Canadian living in Germany - Enjoying Travel & Documenting as I go! My goal is to bring you honest reporting based on my experience. As blogging took over the internet, so did glossy photos and life is perfect mentality. The world is now officially viewed through rose coloured glasses. I aim to bring you a truer, more realistic version. Hope you enjoy and please share if you do.
Happy hour, live music, food and fun! When the Bali sun sets in Legian Kuta, it is time to head to the Apache.
Restaurant Name: Apache Reggae Bar / Our Kitchen / Apache Surfer Bar Address: Jl. Raya Legian No.146, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Note: This is an independent restaurant review based on my personal experience.
Live Band – Apache Reggae Bar
The Restaurant / Bar: has Happy Hour two for one and themed nights of live entertainment including rock, reggae, and chart performed by great bands. There are several bars, a dance floor, high seating and table seating.
Inside Apache Bar
On the first night when we arrived, a super duper Indonesian live band was performing cover music of hits from the 80’s to present. People were dancing, drinking and having an all round good time.
Satay Campur
It is a fantastic atmosphere with disco balls, patio lanterns, palm leaves and neon lights. They say “the air is charged with the positive energy of love and sweet music” and from what we saw, we have to agree. Bands start playing at 11 pm.
Ayam Sambal Matah
They serve Indonesian, Chinese, Western and Mexican food from 11 am in the morning until late. We ordered Satay Campur and Ayam Sambal Matah. Both dishes were fantastic, I think the Satay was some of the best we had on the Island.
Cost: Our night including our meals, 4 beers and 2 slings cost 344,500 IDR / €19.50 / US$25
Simply because there is never enough info about this luscious area in the incredibly popular Bali.
Alternative to Happy Hour, Self Made
What is it about Bali that makes everyone want to rush there and never leave? Canggu was one of my personal favourite spots in Bali and although it is not everything the hype would make you believe, it is a great place.
Dusk
Here is a general outline of our experience. Please feel free to add your comments below.
Taman Segara Madu Water Park
Dubbed the quieter Kuta / Legian, Canggu is simply not as drunk, or I mean the tourists. The vibe here seems to be self important, I’m so pretty and do you know who I am. Heads turn the other way to avoid eye contact with non-conforming fellow travellers. Six packs, veganites, long hair, tattoos, beards, bikinis and the list goes on with the youthful beautiful wanderers. Before you tie your? in a knot and starting posting nasty comments below, question whether this applies to you and if it does not, then it does not ?? !
Roadside Fruit Stand
This wandering arrogance is so disheartening when compared with the Balinese locals who are such friendly, outgoing people pleasers with true belief and understanding of karma – the very thing the tourist masses claim to be here for.
Pura Tanah Lot Canggu
Definition of karma: noun 1.(in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. 2.Informal, destiny or fate, following as effect from cause.
At the bottom, I will post links to the places we ate, happy hours and where we stayed. Again, if you have recommendations or favourite places, please post them in the comments for others to find.
Surf Shop, Old Mans Beach
Beaches: The surf is up and this is the perfect opportunity to learn how to surf or to hone your skills. The two main beaches in Canggu are Echo Beach and Old Man’s Beach. Both were nice to visit and each has it’s own vibe. I personally liked Echo Beach a little more, but I really can’t point to anything specific to say why. Is one better than the other for surfing?
Old Mans Beach Relaxation
The worst thing about Bali is the tourists. The best thing about Bali is the locals!
Laundry: It cost us 75,000 IDR / €5 for 2 bags and was washed, dried and pressed in 24 hours. It was located basically right across the road from La Pan Nam.
Surfing at Echo Beach
Happy Hour really varies in meaning. Sometimes it is 2 for 1, or it can be buy 3 get 1, or only beer, or only mojitos. You get the idea what you get is as varied as the times it happens! Let us know your favourite place and what they are offering. Our Happy Hour experiences is linked below.
Pricey but Popular, The Lawn
Grab Taxi Wars – this is a very real and big problem. Our Grab app was not working when we wanted to return from Echo Beach, so we were forced to take a taxi. Our Grab to the Beach had cost 12,000 IDR / €0.71 / US$0.84; the Taxi wanted 60,000 IDR / €3.55 / US$4.20. We tried to barter, but they ALL insisted 60,000 IDR or walk. We agreed to their mafia structure and got in the cab. Not only did the cab stink, the driver asked again where to and we told him. He asked “where” again before we figured out he didn’t speak any English. Finally we fired up our phone and showed him where to go. We have never had any of those problems with Grab. What is your experience?
Roadside Gas Station
Which brings us to Motorbike Rental. Of course, after that experience, we decided to lower the risk and get our own transportation. Super great way to get around and very affordable at 50,000 IDR / €3 / US$3.65 per day. Freedom!
We rented the bike from our Guesthouse, but we did see places renting all over. Bring on your favourite rental places and prices in the comments!
Rice Field Worker
Now you have the freedom to go where you want, but where do you go? Just touring around can be fun. Stop for a smoothie here a coffee there, check out the beaches and the surfers, take in the rice fields, but do not forget visit Tanah Lot & Batu Balong, it really has a wow factor. Again, I have the link below.
Tanah Lot Seven Seas Temple
To sum it up, basically, the worst thing about Bali is the tourists. The best thing about Bali is the locals!
Craving Pizza? This well priced roadside Restaurant between Tanah Lot and Canggu may calm your Hunger!
Restaurant Name: Warung D’ Pererenan Address: Jl. Raya Canggu No.88, Pererenan, Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Note: This is an independent restaurant review based on my personal experience.
Nasi Goreng – D’ Pererenan
After a wonderful morning walking the park setting of Tanah Lot, we were ravenous and looking for somewhere to eat in the Canggu area. Driving along the Jl. Prerenan-Tanah Lot highway, we eventually stopped at Warung D’Pererenan.
Outside View of D’Pererenan Warung
The Restaurant:
This is a simple, convenient roadside stop serving traditional Indonesian dishes, salads, pasta, burgers, steak and pizza. It is very noisy due to the constant passing traffic, but easy access, fabulous prices and lots of parking make it an easy choice. This is Indonesian Food without the Bali price!
Lunch Time at D’ Pererenan Warung
The Service:
No complaints at all. All though the lovely ladies working could not speak any english, they tried very hard to understand and kept smiling through it all!
D’Pererenan Eatery
The Food:
For drinks, we ordered a vanilla milkshake as well as a papaya juice. We kept switching, because one was as good as the other!
Milkshake & Papaya Juice
Along with the drinks, we asked for a Mie Goreng and a Nasi Goreng. Again, both dishes, although not huge, were more than filling and tasted delicious. If you have been following my blogs, you will understand why the following prices make this restaurant an all around winner.
You will not actually be going into the Embassy, rather entering a yellow side service door which says Consular Hours (see pic). You do not need to ring the bell, just push the door open and walk in; the little visa office will be the second door (glass) on your left.
The Yellow Door – Vietnam Embassy Visa Application in Bangkok
Morning is a good time to apply. We went on a Monday morning at 10:45 am and there was one other western couple and a few Asians. 2 of the 3 service windows were open.
Wireless Road – Follow that Motobike to Vietnam Embassy for a Visa – Bangkok
Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok Visa Application Hours:
– Monday to Friday, excluding Thai & Vietnamese Holidays
– 9 am to 11:30 am and
– 2 pm to 4 pm
What you need:
– passport, valid for 6 months minimum
– 1 passport photo (4 x 6 cm)
– date of arrival & exit
– address where you will be staying; hotel name and address is sufficient
– ?? We did not need to show proof of exit???
Vietnam Visa Application in Bangkok – Information you need to know
How to:
– Walk in the yellow side door
– Get an application out of the basket behind the table on the left hand side
– Fill out the application
– Walk up to the window and hand it in
– If any corrections are needed, you will be informed
– You will be questioned when you need it and then charged accordingly
– A receipt is given. Note: They will keep your passport in order to process it so make sure you have a copy for yourself and DO NOT lose the receipt
– Visa pick up is whatever day they tell you between 4 pm and 5 pm only.
Visa Pick Up:
– when we arrived at 2 minutes past 4 pm, it was packed with people; one long line
– Do not get into that long line as it is for people picking up working visas
– DO walk up to the left hand window which is for tourist visa pick up
– Hand in your receipt, you will be visually verified and handed your passport
– Big smile and say thanks!
Visa Cost:
– 3000 Baht per person for a 30 day single entry visa with next day / rush service, you can pick up it up between 4 pm and 5 pm the next day
– 2500 Baht per person for a single entry 30 day visa (no rush) cost 2500 baht and takes four work days to process
– Single-entry 90-day visas cost 3700 baht and also take 4 days to process.
Get There:
By BTS Skytrain, your stop is Phloen Chit.
BTS Skytrain Plan
Witthayu Road also called Wireless Road – the way to the Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok
Left to the Vietnam Embassy, Bangkok
Google Map:
Note: all information is as of March 2018. Passports processed were Canada and Germany / European Union
Location: Asia > SouthEast Asia > Thailand > Bangkok > Lumpini > Pathumwan > The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
The most Popular Must See Ancient Hindu Temple of Indonesia
Tanah Lot Seven Seas Temple
Not just another great Instagram moment, Pura Tanah Lot on the famous rock formation of the same name (Tanah Lot) and Batu Balong are something you do not want to miss if visiting Bali. It is a perfect blend of history, culture and beauty.
Shores of Pura Batu Bolong
We hopped on our rented Motorbike and took the scenic 10 km (1/2 hour) drive from Sleepy Gecko Guest House in Canggu to the unforgettable park. Although it is not called a park, the setting is indeed a huge park area.
Entry to Tanah Lot Temple
Also known as the floating temple, Pura Tanah Lot is a holy place where Hindus worship the Balinese sea gods and is protected by venomous sea snakes, or so the story goes.
Tanah Lot Entrance Fees
The entrance fee is 60,000 IDR / €3.60 / US$4.40 per person and includes parking. After finding a parking spot in the motorbike designated area, we came to a second entrance where you show your ticket.
From there, you basically walk through a small “town” which is blocks of souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants before finally getting to the park setting.
Pura Tanah Lot Temple
Cement walkways allow easy access along the cliffs above the sea. To the right is Batu Balong Temple and to the left is Pura Tanah Lot Temple. Lots of people are sitting on the grassy areas with shade trees, or on the many benches placed throughout. A huge Gazebo like building further up the hill allows for some great views and shade.
Shade Gazebo Overlooking Tanah Lot
Getting to the temples was not as smooth of a walk, but certainly worth it, even with the pressing heat and the pushy tourists.
Bali Beauty
Tips: Dress respectfully, take sunscreen and wear sturdy shoes.
Location: Asia > SouthEast Asia > Indonesia > Bali Island > South Coast > Kutu Utara > Canggu > Beraban > Kediri > Tabanan > Tanah Lot > Pura Tanah Lot
