By Delphine

Arrived in Bali. We decided to berth the boat at the Benoa marina because we plan to go onshore for a week while Apple stays on the boat. We got a car and Apple got a scooter.  All set to go. Both Grant and I have been to Bali previously but this is first time we arrived on boat, and also surfing is high on the family's agenda.

Realised our dear friends Simon and Dee (ex-HK, now Sydney residents) came to Bali for Xmas and NY holiday. We saw them when we were in Sydney but didn't realize they were coming to Bali. They invited us to stay with them at their villa in Canggu with their three young kids.  Lots of yummy food and all six kids played and swam a lot.

Dee is Indonesian and so they have been coming to Bali for holidays regularly. In fact they just bought a beautiful old house that they're renovating.  Simon took us on a tour of house and the construction site. The original house was a real gem and the land cascades down towards rice paddies. Gave them some design feedback which they liked. Can't wait to see the house when renovation is done.

Simon and Dee took us out to various restaurants and beach clubs. Bali is full of amazing restaurants. Beautiful design and delicious food. Very westernised and trendy.

Impression of Bali

Beautiful designs and amazing restaurants and cafes everywhere. 

Lots to do and see. A bit OTT and over stimulating. 

Chaotic traffic. Very poor infrastructure and road systems in the nice areas (canggu, seminyak, etc). Stressful driving and walking. 

Surfing is huge

Everything is a challenge. Heavy bureaucracy but with money, things work out in the end. Eg. Check in, visas extension, making payment to marina, etc. 

Poor service level though people are nice.