Our friend Fiona stumbled along this tiny beach and
recommended it to us. One morning we rented a 125cc scooter and left in search of this little piece of paradise. Checking the map, we drew closer, and while crossing a bridge on the curvy little road, we spotted the dot on the map; labeled Padang Padang.
Paying 20 cents to park the scooter that we had paid $5 to rent for the day we then hiked toward the cliff overlooking the beach. We found this tiny passageway which squeezed between the rocks and waited for some dudes to come up with their surf boards.
It was unbeatable. About 100 yards of sand surrounded by lava rocks with terrific views of the ocean and waves braking on the shore and out on the reef. There were very few people there, a definite bonus.
Many surfers were out where the waves were breaking on the reef. We choose to just watch and were glad we did as the tide went out and a surfer came in with his back all scratched up. We learned that as the tide recedes there is a stronger break, but at the same time the consequences for a risky run can be great, as one can get dashed against the reef.
As the tide went out in the afternoon, more of the beach opens up and we founded a secluded spot under some palms, and between lava rocks.
I did some reading in our friend's
Lonely Planet book...
and Chelsie did some reading on her
Kendle book. I think that she was reading "
Wuthering Heights" at the time.
The locals came and went, trying to sell you jewelery, sarongs, and t-shirts.
On top of one of the big rocks jetting into the water there was a small "temple" where offerings were set and
incense lit on a daily basis. There were rusty old coins scattered about. I assume that they were the remainder of past offerings and were quickly corroded by the salty breeze.
The children of Bali are beautiful. These little boys were having the time of their lives playing in the water. They weren't afraid of anything. While they only had one body board between three of them and they didn't let that dampen their fun. All three would sit on it at the same time waiting for the next wave to come. With their combined weight, however, they only moved a few feet each time a wave came.
Dreamland had a shore break as well as a reef break and you could play in the waves if you were brave enough. Near the shore the waves were anywhere from 5-7 feet, while those on the reef were upwards of 15 feet.
The view from atop a cliff we hiked up.
The sunsets were magical. Although they were beautiful, they were also a bit gloomy, we never wanted the day to end.
