Marc in Calif

An exaggeration with some truth. Spies did suggest that the male "cak" chorus for the traditional sanghyang (trance ceremony) be enlarged and used to accompany a scene from the Ramayana epic, in which the chorus was used to portray monkeys (indeed, the first time they portrayed any characters at all). He suggested that the cak chorus be seated in concentric circles around the center -- which was where the story was danced and told. And he promoted the resulting new genre, kecak, to foreign visitors and local officials. The vocal style of the cak chorus remained as it was in the trance ceremonies. He had nothing to do with the choreography, however. That was I Wy Limbak (and the villagers in Bedulu). And the only "wild" thing about it is how certain producers have decided to light and stage it. ☺️

I first visited in 1971 and stayed in the same place! I returned in 1973 to stay for several years in a few villages around the island. It's been painful to trace the destruction of land and traditional customs to do over-tourism and over-development. Even the widespread available of electricity, indoor plumbing and telephone communication didn't do much to traditional culture and land use. At first, it was the Aussies who used Bali as their backyard Ft. Lauderdale all year long. The destruction started in the beach villages of the south and spread north, east and west from there.

Great photo! The masseurs are men rather than little boys. 🙃

For the same reason that u oftn wrt lik ths? 😘

It's very likely not open during the daytime. But I'm quite sure that it's open after Iftar (the breaking of the fast at about 7:30 pm) each day. Malaysians spend their nights celebrating, eating, and frolicking during the fasting month. And sex is not prohibited after dark. Have fun!

He hasn't posted on that IG account in nearly two years. is is still a valid way to contact him?

Well, there's no way that Losari (which is the most popular and central Makassar beach) is clean and pristine with clear water. It's more like a municipal pier with lots of food and concessions, but nobody swims there. It's a domestic tourism site that's mostly about restaurants, concessions, and other tourist attractions. There's no sand -- just rocks and pavement. The AI description is pretty misleading! However, Pantai Biru and Pantai Tanjung Bayang are indeed much closer to the types of beach that you're seeking. There are many others like them, plus the small islands I mentioned.

Your experience in Mactan Newton township made me think of that partcular complex in Makassar. I think you enjoy modern-ish neighborhoods and enclaves that can give you the amenities you like. On the whole, I think Makassar as a city is more pleasant than Cebu City. However, you own't find the beaches to be the same as in Jomtien. Most of them are public, although a few small areas of sand and beach belong to hotels. It's a city, so the sand won't be pristine and white. Neither is the water (for the most part) clear and blue. It's a port city, so the water is too deep for casual swimming and wading. Typically, you can't walk on sand for kilometers at a stretch. So this will probably be a deal-breaker for you if you need to do your beach walking every day. Not too far from Makassar are indeed nice beaches with clear water. There are also islands where you can explore.

I generally have no problems with streets, sidewalks, pathways, hills, or crowding. Streets in Jakarta are just like streets in hundreds of other Southeast Asian destinations. Don't you complain about walking around certain places? What's your problem? Poor you, Old!

If your goal is to find an apartment or condo with expansive sea views located in a walkable area that is close to some type of gay life, your options in Indonesia are severely limited outside Bali. Very few urban centers have high-rise rentals with expansive sea views and a decent gay life. (Even Bali has no high-rise buildings of the type you enjoy in Jomtien.) In Jakarta there are some, but your transportation options from the northern edges of Jakarta will be terrible. And there won't be much to walk to except golf courses. Moreover, the land beneath your building would very likely experience flooding. Surabaya also doesn't offer you what you're looking for. Its coastal condo complexes are in the far east of the city -- in the mangrove swamps! So your choice is basically a low-rise building in Bali, of which there are many. Walkability and neighborhood-like feelings might be limited. But apps will give you the companionship that you enjoy. Where would I choose? I've been going to Indonesia for move than 50 years, living there for several. My pick for an urban center with a few high-rise complexes that have ocean views would be Makassar, the largest city on Sulawesi island (and in all of eastern Indonesia). It's a lovely "smaller" city (pop. 1.5 million), walkable, with malls and other attractions. It's also close to plenty of day-trip sites. Most of the guys are circumcised (Muslim), and the demographics include immigrants from other islands as well as the hinterlands of Sulawesi, which is itself a huge, amazing island.

Because you posted an image, that video link is unclickable. But here are a couple of direct links to Arthur and Paul videos:

Enough to postpone your move to the Philippines? 😇

Please do not shorten your future reports. They are special gems no matter how long!

Yes. That's why I usually edit and proofread a few times before submitting a comment. Then I check it again after it's published. I've edited my comment above to remove any trace! I think you can still do the same to delete the two sentences where you quoted me.

This day's report was one of your very best! Thanks for including so many details so that those of us who'd like to visit the area will have many options and descriptions. 👏