Sept-Oct 2023 Bali Ubud - Lockdown

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Discover Bali: Ubud

Every time you feel yourself being pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: "Not my circus, not my monkeys!"

(Polish proverb)

Edmund Burke wrote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”  Stand up for Truth!  Mankind is at a crossroads.  Seek the truth, expose and roust out the evil elements of society or continue down this road of ever increasing control and loss of personal freedom. Simple as that.  Never stop questioning. If you think I am exaggerating please prove me wrong.  Cut off mainstream media and explore alternative media for a couple days. Definitely should raise a few questions. Down is Up and Up is Down.  Check out the transformation of mainstream anchorman Tucker Carlson.  With over 50 million viewers on some websites, while CNN boasts 4 million viewers, many people are waking up.  Interesting times!


This plandemic has changed the face of humanity forever.  Lockdowns implemented worldwide in 3 weeks.  Death rates exploding.  Social distancing and useless masks. Massive side effects from the experimental injections.  Jobs lost and small businesses folding while large corporation realized record profits.  Hmmm?

 

And travel – forget that.  Just too complicated!  It took Co vid to slow us down.  That being said, nothing gets in the way of seeing my kids and grandchildren at Christmas. After jumping through an unbelievable amount of hoops, I found myself sitting on a series of almost empty planes, walking easily through almost empty airports, dealing with angry empty-headed employees trying to make sense of a ludicrous situation. No food was served, cabins were sprayed with chemicals, ridiculous testing around every corner, and don’t forget the quarantines.

 

I spent 7 nights in a hotel room in Jakarta; and not to be fooled again, the following year spent 7 nights on a private dive island off the north shore of Sulawesi. Drastic times call for drastic measures.  Life threatening, illegal regulations were circumvented, in sometimes clever and surreptitious ways.  I made friends with the chef of the Jakarta hotel and after a day of ‘prison food’ on a tray outside my locked door, was able to eat fresh fruit, fresh salad, and reasonable vegan dinners.  I left the room late at night and strolled around the deserted halls, getting the exercise my body required.  It was a glorious day when they swung open my prison cell and I was a free woman.  Free?  Excuse me.  Outside the world had gone mad.  Why didn’t people see it? 


Travel companies imploded.  Many flights were cancelled.   In the 40 minutes it took to fly from the Big Island to Honolulu in Hawaii, my connecting flight was cancelled.  I found a helpful agent with an engaged brain and we stood side by side at the counter, computers smoking, and I found a flight to Tokyo via San Francisco – an extra 12 hours of flying – but I continued my trip.  Marveling at the crazy protective gear people traveled in, I just kept to myself and was grateful for the empty planes with free seats to lie down and sleep.  (25 pax on a 300 seat jet!) One flight I slept a full 8 hours!  Only thing missing was a lullaby.

 

In the USA va  x were not mandatory but residents of Bali were required to get the jab to continue working, or out of sheer community social pressure.  Indonesia is like the Wild, Wild West.  With all crazy laws and regulations in place, as required worldwide, residents just quietly didn’t comply.  There were maps on Whatsapp how to avoid government roadblocks and, as long as you ate from take-away or ‘bunkus’ plates, the restaurants stayed open.  Once again we roamed freely, “free-range”, and in the end there was no increase in cases.  It was like looking both ways before crossing the street, and getting hit by an airplane!  Somehow, worldwide, the math just didn’t add up!!

 

The people remaining in Bali became like family, a rebel tribe of hardy souls.  Just like the good old days, people visited each other for dinner, held small parties, shared vegetables from their gardens, and went for walks.  Community thrived.  Off we went to the beach, staying in 5 star hotels along Sanur Beach, and walking the beach walk alone. Nusa Dua and Kuta were also deserted as Australians were locked down to the nth degree back home.  Cities were tightly controlled, remote regions barely affected in most countries.  It was also a good time to visit neighboring islands like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gili Islands.  Life was good.  It’s all about location, location, location.

 

And so once again, as in Sumatra, we enjoyed where we were at.   Normally crowded streets were quiet. With many people fleeing back home, the price of rent dropped.  We rented a beautiful spacious villa with a large salt water swimming pool, perched on the edge of the rice fields.  We took care of the owner’s dog and cat and planted a garden. 

 

We even rescued a half dead pink hairless dog from a ditch and with the help of BAWA and coconut oil massages daily, nursed him back to health.  Our new little friend, Veritas, added much joy into our life. 

 

When it was time to move on, we found him the perfect home with our friend.  They love each other.  Both from the streets, they have found the security, companionship and joy that make life worthwhile.  Our friend from a remote island off Papua, at age 10, 20 years ago, was given to missionaries by his parents.  Told that he would get a good education, it turned out they were held like little slaves, beaten, fed old rice and wormy noodles, and sent out to do domestic labor at the homes of rich, ‘do-gooder’ wealthy people in Jakarta.  For many reasons he ran away and lived on the streets.  He is a very clever fellow and soon had earned enough money to go to high school.  Kind of hard to keep your act together when living on the streets, but he persevered.  Graduating, he has worked several jobs always working his way up to manager, but often getting taken advantage of because of not being Javanese or Balinese.  Finally he has declared that he is worth more in life!   Now he is a dive instructor in Eastern Bali, in a job where he is appreciated and awarded a fair wage.  He and Veritas ride around on his motorbike exploring the island and come to visit us regularly.  A Great young man and his dog! A happy ending. 

 

And so Co vid finally came to an end, strangely as it began.  The question is, will such an event be allowed in the future?  Up to us!

 

 

And so it goes…………………………………..Next  against all odds, a visit to Hawaii and this time a quarantine on a dive Island off the northern coast of Sulawesi .  Until then remember,   “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”  Stand up for Truth!   Take care and thanks for listening!!

 

Love, Light & Laughter, 

 

xo  Nancy & Joseph

Travel Notes:

Hello Balinese: "Om Swastiastu" is a formal greeting that conveys well-being and good fortune. It's said while holding your palms in front of your chest.

1 United States Dollar equals 16.1 IDR

Download apps:  Gojek/Gocar  Grab Bike/Car  Indrive Bike/Car
10,000 idr for motorcycle ride  50,000 for car – reasonable
Compare prices – with parking a problem best to get dropped off.  If traffic is jammed
best to take a bike instead of a car.  Wear a helmet of course and be prepared for the ride of your life!
Nothing like Bali traffic!!

Campuan Ridge Walk.  One thing we recommend you do in Bali – especially when you are tired of the congested traffic, is take this walk.  Easy, quiet, gentle steps down at the end.  See another side of Bali.

Karsa Spa https://www.karsaspa.com/location.html
Behind Karsa Kafe on the Campuhan Ridge, Ubud, Bali
We take a motorcycle up to Karsa, and walk down the interesting, motor vehicle free Campuan Ridge walk; 20 min straight through.  Or enjoy a coconut, gado gado, or ice cream from a stall along the path. You can park your motorcycle at the bottom, get a Grab up, and walk down.
Or walk up then back down. 

Phone:   081353392013
Email:    karsaspa@gmail.com
web:    
www.karsaspa.com

In Penastanan:

All in a row.

Cafe Vespa- Vegetarian, old standby to gather in the community
Address: Jl. Banjar Penestanan Kaja, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 10 PM

Phone: +62 812-3791-8530

Alam Green Lotus- Lovely Vegan Vietnamese food
Service options: Serves vegan dishes

Address: Jl. Banjar Penestanan Kaja, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 8 PM

Phone: +62 821-5863-2138

Healthy Ubud: Great juice and salads!
Address: Jl. Banjar Penestanan Kaja No.52, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Phone: +62 811-3960-6011

Schauberger Coffee and great vegan deserts.  Take note Starbucks!

Address: Jl. Banjar Penestanan Kaja No.52, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 6 PM · More hours

Phone: +62 813-5306-3136

Just down the road:

Moksa Ubud: Plant-based Restaurant & Permaculture Garden

Service options: Has outdoor seating · Has private dining room · Serves vegan dishes

Address: Ubud II Kutuh, Jl. Puskesmas, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 9 PM

Phone: +62 813-3977-4787

Alchemy Bali:

Informal vegan restaurant serving pizzas, salads & poke bowls, plus medicinal soups.

Service options: Has outdoor seating · Has fireplace · Serves vegan dishes

Address: Jl. Penestanan Kelod No.75, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 9 PM

Phone: +62 821-4690-8910

Zest Ubud:

Zen-like, bohemian outfit serving plant-based global fare made from locally sourced ingredients. Upscale, Wow Food and Atmosphere!!

Service options: Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan dishes · High chairs available

Address: Jl. Penestanan No.7, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 10 PM

Phone: +62 823-4006-5048

Indian Delites: Good Indian food!  Go upstairs for a great view of the Ridge walk!
Service options: Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan and meat dishes

Address: Jl. Raya Campuhan Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 11 PM

Phone: +62 851-0044-4222

The Elephant – next door
Casual restaurant serving international vegetarian dishes, plus a bar & open-air seating.

Service options: Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan dishes · Has Wi-Fi

Address: Hotel Taman Indrakila, Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 10 PM · More hours

Phone: +62 811-3960-8118

Next to great Health food Store, Club Sehat, and up from Bintang Supermarket for those odds and ends.  Also check out Green Habit just down the road – best price for health food store.

Warung  Pulau Kelapa:  Up the road towards Sayan
Plan to arrive in daylight and stroll across the bamboo bridge and
through the lovely organic garden.  You can ick your dinner and th chef will cook it.

Casual open-air restaurant for regional & Javanese dishes using organic ingredients, plus ice cream.

Service options: Has outdoor seating · Has private dining room · Serves vegetarian dishes

Address: Jl. Raya Sanggingan Jl. Raya Lungsiakan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia

Open Closes 11 PM

Phone: +62 812-8223-0808

 

In Ubud:

Kafe:
Tropical cafe with vegetarian & non-vegetarian menus using organic & health-conscious ingredients.

Service options: Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan dishes · Has Wi-Fi

Address: Jl. Hanoman No.44B, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 11 PM

Phone: +62 811-1793-455

Menu: kafe-bali.com

Bali Buda:

Cozy cafe featuring a menu of thoughtfully sourced meals, plus vegan options & housemade bread. Health food store.

Service options: Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan dishes · Has kids’ menu

Address: F7R6+PR8, Jalan Raya Ubud, Next To Ganesha Book Shop, Padang Tegal Kaja, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 9:30 PM

Phone: +62 811-3831-1877

Sayuri Healing Food:

Easygoing destination with a bohemian vibe offering cooked & raw plant-based mains & desserts.

Service options: Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan dishes · Has live music

Address: Jl. Sukma Kesuma No.2, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 11 PM

Delivery: Now Ends 9 PM

Phone: +62 822-4048-5154

Menu: sayurihealingfood.com

Seeds of Life Café:
Service options: Has outdoor seating · Has private dining room · Serves vegan dishes

Address: Jl. Gootama No.2, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Open Closes 10 PM

Phone: +62 812-3792-3870

Menu: theseedsoflifecafe.com

Palito Bead Shop
Linda will fix any of your broken beaded jewelry for a good price.
On Hannoman St near Paradiso
Jl. Hanoman No.30 · +62 815-5818-0075


Sanur Beach:

Genius Café: Right on the beach! Our favorite!  Love the falafel salad bowl, chunky potatoes and the creamy chocolate coconut gelato is to die for!  Vegan and chicken
Address: Jl. Kusuma Sari, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia

Open Closes 10 PM

Phone: +62 822-3694-4873

Menu: geniuscafebali.com

Soul on the Beach:

Service options: Has outdoor seating on the beach · Serves great cocktails · Serves vegan dishes

Address: Jl. Pantai Sindhu, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia

Open Closes 11 PM

Phone: +62 813-3975-1932

Menu: soulonthebeachbali.com

Ayu Spa along beach Walk
Jl Pantai Sindu # 17

0361 286099

Hotels:  Anywhere
Go to Agoda.com or Booking.com compare prices and special deals.  We usually can find an offer for 75% off discount and away we go every couple of months for 2/3 nights.
Prama Sanur Beach Hotel Bali:
right on Sanur Beach.  Wide variety of rooms from garden view to ocean view
3 large pools, great buffet breakfast

Address: Jalan Cemara Sanur, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia

Phone: +62 361 288011

Gili Islands:
Book online for fast boat to the Gili Islands

Gili Menos: Small, quiet, sand roads, good beaches

Gili Air: A little bigger with more options,  Quiet, sand roads

Gili T – party island

Go to these two islands by small motor boat.  Arrange online or along Sanur Beach
Nusa Penida:
Some beautiful vistas from the mountain to the ocean
Quiet – poor roads   Stayed near the seaweed farmers on the ocean

Nusa Lembongan:  A bit more upscale.  Small island with a bit of old hippy vibe on the beach.

A look into Bali Lockdown

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