A jaunt to Jimbaran

Eager to escape Kuta we managed to dodge the 'taxi touts' outside our hotel that would clearly rip us off and much to their annoyance we flagged down a bluebird taxi to take us south to Jimbaran. By going with the metred taxi we only had to pay just over 50,000 rather than the 150,000 we had been quoted elsewhere! Such a difference!

We were heading south to be reunited with Sam and Adnan who we had met on the cycle tour in Ubud, they had been kind enough to invite us to spend some time with them at the hotel they were staying at and we would also be closer to Ulawatu which was recommended by them as a great place to see some traditional dance.

As we came into Jimbaran we drove passed their hotel and got a first glimpse through the gates of the Intercontinental hotel...its was massive and looked very impressive (we weren't too sure if security would let us in).

We had chosen a hotel that we thought was just a bit further down the road but started to get a bit worried when our taxi driver had to stop several times for directions. We found ourselves taking a small turning down a dirt track which got narrower and bumpier, surely this was the wrong way but soon enough we turned a corner and saw the hotel. It was a new build and very nicely finished with a small pool area and all the mod cons (including a bin with a sensor so it automatically opens when you stand in front of it...I think one of them will go on our wedding gift list if we have one ), but it seemed totally out of place with its more rustic surroundings. Although we didn't mind as it was great to be seeing more of the local life compared to OTT Kuta.

We settled in and popped put to a local Warung for some lunch of Nasi Goreng and Cap Cay for less than a quid each. So yummy and a bargain!

On the way back to the hotel I spotted a hairdresser and decided it was about time I had mine cut. After all the sun, salt & pool water and just general travelling wear and tear it had got into a bit of a state! Despite the potential for a language barrier disaster which could have resulted in it all being chopped off, the hairdresser did a good job. Although they did blow dry my hair so it was poofier than a poodle! Definitely felt a bit conspicuous as we walked back down the dirt track to our hotel with this bouncy hairdo!

We d arranged to meet the 'British contingent' for a few drinks in the afternoon and to use their pool. It was great to catch up over a few Bintangs and Mix Max! Although Dan ended up turning his tongue red and Sams went blue, not sure that's normal!

They had been to the Gilli islands for a few days and we were excited to hear how much they had loved it and diving there too, we definitely would be making a stop there too.

It was time to check out the pool before the sun went down. It was such a treat to be able to experience this hotel, which was insanely big and luxurious. Each statue is given a fresh flower every day, there are fountains, candles are put out each night around the pool and path ways to create a romantic atmosphere...

and this is the pool!! Which is impossible to swim from one side to the other on one breath underwater, despite our many attempts!

The hotel backs onto the beach and here are our first views of it.

In the distance you could also see planes landing at Dempesar airport, the runway juts out into the sea and it wasn't until later that night that we found out after receiving some concerned messages from home that a plane had missed the runway and crashed into the sea that afternoon and we were none the wiser! Fortunately no one was killed but it was a bit scary to know it had happened so close by.

News report here...

Sam and Adnan had already booked in for a special dinner being put on by their hotel so as the sun went down we said our goodbyes. Some lanterns by the beach had caught my eye and it turned out to be one of the hotel bars so we went for another drink before finding somewhere for dinner.

This turned out to be a good shout as it started to rain and we had planned to eat alfresco on the beach with Jimbaran is famous for.

We waited for the rain to stop and then had a nice stroll on the beach under the stars, directed by all the flickering candles in the distance to where all the dining areas on the beach were. We had a lovely meal of squid and rice before heading back to our hotel.

A huge thanks to Sam and Adnan for such a great time, looking forward to catching up with you both when we head back to the UK.

Sxxx