A Solo Travellers Mind

We arrive on Nusa Penida after what I can only describe as one of mine and Carley’s 9 lives. When I tell you this boat was out on choppy seas I’m not exaggerating. We had men and women grabbing life jackets, people shouting to slow down, and my personal favourite us being the only small boat out at sea, surrounded by shipping boats. Narrowly escaping the sea sickness we make our way to location No.1, a cottage on the east side, we park our belongings and head out for food and drinks. Our night ends in a bar with an Aussie bloke, a German and a Canadian, with us all participating in open mic night, followed by myself as DJ, playing Fred Again, One Direction, and my personal favourite “Emma’s not English playlist” including some Spanish, German and Dutch hits.
The next day we headed out with the Aussies blokes pal for a full day tour of the island. The island is split into east and west. We head east to Diamond Beach, where we climb a fair few steps and abseil down a rock wall. I’m certain this wouldn’t have passed any health and safety laws back home. Diamond Beach is easily rated a 10/10 even if there was no swimming due to the size of the waves. It was the most significant thing. Next up was A thousand islands, another walk down (and then back up) a lot of steps. With a magnificent view once again, even seeing some cows and monkeys on our way. On the way to the west side to visit kelingking beach, we passed through teletubby hills (which you’ve guessed it, looked like hills), and some of the local villages, some of which are a “clang” meaning they are one whole family. Arriving at Kelingking, we see the famous T-rek mountain, along with some monkeys running free, including a few baby monkeys! Next stop is Broken beach, a huge beach with a natural bridge formation within it, an incredibly pretty sight, with Angel Billabong being just along. This was a potential highlight of the day with over 15ft waves crashing against the cliff edge. We headed back home at sunset ready to devour our dinner, today’s choice a curry, followed by some pancakes.
The following day was moving day, we were spending our final night on Nusa Penida on the east side of the island. After checking in we went for a nosey around, quickly realising there weren’t any beaches locally (it was all ports) we headed to a random sunset veiwing spot on the map. An hours walk later, after Carley voicing her hatred of walking we arrived at the most stunning view point, with a little restaurant/pool area. The rest of the day is spent lounging around, with me in the shade 90% of the time as the blisters from my sunburn some days ago were now starting to form. Once back at the hostel we grab some takeaway while having a chat with some girls also staying there. Some have said they’ve found it expensive to travel Bali solo, so it’s a blessing really that I’ve got a travel companion for this stint of the journey.
After a pretty good sleep considering we were sharing a room with 6 others, we head to the “port” to go to Nusa Lembongan. We check in to our villa, once again being pleasantly surprised by how incredible it is, a nice pool, balcony, the lot, then head out for some breaky. Luck was on my side today as the local cafe did pouched eggs, a win for my addiction. Next up, a stroll to one of the viewpoints on the west side, carley is happy on the beach while I climb up and view the waves from above. After a few hours of sun bathing, I decide a solo adventure is required, taking myself to “cliff view”. A very rogue journey there, with some paths being more like farmers fields, I reach potentially one of the most magnificent cliffs I’ve seen. You could walk along the vast majority while watching the waves crash up against where you were standing. Next up, Mushroom beach, our local, where after some time reading Carley finds me. The evening is spent watching the sunset at another cliff view point, however it was a cloudy one. This place was similar to the other cliff edge, however had a lot more tourists, and less rogue pathways. Traveller mode has been activated after a week of luxury spending therefore dinner tonight is a supermarket mashup for me. Bananas, dragon fruit, noodles and veg. I want to say this wasn’t luxury, however banana and dragon fruit are my favourite.
Our final day in Nusa is a semi lazy one, we go to the Gala-Gala underground house, built in the 1900’s by a man scared he would be murdered. The Cave is 500 sqft with 7 entrances and 3 “windows”. It was a sweaty, but fascinating climb. Next we headed to the temple, but first were confronted by 50ish steps, Carley saw this as her red flag and went home, I continued. Unfortunately the temple wasn’t open, but you could witness the beauty from the outside. Next stop was another beach. On arrival I found I was the only person on the beach, so I sat for some time in peace. Dinner time and it’s my time to have a “Carley and her rubber ribs moment”, after ordering something Indonesian I learn that Google definition of the meal is not what’s presented in front of me. Happens to us all! A few beers, a game of darts and a bad band later and we are off home in preparation for the boat back to mainland tomorrow.