Category: Travel

Travel – Where in the world should I go?!

Canggu Bali – See Do Eat Drink

Simply because there is never enough info about this luscious area in the incredibly popular Bali.

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.

Here is a general outline of our experience.  Please feel free to add your comments below.

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 ?? !

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

To sum it up, basically, the worst thing about Bali is the tourists. The best thing about Bali is the locals!

Links:
….⇒ Stay: Sleepy Gecko Guest House
    …..→Eat: Breakers Tavern 
    …..→Eat: La Pan Nam Warung Restaurant
    …..→Eat: My Wahrung
    …..→Eat: Wahrung D’ Pererenan
 …..→Drink: Where to Drink / Happy Hour
…..⇒ Go: Temples Tanah Lot & Batu Balong
…..⇒ Do: Top Fun Things to Do 

Location: Asia > SouthEast Asia > Indonesia > Bali Island > Badung > Canggu

Warung D’Pererenan Bali

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

The Cost:
– Mie Goreng 15,000 IDR / €0.85 / US$1.05
– Nasi Goreng 15,000 IDR / €0.85 / US$1.05
– Milkshake 15,000 IDR / €0.85 / US$1.05
– Papaya Juice 10,000 IDR / €0.57 / US$0.70

Later, we saw the pizza and although we had not ordered one, it looked quite tasty and is probably worth a try!

Do I recommend Warung D’Pererenan?  Yes.  Good food, fabulous prices! Seriously, did you see those prices?

Get There:

Other Canggu Links of Possible Interest:
→ Canggu
….⇒ Stay: Sleepy Gecko Guest House
    …..→Eat: Breakers Tavern 
    …..→Eat: La Pan Nam Warung Restaurant
    …..→Eat: My Wahrung
 …..→Drink: Where to Drink / Happy Hour
…..⇒ Go: Temples Tanah Lot & Batu Balong
…..⇒ Do: Top Fun Things to Do 

Location:  Asia > SouthEast Asia > Indonesia > Bali Island > North Kuta > Canggu > Warung D’Pererenan Restaurant

How to Get a Vietnam Visa in Bangkok

Where, How, Cost, Time  Applying for a Vietnamese Visa while in Bangkok, Thailand.

Vietnam Embassy Address: 83/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

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.

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.

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???

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.

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

Temples Tanah Lot and Batu Balong, Bali

The most Popular Must See Ancient Hindu Temple of Indonesia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Getting to the temples was not as smooth of a walk, but certainly worth it, even with the pressing heat and the pushy tourists.

Tips:  Dress respectfully, take sunscreen and wear sturdy shoes.

Opening Hours:  7 days a week from 7 am to 7 pm.

Get There:

Other Canggu Links of Possible Interest:
→ Canggu
….⇒ Stay: Sleepy Gecko Guest House
    …..→Eat: Breakers Tavern 
    …..→Eat: La Pan Nam Warung Restaurant
    …..→Eat: My Wahrung
    …..→Eat: Wahrung D’ Pererenan
 …..→Drink: Where to Drink / Happy Hour
…..⇒ Do: Top Fun Things to Do 

Location:  Asia > SouthEast Asia > Indonesia > Bali Island > South Coast > Kutu Utara > Canggu > Beraban > Kediri > Tabanan > Tanah Lot > Pura Tanah Lot

Sleepy Gecko Guesthouse Bali

Finding paradise in Canggu, Bali. A delightful Guest House experience.

Guesthouse Name:  Sleepy Gecko Guest House

Address:  Jl. Padang Linjong No.6, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia

Note:  This is an independent hotel / guesthouse review based on my personal experience.

Our host Putu, met us on arrival; as we would discover during our time with her, she has a gentle kind spirit and a beautiful aura.  Due to availability, she graciously, without request or mention, upgraded us to the charming Wood Room villa.

The Accommodation: The Wood Room features large glass windows facing the pool. A huge, romantic, queen sized poster bed is the focal point, while a wardrobe, side tables, tv/dvd player (more on that later), air conditioner, and fan provide appreciated conveniences.

The rustic stone, spa style bathroom had a shower area, a soaking tub, sink and of course, a toilet. A small ladder provided a perfect drying rack for swimsuits and towels.  A bar of soap, some liquid hand soap and towels were provided.

A Community kitchen equipped with a good variety of pots, pans, dishes, flatware and glasses along with a two burner stove was well appreciated by the guests.  Thoughtfully, drinking water is available to use as needed. Just off of the kitchen, was an eating area with tables and chairs.  We liked doing our computer work here in the breeze.  It was a great place for socializing too with other guests and our host.

The refreshing swimming pool was a god send on most of the hot, humid days and we really used it – a lot.  Surprisingly, only one other guest seemed to appreciate it as much as us, which we had no problem with because it seemed like our own little paradise.

The DVD Player in the room actually had a purpose. In the community area is a fairly generous movie library with old and new titles to borrow and watch.  We had a movie night one evening after dinner and it was very relaxing.  I assume if it rains, guests are very thankful for this thoughtful diversion. In addition to films, there is a small library of books to borrow as well.

Sleepy Gecko Guesthouse also has Motorbikes for rent at 50,000 IDR / €3 / US$3.50 per day.  We discovered very quickly that this affordable means of transportation is a necessity, so plan with it.

Things I did not like:
– Barking dogs, it didn’t matter whether you wanted to take a nap in the afternoon or were rudely awakened in the morning the dogs were often barking.
– Watered down hand soap. I guess at the fantastic price, we can let it slide and be thankful there was soap at all.

The Cost:  Deluxe Double (our original booking) – 4 nights, 2 persons: 1,180,000 / €70 / US$87.  That is a meager €17.50 / US$21.75 per day!

Do I recommend Sleepy Gecko Guesthouse?  Definitely, it is an extremely affordable, clean place, within walking distance to a few restaurants, laundry service and an atm, not to mention all of the amenities.  Thank you Putu!

Contact: +62 821-4649-7798

Get There:

Other Canggu Links of Possible Interest:
→ Canggu
    …..→Eat: Breakers Tavern 
    …..→Eat: La Pan Nam Warung Restaurant
    …..→Eat: My Wahrung
    …..→Eat: Wahrung D’ Pererenan
 …..→Drink: Where to Drink / Happy Hour
…..⇒ Go: Temples Tanah Lot & Batu Balong
…..⇒ Do: Top Fun Things to Do 

Location:  Asia > SouthEast Asia > Indonesia > Bali Island > South Coast > Kutu Utara > Canggu > Sleepy Gecko Guest House