MANALI + TERRY | Newlyweds Backpack Round The World » Indonesia

Kuta Beach | Bali, Indonesia :: Surfer’s Paradise

Terry — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:53:06 +0000

We spent Christmas on Kuta Beach this year, gifting ourselves with surfing lessons, among people wearing their swimsuits and Santa hats resting under decorated palm trees. Not a bad way to spend the ‘winter’ season! We both caught the hang of surfing after a quick pool session with Odyssey Surf School and Manali was the best in the class, standing and riding in on her very first wave in the ocean!

Kuta beach is a touristy treat with beach vendors selling everything from sarongs to surfboards and barbequed fresh catches of the day. It’s the most popular place to visit on the island of Bali and is synonymous with the term ‘Bali’ itself, bordered by the quieter Legian beach to the north and the surfing friendly Tuban beach to the south. Be prepared for lots of traffic and don’t miss out the local warungs (cafés) and shops in the narrow lanes of Poppies Gang and Jalan Legian.

Sights & Activities: Surfing is the most popular activity in this region, with the best breaks in Ulluwatu in the southern tip of the island.

Transport: Cabs are abundant and cause many traffic jams, so the quickest method is to rent a motorbike or jump on board a “motorbike taxi” to weave in and out of the slow moving passages.

Accomodation: Backpacker options are on Poppies Gang 1 and 2. Resort style and spacious rooms can be found on Legian Beach. Family friendly stays and villa rentals are on the pristine beaches are in Nusa Dua, a short drive from the action in Kuta.

Eats: Mentionable eats include yummy local delicacies (delicious chicken satays and banana milkshakes) at Warung Camper located on Poppies Gang 1 and TJ’s Mexican on Poppies Gang 1 for some great burritos. Plenty of beach front restaurants are also dotted along Pantai Kuta and offer wonderful sunset views.

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Gili Islands | Indonesia :: Island Living, Off The Grid
29 January 2010 9:46 PM | 19391 Comment2010-01-30+04%3A46%3A45Terry
We didn’t really know what to expect when we arrived in Gili Trawangan via the Gili Cat from Bali ($32...
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Gili Islands | Indonesia :: Island Living, Off The Grid

Terry — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:46:45 +0000

We didn’t really know what to expect when we arrived in Gili Trawangan via the Gili Cat from Bali ($32 per person, 2 hour journey) near the island of Lombok. The largest of the three islands, Gili T, as it is commonly known, houses the major dive and snorkel operators and has the most accommodation options compared to the smaller Gili Meno and Gili Air.

We walked around the first night to find a small beach bungalow before the night set, only to find out that the electricity on the island ‘turns off” every night for due to lack of infrastructure and the showers were salt water! Although tolerable, we decided that being “flash packers” and not 18, we could afford and preferred a more lavish travel lifestyle.

After a sweaty and humid night, we moved to the more luxurious and generator clad, Buddha Dive Resort, where we spent two days diving a few of the best rated dive sites in the world. Our dive master, Rhiannon, guided us around Bio Rocks, a dive site that contains man-made metal structures (in various creative shapes; dolphins, stars etc.) that pump electricity through their pipes to encourage the underwater coral restoration and have now become apartments for the delighted local fish.

We saw giant sea turtles mating, free swimming lion fish, an abundance of clownfish (Nemo), cuttle fish, blue spotted stingrays and tons of beautiful coral and tiny sea life. Three days in the Gilis were plenty to see all the islands had to offer since the beaches were a little polluted and rocky, not the best swimming conditions when you weren’t snorkeling or diving, so we headed back to the island of Bali for some relaxation time.

Sights & Activities: Snorkelling is the most popular activities in the crystal blue waters of the Gili islands and numerous local long tailed boats make several trips throughout the day to get you to the best reefs. Prices are always negotiable, so gather some friends, haggle the price and rent a boat and driver for an impressive day of snorkeling.

There are 6 dive operators on the island offering the same per dive price ($45 per dive) and similar itineraries, so be sure to visit all of them and see where you are most comfortable with the instructors and dive guides.

Transport: The Gili islands are small enough to walk the entire coast. No motorized vehicles are on the island, but if you fancy, you can take a quick ride on a horse pulled buggy or rent a bicycle. To get to the Gili Islands from Bali, there are three options which include the fast catamaran ($32, 2 hours), slow boat ($20, 6 hours) or the really slow boat ($12, 10 hours). Note that the journey times have been known to double if there are rough seas ahead.

Accomodation: Walk right off the pier on the only road and you will find all the bungalows and resorts dotted along the way. Be sure to ask if the showers are salty or fresh water and if the electricity works 24 hours!

Eats: Scallywags is the organic and fresh seafood favorite, located on the north end of the beach, near the only ATM on the island, where we gulped down some pineapple-guava fruit shakes and beet and goat cheese salads for lunch. Another cheaper and local recommendation is The Living Room, which had a huge menu, hearty banana milkshakes and toasty wood fired pizzas.

Entertainment: Rudy’s is a sure bet for a great time. Just make sure your accommodation is far away since the loud music plays all night long!

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Whitsunday Islands | Australia :: 74 Islands Of The Blue
12 February 2010 3:39 PM | 2081No Comments2010-02-12+22%3A39%3A44Manali
These tiny islands dotted around perfect turquoise colored waters are a popular getaway for most Australians. We jumped aboard the...
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M & T’s Top 11 of 2011 | Beaches & Islands of Thailand
20 December 2011 1:38 PM | 17272 Comments2011-12-20+20%3A38%3A47Terry
Thailand beaches are really relaxing and although similar, there are a few things that stand out in each that could...
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Ubud | Indonesia :: Monkey Forest

Terry — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:47:37 +0000

There a few words that can describe the cutest, playful but moody monkeys that you will come across in Monkey Forest.

Beware that if you have any traces of food in your purses or backpacks, these pickpocket monkeys will find it and will not hesitate to give you a quick pat down!

This huge park, ($1.50 per person entrance fee) houses approximately 600 monkeys and is located off its namesake, Monkey Forest Road, which is also the main strip in downtown Ubud.

You can buy bananas, sweet potatoes and other tasty treats for the rascals once inside and you’ll be guaranteed the most popular human in the park, just be sure to watch those teeth!

You’ll be amazed at the personalities that you come across, for example, a monkey with aspirations to be America’s Next Top Model.

Or, a monkey with a cheeky sense of curiosity, searching for his reflection in the camera lens.

Or, a philosophical monkey, pondering the meaning of it all, and how to conjure bananas from tree leaves.

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Ubud | Indonesia :: Sania’s House Review
12 January 2010 6:41 AM | 16844 Comments2010-01-12+13%3A41%3A02Manali
Tucked away in a small alley off Monkey Forest road, Sania house is an authentic jewel of a homestay. The...
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Ubud | Indonesia :: Rice Terraces

Terry — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:35:00 +0000

Known for intricately carved rice terraces, a visit to a terraced rice field is an enjoyable way to spend a lazy afternoon. Two that are worth visiting in the Ubud area include the Tagallalang Rice Terrace and Sayan Rice Terrace which are within 30 minutes of the main town and are worth the short motorbike ride.

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Ubud | Indonesia :: Rafting the Ayung and Luscious Lava of Mt. Batur
23 January 2010 11:25 PM | 1844No Comments2010-01-24+06%3A25%3A57Terry
Ubud’s fertile land surrounding the rice fields is a result of the volcanic activity amidst the jungles in the middle...
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Ubud | Indonesia :: A Foodie Dream
15 January 2010 6:33 AM | 17868 Comments2010-01-15+13%3A33%3A47Manali
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Ubud | Indonesia :: Rafting the Ayung and Luscious Lava of Mt. Batur

Terry — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:25:57 +0000

Ubud’s fertile land surrounding the rice fields is a result of the volcanic activity amidst the jungles in the middle of the island of Bali.

We decided on a whim to ride the scooter up to the lava fields of the active Mount Batur, about an hour’s ride away up the windy roads into the clouds.

Tour guides were waiting for their prey on the main road a few minutes outside the edge of the crater so we succumbed to the pressures and hired a local guide for the $20 half day tour.

The lava rocks from the eruptions of the 1980s to last year were scattered all around as far as you could see, with the beauty of the rocks and earth disguising the devastation of the villages. Since it was pouring down rain with the temperatures dropping, we made a rather quick exit and headed back into town after a hot meal at a restaurant overlooking the volcano and the vast crater which is now a huge lake.

The next day, we headed north east of town to the Ayung River for some white water rapid rafting.

The 10km journey lasted 4 hours and every minute was enjoyable with our mischievous guide, Madé, (Mega Rafting company) who took liberties in slamming our raft into each and every rock on the way.

Along the journey we saw monkeys swinging from the branches, gorgeous rock carvings of the Ramayana chiseled into the side of the cliffs, and got “free massages” under the strong and fast flowing waterfalls.

Our guide cracked up every few minutes as we whizzed past dozens of Chinese rafters wedged between rocks and would point and say “Haha, Chinese stuck” since they are known for their poor navigating skills.

Madé and Terry also got further into the action by super splashing and soaking every raft of the competing company which made the journey rather wet and war like, with us watching for the ‘enemy’ around each corner.

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Ubud | Indonesia :: Artistic and Adventure Avenues
14 January 2010 6:06 AM | 17851 Comment2010-01-14+13%3A06%3A46Manali
An hour north of Kuta Beach you will find the beautiful, sleepy little town of Ubud. Nestled into countless acres...
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Ubud | Indonesia :: Rice Terraces
25 January 2010 11:35 PM | 18454 CommentsUbud+%7C+Indonesia+%3A%3A+Rice+Terraces2010-01-26+06%3A35%3A00Terry
Known for intricately carved rice terraces, a visit to a terraced rice field is an enjoyable way to spend a...
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Ubud | Indonesia :: Puri Garden House Review

Manali — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:41:53 +0000

In Ubud, there are plentiful Balinese homestays where basic accommodation can be found for $10 (fan rooms with shared bathroom) as well as luxurious 5 star hotels with all the amenities, such as the Four Seasons. Harder to find are the mid range but great value hotels such as Puri Garden Hotel. The comfortable and plush rooms are amidst lush tropical plants, the bathrooms are ok and could be updated, the staff are attentive and know your name within minutes and the pool is cleaned constantly,. The beds were the most comfortable since we’ve left home and we took a nap and snuggled up with books each day that we were there, just so we could be in the bed!

Cost: $65 per night for deluxe double room (if you book on their website, the rate is $35)
Facilities: Free breakfast, free wireless internet in lobby and restaurant, clean pool area with lounge chairs, wonderful staff

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Ubud | Indonesia :: Sania’s House Review
12 January 2010 6:41 AM | 16844 Comments2010-01-12+13%3A41%3A02Manali
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Yogyakarta | Indonesia :: Ministry of Coffee Guesthouse Review
08 January 2010 7:23 AM | 16771 Comment2010-01-08+14%3A23%3A24Manali
In the artistic capital of Yogyakarta, we stayed in the hip area of Prawirotaman, bursting with cafés, intellectual talks and...
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Ubud | Indonesia :: A Foodie Dream

Manali — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:33:47 +0000

Ubud is a true haven for fresh, organic and creative foods, a foodie’s dream at discount prices. Wheatgrass smoothies, baba ghanoush, vegan pizza, warm goat cheese salads – you name it, they have it. Notably, we were told to visit Sari Organik, a restaurant tucked away in the middle of a rice paddy, boasting some of the freshest fare in town. Wow. Amazing food, even more amazing views of lush rice crops in every direction. To reach the restaurant, you have to walk 20 minutes through the rice paddies, wade through some small streams, cross a shaky bamboo bridge, pet some cows and then you will see it behind an organic vegetable patch, where you can pick your own salad ingredients!

Baba Ghanoush with homemade pita and salad that we freshly picked from the restaurant's farm!

Note: Head there for lunch or an early dinner since walking through the narrow paths in the rice paddies in the pitch dark is not recommended and mosquitoes will be waiting.

Freshly Caught Grilled Tiger Shrimp with Pineapple-Mango Aioli

Nomads in Ubud, enjoying a veggie club sandwich (with sweet potatoes, papaya, eggplant and zucchini) and fries sprinkled with herbes provencal

Chicken Martabak - a local muslim snack topped with sweet date chutney

MMM... light and airy donut filled with Belgian Dark Chocolate Ganache topped with even more dark chocolate - heaven on earth!

Other restaurants we visited among many are noted below and we still hadn’t touched even 10% of the places on the main street!

Nomads | Fresh, nouveau American and Indonesian dishes, they had a yummy Guava/Pineapple/Mint smoothie, many vegetarian options and Indonesian tapas, which is a great way to get acclimated to local food.

Naughty Nuri’s | Amazing BBQ ribs, Ahi Tuna steaks and chocolate cake just like home!

Warung Little India | I could have sworn they had an Indian auntie slaving over the stove – the food was delicious and so authentic!

Juice Ja Café | Healthy, California style smoothie and lunch spot.

Three Monkeys | Hip lounge spot, great gourmet food, homemade gelato and a cool rice field view in the back.

J. Co | Regional donut chain that houses delectable donuts such as belgian dark chocolate, tiramisu and mint oreo!

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Ubud | Indonesia :: Artistic and Adventure Avenues
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Ubud | Indonesia :: Rice Terraces
25 January 2010 11:35 PM | 18454 CommentsUbud+%7C+Indonesia+%3A%3A+Rice+Terraces2010-01-26+06%3A35%3A00Terry
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Ubud | Indonesia :: Artistic and Adventure Avenues

Manali — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:06:46 +0000

An hour north of Kuta Beach you will find the beautiful, sleepy little town of Ubud. Nestled into countless acres of rice paddies, farmland and jungle, Ubud is formed by a limited number of quaint streets lined with small boutique shops. The limited development in Ubud seems to place a rightful priority on the lush landscape of its surroundings, rather than encroaching and destroying the natural beauty.

Abundant Ubud Rice Fields

Local Ubud Woman Heading to the Temple for Daily Prayers

Huge Banyan Tree

Little Local Balinese Girl

About 20 or so miles outside of Ubud, lay a plethora of outdoor activities from cycling, trekking to rafting, which can be booked from the city. We bumped into some local guides, Oka and Maadé, who took us on a rice paddy tour and graciously invited us for authentic Bali coffee in their village. Maadé even climbed a tree to have us taste some jackfruit (tasted like kool aid and had a texture like starburst), durian (the infamous mushy stinky fruit) and local coconuts (the milk was as sweet as Sprite).

Having Balinese Coffee and Chatting at Maade and Oka’s Village

Maade's Daughter peering out the window

Terry decked out in Balinese gear - sarong, sash and turban!

Thanks Oka and Madé for showing us some ‘real’ Bali!

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Ubud | Indonesia :: A Foodie Dream
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Ubud | Indonesia :: Rice Terraces
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Indonesian Street Food :: Gado Gado Recipe

Manali — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:24:06 +0000

A very common dish found on street carts here in Indonesia is Gado Gado, a vegetarian dish that will stick to your ribs and keep you full for the whole day. Also, it is quick and cheap so that is always a plus. It’s relatively healthy and you can mix and match your vegetables or go light on the peanut sauce as you wish. The below recipe is nothing short of authentic and it makes 2 to 3 servings – enjoy!

The vegetables:
112 g / 4 oz cabbage or spring greens, shredded
225 g / 8 oz French beans, cut into 1/2-inch lengths
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
112 g / 4 oz cauliflower florets
112 g / 4 oz beansprouts, washed

For the garnish:
2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
1 medium-size potato, boiled in its skin, then peeled and sliced;
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced or tomato
1 tbsp crisp-fried onions
Handful of croutons or fried tofu

For the Dressing, Peanut Sauce:
Makes about 280 ml / 1 cups of sauce – can also be used for chicken satay or other grilled meats
112 ml / 4 fl oz vegetable oil
225 g / 8 oz raw peanuts
2 cloves garlic, chopped
4 shallots, chopped
Tsp of of shrimp paste (optional)
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
450 ml / 16 fl oz water
1 tbsp tamarind water or juice of a lemon

For the sauce: Stir-fry the peanuts for 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain in a colander, and leave to cool. Then pound or grind the nuts into a fine powder, using a blender, coffee grinder, or pestle and mortar. Discard the oil, except for 1 tablespoonful.

Crush the garlic, shallots and shrimp paste in a mortar with a little salt, and fry in the remaining oil for 1 minute. Add the chili powder, sugar, soy sauce and water. Bring this to a boil, then add the ground peanuts. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes thick; this should take about 8-10 minutes. Add the tamarind water or lemon juice and more salt if needed.

When cool, keep in a jar in the fridge. Reheat as required for use, the sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Instructions for Gado Gado:
Boil the vegetables separately in slightly salted water, for 3-4 minutes, except the beansprouts which only need 2 minutes. Drain each vegetable separately in a colander.
To serve, pile the vegetables in the middle of the dish. Arrange the eggs, sliced potatoes, croutons / fried tofu and sliced cucumber on top.

Heat a small amount (dress according to your likes) of peanut sauce in a small saucepan until hot; add more water if it is too thick. Pour the sauce over the vegetables. mix and sprinkle the fried onions on top. Serve warm or cold. If you want to serve it hot, gado-gado, it can be reheated in a microwave oven but tastes better freshly mixed. Add these garnishes immediately before serving. Enjoy!

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Ubud | Indonesia :: Sania’s House Review

Manali — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:41:02 +0000

Tucked away in a small alley off Monkey Forest road, Sania house is an authentic jewel of a homestay. The family that resides in the traditional Balinese compounds couldn’t be any friendlier and cuter with new chubby babies sleeping and little boys putting on plays. The rooms and bathrooms were recently renovated and every morning, the family would bring breakfast to your balcony to enjoy the sunrise and fresh air. The pool area was very popular and the location was great. Overall, a perfect place to spend a few days in Ubud!

Cost: $30 per night for deluxe room, king size double bed
Facilities: Free breakfast, helpful staff, pool, authentic Balinese homestay

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Ubud | Indonesia :: Puri Garden House Review
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