Diving near Nusa Pedina, east Bali.

Bali is one of those places people long to visit. I didn’t. Seemed a long way to travel and a lot of money to get there.

Turned out it wasn’t as expensive as I expected, thanks in part to a 25% discount voucher from Air Canada. Glad I went, so much that I’ve got plans to return to Indonesia next year (fingers crossed).

I didn’t spend any time in the touristy areas of Ubud, Kuta and Seminyak. Here, in a nutshell are my impressions of east Bali, where I stayed:

• Crazy driving.
• Quiet and peaceful (when you’re away from the traffic).
• Great scenery.
• Friendly, helpful people (hotel, restaurant staff, scuba diving staff).
• Beaches so-so. More rock than sand.
• My best ever day of diving (and I’ve done nearly 200 scuba dives).

Here’s my video of some of the sights I saw:

Other Bali-related blog postings

Bali Diving

Earthquake Bali-style

The world’s most annoying travel companions

When to splurge on travel

Monkey madness

The hat came back

No bug bites for me

Candi Dasa, Bali

Outdoor bathroom.

My cottage.

View from Candi Dasa

Amed beach, Bali. Can you believe I dove from one of these outriggers?