I took a rickety rust bucket (bus) from Ubud to Sanur. The 40-minute ride was great. We passed by endless artworks on display as well as several craftsmen and craftswomen at work. The range of art and skill of the locals is astounding.
I was now in Sanur (west Bali) – a popular joint for expats and retirees. It is a stark contrast to Kuta – just a few kilometers east. There’s no mesmerizing sunset to gawk at, and fellow 20-somethings are at a minimum, but I have chosen to spend a couple of days here just to relax and get some remote work done.
I was hoping to find budget accommodation somewhere along the beach, but these were mostly villas. I sussed out a few local homestays. I settled at Swastika (haha!) Guesthouse, which had a balcony, pool, TV, fridge, bathtub, included breakfast, and had lightning fast WiFi! One needn’t book accommodation in advance; simply walk around until you find something you like, stay the night, decide further, and pay later. This is how they roll in Bali.
I took a walk down to the beach. The sea was flat and shallow and the beach is rocky with coarse sand. Deck chairs, massage parlours and mini bars adorn the beach, which is inhabited by an elderly crowd sporting beer bellies and saggy boobs. Sanur is the place to get a massage on the beach and rent a bicycle for the day. I enjoyed a small, cheap beer on the beach with Miles Davis playing in the background along with calls-to-prayer.
On my walk back along the beach I saw some people gathering. A baby dolphin had beached itself! I got right up to the poor creature which had been badly injured, had lost its family, and was clearly exhausted. I helped the locals direct it back to open waters, but I’m not sure that the poor thing has much of a chance… At least it wasn’t hauled out the water and served up for dinner I suppose.
Next: Indonesia 2013: Ask and Thy Shalt Receive
Previously: Indonesia 2013: Ubud via The Lonely Planet
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