tulamben: our diving destination. And they, he will pick us up. It is only 80 km, as the crow flies but it says to be taken 3 hours. It is located in the north east and only known by divers.
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