"Salt Water In My Nose, Faces In My Mind." a Bali Travel Page by 31Aug

Had always dreamt of visiting this Mystical island. Classic National Geographics just managed to capture Bali in pictures and films, and gave me the window, to such a world no other word but the word "Mystical" can describe it. It's been my impression of Bali and the reason of my longing to visit ever since, until I came here myself.

I must say though, it's a heartache for me that modernization/tourism seems to have changed Bali a lot from what I saw and read in books and documentaries. Balinese just seemed to be not given much choice but to choose the path to have a future....

Anyway, back to being a tourist, there I was, my first oversea trip. And had my first bodyboarding experience here in the gentle Kuta waves. All thanks to two of my friends.

Balinese are really friendly and kind. Travelling (& surfing) here is safe and easy. Just watch & feel your next step. More probable that you'll step/hit onto something than something to hit you.

We were in Bali for nine days. All the while we stayed in Kuta. Kuta has everything from the basic needs to Billabong apparels; to beautiful carvings, paintings, and performances; and fun, safe organized outdoor activities. Credit cards are accepted in most branded shops, but not in small localized shops that sells arts and crafts. The tour operator that we went to, do not accept credit card either, so bring bit more cash if you intend to go for these tours like volcano hike/climb, white water rafting (baby level but fun enuf for a beginner), island hopping, famous sites visits etc.

Not all hotels/inns accept credit cards, but either way, there's plenty of lodging to choose from provided you don't go during peak holiday seasons (eg. Christmas, New Year, Raya).

Food and beer, plenty!

As long as you can get yourself here, no worries! Although badly shaken and scarred by the bombing, Bali in itself a really peaceful island.

Bali, I miss you.