Day 38 - We requested our driver come at 8:30 AM and that's exactly when our trip started. It was nice getting out of Kuta but a bit scary seeing how big and crowded the Denpasar area has become. I would not have felt comfortable driving myself nowadays. Back in 1992 things were much quieter, and managing a right-hand drive while shifting gears with my left hand seemed a bit adventuresome.
Finally, after we got through the city, we exited from the crowded highways and made our way into the mountains. Our driver would take us anywhere and Jay had a list of spots. We had never visited the largest 'Mother' Hindu Temple on Bali, it is tucked up against the side of the Agung volcano. We did stay at the lake near the base decades ago. Today, as we climbed the climate got cooler and eventually, we rose to cloud levels. Of course, travelling on small roads and seeing village life was a change from our touristy beach location of the last five weeks.
It was stepping back into our decades-old visit. It was reminiscent of getting around Sri Lanka in the 1980's. That nostalgia was a pleasant experience.
There is a bit of a "tourist mafia" for seeing the temple. One needs to pay in order to get a motorcycle lift about a kilometer up the road, whereas the vehicles could easily drop people off right at the gate. The 'guide' wasn't too inspiring or knowledgeable for that matter. He asked for $10 at the end. We gave $4 and thought that was more than he was worth.
The two volcanos of Bali aren't far apart. We continued to Mt. Agung and stopped for lunch at a viewpoint for the lake and mountain. It wasn't cheap by Bali standards, but well, one pays for the view. The weather up there changes frequently.
Again, along the way to the beach on the opposite shore, we drove through tiny villages and stopped once in a while to get closer glimpses of rural life.
We arrived at Pantai Mas Hotel at around 4:15 and the driver went off to stay at a cheaper location and promised to meet up again at 8:30 AM tomorrow. The hotel didn't get our Expedia reservations but welcomed us. We looked around and wanted to go to 'Lovina Beach' proper, about 2 kilometers from where we are. The hotel owner said Grab cars don't come out this way, but we hailed one. We made it well before sunset. We were surprised that as we are sort of oriented on the north of the island, we could see a sunset here too!
Lovina is quiet, but there is talk of building an airport here too. It may be many years before this becomes Kuta-like though. Fingers crossed for the folks who regularly visit.
Coming back, we walked a bit t oLovinalife Restaurant for dinner. Now it became apparent the hotel owner was right as Grab could not find any drivers. We walked back along the highway where the sidewalks were generally more dangerous than walking in the road. It was dark. It was a half hour only. I think I'm going to bed now. It's 9:30 PM and I'm tired now. We're such party animals?