EXPLORING BALI (INDONESIA) FOR THE FIRST TIME

 

Kuta Beach in Denpasar City, Bali Island Province, Indonesia

Bali is one of the 38 provinces of Indonesia, of which of these 38 provincial-level divisions 35 standard provinces, two special regions (daerah istemewar for Aceh and Yogyakarata) and one special capital region (dearah khusus ibukota for Jakarta).

The province of Bali includes the main island of Bali alongside several smaller neighboring islands, such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Cenigan, with Denpasar as its capital city.  Bali is  the only Hindu-majority province in the predominantly Muslim country of Indonesia, with a vibrant culture heavily rooted in Balinese Hinduism.

Preparations

My departure flight at NAIA Terminal 3 at Boarding Gate 109

As early as November 6, 2024, I booked a round trip ticket Manila - Denpasar (Bali) on November 6, 2024 with a date of April 30, 2025 (Manila departure) and May 7, 2025 (return flight) a total cost of P10,216.63 and only a week before my flight, I purchased online a 20-kilo baggage allowance of P2,520 for a total plane fare of P12,736.63.

Unfortunately, on the date of my departure, I was late for 5 minutes for the 1-hour allowance and I was no longer accommodated to check-in.  With this, I decided to rebook for the next flight which was at dawn but the ticket cost is more than P24,000 one way only.  So, I just opted to purchase a new ticket but it was no longer April 30, 2025, but already May 2, 2025 at 7:50 P.M. costing P12,819 one way including a 20-kilo baggage allowance.  

With that, I was advised to refund for the travel tax of P1,620 and just pay it again on the date of my departure.  Since my actual checkout from my Eurotel accommodation in Cubao is still at 12:00 Noon of May 1, 2025, I just returned there and requested that I will just stay again and claim the unconsummated time.   To make sure that I am close to the airport, when I checkout on May 1, I checked in at 101 Newport Boulevard East Wing where I was billeted at Room No. 5C at the third floor at P2,368.08.  It was an airbnb accommodation with swimming pool, thus, I just had a laundry while inside the accommodation.

Day 0 - May 2, 2025

Arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport of Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia

The purpose of this trip was actually to have two major climbs in Bali wherein on May 1, 2025 would be the 3,726 MASL Mount Rinjani Climb and on midnight of May 5, 2025 would be the 3,031 MASL Mount Agung.  Because of failure to have my April 30 flight, I was not able to join the Mount Rinjani climb.

Dawn meal at Johny Rockets at Ngurah Rai International Airport

I left NAIA Terminal 3 at 7:50 P.M. boarding Cebu Pacific flight No. 5J281 thru Boarding Gate No. 109 seated at 28A and arrived at Ngurah International Airport at 12:00 midnight of Denpasar City.   After passing thru the Immigration check point, I withdrawn thru ATM 2,500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) equivalent to P8,422.86 from Mandiri ATM machine where the exchange rate is for every peso there is an equivalent of 0/0034 Indonesian rupiah.

Still at the airport, I bought an Indonesian sim card for 250,000 IDR or P842.29,  I had a dawn meal at the airport's Johny Rockets where its burger and fries costs IDR192,308 or P647.91 and the bottled water is IDR39,000 or P131.39.

Taken outside the airport by the taxi driver

While at the airport, I randomly chosen a taxi cab heading to my hotel accommodation.  My instruction was Sun Island Hotel & SPA Legian and we agreed it to a cost of IDR125,000 or P421.14  which was so expensive but I do not have idea at all, but when the receptionist checked my name, I was informed that theirs was Sun Hotel an Spa Legian.  It was still at dawn, and I was advised by the receptionist that to get the exact taxi fare, a grab car was fairly cheaper.  So, I boarded a grab where I was charged for IDR35,000 or P117.92.

My Sun Island Hotel & Spa Legian suite room

My hotel booking was May 3-5, 2025 and when I arrived there it was only 3:10 A.M.  It only mean tht I have to wait for 2:00 P.M. for check-in and they do not allow early check-in nor to stay at its lobby.  Hotel attendants were not accommodating.  There was no place for me to stay.  I was so tired.  So, I have no choice but to have a new hotel booking and the attendance advised me that they only have a suite room available.  So, I ended up taking it for IDR1,000,000 or P3,512.21.   But yes, the room was spacious.  Such lucrative hotel accommodation and with swimming pool.  

I was so amazed of my room that I requested the hotel bell boy to take pictures and videos for me in the name of Ade Ardika giving him a tip of IDR100,000 or P336.91.

Day 1 - May 3, 2025

Waking up from a soundly and comfortable sleep

The hotel complementary buffet breakfast

So tired, I woke up at 8:56 A.M. and was at the buffet breakfast 9:20 A.M.  I was alone and my travel buddies were billeted in the hotel where I first checked for booking.  But at this time, they were already in their Mount Rinjani climb.

Enjoying a swim after breakfast

Aerial view of the hotel's pool at the third floor

The pool at the roof top or fifth floor

Just alone and nobody was around the rooftop's pool

Since, the pool attendance took me few pictures and videos, I gave him IDR10,000 or P33.87.  In the Philippines, this amount of tip is nothing.

Our hotel's facade

When I went out of the hotel, this is the first time I saw its facade since when I arrived, it was dawn and it was dark at 3:10 A.M.

Just a usual religious ritual on the street

After taking my lunch at the Bloody Sweet Restaurant just few blocks from my hotel which costs IDR138,000 or P464.94 and a waiter's tip of IDR10,000 or P33.69, I had a long walk and found a religious ritual at the center of a street.

The street ritual with some of the believers

As I roamed around Bali through walking,  I noticed that its establishments are like the ones you see when you are in Boracay Island of the Philippines.

Kuta Beach

The whole time from lunch time till early evening, I was all the time walking exploring Denpasar City.  From its busy streets, I headed to Kuta Beach --- a legendary 2.5-kilometer stretch of cream-colored sand in southwestern Bali, Indonesia. It is famous for its world-class beginner surf waves and vibrant nightlife, it is highly accessible, located just north of Ngurah Rai International Airport in the Badung Regency.  

The following pictures showcases Kuta Beach with some of its activities:

Buttered grilled corn at Kuta Beach for IDR20,000 or P67.38

Before I returned to the hotel, I bought a bread for my dinner at a nearby convenience store for IDR8,500 or P28.79.

Walking back to the hotel

Day 2 - May 4, 2025

As usual, I started my day with a complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel.   Then, I arranged thru a hotel staff in the name of Moe Kuta for my Ubud Day Tour package for IDR600,000 or P2,029.54.  As my snacks for the day tour, I bought a chocolate bread for IDR18,000 or P60.89 and a Cadbury chocolate bar 25g for IDR10,400 or P35.18.

First destination of the day tour

The Batik Phasminas for my pasalubong for IDR220,000 each or P745.20

MY SIXTH TIME IN JAPAN: EXPERIENCING AUTUMN IN FUKUOKA

 Location:  Fukuoka, Japan

The vibrant autumn leaves of Akizuki in Fukuoka

In this 6th visit in Japan and fourth in Fukuoka for the period November 28 - December 1, 2025, I was again on a solo trip.  I left NAIA Terminal 3 on November 28 through  Cebu Pacific Airline  at Boarding Gate 104 at 2:10 P.M. seated at 35C at exactly 2:10 P.M and arrived at Fukuoka International Airport at 7:00 P.M.

Day 1 - November 28, 2025

An aerial view of Fukuoka while our plane is approaching it

The purpose of this trip is actually to experience autumn in Japan which I did not experience for the past five times I have been here.  

Touchdown at Fukuoka International Airport

In my experience, there is always a very long queue of tourists at the Immigration checkpoint, but the turnover is so fast, as long as your documents are valid and legal.

After claiming my luggage at the arrival area

At the arrival area, I only exchanged P8,000 to 17,600 yen.  Then, I purchased a Japan sim card for 5 days amounting to 3,500 yen or P1,295.  I also purchased  2 Fukuoka day pass at 640 yen or total of 1,280 yen or P473.60.  I also loaded my Hayakaken train card for 1,000 yen or P370 increasing my account balance to 1,070, since I had already a train card from my previous trip.

My humble accommodation at Fukuoka Guesthouse ship

Unfortunately, this time, I was not able to book early for UNPLAN Fukuoka.  So, when I decided to book for it, all rooms were already fully booked.  Thus, I landed with a different accommodation which is the cheapest but a small one.

This is my capsule bedding at Fukuoka Guesthouse ship

Going to Fukuoka Guesthouse Ship is such a hassle.  First, I took a free shuttle bus from the airport to the Domestic Airport.  Then, I took a train from Fukuoka Airport Terminal and pass thru the stations of Hakata, Gion and Nakasu-Kawabata then had a transfer train at Hakosaka Line and just one station going down at Gofukumachi Station.  Then, to make sure that I am on the right direction, I exited at Exit Gate 3 which is heading to my accommodation which is quite far, since I walked for more than 8 blocks away.  But I was lost because the one I asked accompanied me to Fukuoka Guesthouse Camp.  I was so impressed because the one who assisted me was its staff going to the correct address.

Lost in this location

I reached my accommodation at almost 10:00 P.M. and had to buy my dinner from a Lawson convenience store 2 blocks away from my accommodation.

My additional expenses for the day were as follows:

1.  Train fare from Airport Terminal to Gofukumachi station - 260 yen or P96.20

2.  Board and lodging for 3 days at Fukuoka Guesthouse Ship - 600 yen or P222.00

3.  Bath towel at Fukuoka Guesthouse Ship - 100 yen or P37

4.  Dinner from Lawson - 561 yen or P207.57

5.  Bottled water 600ml - 111 yen or P41.07

Day 2 - November 29, 2025

Lawson Convenience Store

There was no free breakfast in my accommodation.  Thus, I have to buy my breakfast from the convenience store in the morning with a meal set costing 697 yen or P257.89.  Since, I have long walks,  also bought a 3-piece pack big bananas for 322 yen or P119.14.  

The entry to Ohori Park just across UNPLAN Fukuoka

I was so tired the other day that I decided to go out from my accommodtion at 9:55 A.M. From Fukuoka Guesthouse Ship, I walked around 9 blocks heading to Gofukumachi train station which is a part of Hakozaki Line.  Then, just one station, I transferred train at Nakasu-Kabawata of Airport Line heading to Ohori Park station.  It was only four train stations (1) Nakasu-Kawabata, (2) Tenjin, (3) Akasaka, and (4) Ohori Park.  Then, as I lifted from the train, I searched for Maizuru Park which is adjacent to Ohori Park. 

The Maizuru Park

This park is rich in flowers and greenery and is centered on citadel of Fukuoka Castle, which was built by Nagamasa Kuroda, a lord of 520,000 koku in Chikuzen.  Various sports facilities such as an athletic field, ball field and Fukuoka City Art Museum are also adjacent to the park.

Just a walk heading to Maizuru Park

The stunning line of Claret Ash trees in autumn form (Scientific Name: Oxycarpa)

The fiery fall tress of Ginkgo biloba at Maizuru Park

With the backdrop of a Ginkgo Biloba tree

The Ohori Park

The Nishi Park

Nishi Park is a 1.4 Kilometer walk from Ohori Park.  I went to this place thinking that if offers a marvelous scenery during autumn, but I learned that this is only stunning during cherry blossom period.

At 2:39 P.M. I left the place and headed back to Ohori Park station.   It was another 1.4-kilometer downhill walk.  This time, I want to maximize the use of my Train day pass.

While in Meinohama

While at Meinohama Station

Since I really wanted to get the value of my Fukuoka Train day pass, I decided to go the end line of Airport Line which was five train stations from Ohori Park station where others in succession were the stations of Tojinmachi, Nishijin, Fujisaki, Muromi and finally Meinohama.  I strolled a the Meinohama Chuo Par and the vicinity of the train station.  Then, I took the train from Meinohama going to Nakasu-Kawabata, then transferred train to Gofukumachi and then boarded till the end line of Hakosaki Line at Kaizuka which was 5 train stations away, namely: Gofukumachi, Chiyo-Kenchoguchi, Maidashi-Kyudalbyoinmae, Hakozaki-Miyamae, Hakozaki-Kyudaimae and Kaizuka.  I did not bother to stroll around since it was already dark and around train fenced station.  From the Kaizuka station, I boarded again the train to Gofukumachi and walked to my accommodation.

Day 3 - November 30, 2025 - Akizuki Day Tour

Leaving my accommodation at 9:09 A.M.

Since my accommodation does not provide a complimentary breakfast, I bought my breakfast from a nearby Lawson convenience store of a breakfast rolls for 365 yen or P135.05 or US2.28 and a bread roll for 181 yen or P66.97 or US$1.13.

Using the Fukuoka (Airport Line) sub-way, from Gofukumachi to Hakata Station costs 260 yen or P96.20 or US$1.63.

My JR Train ticket from Hakata to Kiyama station

While I was in Hakata, I went to JR Station booking office to buy a round trip ticket for Kiyama station  thru JR Kagoshima Main Line local train Track 7 which costs 1,120 yen or P414.40 or US$7.  So, one way costs only 560 yen.  It took 13 stations then including Hakata and Kiyama which should last for  35 minutes travel duration.  

However, I panicked when I noticed that the sequence of train stations was not in my recorded sequence, and thus, I disembarked at Tufuro-Minami thinking I was lost already.  I talked to a local but I really didn't  understand him, but through gestures he explained to me that I should not board on the next train because it won't stop at Kiyami station.  He held my hand strongly when it passed.  Then, the next train, held my hand to board the train and he was seated next to me.  Unfortunately, he disembarked at Haruda station, and thru gestures, he pointed to me "2" and then "gesture of stop".  Then, he held my hand to set down and not join him disembarking the train, which I understood, but still with hesitance.  

By the way, the 13 stations are: (1) Hakata, (2) Takeshita, (3) Sasabaru, (4) Minami-Fukuoka, (5) Kasuga, (6) Onojo, (7) Mizuki, (8) Tofuro-Minami, (9) Futsukaichi, (10) Tempaizan, (11) Haruda, (12 Keyakidal, and (13) Kiyama. 

While at Kiyama Station

Finally, I arrived at  Kiyama station at 10:58 A.M. From here, I have to board the Amagi local train of only 1 car, not the usual long trains.   From here, I just used an overpass to the other side, to wait for the Amagi train where it left at 11:22 A.M.  There was no need for a usual ticket, I just used coins amounting to 430 yen or P159.10 or US$2.69.   Obviously, stations were small and it felt like I was already in the country side and there were 10 train stations, namely: (1) Kiyama, (2) Ogori, (3) Oitai, (4) Matuzaki, (5) Imaguma, (6) Nitchicharia, (7) Yamaguma, (8) Tachiarai, (9) Takata, and (10) Amagi.  I arrived there at 11:50 A.M.

Amagi is a part of Asakura City

It was on March 20, 2006, that Amagi, along with the towns of Asakura and Haki (both from Asakura District), was merged to create the city of Asakura.

The remote Amagi station

Even if I was at Amagi station at 11:50 A.M., I have to wait until 1:00 P.M. for the next bus trip going to Akizuki.  With this, I searched for a store where I can buy my lunch where I found it just two blocks away at Welcia Supermarket.

My lunch for 557 yen (meal pack plus yogurt)

My meal pack is 408 yen or P151.05 or US$2.55 and a yogurt of 149 yen or P55.13 or US$0.93.  I was actually looking for my favorite pork cutlet curry, there was none at the supermarket.

Just near the entrance of the road heading to Akizuki ruins

The tourist bus from Amagi to Akizuki costs 360 yen or P133.20 or US$2.25 where it uses only coins.  We arrived at 1:38 P.M.  Akizuki is a part of Fukuoka Prefecture and is known as "Little Kyoto".

Walking thru Sugi-no-Baba street leading to Akizuki Castle ruins

It took a 5-minute walk from the bus drop to Akizuki castle ruins.  Sugi-no-Baba street has spectacular view on its cherry blossom is on its full bloom, where they call it as a 500-meter "sakura tunnel" of 200 Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura trees usually from late March to early April, while this visit of mine is November 30, which is autumn.  This street is filled with food stalls where local delicacies are being sold.  For instance, I bought a rice cake of 150 yen or P55.50 or US$0.94.

The stairs to the main entrance of the castle ruins

This tourist attraction has no entrance fee.   Akizuki castle ruins are the remains of a 17th-century castle, known for springtime cherry blossoms and vibrant fall foliage. It is the home of the Akiizuki clan, a mighty feudal family that once ruled over much of Fukuoka Prefecture.

Exploring the castle ruins

Approaching the temple of the castle ruins

The faithful offering prayers

Other part of the castle ruins

The food stalls along Sugi-no-Baba street

Some other food stalls

I left the place at 2:50 P.M. and since I was still exploring other temples and food stalls along the way, I arrived the bus strop at 3:20 P.M.

If P38,490.85 is converted to US Dollars, then it will be US$655.39