We just got back from an epic beach trip to Batu Karas with six of our friends (who are also teachers). It took me months to plan and involved considerable stress and negotiation. In the end it was totally worth it, as we spent four full days and had a blast.
Batu Karas is rapidly becoming one of my favorite places on earth. It has already become my favorite beach, beating out the likes of Fiji, Bali, SoCal, and beaches from my childhood in Haiti. Idyllic and secluded, it’s situated in a perfect cove, with waves suitable for the beginning surfer, but fun enough for the more experienced. Soft black sand everywhere. Three or four warungs serving cheap & fresh seafood, and a chill beach deck. Friendly local surfer dudes. Nothing really to do except swim, sunbathe, relax.
We swam and tried to surf, with varying degrees of success. We played chess and drank rum, wine, beer, tea, and coffee (not all at once). We had fresh seafood feasts - shrimp, squid, grilled fish, etc. We ate some mushrooms, the local specialty.
I had a mystical experience communing with the stars and the universe while lying on the beach at night. I’ve never seen so many stars in my life, nor been so relaxed. Went night swimming in a trance, swimming with thousands of twinkly little bioluminescent plankton that were floating in the bathwater-warm sea. Stayed up until the early hours of the morning, listening to my friends play guitar on the beach and making up songs while we sang and laughed.
And now, here I am back in Bandung, missing it more than I expected to. It almost feels painful, like a loss of some sort. Batu Karas has taken on special significance for me… almost a place of healing. Definitely a magical place. Can’t wait to go back.
6 responses so far ↓
1 Cyntha Johnson // Oct 3, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Dang. I just commented on Denise’s post and then I read yours.
I want to go swimming at night in a trance. But (and I write this with no disrespect to Mexico and Mexicans) I’d be more afraid of sewage, rats and other yucky stuff.
Batu Karas sounds like Hawaii…does anyone out there know of something similar in my area in Guaymas, Mexico?
2 andy // Oct 5, 2008 at 12:27 pm
local specialty, eh?
3 andy // Oct 6, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Seriously though, that’s amazing Billy. Being at the beach while traveling is one of my favorite things in the world. Maybe you were a fisherman in your past life..
4 Billy // Oct 7, 2008 at 8:19 am
Andy, I remember fondly swimming with you at Zanglais beach when we were kids. One of my strongest memories, actually.
5 Miguel // Oct 7, 2008 at 9:54 am
Sweet:) I’m glad you had such a great time man. It does sound like a mystical place. Hopefully you can make it back once more before May.
6 Debo // Oct 19, 2008 at 8:45 am
It makes us very happy to think that you had this wonderful experience with Denise and friends. Through the years I’ve learned that so many of those events that feel spontaneous and sychronistic have a strong foundation of planning. Often, your Dad has been the one to do that work for the sake of others.
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