Bali: Touchdown and First Impressions

Our Jetstar flight to Bali from Singapore landed past 9p.m..  The Ngurah Rai International Airport is relatively small and reminded me of some of our own domestic airports because of all the wooden panels and local carvings. As you line up at the immigration you may notice a small holding cell to your right with metal bars covering a small window. It was somewhat disconcerting especially when you remember the very traumatic experience of two Filipinas just a few months back. Anyway, we just distracted ourselves from any negative thoughts by checking out the numerous maps and flyers for Bali tours and rentals that were in abundance near the immigration counters.

Fixed airport taxi counter

I was initially hesitant about finding a safe and reputable taxi late at night and already contemplated taking the airport service of our hotel. After some research I was assuaged by the fact that there is still an open counter for fixed fee taxis at that time. You can easily find this counter to your right as you exit the airport. There were several groups of mostly Australian backpackers already in line, and somehow I found the company of backpackers very comforting. The taxi rates are fixed depending on which area you are headed. For Kuta, the fixed taxi cost is 55,000 rupiah. After paying at the counter, the assigned taxi driver will bring you to his taxi parked nearby. We experienced the notorious Kuta traffic. What should have been a mere 15min ride took us over 30mins. It did not help that the street where our hotel is located is one way and one lane only. If we were here in the Philippines, the cars would have easily added another lane there.

Instant millionaire in Bali!

Deluxe twin room for $50 a night

Free breakfast which is best eaten at the balcony overlooking the street.

We booked a room at Tanaya Bed & Breakfast along Jalan Legian. J. Legian is one of the main roads in Kuta but our accommodations are located slightly out of the Kuta center so its not as noisy and does not have as much foot traffic. There is no shortage of shops and restaurants right outside our doorstep so unless you want to be within 5 minutes from Kuta Beach and Kuta Square, Tanaya's location is just fine. It was pretty noisy and chaotic when we were there since road constructions were ongoing the whole day but I didn't mind. I was just excited to explore the streets in the morning and discover what Bali has in store for me.

Another trip, another adventure.