Photo Journal: Bali Pt. 3

Within less than a week spending time in Bali, I have admired every corner of the places I got to visit. I spent the entire visit exploring and visiting spots along the South-West part of the island. There were so many divine beaches and surf-spots, also comfy cafes and restaurants to hangout at. After spending much time by the sea, I occasionally visited those cafes which were recommended via social media. And they were absolutely recommended for reasons, as the cafes were all pieces of eye-candy and served fantastic tastes. I am absolutely certain that there are so many great places I have not yet to visit in Bali. And for the next trip, I have always been wanting to explore the East side of the island, as there are majestic waterfalls and hidden beaches. I sure hope a long holiday would come quicker.

Faculty Kitchen and Bar | Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung

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 Finn's Beach Club | Pantai Berawa Road, Tibubeneng, North Kuta, Badung

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Bo$$man Burgers | Kayu Cendana Road, Seminyak, Badung

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Motel Mexicola | Kayu Jati Road, Seminyak, North Kuta, Badung

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Jamie's Italian | Banjar Pande Mas, Kuta, Badung

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Photograph by: Michelle Sal. / Nikon 1 J1

Photo Journal: Bali Pt.2 | Summer 16 Playlist

While sitting by the waves and having sands wrapped around my skin, I found myself having the best moment of sanctuary in quiet beach and suitable playlist. Nothing beats the sensations of sounds collaborated by the ocean and your favorite songs. During my visit to Bali, I visited a couple of divine beaches in different areas. Every morning, I rushed to the beaches to have the seaside all to myself and a few others; the quietness had always amazed me. Without the buzz from any other human beings, I enjoyed my time remarkably.

To celebrate summer and my recent trip to the breathtaking beaches of Bali, I made a photo journal and a curated playlist which had been the soundtrack of my summer. I cannot wait to fly back to the island.

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Dreamland Beach (New Kuta) | Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung, Kuta

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Blue Point Beach | Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung, Kuta

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Finn's Beach Club | Pantai Berawa Road, Tibubeneng, North Kuta, Badung, Kuta

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Photograph by: Michelle Sal. / Nikon 1 J1

Photo Journal: Bali Pt. 1

After awhile, I finally had another chance to escape town and re-visit Bali. I was all excited days before the departure date, and could not wait to land on the island during the flight. I had planned all four days of my visit, mostly beach-walking and cafe-hopping. All plans worked out during the trip, and to be able to pay visits to all these beautiful places, I finally understood why the feelings and addictions of Bali craved so much. I was not ready to come back home, no matter how sweet home could be. I wanted to stay longer and go to hidden places on the other sides of the island, but I had only limited time to spend. On the last night, I had missed Bali and was saddened by the fact that I had to return home the next day. 

I am finally home, and I have bittersweet feelings since leaving the island of Bali, I miss everything already. I miss getting up in the morning and get excited to start exploring; rushing to the beaches before noon to have the beach all to myself and a few other people only; getting washed by the waves and covered by the sands; laying down by the sea, getting heat on my skin; long walking from places to places and having easing conversations; admiring every corner of the island and feeling comfortable among the people. I am pretty sure I won't get over Bali anytime soon, I can't wait to go back and visit more places.

"The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise. It's more than a place; it's a mood, and aspiration, a tropical state of mind." ― Lonely Planet.

Photograph by: Michelle Sal. / Nikon 1 J1

Conversations

I have always been fond of people who are able to talk, especially the ones who can never leave the conversations in silence. From silly nonsense to deepest confessions, this type of person will always have my ears and full attention. Constant conversations with someone special give you excitements and warm feelings, I love to be asked out to a cozy coffee house and talk just about anything about the two of us for hours. Getting to know our favorites things, insecurities, passions, and the types of people we are. I admire the type of person who knows what to say to comfort uneasy feelings, and knows what to do to lift gloomy moods. Unfortunately, all things never last; sometimes the conversations turn to silence, words turn to strange hushes, and warm feelings turn to cold strangers. It happens, and turns out, there's no need to feel guilty for what I am feeling. Things happen and nothing lasts.

I recently read a collection of short stories by Naela Ali whom shares common stories of young love, complemented with adorable watercolor illustrations by the author herself. Stories for Rainy Days shares the stories of falling in love, enjoying little affections, and falling out of love. Things happen between two people, and sometimes there is nothing can be done to change them back. I relate so much with the story of Conversations, where the sudden change of feeling happens and moving on is not the wrong thing to do. I have come to realization that I don't have to feel bad for changing feelings. Things happen, feelings change, and forever is a myth.

Stories for Rainy Days by Naela Ali

Photograph by: Michelle Sal. / Canon 60D

Photo Journal: Kawah Putih

Last year, I skipped class to visit Kawah Putih (White Crater) for the first time. The crater lake is a well-known tourist spot, located in a volcanic crater, 50 km south of Bandung, Indonesia. To get to the lake area, I needed to step out of the bus and switch into a minivan. I was driven through long curvy road in-between tall trees of green forests, it was a breezy and calming drive. Arriving at the main area, I walked down sets of stairs to get to the lake area. And as I walked closer to the lake, the scent of sulfur had become stronger with every step. Visitors were suggested to wear masks as the scent could be quite strong at some time. The scent of sulfur may not be enjoyable, but the sight of the lake was beyond amazing. It was majestic, almost hypnotizing. The quiet lake was soothing and the white smoke floating above the lake level added mystical charm to the scene. Surrounded by dry trees and branches, the crater lake was worth every mile.

Photograph by: Michelle Sal. / Canon 60D