Indonesia > On the Beach in Bali

I slept very well and deeply last night. When I woke up during the night, I was briefly disoriented and didn’t know where I was. Around eight o’clock, I show up for breakfast. I’m given a list of breakfast options. I choose an omelet and toast. Slowly, the other travel companions start arriving. Fortunately, I still remember most of their names. At half past nine, Anton, or ‘Stickman,’ gives a brief briefing about the trip. Don’t drink tap water, watch out for uneven streets, and don’t give anything to children. If you want to give something, give it to the parents, he advises. He also suggests setting up a tip jar. The amount of three million rupiah to contribute sounds like a lot of money. The tip jar covers not only hotel tips but also lunches along the way and optional excursions. The hotel is close to the sea. I walk about two hundred meters and stand with my feet in the sand. The beach is very quiet. I see only a few people in the sea. Also, only a few beach loungers are in use on the sand. I stroll along the beach a bit. In the distance, I see airplanes landing at Denpasar airport. The sea looks calm, but large high waves roll onto the shore. The waves seem to come out of nowhere. I watch and listen to this force of nature. At the far end of the beach, I order a cola at a terrace.

Indonesia - Fishing boats on the beach of Jimbaran

In the evening, you can dine here on the beach at one of the many restaurants. Now most tables are still stacked, but in the evening, they are set up on the sand by the sea. After the break, I walk back. I had just gone to check out the beach and didn’t have my swimwear with me yet. In the afternoon, I go to the beach again, this time with my swim shorts and towel. I cautiously enter the surf. Because of the high waves, the undertow is also very strong. With each wave, I brace myself. It’s nice to spend some time in the water. Holding my shoes in my hand, I continue walking along the beach—this time to the other side. I don’t need my towel; I dry naturally while walking. On the beach lie small traditional fishing boats. On both sides of the boat, outriggers are attached for stability. On this side of the beach, too, there are several restaurants. There must be a good option here for tonight. Back at the hotel, I have a beer and swim a few laps in the pool. It’s wonderful to take it easy for a day. In the evening, I go out to eat on the beach with some fellow travelers. There is plenty of choice. The tables are set up on the sand—a nice place to dine. I choose seafood and order a beer to go with it.

Indonesia - Live music during dinner on the beach in Bali