This mysterious, unique, and breathtaking island of Indonesia has something for everyone. We came here for a week to experience the distinct culture and to see the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon.

Day 52, Sunday, October 27: Sanur, Bali

From Singapore’s Changi Airport, we flew on a Jetstar airplane taking off around 7:30 am, and two and half hours later landed on the island of Bali, Indonesia. More precisely, in the main international airport, at Denpasar, the capital city of Bali.

After arrival, the first thing we had to do was complete the health pass (effective August 29, 2024) in order to enter Indonesia. With our phones, we had to scan the QR-code displayed on a big board and answer tons of questions about our health and travel history. Then save the QR-code on our phones and show it to their Health Quarantine Officer. No help was available if we were stuck on something – fortunately, fellow travelers could always advise.

The second thing was to get our suitcases. Jetstar allowed to take only 7 kilograms per person (our backpacks) into the aircraft.

Next, we had to complete the customs declaration. Only after both of us filled out the long form on our phones and started answering the questions about the family member with whom we were traveling, did an airport aid for travelers inform us that only one form was needed since we were a family. After not sleeping enough and two almost consecutive flights we thought for a second that all this administrative stuff was a bit too much.

But we got through all the inconveniences.

Among the many people who lined the exit area of the arrival hall holding signs with the names of their guests, we also found our guide, Wendy.

He called our driver and while we were waiting for the car, a young woman on behalf our travel agency, Yampu Indonesia, placed a lei around our neck as a welcome to Bali.

Around noon, after about a 30-minute drive from the airport, we arrived at our hotel, the Maya Sanur Resort & Spa.

Sanur is a coastal stretch of beautiful beaches east of Denpasar.

Because our room was going to be ready at 2 pm, after checking in, we left out luggage at the hotel, said goodbye to our guide and driver, found a nice French café for lunch (recommended by Wendy), and had a short walk in the 33-degrees of Celsius weather (still dressed for the airconditioned aircraft!).

Everywhere we looked we could clearly sense this was a very different culture.

Our room was wonderful.

The hotel surroundings were amazing.

We walked on the rooftop garden, enjoyed an afternoon tea by the beach, strolled on the beach, and just simply appreciated the calm and relaxed atmosphere.

We were a little bit sorry that we couldn’t stay here longer, but were also excited for the next phase of our adventure: Komodo.