Nusa Dua, south of Bali’s airport was on our list of possible places to check out. Looking at the area, on Google Maps, further yesterday, I realize that it is full of high end resorts, shops and restaurants. Other than the beach, there doesn’t seem to be any interesting streets to walk down. So we change our plan.
Yesterday, while riding in the Grab taxi back to our hotel, we drove through the northern part of Kuta. We didn’t realize that Kuta was larger than what we had already walked. So the plan is to walk north to the shopping area of Kuta and then take a taxi back.
Once we get past the area where we have already been, we walk by the water. In short, if you are looking for a beach holiday, do not go to Kuta. The water is quite wavy, good for surfers, not so good for playing or swimming. The beach is full of garbage, vendors and permanent kiosks and people. Every vendor asks you to buy a drink, sari, snack, surf lesson, hat. Not my idea of a nice beach environment.
We walk inland to intersect with a road that we think all the shops are on. There are many shops for massages, tattoos, mani/pedi, flip flops, Bali crafts, clothes, coffee, the list is endless. I spy a small restaurant and we stop for a much needed drink, rest and lunch. Rice bowls with grilled salmon and edamame for B and me and beef rendang for Murray. It is a much needed stop and we feel rejuvenated after.
There is a convenience store across the street so we go in to buy water. For a 1500ml, the price here is 6,000. The price for the same size of bottle at the store near our hotel, and the airport, is 16,000! Quite the difference. We bought two bottles!
Murray hails a taxi and bargains for a reasonable price. The traffic gets congested the closer we get to the airport. The vehicles, and scooters, move around one another very fluidly. No road rage, just polite giving and taking of position. It’s a karma thing. I let you in this time and next time someone will let me in.
Back at the hotel, it is quiet and cool. No crowds, no noise, just calm. After a day strolling out in the world, that is just what we need.