Therapeutic Gateway Nusa Penida Bali
Day 1 - 6 Nov 2018
I am back on the journey of my solo travelling after my last trip last year September 2017. On the day of departure, I am kind of torn whether to go or not to go. It feels like solely put myself into the eruption of a volcano. Reading the news about natural disaster struck Indonesia makes me anxious and it does affect my decision for this trip to Bali. Few massive tsunamis have gone hits in the news like in Palu, Sulawesi, and Lombok. Furthermore, crash down an aeroplane (Lion Air) and all the passengers died in Jakarta recently somehow it knocked my emotion and I started contemplating to myself, should I go to Bali? Wo! this really gives me a heart attack compared the missing of MH370 and crash down of MH17. A week before, I am still shocking by the news of my friend passed away (on 3 Nov 2018). It makes me realized that our life is so fragile and God can take us back to him anytime. My friend passed away not because she is travelling alone, but other circumstances fated for her to leave this world before me. She has little fond memory with me before she is passed away. She told me, she wanted to try solo travel for the first time. She contacted me via WhatsApp and asked me about tips on how I am travelling solo. I got excited to share with her whatever I could base on my previous experiences solo travel. We barely have so long conversation together over WhatsApp. Finally, she did travel alone to Medan Indonesia. She told me she got excited in her first time experience. At the same time, she felt lost within but she could not figure it out what it is. Just a month after she comes back from her travel, I received a news that she passed away in a fatal accident in Penang. It is totally heartbreaking news to me. Farhana Alia's news is the most I ever thought to decide to cancel my trip to Bali this time. Her departure eternally from this world makes me realize to stop grieving over the past broken heart that happened to me this year. Don't let my mind drain with anxiety why I haven't got one soulmate for me at this age. Because in this one lifetime there are so many things I should focus on than think about something that I cannot control. I should shoot for the star and live up my dream. My friend, she passed away at the 30s and barely not meeting her soulmate in this world. Why should I concerned about that matter, right? My life is also very fragile and God can take me anytime. I lost a friend, a soul that God loves her so much than us. Alfatihah.
Meanwhile, I am still contemplating myself, what will be if I go to Bali? Is everything will be fine for me and away from disaster? I do not want to put trouble to my family member if anything happens to me? I am pondering those questions in my mind yet without even realized I lead my move to the KLIA2 airport and chasing my flight at 6.00 pm. Then yeah I just go with an easy mind telling me, the dead can be anywhere. Trust Allah and just go. Arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport at 9.30 pm local time. I have booked my hostel 16 minutes walking distance from the airport. Concerning my safety factor as solo female traveller especially when I arrived at night time, I decided just to take a BlueBird taxi even usually taxi is the most public transport that I hate when I am travelling because I know it will always cost me a high price and they will cheat. Definitely, the taxi driver man conned me with a very pricey fee, IDR250,000 per trip to Nuka Beach Inn. I regret but for the sake of my safety then I let it go. I arrived at my hostel safe and sound.
Day 2 - 7 Nov 2018
With the help of reception at Nuka Beach Inn, I managed to get two ways fast boat departing at 12 pm today. It cost me IDR550,000 return tickets Nusa Penida - Serangan Harbor Bali. This time I used Putri Island fast boat operator. It is cheaper than the mainstream fast boat operator that departing from Sanur Harbour. In Serangan is fewer people and a bit chilly. They have a proper jetty for taking off. Kuta a bit gloomy early in the morning then sunshine is raising through. A bit drizzling in Serangan Harbour but the weather seems promising for us to cross the Badung Straits to Nusa Penida. It is a bad day for me because I am having flu and non-stop sneezing while waiting for the fast boat until I arrived at Nusa Penida. Most likely my trip to Nusa Lembongan two year ago in 2016 from Senggigi Harbor Lombok, I always the only Asian traveller on the fast boat. The fast boat takes off at 12.30 pm then it stops at Nusa Lembongan to send off some people down. Then only left less than 20 people on the fast bost including me to Nusa Penida. On the journey, I see huge and long waves in the middle of the sea. The time showing me 3.00 pm in the evening. I arrived safely and sound at the Dermaga Banjar Nyuh Harbor in Nusa Penida. I hire ojek, common motorbike taxi in Indonesia with IDR50,000 per trip to my accommodation. I meet Wayan at Coastal Inn Nusa Penida, who is waiting patiently for me to check-in that day. He is showing my room and the wi-fi password. He told me that the reception counter will be on the other side. If I need anything I have to walk 3 minutes from Coastal Inn to Tropical Inn where is the reception area is. On my first day, I get so excited to explore the place where I stay but I need to take medicine and get some sleep to alleviate my flu. I get some rest after I check-in. In the evening I take a walk to a few blocks to get some dinner and some food because of long sleep makes me so hungry.
Day 3 - 8 Nov 2018
While I was enjoying the delicate sound of waves come into my room, early in the morning around 1 pm, the electricity blackout in the place where I stay. At the same time, I am not fall asleep yet due to most probably maybe that was my first night at a new place and I slept in the evening on the day I arrived due to medicine I took to alleviate the flu. In the morning, since I overslept, I cannot chase the sunrise that morning. I have missed one day of watching sunrise by the beautiful view from my inn. Even time in Bali is the same as Kuala Lumpur 's time but sunrise in Bali is one hour earlier than in Kuala Lumpur, Sunrise in Bali start at 6 am in the Morning. I have a wonderful balcony in front of my room made from bamboo. By the time, I woke up and get ready for my breakfast time. The breakfast it is included in the price of the accommodation. Wayan give me the menu of the breakfast and he needs to get my breakfast from the kitchen at Tropical Inn. While I am waiting for my breakfast, I take my moment to enjoy the view of the sea and the sound of the waves just absolutely in front of my eyes. On the first morning in Coastal Inn, Mount Agong is hard to show herself and camouflaged by the clouds. It is after the rain last night, the weather in the morning a bit gloomy. In the morning, sea water is low tide. The waves a bit less strong compared in the night. At the same time, before my breakfast is serving, I see from the distance there is a group of fisherman with their boat come toward the coastline in front of Coastal Inn not far from where I am sitting at the bamboo balcony. Before the arriving of the fisherman's boat, I see a group of local women and men are sitting near at stumps of dead tree and having their conversation. Beside them, there is two dogs are fighting and playing with each other. I see a mid-age lady is feeding rice to a kid while he is playing near the beach. My stomach is full with a healthy breakfast prepared by Wayan. Even in the earlier weather seems not promising, the sun is starting to show her beautiful rays then I decided today that I have to go visit all remarkable attractions in Nusa Penida such Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach.
The easiest and cheapest transportation on the island is using a scooter. I preferred to have my own freedom and adventure of self-exploring the island. So I ask from Coastal Inn reception and rent a scooter that cost me IDR70,000 per day not included with bensin. Please know that local people called fuel is bensin. Absolutely I have to fill in bensin for my rent scooter coast me IDR15,000 full tank. Initially, my plan supposed to go Kelingking Beach after I have fuel up the tank. I use Maps.me offline map apps to lead me the way to all the attraction in Nusa Penida. It is very reliable. Then I kind of miss the junction towards Kelingking Beach. So just half-way, I turn my scooter back to the main straight road along the coast. I turn the way round to the initial point where I start at Coastal Inn, Batu Nunggul area. It is because from far I can see thick clouds in the sky and I thought it is going to rain soon. Then I decided to go Rumah Pohon which is at the east side of the island. But I end up at the Diamond Beach and also Atuh Beach. Anyway, road path in Nusa Penida actually a bit complicated comparing in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. It is because, between three islands, Nusa Penida is the biggest among them. If I navigate from the Maps.me apps, I can tell, there is two side of the road which is along the coast and in the range of hills. I would say, the northern part of the island was reclining flat land compared the southern part of the island rocky and hilly road path. That is why all the magnificent beach with massive cliff was more in the Southern part of the island. Road path near the coast is a bit less complicated and straight with fewer junctions. When I ride on the road at the Southern part of the island on the way to the most attractions, I get confused and the challenge starts! I have no choice but I have to overcome whatever the obstacle is awaiting me in front. The most remarkable attraction was located at the southern part of the island. Well, obviously despite more junction that I have to indulge, the road condition in the Southern part of the island is a nightmare with thousands of potholes and gravel. There is some point after I finished my excursion before back to Coastal Inn, shit happen. I meet potholes with water in it. I make mistake by letting my scooter go through the water potholes and my scooter slip. I fall down from the scooter with the muds on my short pant. I am very grateful there is no injury to my body. The only problem I encounter is that the scooter is inside the potholes and I cannot effort to bring it up because it is too slippery. While I am struggling to bring up the scooter, there is a sweetheart Balinese guy come out of nowhere and help me out. At first, the scooter's engine fails. I'm very anxious and sweat! The local Balinese guy is very smart, I do not know how he is doing it but he is able to restart the scooter's engine. Phew! I continue my way back to Batu Nunggul area where Coastal Inn located. But in the middle on the way back I bump into a couple, Tyronne and Sanne from Holland and they helped me out to find a way back together. Tyronne basically has Balinese bloodline but he was born in Holland due to his parent migrated to Holland. Sanne is originally Dutch. They are a really sweet couple and they also invited me for dinner and have a chitchat. At least at the night I was not eating alone but meeting new people.
The whole day, I manage to visit remarkable attraction such as Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel's Billabong. Kelingking Beach is a very synonym for travellers from around the world. I admire with the natural beauty of Diamond Beach. One of the most stunning white sand beach turquoise crystal clear water I ever witness. Hidden treasure at the most stunning Diamond formation cliff at Nusa Penida. I take the chance to go downhill and enjoying the massive waves and salty water of Diamond Beach. It takes 10 minutes downhill with a very steep hill. There are at least proper rock staircase, woods and big rope handheld for people to grasp while going downhill or uphill on the cliff. My heart is beating so fast when I almost arrived at the compound of Kelingking Beach. I park my scooter and pay them IDR6,000 for the entrance. I walk towards with the exciting feeling. Unimaginable feelings that no words cannot be described when I stand near the tip of the cliff to see the magnificent Kelingking Beach down there. There is a lineup and it is crowded with tourists and travellers at the entrance where people can go from the cliff downhill to the beach. This place has become mainstream and viral among travellers and tourists. I decided just maintained where I am and I really cannot stop taking pictures. I just feel bad since I travel alone, no one could help me to take a very nice portrait of myself with satisfying angle beside Kelingking Beach :( Nothing much that I can do besides taking photos since I feel like dying to wait at the lineup entrance downhill to the cliff. As much as I am trying to enjoy the moment by absorbing the energy that nature can provide me. To feel the breezy air, the delicate sound of the waves and the artistic waves of turquoise water from the above tip of the cliff. Seeing the waves hit on the beach is so inspiring to me. Just to make sure, the memories will be always lingering in my mind and soul. Save it at the deepest of my thought and heart. It is time for me to make a move back to Batu Nunggul. It is going to be a very long journey on the very challenging thousands of potholes awaiting me on the road again. I arrive at a junction and feeling drowsy for which road I have to take. I asked the local sitting on the small wooden balcony to ask which direction. But he persuades me that I should go visit Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong which at first I just thought I want to go back to Batu Nunggul. Only if I take left and around 15 minutes I arrive at Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong. Whereby on the right is a way back to Batu Nunggul. I listen to the guy take a leap of faith and go visit Broken Beach and Angle's Billabong. On my way back from my last excursion place, that's when shit happens. I fail from my scooter.
Day 4 - 9 Nov 2018
I had a very nice sleep last night accompanied by the delicate sound of waves infiltrated into my room every night during my stay. I wake up a bit late than I supposed. I guess because I had the whole day adventure and exploring places yesterday. The only plan that I had in my mind today is to leisure in Coastal Inn Nusa Penida itself. As usual, I am waiting for my breakfast prepared by Wayan at the bamboo balcony while enjoying the view and observing the local people. Honestly speaking, I have a very good review of this place (but it also depends on individual preferences if yours are like mine maybe you will agree with it). I knew I have always got sloppy travel plan. At the very last minute, I have changed my accommodation (you know as always booking.com would let you have free cancellation on certain accommodation) mine is yes! Then definitely I took this opportunity to change it to Coastal Inn Nusa Penida. As a person not so cheesy and insecure about what to expect and like you know to surprise me kind of thing, I was surprised. Staying in Coastal Inn Nusa Penida is tremendously worth. You know why it is worth for me because I have lived my little dream into reality (you know even just for short of time). Living in the dream of a castaway, like living alone in the secluded island, built in the hut accompanied by the sound of waves and view of mountains (Mt Agong) every time I opened my eyes each morning. My nights has covered by the delicate sound of waves came into my bedroom, sometimes it is scared me sometimes I felt serene. Especially when the night was raining, it felt like a war storm outside with very loud waves crashed to the beach.
When morning came it is low tide and no big waves. The best time I could see local fishermen with their small boat came home with their gratitude catches. I turn on my curiosity and uses my nature interpersonal skill and having a chitchat with them. Like 3 am in the morning, they (alone on the boat) started roaring the boat’s engine to the deep sea accompanied by at least 6 pieces of 100-meter fishing gears. As time flies, by 6-7pm they reached to the sea coast just in front of where I stayed. The family members and few locals awaited to be served by fresh fishes, mackerel tuna fish (Ikan Tongkol). Those who count little moments in the depth of paradise, I would recommend Coastal Inn Nusa Penida to be part of your travel memory. They had friendly staffs and comfy bed sheets. The water tap is a bit salty yeah because that is an island. Since I feel like I am a castaway in an island, halal food in Nusa Penida is hard I can say. You can have the option to be a vegan. I have opted banana split because that supposed to be dessert has fulfilled my stomach and assuredly, I found solace at this divine island paradise. This is it, my therapeutic gateway Nusa Penida Bali November 2018. I will make a move back to mainstream Bali island, Kuta tomorrow morning. I am going to spend another 4 days in Kuta before going back to Kuala Lumpur.
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
Day 2 - 7 Nov 2018
With the help of reception at Nuka Beach Inn, I managed to get two ways fast boat departing at 12 pm today. It cost me IDR550,000 return tickets Nusa Penida - Serangan Harbor Bali. This time I used Putri Island fast boat operator. It is cheaper than the mainstream fast boat operator that departing from Sanur Harbour. In Serangan is fewer people and a bit chilly. They have a proper jetty for taking off. Kuta a bit gloomy early in the morning then sunshine is raising through. A bit drizzling in Serangan Harbour but the weather seems promising for us to cross the Badung Straits to Nusa Penida. It is a bad day for me because I am having flu and non-stop sneezing while waiting for the fast boat until I arrived at Nusa Penida. Most likely my trip to Nusa Lembongan two year ago in 2016 from Senggigi Harbor Lombok, I always the only Asian traveller on the fast boat. The fast boat takes off at 12.30 pm then it stops at Nusa Lembongan to send off some people down. Then only left less than 20 people on the fast bost including me to Nusa Penida. On the journey, I see huge and long waves in the middle of the sea. The time showing me 3.00 pm in the evening. I arrived safely and sound at the Dermaga Banjar Nyuh Harbor in Nusa Penida. I hire ojek, common motorbike taxi in Indonesia with IDR50,000 per trip to my accommodation. I meet Wayan at Coastal Inn Nusa Penida, who is waiting patiently for me to check-in that day. He is showing my room and the wi-fi password. He told me that the reception counter will be on the other side. If I need anything I have to walk 3 minutes from Coastal Inn to Tropical Inn where is the reception area is. On my first day, I get so excited to explore the place where I stay but I need to take medicine and get some sleep to alleviate my flu. I get some rest after I check-in. In the evening I take a walk to a few blocks to get some dinner and some food because of long sleep makes me so hungry.
Day 3 - 8 Nov 2018
While I was enjoying the delicate sound of waves come into my room, early in the morning around 1 pm, the electricity blackout in the place where I stay. At the same time, I am not fall asleep yet due to most probably maybe that was my first night at a new place and I slept in the evening on the day I arrived due to medicine I took to alleviate the flu. In the morning, since I overslept, I cannot chase the sunrise that morning. I have missed one day of watching sunrise by the beautiful view from my inn. Even time in Bali is the same as Kuala Lumpur 's time but sunrise in Bali is one hour earlier than in Kuala Lumpur, Sunrise in Bali start at 6 am in the Morning. I have a wonderful balcony in front of my room made from bamboo. By the time, I woke up and get ready for my breakfast time. The breakfast it is included in the price of the accommodation. Wayan give me the menu of the breakfast and he needs to get my breakfast from the kitchen at Tropical Inn. While I am waiting for my breakfast, I take my moment to enjoy the view of the sea and the sound of the waves just absolutely in front of my eyes. On the first morning in Coastal Inn, Mount Agong is hard to show herself and camouflaged by the clouds. It is after the rain last night, the weather in the morning a bit gloomy. In the morning, sea water is low tide. The waves a bit less strong compared in the night. At the same time, before my breakfast is serving, I see from the distance there is a group of fisherman with their boat come toward the coastline in front of Coastal Inn not far from where I am sitting at the bamboo balcony. Before the arriving of the fisherman's boat, I see a group of local women and men are sitting near at stumps of dead tree and having their conversation. Beside them, there is two dogs are fighting and playing with each other. I see a mid-age lady is feeding rice to a kid while he is playing near the beach. My stomach is full with a healthy breakfast prepared by Wayan. Even in the earlier weather seems not promising, the sun is starting to show her beautiful rays then I decided today that I have to go visit all remarkable attractions in Nusa Penida such Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach.
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
The easiest and cheapest transportation on the island is using a scooter. I preferred to have my own freedom and adventure of self-exploring the island. So I ask from Coastal Inn reception and rent a scooter that cost me IDR70,000 per day not included with bensin. Please know that local people called fuel is bensin. Absolutely I have to fill in bensin for my rent scooter coast me IDR15,000 full tank. Initially, my plan supposed to go Kelingking Beach after I have fuel up the tank. I use Maps.me offline map apps to lead me the way to all the attraction in Nusa Penida. It is very reliable. Then I kind of miss the junction towards Kelingking Beach. So just half-way, I turn my scooter back to the main straight road along the coast. I turn the way round to the initial point where I start at Coastal Inn, Batu Nunggul area. It is because from far I can see thick clouds in the sky and I thought it is going to rain soon. Then I decided to go Rumah Pohon which is at the east side of the island. But I end up at the Diamond Beach and also Atuh Beach. Anyway, road path in Nusa Penida actually a bit complicated comparing in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. It is because, between three islands, Nusa Penida is the biggest among them. If I navigate from the Maps.me apps, I can tell, there is two side of the road which is along the coast and in the range of hills. I would say, the northern part of the island was reclining flat land compared the southern part of the island rocky and hilly road path. That is why all the magnificent beach with massive cliff was more in the Southern part of the island. Road path near the coast is a bit less complicated and straight with fewer junctions. When I ride on the road at the Southern part of the island on the way to the most attractions, I get confused and the challenge starts! I have no choice but I have to overcome whatever the obstacle is awaiting me in front. The most remarkable attraction was located at the southern part of the island. Well, obviously despite more junction that I have to indulge, the road condition in the Southern part of the island is a nightmare with thousands of potholes and gravel. There is some point after I finished my excursion before back to Coastal Inn, shit happen. I meet potholes with water in it. I make mistake by letting my scooter go through the water potholes and my scooter slip. I fall down from the scooter with the muds on my short pant. I am very grateful there is no injury to my body. The only problem I encounter is that the scooter is inside the potholes and I cannot effort to bring it up because it is too slippery. While I am struggling to bring up the scooter, there is a sweetheart Balinese guy come out of nowhere and help me out. At first, the scooter's engine fails. I'm very anxious and sweat! The local Balinese guy is very smart, I do not know how he is doing it but he is able to restart the scooter's engine. Phew! I continue my way back to Batu Nunggul area where Coastal Inn located. But in the middle on the way back I bump into a couple, Tyronne and Sanne from Holland and they helped me out to find a way back together. Tyronne basically has Balinese bloodline but he was born in Holland due to his parent migrated to Holland. Sanne is originally Dutch. They are a really sweet couple and they also invited me for dinner and have a chitchat. At least at the night I was not eating alone but meeting new people.
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
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| Photo by Herlostadventure |
I had a very nice sleep last night accompanied by the delicate sound of waves infiltrated into my room every night during my stay. I wake up a bit late than I supposed. I guess because I had the whole day adventure and exploring places yesterday. The only plan that I had in my mind today is to leisure in Coastal Inn Nusa Penida itself. As usual, I am waiting for my breakfast prepared by Wayan at the bamboo balcony while enjoying the view and observing the local people. Honestly speaking, I have a very good review of this place (but it also depends on individual preferences if yours are like mine maybe you will agree with it). I knew I have always got sloppy travel plan. At the very last minute, I have changed my accommodation (you know as always booking.com would let you have free cancellation on certain accommodation) mine is yes! Then definitely I took this opportunity to change it to Coastal Inn Nusa Penida. As a person not so cheesy and insecure about what to expect and like you know to surprise me kind of thing, I was surprised. Staying in Coastal Inn Nusa Penida is tremendously worth. You know why it is worth for me because I have lived my little dream into reality (you know even just for short of time). Living in the dream of a castaway, like living alone in the secluded island, built in the hut accompanied by the sound of waves and view of mountains (Mt Agong) every time I opened my eyes each morning. My nights has covered by the delicate sound of waves came into my bedroom, sometimes it is scared me sometimes I felt serene. Especially when the night was raining, it felt like a war storm outside with very loud waves crashed to the beach.
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| I find solace in Nusa Penida |
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