Bipedal pests >> Bali 06

Moved to Sri Bungalows today. Our room was very clean and comfy and the staff helpful. The wooden doors were very ornate but they creaked very loudly every time someone opened or closed them – a very good security measure! ;p

We decide to take another walk, this time around Penestanan and Sayan. According to our guide book, we should be able to cover the 6.5km route in about three hours. After walking for a while, we stopped at a provision stall to ask for direction, as we did not want to repeat yesterday’s mistake.

A local on motorbike told us to keep to the road we were on, though we saw fellow walkers in front of us turning into a side street. Assuming that he would know the area better, we continued down the road.

Soon, we came to a fork and were wondering where to go when we saw the same local ahead of us. He told us to cross a short rickety bridge built over a small stream before climbing a short flight of slippery, muddy steps. By now, we should have realized that something was wrong as there was no mention of such a bridge or steps in our guide book, but us gullible types still believed that the ‘kind’ man was trying to help.

After struggling up the wet, slippery stairs, we landed right smack in somebody’s rice fields. The man offered to show us around, but we refused any further ‘help’. Then, he actually had the cheek to ask for money for showing us this view! We were fuming by now as this was a very dishonest and sneaky way to earn extra money. If he had offered to be our guide at the provision shop, we would have turned him down and be on our way instead of being led astray. 8(

Thankfully, we managed to find our way back to the main road after wasting much time and effort. When we finally reached Sayan Terrace Hotel (superb view overlooking distant rice terraces and the deep valley of the roaring Sungai Ayung below), two locals materialised out of nowhere and very ‘helpfully’ pointed to a path (already clearly signposted) next to the hotel, which would eventually lead to the riverside.

By now, we were wise to their tricks and decided to have a drink in the hotel instead. We decided to turn back after our break and - surprise, no surprise really - those two guys were still waiting next to the path! Their expressions were really comical when they realised that we were not taking the path. :p

This is really ridiculous! These guys are not providing any service at all as we can find our way easily. Besides, they could hardly speak English, so getting any commentary on the way was out, and yet they would still expect to be paid. Anyway, it’s dangerous for two women to follow two men to who knows where!

So today’s walk has been a disappointment, but at least we manage to get some exercise. ^_^ Am really glad we were not pestered at all yesterday, although we stopped to talk with local artisans, vendors and villagers.

Had our lunch at Café Lotus overlooking the lotus pond. It was packed, but compared to the good food we’ve had so far, the Western and Indonesian fare served here was nothing special and the service left a lot to be desired.

Had noodles at Waroeng Noodle Bar, a few doors down from Sri Bungalows, for dinner. We opted for a lighter dinner to save room for dessert (J: yah, we missed dessert last night). The noodle bar was bright and cheery though the noodles were nothing great.

Then we visited Kafe Batan Waru again to sample their fantastic bubuh injin, a warm pudding made from black rice. The version served here has vanilla ice-cream as well and the hot-cold combination is simply sublime! J’s brownie was not bad, but could not hold a candle to the black rice pudding. It’s obvious, from the way she was poaching spoonfuls of my rich dessert!

Next >> That Singaporean accent