Bali 2014 Surabaya to Denpasar [1]

Hello again,

Finally I have long enough time for wrapping up my Bali journey a week ago. And I tell you about the conclusion of this trip: DAEBAK!!!

I went there with four of my friends and met up with another one there. Our big achievement is about visiting popular spots in Bali as many as we can in five days. My friends did a research by utilizing blogs, iInstagram, website, and many more for searching favorite places to be visitied.

Let’s talk about how I reach Bali from Surabaya. As we know, both Surabaya and Denpasar are connected by international airports. Because we wanted to spend much money there for enjoying many places, we tried to decrease the cost for accommodation. Then, train was chosen. The most suitable one was KA Mutiara Selatan, departed from Gubeng Baru Station at 10 pm and reach Banyuwangi Baru Station around 4 am. 

The station provided the passenger the ticket price for reaching Denpasar too. Yet, the cost is a bit higher than the ticket to Banyuwangi Baru. From Banyuwangi Baru, we walked to Ketapang Port for crossing Bali Gulf by ferry. It was 5 o’clock when we departed from the port. Luckily, we got sunrise pleasure on board. We arrived Gilimanuk Port after thirty minutes journey. Then, the next step was about to find the bus to Denpasar. Anyway, for those who passed Gilimanuk Port, you have to show your ID Card to the officer before leaving the port. Never left it home or your journey will be ruined.

The Bus to Denpasar

The port officer suggested us to find the bus to (I don’t know whether Mengwi or) Ubung from the exit gate of the vessel. Yet, it is not as easy as he said. The main problem was about we didn’t know which one was the person in charge of the buses. Another factor was about we just too tired for thinking about how to find the best bus for reaching Ubung Bus Station in Denpasar. So we just moved to the port after arriving Gilimanuk Port. 

A guy of 30s with dark skin, messy hair, and Bali accent in speaking came to us and asked where we gotta go. We ended up with him. We surrendered and follow him to the bus that he told us. YES we expected big bus with airconditioner. And shit happened.

A minibus with super small seat space and no airconditioner welcomed us, and brought us to Ubung for three hours. Let’s forget about it, because the backache represented everything about our feeling during the trip. I felt like a standing banner with stiff legs. Two of my friends were busy with headbang motions during the trip. And one of them tried so hard for not falling asleep after his seat was taken by an old woman the conqueror. Thank God, the cost line along the road came as a medicine for this struggle.

Lets talk about the smart traveler. I borrow this term from my friend, Andi. According to him, it refers to those who manages every single step of the trip for getting the best plan for it (CMIIW). He is smart, in my opinion. At least he was the role model for me on this trip. For God sake, he was like the answer for all obstacles we faced during the trip. Andi, you must be blushing for this compliment. Hahaha…

First brilliant thing about him, he had initiative for finding a rent motorcycle nearby the terminal so we didn’t need to suffer for many more dramas after reaching Ubung Bus Station. Since, we need to reach Kuta, about 20 - 30 minutes from the station. The rent fare everywhere in Bali was same, 50K IDR per day. And thank you Brother for that.

The Legend of Arthawan

Kaskuser, Travel Blogger, I believe you guys know what is Arthawan. Yes, that's one of the most favorite low budget hotel in Bali. It was so famous around you guys and that’s why we stayed here during the trip. Located in Poppies Lane 2 with super cheap room fare, Arthawan becomes the legend among travelers who need low price for room rental. No reservation procedure available there. Who comes first gets first. They count the guest, not the room.

We estimated low budget for room rental, because we wanted to spend more for culinary experience. So, when you come to Bali, I hope you can make a priority for your trip. Whether you seek for pleasure, or you look for anything else. Manage your budget well, and day by day will be shiny.

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