nomad4ever

I’m currently in my 2nd home country, my home away from home – Singapore! Bali lies now behind and being back one day is definitely on the list of things to do – but for now there are other destinations to explore.

And yep, Singapore is more or less only the stepping stone, as it’s an important airline hub and I can get here as well the required Visa to the real destination.

Some of you guessed right already, so you will be able to find me at least for the next 6-12 months not in Singapore, but in Goa, India:

written by Chris

Living the last 2 years in Bali were surprisingly smooth sailing. Originally we wanted to stay here 6 months only – now I almost can’t believe, how quickly time passed on this lovely island.

Coming from Phuket, the first impressions were quite mixed. What stroke me most initially, was the chaotic traffic and the colder ocean temperatures.

Now it’s time to move on again to new shores. Time for a Wrap-up of good and annoying things you can experience, when you live here as a long-term traveler, Nomad or Expat.

Here we go; the Best, the Good, the Ugly of Bali:

written by Chris

If you have been reading any Indonesian newspaper or internet website lately, chances are that you have heard about the new Pornography Bill.

This is an initiative, which could come into law in October to ‘protect’ Indonesia from decadent western influences like pornography and overly sexual displays in public. It shall ensure and uphold public morality. Even TIME magazine had a lengthy article recently.

written by Chris

Around 2 years ago I was raving about the so-called Dreamland Beach in Bali, situated at the west coast of the Bali Bukit, the dry hilly area south of the airport.

It’s one of the closest candidates for a Dream Beach, which Bali unfortunately doesn’t have in the abundance of let’s say Thailand or the Philippines. The only other natural white beach, west of the Padang Bai lagoon is currently developed into a 5-star Hotel resort for a Japanese company with restricted access for the average traveler.

Tough luck I hear you say, but for Surfers and Expats there was always Dreamland Beach – up until now:

written by Chris

When reading the last issue of The Bali Times, I had a few good laughs. This weekly newspaper is actually known for portraying the Bali Life from an Expat point of view.

Mainly you can read about foreigners arrested on Drug Charges (amazingly still plenty of tourists think they can get away doing drugs in Bali), or about illegal workers arrested by officials.

It features as well the latests governmental initiatives which affect the tourism industry and locals alike; as well as local and international news, horoscopes, spiritual guidances from famous Gurus, the cinema schedule or a Community Noticeboard.

written by Chris

The best spots in Bali are in regions away from the touristy areas. The island is rich in beautiful nature spots. For instance the cascading waterfall at Git Git in the northern part of the island is very popular with tourists and locals alike.

The Banjar Hot Springs near Lovina are another famous spot, with 3 basins of different temperature to chose from. They are about 25 kilometers from Git Git.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a spot where you can stand under a Waterfall and warm your old bones in a Hot Spring right next door and almost at the same time?

written by Chris

In general, Bali is a beautiful place on our planet, where you can survive pretty well on a very small budget. The Cost of Living here is dramatically lower than in the US, old Europe, Australia or even some other parts in Asia.

I was asked many times by readers how much I spend here and what the Costs for my daily expenses are. There isn’t a general answer to these questions – after all it depends a lot on your personal preferences and demands.

Show me the money:

written by Chris

I wrote last year about the colorful creations called Ogoh-Ogoh, which are paraded just before the begin of the Hindu New Year in Bali. This year was even more crazy. I’ve never seen so many quality monsters in one place.

The rainy season is almost over and for the Hindus, the New Year is about to start. A whole week of processions, ceremonies, celebrations, fireworks and parties.

What’s an Ogoh-Ogoh?

written by Chris