Hello readers, and as always, thank you for continuing to read along. If Day 2 seemed a bit too hectic for the laid-back view you have of Bali, then Day 3 might be more in line with your fantasy of a peaceful, island vacation.
While the previous day had been great, I was happy that I had set Day 3 as a time of relative rest. As such, it is probably not that much of a surprise that I didn’t even leave the room until 11:25 AM. I wanted to check out a local gym rather unimaginatively named DeGym, but I also realized that I should get something to eat beforehand. So, with my gym bag packed, I slowly walked in that direction, arriving about 11:45 AM. I could easily have arrived much quicker, but I was taking my time, peeking down alleys etc . . . as I walked.
I found the building at 11:45 AM without too much trouble but decided to go across the street to Tentang Kopi to get some food before going in. Given that the cafe was right there on the main rood, it was a bit noisier than some might like, but I didn’t find it particularly distracting. The ambiance inside was quite pleasant, and I ordered the Gado Gado, Chicken fried rice with satay, and pineapple juice. The Gado Gado and juice came out first at 12:01 AM, closely followed by the Chicken fried rice with Satay at 12:06 PM.
Once more, I was particularly impressed by how well the food had been presented. I will still need to check more over the next few days, but this seems to be an area of expertise in Bali. While waiting and then eating my food, I decided to once more book a tour for the following day on GetYourGuide, this time opting for the East and West highlight tour trip Penida for a cost of 5277 INR including hotel pickup and drop off from Kerobokan. Having finished my food at 12:38 PM, I paid 133,000 IDR ($7.96 USD) using my Indian international credit card and walked across to the gym.
As I had my bag with shoes and everything with me, the process of getting a day pass for 200,000 IDR ($11.97 USD) was extremely simple. The place was extremely clean, comfortably air-conditioned, and clearly appropriate for both serious and casual gym goers. While this is perhaps a minor point, I was particularly impressed by the lockers in the changing rooms; they had these simple combination locks which one sets and uses on a daily basis.
At 2:55 PM I finished up at the gym and walked back towards Dikubu Bali Villas and Suites. Along the way, I stopped in at a convenience store to get some simple groceries for 110000 IDR ($6.58) and then bought five pieces of original Cupup Tahu for just 10000 IDR ($0.60 USD).
Back in the room at 3:34 PM, I decided to forego the green chilis which had been included with the Cupup Tahu, and instead put some yogurt on them. I am not sure, but I think they were some sort of deep-fried tofu. Without the yogurt, they were plain, but not unpleasant. With the yogurt, they were a very filling and tasty after-gym snack. I stayed there resting in the room until 5:19 PM, and then once more headed out to walk down to Petitenget beach for the sunset.
Upon arriving at 6:00 PM, I once more saw that despite being in a very touristic area, the beach was uncrowded with a relaxing view.
I had missed the actual sunset but still enjoyed being there in such a relaxing setting. I stayed there until 6:40 PM, and then resolved to walk back to the room. Changing things up, I walked a different route, soon finding myself outside Grill’d Healthy Burgers (whatever that means) at 6:56 PM where I was looked over the menu which was posted just outside. I give credit to the greeter; she did a very good job of talking the place up without seeming overbearing, and then when she saw that it looked like I would probably continue walking, swooped in with a “Free french fries card” and additional information about a “buy two get one free” offer on alcoholic drinks”.
I had no interest in drinking three beers on my own, but there was also a prominent sign out front indicating that Conde Nast traveler endorsed them. Eating a hamburger and fries in Bali may seem silly to you, but having flown in from India, for me it seemed like an exotic treat. The Bintang Radler beer I blindly ordered tasted like lemonade; I had not expected that but found it to be very refreshing. Furthermore, both the burger and fries were exceptionally good.
At 7:44 PM I finished my meal, using my credit card to pay the 174,900 IDR ($10.53 USD) bill. The walk back to my room in Kerobokan was uneventful, but the peaceful streets were beautiful at this time of the evening.
I arrived back to the room at 8:22 PM, took a quick shower and watched a bit of streaming video before heading to bed for the night. Today had definitely been far less eventful than yesterday, but I wouldn’t say that I had liked in any less. Sometimes it is nice to jump around to all sorts of iconic sites, but other times it is equally enjoyable to just peacefully enjoy simple moments.
What about you? Which day did you prefer the most? Would you generally opt for more jam-packed days of fantastic sites, or do you prefer to explore the undelighted spots of joy that might otherwise go unnoticed? Let me know in the comment section below, and please keep reading along with Day 4.
Travels with Jay 