Arrival in Bali and first relaxing beach and chill days

The day before yesterday (on April 6) I continued on to my second last travel destination. It was supposed to be a long travel day. First, I took a flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur and then after a layover, continued on to Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia. Initially, everything went quite smoothly, but in Kuala Lumpur, it was already indicated to me that my second flight would be delayed by almost two hours. That was rather unfortunate, as I was now supposed to arrive at 23:00 instead of 21:00, which was actually the latest check-in time at my hotel. But there was nothing to change that. So shortly before 23:00, I arrived in Bali and was greeted by a long line at the visa counter. That was just what I needed. The application was supposed to be filled out 'easily' online, for which there was free WiFi and a QR code to scan. And if one could pay online immediately, it should go faster. However, filling out the online application was not that straightforward, as I noticed from the many puzzled - especially older - travelers. But after I had finally researched everything that needed to be filled in (including districts and location in country specification), it worked on the third attempt that the information was transmitted ... and most importantly, that my payment had been received ... Now I was supposed to get through the gate by scanning my passport. That went smoothly, and immediately after that, I received an email with my visa valid until May 5. Then they wanted a 'Customer' declaration as well. So another procedure where I had to clarify that I was indeed not making weapons purchases or drug sales in the country. Apparently, I filled everything out correctly and passed the last gate after receiving a QR code. On the second attempt, I was also able to withdraw cash, and I quickly had a functioning SIM card for Indonesia, as the opportunists know that tourists first want to secure mobile data, which is why everything at the airport costs a bit more; but still very manageable ... It was already past midnight, and now I had to find a taxi to the hotel ... but there were also business-savvy colleagues around who were eager to advertise their services. Fortunately, the Grab app works here too, so I had a rough idea of the real prices, and thus we quickly settled at half the price during the negotiation. Negotiating is also part of the proper etiquette here to engage in casual conversation... The last hurdle was checking in early in the morning. But that also went pretty well in the end; even if I had to wake the receptionist from his dreams ... Then it was shower time and off to bed, although the shower stayed cold, which I later realized was likely my fault when I went through another 'briefing' the next morning ..

Not too early the next day, after a leisurely breakfast, I headed out to explore; particularly to the beach and the surrounding area. So, for the first two days in Bali, that was the routine. I completely relaxed while strolling and at the beach in the hottest temperatures. In the evening, I went to a brilliant rock bar with entertaining vibes. I couldn't pay for the second drink with my credit card as it was blocked again. Today, after numerous correspondence, I could clarify that nothing unusual occurred, and that I indeed initiated everything myself ... but indeed in Indonesia, which was apparently too suspicious... The little things sometimes take a bit of time... So after only one of the five credit cards I had taken along still worked, withdrawing cash became a bit of a process, and I leisurely walked from ATM to ATM until it finally worked, but that way you also get to know the streets and surroundings quite well ;-) ... Relaxing while strolling around, at the white sandy beach, where many surfers were enjoying the good waves, or at the hotel pool with some reading were the main activities during the first two days of my stay ... I am planning the temple tours and the larger sightseeing in the - of course too - short time in Bali while taking a relaxed look at the water ...