Slumming it in Kuta, Bali

Two separate groups of MBA’s are crossing paths in Bali: Kevin, Nathalie, Tiphanie and Irena in one group and Vivian, Jocelyn, and Carl in the other. I am staying with the latter group in Kuta, a slightly seedy backpacker district of Bali, consisting primarily of Australian surfers.

Carl booked us at the famous Poppy II. This walled garden sanctuary filled with a handful of bungalows provides a peaceful contrast to the incessant street hawkers and their repetitive low-grade wares (t-shirts, fake watches, etc.). It’s also only $20/night which includes a fridge and some friendly mosquitoes.

Kevin’s group is staying at the beautiful Westin, an isolated resort just a bit further South. Fortunately, taxis are plentiful so it’s easy to get around. We met up for dinner twice: once in swanky Semanyak and second near the Westin. Highlight: hanging out at the Westin’s private beach in giant cushioned chairs with nothing do but relax, look at the moon and drink some local brew.

Carl, Jocelyn, Viv and I took a day tour of Bali with Made (Ma-de) Wijawa, an entrepreneurial tour guide with his own van (wijaya7@hotmail.com). We had a relaxing day seeing some of the local tourist attractions such as Monkey Forest and Ubud (arts and crafts). It was refreshing to have such a reliable guide so we recommended him to Kevin’s group as well.

written by

benjgolf on May 28, 2007 from Kuta, Indonesia

from the travel blog: Tour de Asia

Send a Compliment

comment on this...