5am: Set off from Ubud
Shaundrell, Becks and I set off early in order to catch the sunrise. The air was crisp and cold so choosing to ride in shorts and t-shirt, with only a thin and holey jacket to protect me, probably wasn't the best idea. From Beck's house, it was an easy drive an hour North to Kintamani - the town closest to Batur. We arrived, set up our cameras and waited with eager anticipation. Slowly, minute by minute, the black sky began to fade. Greys replaced blacks and the air started to warm. The sky was clear, the clouds resting in the valleys creating a blanket over lake Batur.
6am: the main event
The sun emerged from behind Batur. Red, orange, pink, blue; the sky burst into colour. The heat warmed our cold bodies and the suns raise broke through, lighting the valley, the mountains and the sky above. It was majestic and surreal and felt as if we were mere observers, looking down from above, observing from the heavens. I have seen a fair few sunrises but this was by far the most beautiful.
7am: Kintamani Market
After a sweet coffee (they like to use condensed milk and sugar), we drove a short way down hill to the local market. It was in full swing and was brimming with life. People were selling fresh produce, live animals, flowers, clothes and breakfast. We made the latter our priority. Keen to try some more Balinese food, I went on a recommendation from Becks and tried a local favourite of black rice, sweetened with palm sugar, fluorescent cakes, naturally dyed pink or green using pandan leaves, fried banana and coconut and sesame balls. Not only had I over indulged, I had also overdosed on sugar. The rice in itself was so sweet that eating anything else just heightened the sugar levels. I left feeling sick, my teeth sensitive and my head buzzing.
8am: Lake Batur and the valley
We left the market and drove somewhat aimlessly past Mt Batur and downhill towards the lake. We didn't really know where we were going, but just decided to try and take the most scenic route home. The road was smooth although the corners and contours were somewhat more of a challenge. The tree-lined road provided much needed shade as the sun was being to rise high in the sky. Cruising along, we kept catching glimpses of the surrounding mountain. Soon we reached open road. The scenery was insane. It reminded a little like death valley, in the sense that the plains seemed infinite and barren but unlike Nevada, Bali's lush and tropical vegetation still prevailed. Semi-arid shrubs and scraggly trees lined our path and every now and again crop fields were visible.
9am: The monstorous mountain and bumpy ride
So we ended up getting a bit lost coming to a dead end - the path simply ceased to exist. Turning around we asked directions in the tiny village. We thought it would be easy to get to the coastal road on the East of Bali by simply driving in that direction. How we were wrong. The only way was up a mountain on roads which only the locals are brave enough to attempt. We had come so far so decided to try our luck.
The road was extremely windy and pot-holed. Full power had to be applied to make it up and I somehow made it, although Beck's had to go back to collect a struggling Shaundrell. The road down was a dirt track traversing through beautiful countryside and small hamlets. We drove for about 2hours through the sand and gravel trying to keep balance. Shaundrell veered off the road a few times and fell from her bike several times. I managed to keep the bike steady but my bike was not playing fair. It broke down 3 or 4 times during the midday heat. Each time I had to put the kick stand up and manually start it. I proved to be completely useless and had to rely on local help. Making it look easy, I drove of rosy cheeked.
12pm: Coastal Crusing
We finally tackled the beast and it was great relief that we pulled over for a drink. I got of the bike feeling weak at the knees. The sun had got to me a bit but I soon felt better after a sugary 7-up. Returning to my bike, I realised the spring had snapped off the kick stand. I wasn't having much luck with my bike. I tied the stand to the bike with a hair bobble and we set off again along the smooth Eastern coastal road.
1pm: White sand beach and Lunch
Becks said she was going to take us to her favourite beach in Bali. I couldn't wait to finally get of the moped as my bum was numb, my hands sore and my face tingling from the sun. Heading off the main road, it was another bumpy ride on a dirt track towards the beach. Emerging from behind the trees, I could glimpse the white sand and bluer than blue ocean. Becks choose well. Taking off my shoes and burying my feet in the sand was a welcome relief. We ordered some food and then fell asleep for a few hours on some cushioned sun beds. It was one of the best sleeps I've ever had!
4pm: Drive home
Waking to the sounds of the ocean, I felt refreshed and ready to go. After dipping my legs in the water, we set off again for the final ride back to Ubud. At 6pm we finally made it back. We made plans to go out, but instead ordered take-away round Beck's and slept in Steve's super-soft double bed.
Shaundrell, Becks and I set off early in order to catch the sunrise. The air was crisp and cold so choosing to ride in shorts and t-shirt, with only a thin and holey jacket to protect me, probably wasn't the best idea. From Beck's house, it was an easy drive an hour North to Kintamani - the town closest to Batur. We arrived, set up our cameras and waited with eager anticipation. Slowly, minute by minute, the black sky began to fade. Greys replaced blacks and the air started to warm. The sky was clear, the clouds resting in the valleys creating a blanket over lake Batur.
6am: the main event
The sun emerged from behind Batur. Red, orange, pink, blue; the sky burst into colour. The heat warmed our cold bodies and the suns raise broke through, lighting the valley, the mountains and the sky above. It was majestic and surreal and felt as if we were mere observers, looking down from above, observing from the heavens. I have seen a fair few sunrises but this was by far the most beautiful.
7am: Kintamani Market
After a sweet coffee (they like to use condensed milk and sugar), we drove a short way down hill to the local market. It was in full swing and was brimming with life. People were selling fresh produce, live animals, flowers, clothes and breakfast. We made the latter our priority. Keen to try some more Balinese food, I went on a recommendation from Becks and tried a local favourite of black rice, sweetened with palm sugar, fluorescent cakes, naturally dyed pink or green using pandan leaves, fried banana and coconut and sesame balls. Not only had I over indulged, I had also overdosed on sugar. The rice in itself was so sweet that eating anything else just heightened the sugar levels. I left feeling sick, my teeth sensitive and my head buzzing.
8am: Lake Batur and the valley
We left the market and drove somewhat aimlessly past Mt Batur and downhill towards the lake. We didn't really know where we were going, but just decided to try and take the most scenic route home. The road was smooth although the corners and contours were somewhat more of a challenge. The tree-lined road provided much needed shade as the sun was being to rise high in the sky. Cruising along, we kept catching glimpses of the surrounding mountain. Soon we reached open road. The scenery was insane. It reminded a little like death valley, in the sense that the plains seemed infinite and barren but unlike Nevada, Bali's lush and tropical vegetation still prevailed. Semi-arid shrubs and scraggly trees lined our path and every now and again crop fields were visible.
9am: The monstorous mountain and bumpy ride
So we ended up getting a bit lost coming to a dead end - the path simply ceased to exist. Turning around we asked directions in the tiny village. We thought it would be easy to get to the coastal road on the East of Bali by simply driving in that direction. How we were wrong. The only way was up a mountain on roads which only the locals are brave enough to attempt. We had come so far so decided to try our luck.
The road was extremely windy and pot-holed. Full power had to be applied to make it up and I somehow made it, although Beck's had to go back to collect a struggling Shaundrell. The road down was a dirt track traversing through beautiful countryside and small hamlets. We drove for about 2hours through the sand and gravel trying to keep balance. Shaundrell veered off the road a few times and fell from her bike several times. I managed to keep the bike steady but my bike was not playing fair. It broke down 3 or 4 times during the midday heat. Each time I had to put the kick stand up and manually start it. I proved to be completely useless and had to rely on local help. Making it look easy, I drove of rosy cheeked.
12pm: Coastal Crusing
We finally tackled the beast and it was great relief that we pulled over for a drink. I got of the bike feeling weak at the knees. The sun had got to me a bit but I soon felt better after a sugary 7-up. Returning to my bike, I realised the spring had snapped off the kick stand. I wasn't having much luck with my bike. I tied the stand to the bike with a hair bobble and we set off again along the smooth Eastern coastal road.
1pm: White sand beach and Lunch
Becks said she was going to take us to her favourite beach in Bali. I couldn't wait to finally get of the moped as my bum was numb, my hands sore and my face tingling from the sun. Heading off the main road, it was another bumpy ride on a dirt track towards the beach. Emerging from behind the trees, I could glimpse the white sand and bluer than blue ocean. Becks choose well. Taking off my shoes and burying my feet in the sand was a welcome relief. We ordered some food and then fell asleep for a few hours on some cushioned sun beds. It was one of the best sleeps I've ever had!
4pm: Drive home
Waking to the sounds of the ocean, I felt refreshed and ready to go. After dipping my legs in the water, we set off again for the final ride back to Ubud. At 6pm we finally made it back. We made plans to go out, but instead ordered take-away round Beck's and slept in Steve's super-soft double bed.
Sunday was a day of relaxation. I was feeling slightly crisp and sore so just chilled in a coffee shop, reading my book. I got a second wind in the evening so met Shaudrell for drinks in the Shisha Lounge, ending in Napi Orti, Ubud's version of a Reggae bar.
Shaundrell left for Singapore on the Monday. I only knew her a few days but she really left an impression on me. I was always smiling with her around and know she will share her happiness with everyone else she meets. See you soon xx
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