KUTA KARNIVAL RETURNS

The communities of Kuta, Legian dan Seminyak especially, and Bali and Indonesia in general, work hand in hand together once again to show care and contribute actively to world’s peace. Led by Kuta Small Business Association, the 7th Kuta Karnival will celebrate life from Saturday 19 until Sunday 27 September 2009. The organising committee is excited to invite one and all to fabulous events happening on the golden sands of Kuta Beach, such as: * Opening Ceremony 19 September 2009 * Kites Festival 19 September 2009 * Traditional Sunset Dance 19 s/d 27 September 2009 * Bali Hotels Association Bartender Comp 23 September 2009 * Surfer Girl presents “Arja Muani” 24 September 2009 * Bali Food Festival 25, 26 & 27 September 2009 * Closing Ceremony & Parade on the streets 27 September 2009 * ....and many more! What started as the Balinese community’s response to October 2002 tragedy, Kuta Karnival has now grown into a high profile promotional event for Bali to reach out to communities around the world, carrying the message of humanity to ”celebrate life”. A community event, by the people and for the people, Kuta Karnival is a testament of cohesive partnership between both the public and private sectors. For further information, please contact the Secretariat. Thank you very much. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om. Committee Chairman of Kuta Karnival 2009 Ketut Nugra [hp. +62 811385653]

White Sand and Virgin Beach

Hi there, have a great day for this sunny day. I guess it will be nice to have our time on the beach just to get lil bit warm by staying and laying down under the sun. For you who stay in Bali, bored with the crowdy Kuta Beach?? I am going to give one other choice, but it will need an extra time to reach the place from Denpasar.

Have you ever heard White Sand Beach or Virgin Beach? The two beaches are not as famous as Candidasa Beach nor Amed Beach but for the beauty, can be compared since the White Sand beach has a wonderful view, unfortunately I never go to Virgin Beach yet since everytime I come to Karangasem with friends, we always come to White sand Beach. Well, it is located in Karangasem regency, takes around 1,5 hrs drive to reach the two beaches.

From Kuta or Denpasar, we need to go straight along Ngurah Rai Street, then turn right to Ida Bagus Mantra street, go straight this way until you come in Candidasa, from Candidasa, it takes around 15 minutes drive until you see White Sand and Virgin Beach on the right, turn right go straight the way and whalaaaaaaa,.... you are there. Last six months I went there and I could drive my car to the beach but, two days ago I could not drive my car since the way to the beachh lil bit hard to pass by using our car. If you use APV or Kijang, you may reach the beach by car.

What will you find??
For honest, this beach (white sand beach) is a quiet beach. Not so many people know this spot, but when you get there you will see foreigners, mostly German and Netherlander. You also find some cafe along the beach that serves many kind of seafood (it is a fresh seafood, guaranteed!) and sell some local handy crafts. Love diving and snorkeling?? No need to worry, you can have your diving and snokeling expperience here. There are some diving and snorkeling spot can be found. But do not ever try to surf here, because it is a rocky beach with beautiful reefs. Every time I get here, I am used to spend my time by laying down under the sun untill my skin get burn. Being an exotic girl, as another White People do. Hahahaha...

What about the accommodation??
Well, as long as I see there is no accommodation here but you may stay in Candidasa where the centre of tourist in Karangasem district. In Candidasa you will find several cheap homestays and also hotels with art shops and restaurants.

Interested???
Prepare your things and go.
You will never regret to come to this beach, at least you will see another beauty of beaches in Bali especially for those who bored with the crowdy environtment. As I and my friends did. Afraid to wear your sexy swimsuit or bikini??? No need to worry darling, the people will not stare at you and wondering why you so dare to wear your sexy swimsuit. LOL...

^^

My Coloured Sky

Last few days ago there was an annual event held in Sanur, The Sanur Village Festival, which was held from 12 - 16 august 2009 in Mertasari beach (details can be found by visiting their website www.gotosanur.com).


I have been there once to have my lunch with two of my friends. We have Ribs and Sausage mixed with potatoes for our lunch. Hmm, yummy... that was my yummy lunch. I still remember how it feels. Hahahaha... As the previous year, I used to come to Sanur Village Festival to see some attractions prepared for months. But, this year was not like the previous year, since I only came once to the FOOD BAZAAR. No more body painting competition I saw or just enjoyed the sunny day on the beach. We just came around, to have our lunch, stayed for awhile and then back to the office.

when I enjoyed my lunch, I saw so many colorful kites on sky, as this year theme - marine Life, the kites' shape were the under water living things, such as fish, squid, and others. What a colourful sky it was.... i captured some pics for the colourful kites.

This year, Sanur Village Festival moved to new location, in Mertasari Beach. It is quite better than before, bigger space and better decoration. Over all,... better than before and hopefully the next year event will be better and better.

See you next year at Sanur Village Festival.

^^

God is My Friend!!

First of all, I would like to share my gratitude to my Almighty God for His blessing and wonderful day He gives. Ya ya ya,… I am trapped in my monthly bills that should be paid the last by the mid of the month. Sometimes I groaned, especially when I am looking back to all mess things I have made until I realize it is no use! Am I a good prayer?? I do not think so but He always knows what I need. He always shows me the way to reach the top, to get my way out from all bills that I should pay, and many more… As what I feel today,…

I just got a phone call from one hotel which also the member of the association where I am working now. They asked me to teach English for children at their hotel for three months (each period is three months) and if they are okay with all of the requirements, the class will be start on September. As people know, I need to make a lot of money to fulfill all of my needs, since I can not make money works for me yet. That is why,… I said He always knows what I need since He shows me the way to solve some of the problems I have made.

How they know?

It was few months ago; I have talked to one the staff of the hotel. As usual, conversation is beginning with greeting as the opening and asking for someone’s day is one part of the opening. That day, she was asking my routines outside the office; I told her that I am an English private teacher for children (actually not for children only, but I teach children mostly) and she told me that her hotel has a vision and mission to educate children by giving them an English short course which is held once a week every Sunday.

So, I wish everything going to be okay, and the class will be my own.

God, You are the best!!!

The Fabulous Padang Padang Beach

Have you ever surf before?

Or have you ever know about the surf spot in Bali??

Well, two weeks ago I went to padang Padang Beach (after several months I have not came).

Bali as known has numerous surfing breaks, and as any good surfer will know, the best breaks are down on the Bukit. The Bukit Peninsula is the 'upside down mushroom' shaped chunk of land at the southern end of the island. Here it is,… Padang Padang beach is one of the best surf spot in Bali which has a big wave and fabulous view, and for your information... Padang Padang has a fast left-hander breaks which is for experienced surfers only. ^__^ But, do not worry, beginner still can surf as long as you are accompanied by surf instructor,... and the best thing is LIFE GUARD will always ready to safe us.

Where is it?

It is located in the south part of Badung regency; about 35 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. You will enjoy the route to reach the beach; up and down all along the way and green, except in the dry season this area will not as green as in the rainy season.

Direction to get there: Bypass towards Nusa Dua, Uluwatu turn off, past Dreamland turnoff, right hand turn towards Bingin, down hill to Padang Padang.

How to get there?

Well, you may go to the beach whether by car or motor. It depends on your purpose and your comfort, but I usually use motorbike since it makes me easier to reach the place, especially traffic jam can be avoided.

When you get there, you will see the fresh virgin white sand beach. It is so different with the crowded Kuta beach, which is the icon of beaches in Bali. To get the place, from the parking lot, you will pass several stairs then cave path until you come to the beach. WOW… that was the first word I could say five years ago; it was the first time I got there. It changes in some way, but the nature is still the same as I saw. White - yellow sand with shady areas, no crowded peddles, with the beautiful hills around the beach, and the clear water of course.

You want to stay close to the beach?? Do not worry; there are several places to stay. From the cheaper cottages up to the expensive villas are available to stay. I guarantee you will love this place, especially for you who love to stay close with nature and peaceful place,… here it is, the fabulous Padang Padang beach. The accommodations are varies in rate. For you who love to travel in backpacker way, there are some cheap cottages / home stays (the rate around IDR 150.000), one of small hotel I have visited has a rate IDR 250.000 with a beach view and yummy foods (I have tasted the menu when I came with some friends), and let me check the name of the hotel (as usual… foods make me lost in memory, LOL).

So, what are you waiting for??? Pack your bikini, sunscreen, sunglasses, short, and beach sandals. Get ready to enjoy the harmony of the fabulous Padang Padang beach! Ow,… hey you surfer,… please to bring your own surf board and lets surf till you down. Paddle, catch the wave… and surf!!

Enjoy your time, see you soon

Going Older????

No no no,... 23... Ya ya, today I am 23.
First, Thank you to Almighty God for His blessing. Hohoho,... I am happy, but I am one year older again and again. Fufufu...

When I opened up my eyes, I checked my cell phone (as usual) and found few messages from my sweet friends. Thank you, let's go for party.

-to be continued... see you at 7 pm-

Details of the day...

It was July 17th, 2009. My birth date 23 years ago. I was born in a small peaceful village, namely Batungsel Village, part of Pupuan sub-district in Tabanan regency (2 hours drive from Denpasar). I have to thank God for the life He has given to me; these 23 years mean a lot for my day.

He was the first to say Happy Birthday to me but I am not going to talk about him any further. Last year, the best birthday present I got is my graduation day. I passed the final exam on July 5^th, 2008 and I got my degree on August 1^st, 2008. I feel blessed for the things I had. And, this year,… I did not have a special celebration for my birthday; but the people around made my day so special. I treated my colleagues in the fast food restaurant (as requested – it was cheap and fun…. Hahahaha…). We had fun, so much fun actually and I got my own birthday cake – the yummy black forest from one of my favourite bakery shop in town. Ough,… I had my own cake again; what a blessing day it was.

In the evening, I met my college friends. We made an arrangement to celebrate my birthday in fast food restaurant (again… with different brand of course). We got a lotta fun; it has been missing from my life for several months. I could not remember last time laughed that free. No birthday cake for this time, but they gave me some beautiful stuff that I am wearing one. We talked; we laughed; we shared some missing things that have not been shared yet due to our different working time and place. All gathered together; it was my second time to meet them. Ow ow ow… Miss this moment again. Should we have another gathering on August 16^th??

Those were some spicy moments I got on my birthday. OMG… I am 23; I am growing old and my time become shorter and shorter. Ouch, I do not one to remember the thing. I just want everything will run smoothly as the time passes by, I am sure I will get what I need in my life.

There are not many people know about my birthday since I made it. I do not want to be burdened by such date should be remembered each times. I just thank to all people who care about me; especially my mom, my brother and sister - I am blessed to be a part of our family. Nothing I can give yet, but I will do my best.

I have a wish; I have a dreams that I am going to make it comes true. I will fight for everything should be fought; I will never give up reaching the top. God, please show me the way; please keep me walk on the path you made so everything will be in place.

Over Night in Bunutan

What an amazing place I've visited last June. Bunutan Village and Padang Bai... I used to hear and visit Padang Bai, but neither Bunutan Village. After 2,5 hours ride, finally we reached the village. Bunutan Village is located in the south east part of Bali, close to Amed. Nothing very special actually all along the way, except the beaches view as I seen in some other places. Nice, natural and beautiful but there's one thing that surprised me. The food they eat...

When I came to Bunutan Village with couples of friends, I visited Pak Tumben, local person who helped us with the accommodation and treat us like a king. As other local people, his house is very simple and far from lux; but the way he treated us, served us showed the innocence of the villagers. I did not see that he served us for money, but he did it because he appreciated us who please to come and visit him. When we asked how many should we pay for his services; he only asked some cigarettes to accompany him fishing in the next day. Ya, fishing... they fish to provide all their needs. I amazed the way he served us,... purely, without asking anything.

After he took us to find the cheap place to stay, he invited us to have dinner at his home. Rejecting his invitation was not a good idea after all of his kindness. But it was hard for to accept but I did not want to make him dissappointed... so, I came. The menu was ikan bakar (grill fish) and sambal ala pak tumben (totally hot n spicy sambal), traditional pop corn (he called it Jagung Empuk) and ofcourse nasi jagung. At the first time, I thought it was nasi (rice) mixed with jagung (corn) as I've known but when he and his wife served it,.... Surprise!!!!! It was not nasi mixed with jagung, but totally jagung... I couldn't eat it since made me full in the second spoon. So, I ate all the grill fish served and left the nasi jagung. I asked how to make nasi jagung; do all people have the same nasi in Bunutan, and many more. He explained patiently; answered one by one so, I felt to the ambience.

After dinner, I tried to find cool place to chat with my friends. Unfortunately, there was no night life available. Only one cafe I could find, it was in Bella Vienna Hotel's area (right in front of the hotel I stayed). They served hot and cold drink only, and we chat 'till mid night, played guitar and sang. What a peacefull place I visited; so different with Kuta which has so many night life spot.

Nasi Jagung,... I never imagine how it looked like since the one I knew is nasi mixed with jagung. Hhhh,... Let's leave the nasi jagung and also the peacefull night... Bunutan does not have many swimming spot. But, the one I know is the swimming spot right in front of the hotel we stayed. Nice, almost no local people I found... that's why I wore my bikini and enjoyed the sun burned my skin. ^___^

That was my real vacation after all busy days I got. I planned to go there again, but it needs an extra time and extra cost. Let's save some money to have another peacefull holiday.

My New Blog

Ok, let's start the first writing of my blog.

It's been so long a never write something on my blog even on my manual journal. There're a lot of things should be shared to others. My experiences; my daily life; my activities; tourist sites I've visited; and many more.

Well, the first I would like to share is my experience in Amed (the eastern part of Bali) and Padang Bay beach.

Amed

It is located in the south east corner of Bali Island, takes around 2,5 - 3 hours ride from Denpasar. The landscape is a series of headlands overlooking bays, lined with fishing boats. The local economy is supported by farming cattle and corn, fishing, diving and the hotel trade. The hole area is connected by one narrow road. And there are few villages along the way, Bunutan Village (where I stayed for two days), Lipah and Selang Village.

Amed is a right place to visit for those need a quiet place to relaxing body and mind or getting out from rush routines. There's no night lifes here, but there're some tradional dances held by the hotel around in certain days. For those love snorkeling and diving; welcome to one of the best snorkeling and diving site in Bali. For this, Amed is well known by European visitors.

How to go there??
From Denpasar, heading to By Pass Sanur and then its split in two and you may take the one going right which which will turn into the coastal highway heading east. You can make Candi Dasa in 1,5 hours and after going through Tirtaganga, reach Amed proper in about 2 hours or less depending on how fast you go, how many times you stop etc. Distances are deceptive out here, so allow yourself 4 hours and you’ll be good. ^___^

Places to Over Night??
Well, there're several places to stay along the area. But, when I was there, I stayed in Bunutan Village in a small hotel that only cost IDR 150.000 per night. The room consists of one master bed, TV, refridge, bath tub and the rate is included breakfast (you may choose the menu you want to have for breakfast), very standard but nice to stay in. In front of the hotel I stayed (Gee, I forgot the name of the hotel), there is another hotel (Bella Vienna Hotel) that has higher rate but has a better view rather than the one I stayed. It is right in front of the beach (beach view), the room rate is from IDR 450.000 per night and sure, you will feel comfort here. The other hotels along this area (Amed - Bunutan Village) are varies in rate, but the lowest rate would be IDR 100.000 - IDR 150.000.

Activities you can do in Amed??
As I stated above, Amed is well known as one of the best diving and snorkeling site in Bali. You may go swimming (there's swmming spot in the beach area of Bella Vienna Hotel), diving, and sure snorkeling. There're several diving companies that would love to serve you and enjoy your snorkeling/diving experience.

Here are some diving centres for your reference:

Amed Cafe Divers
(0363)23473
At Amed Cafe (Pondok Kebun Wayan)

Amed Dive Center
(0363)23462
At Hotel Ayah.

Eco-Dive
(0363)23482

Euro Dive
(0363)23469
In Congkang

Stingray
(0363)23479
At Diver’s Cafe & Bungalows

Wirata Dive School
(0363)23523
At Puri Wirata in Bunutan

Padang Bai

Well well, here's the heaven of diving, snorkeling, and swimming spot. I did not go for diving here but I did snorkeling and swimming here. For your information, this area is located in the Padang Bai Harbour and close to this harbour there are some diving spot such as Blue Lagoon that very well known for the varies fish found. But, close to the diving spot there will be fishing spot that seems decreasing the varies or quantity of the fish. In the other part of the harbour (unfortunately, I forgot to ask the name of the area, but I am going to find out), there is swimming spot that has a natural environtment since there are not people come, but this area seems will be closed for public right after the building process of one hotel/resort above the area agreed by the local government. Bad news??? For me, YES!!

Padang Bai, can be reached in 1,5 - 2 hours ride (again, it depends on how fast you ride or drive). A lot of bungalows and small hotel can be found in this area and they are right before the harbour. They have a very low rate accomodation, around IDR 80.000 for local per night or IDR 150.000 for tourist, and ofcourse there also another big hotel that has higher rate.

I found the cheap one, but last time I went there, I did not stay since I got to get back to work. Fufuffu, next time will be!!!