Can I buy beer at the mart in the Bali village where the author stayed?

The only mart in the village does not sell alcohol. You could ask the driver to buy alcohol on your behalf, but the author's group went outside the village to go to a pub themselves.

How long does it take from the village to the local pub the driver guided them to?

The local spot frequented by villagers is located about 40 minutes away from the village where they stayed. It was closer than the tourist attractions they had visited before, so it took less time and physical energy.

What were the characteristics of the local place 40 minutes outside the village?

It had a unique atmosphere, feeling like a cafe but also selling beer. In particular, there was a separate space inside equipped with a karaoke machine, where the author's group enjoyed singing.

Bali Karaoke Bar Review: Singing with the Locals

My journey to Bali was all about soul-searching.

While it wasn't quite a full-month stay, I managed to save up a generous amount of annual leave at the very end of the year...

"Hey, I'm heading out on vacation now!"

"Oh, nice! When are you back? Next week?"

"No..."

"The week after next?"

"No..."

"Wait, then when?"

"Next year!"

Of course, my official leave request was already approved by my manager, and this was just a lighthearted chat with a coworker after our team meeting.

My Escape from a Bali Yoga Retreat: Indonesia Travel

After that little adventure, I swore I wouldn't venture out of our quiet village again.

But you know how it is...

I really, really wanted to find a local pub. I just needed a cold, refreshing beer in a social setting.

This is the only grocery store in our village, and unfortunately, they don't sell any alcohol.

If you ask our driver nicely, he can go buy some for you (or you can ride along to get it).

But that wasn't what I wanted. I wanted the vibe of a real pub.

The craving started creeping in late in the afternoon, and it only grew stronger.

So, those of us who were still up for an adventure decided to beg our driver.

(After our last excursion, our group split into two camps: the ones eager to explore more, and the ones who refused to leave the villa ever again.)

"Hey, we don't want to go to some far-off tourist trap. Isn't there a local spot nearby where the villagers actually hang out and grab a drink? Please?"

He told us about a spot about 15 miles away (roughly a 40-minute drive) where we could get a beer, so we hopped right in.

When we arrived, it wasn't exactly a typical pub...

It felt like a strange hybrid of a cozy cafe and a bar. A bit hard to define, but charming in its own way.

And then... we spotted a private karaoke room. The moment we realized they had karaoke, the beer plan went out the window and everyone sprinted straight for the mics!

Wait, guys... what about our quiet beers?

Well, everyone looked incredibly happy, so I guess it was worth it...

But seriously, why are all my photos from this night completely blurry?

Despite my promise to stay put, leaving the village for a few hours was actually a blast.

Since it wasn't too far, it didn't drain my energy or eat up too much travel time.

But seriously, this is the absolute last time.

For the rest of the year-end, I am going to quietly reflect on the past year and organize my thoughts in peace.

Indonesia Solo Travel: Finding Myself

That was the whole point of this trip...

Yet here I am, finding everything else except myself.

Let's keep the rest of the year quiet, peaceful, and solo.

Though I might allow myself just one more cold beer.