swimming pools Archives - Splinter's Paradise

People enjoying the geothermal pool at Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Day 204: Relaxing at the Blue Lagoon

July 17, 2014

Today’s plan was to visit Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal marvel that tops most must-see lists. I woke up late, around noon, to find the dorm empty once again. Despite being fully booked every night, the hostel seemed to attract travelers who didn’t stick around for long. Clara, the German girl I met yesterday, was one of the rare exceptions—she was staying in Iceland until the upcoming Sunday, making her one of the few who planned a longer visit like me. I began my day with a simple breakfast-turned-lunch in the kitchen, using up the last of my bread…

by Maarten

Fiji

Day 147: It’s Fiji Time!

May 22, 2014

I was awakened by my alarm at 9 am, but I opted to snooze and indulge in the luxurious comfort of the bed at Tokatoka Resort. Finally rising around 11 am, I observed a slight cloudiness in the sky. However, as long as it didn’t rain, I was content. The weather alternated between cloudy and occasional bursts of sunshine. Opting for an early lunch, I treated myself to an exquisite Caesar salad at the restaurant. Absolutely fantastic. Following my lunch, I settled by the pool to unwind. Having taken a swim the previous day, I anticipated that the cloudy weather…

by Maarten

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Fiji

Day 146: Let’s start with a resort for two days

May 21, 2014

Embarking on my journey from Auckland to Nadi International Airport in Fiji, I anticipated a relaxing stay at the Tokatoka Resort Hotel, a luxurious retreat. Awakening just before 8 am, I felt the excitement of the upcoming adventure. After a quick morning routine of consuming pineapple slices and hydrating, I retrieved my toiletries bag from the car and brushed my teeth. Departing the hostel around 8:30 am, I encountered a minor inconvenience on the road due to a small traffic jam. Despite this, I appreciated the unique traffic management system on the highway—employing a traffic light on the…

by Maarten

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Australia

Day 84: The lagoon in Brisbane

March 20, 2014

I rose at 6 o’clock, finding Toshi still in slumber. Our plan for the day was to explore the Lagoon in Brisbane. Romain had mentioned it to me a few days ago on Fraser Island, emphasizing its appeal as a great spot for a refreshing swim. Upon rising, I strolled to the nearby restroom for a quick teeth-brushing session and a moment of relief. To my surprise, Captain Burke Park revealed stunning vistas of Brisbane’s skyline that I had never anticipated. Who would have thought that sleeping beneath a bridge could offer such an unexpectedly awesome experience? The restroom conditions…

by Maarten

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Australia

Day 69: Cairns, you can’t always throw a six with the dice

March 5, 2014

I touched down in Darwin around 3:00 am local time, en route to Cairns in Queensland, Australia. The time difference in Darwin was 1.5 hours ahead of Bali and 8.5 hours ahead of the Dutch time zone. Throughout the flight to Darwin, I enjoyed the comfort of the emergency exit seat. The flight attendant provided me with an immigrant questionnaire, featuring standard inquiries about my purpose in Australia, destination, and activities. I responded to yes-or-no questions such as whether I was a criminal or intended to reside in Australia. I found myself needing to provide a respondent address on…

by Maarten

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Indonesia

Day 65: Rice fields, a massage and Monkey Forest

March 1, 2014

I rose at 7 am, eager to explore Monkey Forest and indulge in a massage in Ubud. Glimpsing through the window, I was greeted by another day of splendid weather. Keen to start the day, I swiftly prepared, and within 10 minutes, I was heading to the parking lot. Accelerating smoothly, I navigated the tranquil, empty roads of Ubud, a welcome contrast to the bustling streets of Kuta. My destination: the center of Ubud and then northward to a charming village known for its picturesque rice fields. Despite 15 minutes of driving, my destination remained elusive. However, the scenic route…

by Maarten

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Indonesia

Day 64: Pura Gunung Kawi, pure tranquility

February 28, 2014

Despite setting my alarm for 9 am, I found myself awake around 7 am, ready to embark on a visit to Pura Gunung Kawi, a temple that awaited exploration. While my room seemed familiar, the distinct feature of being on the fourth floor was an instant reminder of the unforgettable events from the previous evening. After a dramatic encounter with a colossal black spider, I made the decision to switch rooms (yes, you read that correctly, no shame here, and no, I’m not one to shy away – you weren’t there!). Although I once held a tarantula at the age of…

by Maarten

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Indonesia

Day 59: Jimbaran it is, the reunion with Helmi

February 23, 2014

Today proved to be a bustling day as I prepared to depart Gili by ferry and immediately head to Jimbaran on Bali via taxi. Rising at 9 am, I had a quick breakfast. Having packed everything the previous night, I was ready for the journey. I settled the payment with the homestay host, expressing my gratitude for the pleasant stay with the family. At 10 am, I bid farewell to Eva and Hanna before boarding my boat around 10:30 am. Initially expecting an hour-long journey from Gili by ferry, it turned out to be a 2-hour sail to Amed…

by Maarten

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Indonesia

Day 50: Kawah Ijen, blue fire and Valentine’s day

February 14, 2014

I awoke at 12:30 am with a sense of excitement. Today was the day I would witness the mesmerizing blue fire at Kawah Ijen! Quickly, I put on my hiking shoes, layered up in warm clothes, and prepared my daypack, stuffing it with pastries and water. By 1 am, Robik, my guide, had arrived. We navigated along a well-kept asphalt road, encountering occasional steep inclines. Robik skillfully adjusted gears whenever the terrain demanded. After an hour, we reached the parking area, where I paid a 15000 IDR entrance fee and additional tourist fees of 30000 IDR for my camera…

by Maarten

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Concubine swimming pool at the Umbul Pasiraman bathing complex, Taman Sari Water Castle

Indonesia

Day 39: The Taman Sari Water Castle and tourist traps

February 3, 2014

At 9:30 am, I woke up and had breakfast by the swimming pool. Unexpectedly, I decided to visit the Taman Sari Water Castle today instead of the original plan to visit the Kraton, the Sultan’s palace. The homestay was deserted this morning. Although I didn’t meet any new people, I didn’t mind at all; I loved being here. I had a chat with the husband of the lady who received me yesterday. The couple had lived in the US for a few years and had traveled extensively. After breakfast, I prepared myself and retrieved my moped from the shop…

by Maarten

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