Finding paradise on Bali

 

Lovina beach

There must be hundreds or probably even thousands of beach vacation spots in the world. Why is it that Bali evokes images of a special place, one of those island getaways that we dream about? I don't know why it's so special but in order to find out, it's best to go and see for myself.

I was already excited with anticipation on the ferry from the island of Java to Bali. I met a Dutch couple who were also going to Bali for the first time. We all wondered aloud whether it would live up to expectations. Would we really find an island paradise? Or would it be so touristy that our experience would be spoiled?

View of Bali from the ferry

After two days on Bali I'm still no expert. I only saw the northern part of the island around Lovina so far. The beaches are ugly with dark volcanic sand. It's hot and unbearably humid. But the people are nice and friendly, they know how to take care of tourists and the prices are low. There are touts that sell all sorts of stuff and services and yes, they are mildly annoying but they go away when I tell them I'm not interested.

My bungalow

In terms of accommodation, I'm renting a bungalow for just 11 EUR per night. It has two beds with clean sheets (in Asia, clean sheets are a luxury), a terrace with a sitting area across from an enclosed garden and a one of a kind bathroom that is my very own private garden behind my bungalow where I can shower in a garden planting. It's so amazing I really believe it's paradise.

My bathroom in a private garden

View from my bungalow

There are numerous restaurants along the beach where the fish is fresh and the beer is cheap.

Grilled fish for dinner