When I first saw him at the Bali airport after the Group had cleared the Immigration, he was just like another Indonesian working in the construction sites in Kuala Lumpur with dark complexion albeit with much more hairs. He was wearing a long-sleeved batik shirt with a bag slung to his shoulder – a trademark of most tour guides. Introducing Frankie (not his actual Balinese name) – he was our tour guide in Bali.
.
Frankie, the tour guide in BaliHe speaks good English; good in verbal communication and could sing a few Malay romantic songs (while traveling in the tour bus). He has been the tour guide (in Bali) for groups of Malaysian’s NSTP, Panasonic, Siemens, Sime Darby, etc. (just to name a few).
After singing a few songs, he said the next time we come, he would sing Andy Lau’s Chinese songs – one of the four Heavenly Kings of Hong Kong – to us.
.
Frankie is conversing with the group while travelling in the tour bus
In the notorious Bali bomb blast in October 2002, he was almost one of the victims. However, with a twist of fate, he was not present at that moment and that saved his life.
With many years working in tourism industry, he is knowledgeable about the places in Bali and the politics of Indonesia. He could even give us valuable tips as to the quantum to bargain when shopping at the bazaars.
If you are interested to visit Bali, you can contact Frankie direct:
Bali Venture Holidays
Firman Yudi Erlangga (Frankie’s real name)
Denpasar, Bali-Indonisia.
Email:
yudibalio@hotmail.comWith many years working in tourism industry, he is knowledgeable about the places in Bali and the politics of Indonesia. He could even give us valuable tips as to the quantum to bargain when shopping at the bazaars.
If you are interested to visit Bali, you can contact Frankie direct:
Bali Venture Holidays
Firman Yudi Erlangga (Frankie’s real name)
Denpasar, Bali-Indonisia.
Email:
Mobile: +6821805625037
Fax: +62-361-762439
Bali Bombings in October 2002
On the eve before our departure (back to Kuala Lumpur), Frankie said he would want to take us clubbing at the Kuta area where the happening is. Since streets in Kuta area are narrow – most roads in Bali are narrow anyway – the whole group walked with him. After walking for about 10 minutes, he suddenly stopped at an open-spaced area. We were actually standing right at the Ground Zero spot (in front of Sari Club) of the Bali bomb blast in October 2002.
.
This special design is on the road in front of Sari Club, now a vacant lot surrounded by fencing (photo courtesy of Woon TP)
At the exact location where the bomb was detonated, the authority of Bali laid a 10-foot diameter design to remind all the exact location of the blast. The memorial, listing the names of about 200 victims, was built just opposite the road.
On that tragic day, a suicide bomber inside the nightclub of Paddy's Pub (at 2 o’clock direction opposite Sari Club) detonated a bomb in his backpack, causing many patrons, with or without injuries, to immediately flee into the street.
With the blast, most people would rush out with a curious mind to know what was happening. The second bomb, contained in a van parked right in front of Sari Club, was timed to explode with maximum casualty. The force was so great that the buildings nearby were collapsed and windows were shattered several blocks away. The explosion left a one meter deep crater.On that tragic day, a suicide bomber inside the nightclub of Paddy's Pub (at 2 o’clock direction opposite Sari Club) detonated a bomb in his backpack, causing many patrons, with or without injuries, to immediately flee into the street.
.
The memorial listing the victims, locals and foreigners (photo courtesy of Miss Choi SN)
On that tragic day, Frankie’s wife was having food poisoning and required medical help. So he did not go Sari Club to meet his Western business partner. Unfortunately, his Western business partner was one of the victims in the bomb blast. The blast also shattered his dream of expanding his business with a Western business partner.
Since we talked so much of the tragic event, it was a coincidence reported in the CNN news later that evening that the three Islamist militants convicted over the Bali nightclub bombings awaited executing in early November.
.
Since we talked so much of the tragic event, it was a coincidence reported in the CNN news later that evening that the three Islamist militants convicted over the Bali nightclub bombings awaited executing in early November.
.
Clubbing
I actually learned this word, Clubbing, from Frankie. When the briefing by Frankie was completed, we walked about 50 meters away to a pub for clubbing (drinking and dancing). At the happening street of Kuta area, there are many pubs and night-clubs. The operators only provide the facility: the environment, decoration, good food, drinks, etc. served by waiters and waitress. The patrons find their own companies and buddies.
Written by KC
I actually learned this word, Clubbing, from Frankie. When the briefing by Frankie was completed, we walked about 50 meters away to a pub for clubbing (drinking and dancing). At the happening street of Kuta area, there are many pubs and night-clubs. The operators only provide the facility: the environment, decoration, good food, drinks, etc. served by waiters and waitress. The patrons find their own companies and buddies.
Written by KC
Huge bazaar leading to Tanah Lot Spring Water Temple. The ladies in our group love shopping.
Tanah Lot Temple
Yours truly is admiring the scenic view with Tanah Lot temple at the background
Strong breeze from Indian Ocean
Do inlcude this hat also ... Lots of shopping is done at the bazaar of Tanah Lot
At Jimbaran Bay
The magnificient view at Uluwatu where the cliff is fronting Indian Ocean.
A runner is running by the Kuta beach enjoying the new environment
This second swimming pool is nearer to the beach
Imagine staying in the bungalow resort where right in front of your eyes is the padi field. According to Frankie, most rich Europeans like to stay around this area.
Going to Turtle Island
Feeding fishes
Wow! This hybrid version of paragliding object can take three persons.
Yes! Do come again ...
Arriving at Santika Beach Resort Hotel of Bali. Rated amongst the top graded 4-star hotels in Bali, it is almost 400 meters in distance from entrance to the beach front.
There are two swimming pools in this resort but we never have the time to dip into the water.
Proceed to Uluwatu to visit the temple built next to a 250-feet cliff.
Visit the Batik and hand weaving home industry. Later, visit Celuk village to see gold and silversmith jewellry handmade industry. Visit Mas village for the famous wood carving handycraft and teak wood furniture. [when you view the photo album, pay attention to the objects of wood carving]
Visit Ubud market, then padi terrace at Tegalalang... a simple yet beautiful landscape
Visit Tanah Lot and Holy Spring Temple by the sea. This is one of Bali's most important sea temples that is built on the top of a huge rock. And in the temple, pure spring water is gushing out from rocks.
Romantic candle light dinner by the beach at Jimbaran Bay admidst beautiful sunset
