INDONESIA: Sanur Beach and Ulu Watu Temple

After a hard night in Kuta Beach, we set off for Sanur Beach, a few kilometers to the east Kuta. Sanur Beach is a quiet and calm beach town, an apt contrast to the riot of a night we just had. There, time felt like it passed slower than usual. The sound of the waves was soothing. "If you go to a beach and listen to your iPod, then you're missing the point." -- this quote made much more sense after spending an afternoon in Sanur Beach.

Off to Sanur

Blue is the color of the sky

Afternoon companions

For the rough day ahead

The following day, we went to Ulu Watu, a Hindu temple complex by a cliff down in South Bali. They made us wear funny-colored costumes before we entered as a sign of respect. Knees are supposed to be covered. Walking around inside didn't feel like being in a temple at all. The actual temples were separated by wide gardens.  If it wasn't for the heat, the whole complex would have made for a relaxing stroll in a dainty park-by-a-cliff. The view of the ocean was spectacular to say the least.

Ulu Watu

By the cliff

Temple Ruins (Photo by Kurt)

The view below

Blue-green (Photo by Kurt)

Vastness

The monkeys playing in the temple served as clowns for entertainment with their adorable antics on trees and in their swimming pool. But they were also pickpockets who'd steal your camera, hat, or in my case, key chains if you're careless.

Porn (He's chewing on my key chain.)

MTV Cribs (Primate Version)

Both Sanur Beach and Ulu Watu are good choices for a laid-back, easygoing plan to spend a day in Bali. I'd recommend these two as a "chaser" to a night of clubbing, perfect for some moments of quiet before heading off to the next destination.