INDONESIA - BALI - LOVINA - ' BEACH, TEMPLES AND HOTSPRINGS - 2 SEPTEMBER 2018

29 AUGUST 2018

I woke to very sore eyes. One eye had been weeping so much that the eye lids were stuck together.

Nyoman arrived for our long journey to Lovina (600 000R). We turned off the main way and traffic to visit Nyoman's warung and home. The Warung D'Bishe was simple but nice. There were lots of different types of seating, A ladder to climb for a view from the top of a tree and heaps of funny signs - 'No wifi so talk only'. The view was so pretty over the surrounding valley and mountains. He has plans to build a guest room. We ate mie goreng and babi guling. Nyoman's wife turned up briefly as she was at a ceremony.

Next, we drove a short distance to Nyoman's home. His home as in traditional style - separate kitchen and sleeping rooms for each part of the extended family.  Nyoman's room was very large and recently renovated with more artist design than the other rooms. Unknown to us, Nyoman was a bonsai plant hobbyist and had a number of beautiful plants that he had grown and nurtured.

We continued our journey to Lovina. The road was very steep and windy in long sections.

We arrived at Hotel Angsoka (275 000R) and settled into our room. The hotel looked nice big dining area, reception with a pretty garden path to the room and pool. The room was big with large shower area, fan and aircon.

First stop was a doctor for my eyes. She gave me medicine and a script for more medical eye drops - one drop three times a day plus 10 minutes with eyes closed. This as part of my routine for the next three days.

Back at the hotel we organized one of the workers to pick up the scripts for me in Singaraja.

After my eye drops, we wandered down to the beach, looked at the dolphin statue and the promenade then had dinner at the Vegan restaurant. It was very tasty.

30 AUGUST 2018

I was up early, my eyes were feeling a lot better. I meandered down to the beach, did my stretching and shoulder exercises and had a swim with my head above the water (No water on my eyes for three days).

Back at the hotel, Jacinta was awake. We had a basic breakfast at the hotel. We spent the rest of the day lazing around the beach, pool and room. We both were feeling a bit weary. At sunset, we sat in one of the restaurants and had a few beers.

We had dinner at a very roomy restaurant right on the beach which had very tasty food and live music. A nice ending to the day.

31 AUGUST 2018

The eyes were feeling in more better so I hired a motor bike (70 000R pd) for the next two days.

I took the bike for a sightseeing tour and Jacinta stayed around the pool as she didn't feel like a ride.

I visited the Buddhist temple at Banjar, put on a sarong and walked around the pretty gardens, temples and gardens. It was very nice and relaxing.

Still feeling good, I rode to the Banjar Hot Springs (20 000R entry) for a soak in the very warm waters.

Feeling very relaxed, I tackled the traffic back to the hotel.

Jacinta and I had lunch at one of the beach restaurants.

Later, we sat on the beach, swam and watched the sunset.

1 SEPTEMBER 2018

We had a early walk along the beach, swam and did exercises. There were a large number of people cleaning the beach. A short while later a large cruise sailing boat arrived and then the plot thickened. A small section of the beach was laid out with kayaks, wake boards, etc and a fleet of buses arrived. Time to leave the beach.

We rode the bike to Singaraja to visit the Chinese Temple and the old sea port. It was a nice stroll and we sat in one of the pier restaurants and had cold drinks.

Back at Lovina, we had lunch down at the beach and a chat with some of the people from the cruise ship. Seemed like there as good and bad parts to their boat tour.

We had a nice dinner at one of the restaurants in the laneway. We met and chatted with the owner and Sri, who worked in the restaurant. We decided on one beer at a small cafe but the music was good and the people friendly so we stayed for a few more beers. So much for an early night. Haha.

2 SEPTEMBER 2018

We packed to leave, had a wander around the beach and swim then it was time to go.

We had a good time in Lovina.

Indonesia - Bali - Banjar - Brahma Vihara Arama – 2009

Parking is available just outside the monastery and there are a number of small shops for eating. A little further down the road is a hotel.

A sarong is needed to enter the monastery. These can be hired for a donation at the entrance.

The monastery is situated in a high position with excellent views over the valley and down towards the sea. The monastery is tiered and pretty. Each tier contains a number of small and/or large temples and gardens. The various tiers are connected by paths and steps.

Though there is not a lot to say it is a very pretty place and well worth the visit.

Best points: pretty, great views, very quiet.

Worse points: none

Indonesia - Bali - Banjar - Air Panas (hot springs) - 2009

Air panas means hot water. Air Panas, Banjar is a hot springs in Banjar, north Bali.

There is a parking lot at the entrance for cars. Further along there is a parking lot for motor cycles.

The entrance fee is very cheap. The road continues from the entrance passing a number of shops. The entrance to the springs is along a small bridge which spans the narrow river. There are three pools where hot water pours from statues. The water is pleasantly water rather than hot.

There are mainly locals using the pool. They are friendly and courteous.

The area is steamy and lush with tropical vegetation.

The restaurant was closed when we were there. There are change rooms, showers and lockers.

The paths are very slippery. Modest costumes are appropriate.

Best points: hot springs, pretty, a great experience to mix with friendly locals

Worse points: slippery.