Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
6th Nov- After a nightmare bus journey involving our first bus breaking down four times and still not getting a new bus....they insisted on fixing it themselves but eventually gave up and put us on a new bus. But no one could speak english and our Indo is not great so it was fun! After a 10 hour bus journey (on 3 different buses which are not the comfiest and very smoky - how I miss the smoking ban!!) we arrived in the beach resort of Pangandaras. It is the perfect place to relax, I loved it and didn't wanna leave. It was badly hit by a tsumami in 2006 and the tourism has suffered since sadly. This did mean it wasn't too busy but there were a few westerners there, mainly from australia and holland. It seems like a secret location that only few know about. I definately recommend it, it feels indiscovered and I feel lucky to have been. The locals are so friendly and can't do enough for you. We stayed in a nother home stay and spent lots of time sunbathing on the beach. The sand was black sand and had sparkly diamond bits in! Also saw a local white beach and there were wild white monkeys on it. They were really tame and apparently become quite aggressive! Very cute though. The black monkeys live in the trees and the two types are enemies. Also saw part of the jungle / national park. Had surf lessons which I loved and spent another day practicing. Its the best feeling to surf!! I had this amazing massage from a man who couldn't speak or hear and its the best massage I've ever had, guess his sense of touch could be heightened?! It was soo cheap too - 3 quid for an hour. Met some local people who were so friendly and we went to a live music gig at the bar which was fun - they know how to party there!! Magic orange juice shots which had every spirit under the sun in and arak (rice wine) which was lethal! The next day we went on a day long tour but I felt rough! We went on the back of motorbikes except Vicky who rode her own. I had a go at driving it but it was pretty scary, more because of the other drivers as the roads are chaos! We called at a sugar making area where a lady showed us how she made sugar from cocunut nectar. Her husband picks the cocunuts and collects the sap and she heated it and it thickens and is put in shapers and packed as sugar. We tasted some and it was gorgeous, like treacle. Next, we met a puppet maker. He makes his own puppets from the wood, its a family business. They paint them up and learn how to make them move and do the voices. It was really clever and realistic! Loads of different characters. He did shows at weddings and parties which sounded great! After this we went to the green canyon which was beautiful. Green/turquoise water and waterfalls, greenary, wildlife. We went on a boat trip along it and went swimming / climbing along the rocks. The current was really strong and there were rapids in parts. We floated down these which was ace!! After this we went to Batu Karas for food. Its a small surfing area. Had fresh fish which they bbq'd which was lovely, and of course rice which comes with everything! On the way back we stopped at a bamboo swinging bridge. We drove over on the motor bikes which was scary as it felt so flimsy! Then called to a turtle farm and held a few. They were cute! Didn't have time to see the green valley but stopped at the blue lagoon which is where the fishermen go on a night. It was pitch black though but still could see the massive nets they use! They stay out all night. The sun sets at 6pm every single day of the year which I found interesting. No seasons here either - just wet and dry times of year. Its wet at the moment I think and theres been a few monsoons! Had an early night and even booked my own room as had a dodgy stomach and the hangover was hitting me! Had a brilliant sleep and then spent the following day surfing and went to the local white sands beach and national park and saw the monkeys, very cute. You can't leave your bag too long or they'll be in them! That night went to a bonfire on the beach with the locals and some other travellers which was fun, they were playing guitars and singing and just relaxing.
- comments