In Reply to: Your earliest trip to Bali ? - when ? posted by sinter on Wednesday, 31. March 2004 at 16:10 Bali Time:
With two mates from Perth we went on an Asian cruise on the Kota Bali that arrived in Jakarta as the third port of call. Left the ship to fly to Bali for 3 nights. Unfortunately the ship's purser forgot to give us our passports (too many drinks before we left) so immediately under arrest at airport in Denpasar. Not much fun then - stinking hot tin shed. Wonderful taxi driver (driving a Cadillac) heard of our plight and after sketches of our photos were sent from Jakarta to the airport we were "released". Our taxi driver found a small hotel in the Kuta/Legian area that agreed to cash our travellers cheques without our passports. It was close to the beach but a trek through the jungle to get there.
My first impression of Bali, not counting the "arrest" was pure amazement. We went all over the island but believe it or not, the hawkers at Kintamani were as persistent then as they are today. Needless to say didn't see too many tourists in our travels but enough to guide us to two amazing restaurants. First was Dahlias where you ordered fresh crayfish in the morning and then rocked up for dinner for the biggest cray I have ever seen, a large Bintang, chips and salad for A$3.50. Really needed a doggy bag to do it justice. Next was the famous Poppies. No problem for us Aussies but they wouldn't let Americans in. Food was fantastic and cheap. Toilets were unisex which caused a few laughs amid the embarrassment. Years later I eventually confirmed that the current Poppies in Poppies I is a mirror image of the original one. It did have me worried for quite a few years. Entrance and toilets were on the wrong side.
After this initial insight into the Island of the Gods it was time to head for the port where the ship would pick us up for the return voyage to Fremantle. What port? After visiting every known port finally found the Kota Bali at Padangbai. Was supposed to leave in two hours so hired a floating platform to take us to the ship. Had to climb up a rope ladder (strugging with all our shopping and luggage) only to find the ship near deserted. Sailing time had been put back eight hours.
My last view of the island was a bit blurred. Found a barman who plied us with beer, scotch and peanuts (no chefs on board - all ashore) for the eight hours before we sailed. Dirty big storm that night that really tested the basin in the cabin for my two mates.
Now just 51 sleeps to my 22nd visit with 14 rellies/friends. These days as the years march on it seems 50th birthday celebrations are the go. Had mine a few years back and the tradition continues.
Bali has certainly changed but in all honesty the Balinese have not. Can't wait to see all their smiling faces again.
Doug