Nusa Penida, the Walker's Island

When we arrived near Sanur Port, the Grab driver gave me a long explanation, but I didn't understand it properly and went straight inside the port. As it turned out, I had to check in at the ferry company's office outside the port first to get my ticket. In the end, I had to walk back the three-minute distance. I promised myself to listen more carefully to drivers in the future. At the office, I received a red boarding pass lanyard.

When the crowd surged forward, I checked the color of my lanyard and matched my pace. At every fork in the port, guides split people up efficiently after looking at their lanyard colors. Since everyone's destination was similar, there seemed to be no risk of taking the wrong path.

As we approached our boat, the five massive engines mounted at the stern caught my eye. It was an impressive sight that gave me confidence we would slice through the water at high speed. Once the engines roared to life, the speedboat cut through the waves and charged vigorously across the blue sea.

When I got off at Nusa Penida Port, the atmosphere changed completely. This was an island where Grab services did not reach at all. As soon as I disembarked, I negotiated back and forth with the local taxi drivers waiting there before getting into a car. I was slightly surprised by the taxi fare, which was higher than I expected, but once the car started and I saw the road, I understood immediately. It was a rugged route with endless climbs and descents on steep mountain roads, and combined with the recent rise in global oil prices, it made perfect sense to charge that much.

The resort I visited after passing the mountain roads was nestled right in the middle of a dense jungle. The price was reasonable, and the building was neat and brand new. I got a strong impression that the entire island was being fully developed as a tourist destination.

After putting down my bags and taking a slow walk around the jungle-like resort village, my mind felt naturally refreshed. The sunlight filtering through the dense shade of coconut trees was warm.

On one side of the yards along the road, it was easy to spot gamecocks kept in wire cages. With their brilliant plumage and stately postures, it was clear that the local residents raised them with great care.

At sunset, I went out to the neighborhood where the resorts were clustered, but there weren't many restaurants to choose from. I settled on a small place famous for its pizza. A moment later, a pizza arrived topped generously with fresh basil leaves. The scent of basil sharply wrapped around my nose. Beyond any fancy culinary techniques, the ingredients in this neighborhood were so incredibly fresh that they brought a mouthful of healthy flavors.

The next morning, I had to give up the manta ray tour I had been looking forward to. Due to a severe stomachache, I couldn't dare to get into the water. However, it felt like a waste to just lie in bed, so I put on my sneakers. I am someone who naturally loves to walk. I set a trekking route that crossed the hill behind Crystal Bay all the way to Angel's Billabong.

After initially gaining about 87 meters in altitude, a gentle and flat dirt path unfolded before me. After walking for a while along the forest path filled only with the sounds of insects, I ran into a brown cow standing under the shade of some branches. It was a delight to meet such an unexpectedly gentle creature on a path so rarely trodden.

As I neared the summit, a small and cozy countryside village appeared at the end of the quiet path. This marked about the halfway point of the entire course.

After passing the village, a long stretch of asphalt road followed. Personally, since I prefer cozy mountain paths, I felt a little disappointed when faced with a road exposed directly to the scorching sun. However, as I walked a bit further along, the distant blue sea revealed itself beyond the road.

When I reached the entrance of the destination, there was a small, shaded shelter. Here, I ordered a whole coconut and drank its cool, freshly cracked water while flying my drone. Traveling alone is great because I can stop whenever I want without having to worry about anyone else. It is a time when one gets close to absolute freedom, free from compromise or agreement with others. Yet, it also brings one closer to loneliness, and as the years go by, I realize that finding a balance somewhere in the middle is by no means easy.

Finally, I set foot in Angel's Billabong. I had walked through that scorching sun just to capture this scene with my own eyes. Honestly, because I tend to enjoy the process of walking itself, a beautiful journey is usually enough for me, but today, even the final destination was perfect beyond imagination. The sight of the massive cliffs cradling the sea like a natural arch was breathtakingly overwhelming.

On the way back, I intended to catch a motorcycle taxi, but since everyone had arrived in tour group vehicles, there were no empty taxis to be found. I had no choice but to refuel my own body first. I went into a nearby restaurant and asked for a burrito, but they were out of ingredients, so I ordered a quesadilla instead. What actually arrived on the table was a quesadilla rolled up like a round burrito. I had a little laugh, but when I tasted it, it was indeed a crispy, savory, genuine quesadilla, so I happily finished the plate.

Leaving the asphalt road where passing cars radiated heat, I entered the shaded forest path again. The sound of cars faded, and the noises of insects and the wind returned.

After walking for quite a while, I found red flower petals scattered on the ground like silk. Stepping on this red path laid out so skillfully by nature made my footsteps much lighter.

Finally, I entered the entrance of our neighborhood where my lodging was located. Seeing the dirt path stretching under the shade of large coconut trees made me feel as glad as if I had already arrived home.

At last, I arrived safely in front of my resort bungalow. I wonder how many people have actually traveled from the Crystal Bay area to Angel's Billabong entirely on foot without taking a vehicle. These days, I might be the only one. Before roads were cut in all directions, this forest path I walked today would have been the main road for the island's residents for decades. If there is anyone who enjoys walking trips like me, I would gladly recommend this course. It has no dangerous spots at all; it is a harmless path, much like the kind smiles of the Indonesian people. However, starting early in the morning before the sun reaches its peak would make it far more perfect.