Bali, Indonesia Surf & Culture Report: Enormous Waves, Dengue Fever, Kecak Dance

The traditional healer that gave me the cupping therapy 2 weeks ago helped me for a bit, but not long. I ended up going back to Bali from Java and going to the doctor after 5 nights of fever. Yep, I got Dengue Fever. You get Dengue Fever from mosquitoes and I don’t recommend it.

In Bali, the waves were enormous. I went to Uluwatu and it was cranking. I actually thought I was going to paddle out until I walked down to the cave (where you paddle out) and saw how big it was from eye level. Like the cupping treatment, my confidence didn’t last long.

Late drop at Padang Padang, Bali. July 8th, 2014 — Late drop at the famous Padang Padang, Bali. July 8th, 2014

I ended up surfing Impossibles and Padang Padang and it was still big and I got demolished and had some of the best waves of my life, but it was nothing compared to Uluwatu.

Ulus was simply going off. I still can’t believe there were two guys out surfing Bombies way way out. It was simply frightening out there.

I also had time to catch a Kecak dance. If you’ve never heard of this traditional Balinese Hindu dance, look it up. It’s absolutely spectacular.

Big one at Uluwatu, Bali. June 26th, 2014.

Bali had the most special culture I’ve encountered on Earth. The surf is just so crowded these days that I generally avoid Bali at all cost. But, I will say, I made friends with Bali again on this trip and I’m looking forward to going back next year.

My trip has come to an end and I’m back in California for 10 days before I head to Argentina for the southern ski season. All I can say is: thanks Indo.

Check out all 5 reports from Indonesia’s Java, Bali and Lombok this June and July here: