The Travel (to Palau)

Well, we decided to put a separate post for trip between Bali and Palau as we thought it deserved one. It lasted 38 hours and involved no less than five airports.

So, started in Dempasar in Bali (Airport No1) at 3 pm on Monday, November 26^th. Few more Bintang beers (actually pretty decent – probably the best thing in Indonesia!) and noodles at the airport. Not too hard to say bye-bye to Bali, especially as we are going to Palau. Air Asia flight was pretty short (especially as we were sleeping most of the time – thank God for rain sounds on i-pods!) and next thing we were in KL (Airport No2). Not the main airport (reserved for low cost carriers), but seems this one is never asleep either. And Internet connection was good! Very sad that we were tired (well, one of us at least) and needed a kip. So, Nives joined the locals on the floor and Dejan went on to check Facebook. Few hours later we boarded next plan for Clark, Philippines (Airport No3). Slept through that one as well, I’m proud to say. It was actually so good to be back in Philippines, that we were sorry we haven’t decided to stay longer. We took a bus to Manila and decided to spend a day in the Magamall. Good choice! Not only did we get a little bit of western consumer fix, but we also had pizza and wine (yes, baby!!!). And people are so much friendlier than in Indonesia. Definitely a better place to come to! Positive change in Manila that we have noticed is slow establishment of the middle class. In the past practically only people in the restaurants and shops were ex-pats. Not any more, a lot of locals now as well. So great to see that! Completely spoiled by Indonesia we were planning to catch a taxi to airport, but as it was rush-hour we couldn’t find any free ones (again, go Philippines!!!). So, we went with the buss. What should have been about 20 minutes ride proved to be a two hour one. That says it all about the traffic jam. Think the concept was invented in Manila. Not to mention how close busses and cars are at some points. Just plain crazy… Luckily we started way too early and managed to get to airport in time (Airport No4). And there we had an experience not to be forgotten soon. Talking about United Airlines service. Never have we seen anything so chaotic and unorganized in our lives. There were about 20 people there doing what about 2 people do for RyanAir. And do it better and faster. We were amazed, actually stunned… Have been asked the same questions about 5 times by same people. If there wasn’t for good mood from having wine in the afternoon, we would have probably lost it. This way, we went with the flow. And went… and went… Yes, you guessed right – plane had a 2 hour delay!!! After ditching blowing air-cons (what is it with this in Asia – trying to recreate a home feeling for all tourists, or what? We like the good weather people! That is why we come over!) and squatting on airport floors again (this is becoming a habit) we boarded what must have been the oldest and crummiest plane we have seen in ages. And we paid 500 EUR each for this ticket!!! Definite rip-off! So much for monopoly (fyi, UA are the only airline flying to Palau from Manila, other options are from Japan, Korea and Taiwan; and getting there is expensive)… At last, at 5 am we were in Palau (Airport No5). Final thought? 

We are definitely getting too old for this…