Bali!

This small island in the Java sea has become a mecca for tourists all over the world (mostly Aussies. It's like Hawaii to ya American blokes) owing to its beautiful beaches, mountains, friendly people, and an interesting culture. Bali is unique among the Indonesian islands in that it's not plagued by crime, poor sanitation, corruption, and other maladies like some of the other islands supposedly are. It would be home for the next four days.

After getting acquainted with our host, a hippy Australian expat, we took a taxi down to the nearest beach and relaxed for a bit after a hectic few days of travel. Enjoyed the view and the relaxed atmosphere, had some coconut juice and milkshakes, and had a nice chat with one of the locals. Balinese people, we soon learned, are very friendly and eager to socialize with anyone that will listen to them. Lots of rubbish on the beach because of the rainy season, but it was enjoyable nevertheless. Walked around the town streets and enjoyed some ridiculously cheap street food, while dodging a neverending stream of motorbikes that seemed to be ungoverned by traffic laws.

Woke up the next day with a nice sunburn to prove that we indeed were in a tropical area. Hit the beach again, this time taking our chances in the waves with a surfboard. It was Lea's first time, but she learned quickly and got a couple belly rides in. Seemingly endless minutes of paddling for a few seconds of fun, surfing quickly tired us out, but in a good way.

Next day, the good advice of our host led us to hire a private driver for the day, the best way to get around on the island. Very eventful day. Saw an animal market where birds and puppies, including those of the local Kintamani breed, were being sold. Went to a coffee farm and tried some luwak coffee (basically brewed using cat poop) aka the most expensive coffee in the world, ironically. Saw a temple in the highlands next to a lake, and took a dip in a local hot spring.

The following day, we hired the same driver because he was great the day before, and went to one of the most famous volcanoes on the island, which was a double caldera, for you geology nerds out there. The volcano is still active, having minor eruptions every few decades. Went to see some impressive rice terraces that looked like they were right out of the pages of a magazine. Paid a visit to a community of evil monkeys that lived in a small park dedicated just to them. The cheeky little devils were completely unafraid of humans and even stole bracelets and sunglasses from the tourists. Finally went to a market where the prices were actually marked, so no haggling for once.

Got up the next morning at 3:30 to board a flight back to KL. Then it's on to the Cameron Highlands!

Three Days, Three Countries

Day 1: Singapore

After an early morning arrival in the "fine city," (see picture) and a quick nap, the two youths ventured out into the unknown. Explored Chinatown, got offered mani and pedi and cures of all sorts by excited women. Witnessed a Hindu ceremony at a temple, complete with strange instruments that seemed to make sound on their own. Met a nice old lady at a local eatery who treated us to some local eats and drinks and told us about her life in The Lion City. Visited the more-westernized-than-America-itself Sentosa island, with its casinos, resorts, and gigantic shopping malls that put the Houston Galleria to shame. Slept fitfully thanks to jet lag.

Day 2: Malaysia

A day of traveling mishaps. Headed out of sin city after taking a stroll through Little India by means of bus after almost missing it. David got stopped at Singapore customs after misplacing his visa. Almost missed the same bus again. Got lost in Malaysian customs and had to ask at least 12 people for directions before finding the bus. The bus driver loved us. At long last, arrived in Kuala Lumpur, the first city in a Muslim country that we ever visited. Went for a stroll in the Chinatown district and treated ourselves to some authentic Malay food and to some "authentic" merchandise, the bartering for which Lea so expertly handled. What a great place for stingy college students.

Day 3: Indonesia

Paid a visit to Kuala Lumpur's claim to international fame: the Petronas twin towers, which used to be the tallest buildings in the world, but have since been pushed down the list by other scrapers. Walked around the base of the towers, at which there was a large park with gardens and water fountains. Set off to the airport where we awaited our pleasant, but not worry-free AirAsia flight to Bali, Indonesia. After becoming instant millionaires at the ATM ($1 = 12000 Rupiah), we were swarmed by cab drivers at the exit gates of the airport, all offering to take us to where we needed to go. The problem was, we didn't know where that was. After calling the owner of the home stay we had booked, and haggling a price out of one of the cabbies (protip - they upcharge big time, we more than halved his original price), we were finally on our way, and got there just after dark.

So, that's how we did three countries in three days. Exciting? Yes. Easy? No. Overwhelming? Maybe a little.

The Journey Begins

Two flights down, one to go. Being in Hong Kong would normally be an exciting idea, but after sitting on a plane for 19 hours, all you want to do is lay down on a bench and be unconscious for a little bit. Although New Year's Day was short, about 6 hours long due to time changes, it was still celebrated with a tiny free bottle of wine courtesy of United Airlines. Arrival in Singapore is awaited keenly by the weary travelers, who will get there at 1:40 am local time. Let's hope they can find their way to the hostel.