Party at the beach in Kuta Bali
Today I spent some time checking out my options for my next visa run.
I am now on a 60 day tourist visa and will make a quick stop somewhere in the first week in November to renew it before the craziness starts with the new visa restrictions.
My friend Kadek at Okie House travel agent on Poppies II was helping me with a selection of airline prices and other alternatives. Here’s what she told me.
Bali – Brisbane RT $384
Bali – Singapore RT $250
Bali – KL RT $210
Bali – Jakarta RT 1,500,000rp
Activity around the site of the former Sari Club, also known as ‘ground zero’ has increased greatly as the anniversary is approaching. Construction work across the street has been going on and tourists now gather in front to look and take photos.
I have been past this place a million times but today took another stroll to check things out. I saw messages and photos from family and friends, wreaths and banners expressing regret and hope for the future.
As I was reading one of the messages I heard a guy with a very ‘sure of myself’ voice walking along and apparently talking to himself. I quickly figured out he was a news man and was being filmed from across the street by his crew.
Security was beefed up. I asked 2 cops if I could take their photo, they said no so I walked 20 feet past them and took photos. For the memorial service on Sunday night Jalan Legian will be blocked off to prevent any risk from suicide bombers in cars. The authorities were taking no chances today and wheeled out the ultimate deterrent.
Domestic tourists were also on hand enjoying the opportunity for a photo session.
This evening a selection of bands were playing at Kuta Halfway on Pantai Kuta. I went down there with an American friend and after the skateboard and surfing awards the music cranked up. A decent crowd gathered and a good time was had by all.
Here’s a BBC article that discusses the after effects of the bombings on Balinese locals.
By Nick | Permalink
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Comments
If I was a terrorist I’d have second thoughts about messing with him.
I’ll be at the ceremony tommorrow and hope all goes well.
I was glad the locals outnumbered the bules. Who wants to live in a foreign land where all the entertainment is just for the pleasure of a bunch of outsiders.
Saya setuju Nick.
Hi Nick
What are the new visa restrictions ?
Hi Nick
A friend of mine, a journo, is covering some political seminar at Bali, his name is Hemant, he will send you an email, if he does manage to get some time to meet you. BTW he is NOT a typical BNA member types, hates travelling.. I envy his visit to Bali, (if only it could have been me instead?)But then I am not yet a journo, will be one again soon
Detlef. I don’t know what the new visa regulations are. the government hints at what they might do but we’ll probably find out sometime in the next month via the Jakarta Post.
Dusty. I look forward to meeting Hemant. I hope he has time to enjoy Bali, its not hard.
G’Day Nick,
The ‘ultimate deterrent’ looks mean compared wih those skinny guys in the background!.
Good fotos Nick and it sure will be a sad day tomorrow and hopefully a lot of people will find some kind of closure.
The party seems to be rockin’!. Couldn’t see any western faces in the crowd though.