There's something about this place.




There's something about Echo Beach and the black sand that stretches out through the foggy haze of afternoons. I've tried to avoid Kuta like a plague but at very tip of it is a town called Canggu. I found it more quiet and not as jaded as Kuta. A lovely scenery of rice terraces, cute little restaurants and a thriving surf culture. It has a special kind of serenity that resonated with me.

On some mornings I'd have breakfast at the same restaurant by the shore and watch surfers glide and carve through the waves. I would take a walk, past the temple, and on to the next beach and just lay out on the black sand. I'd draw patterns on the black universe under my feet and step into the tidal pools and just sit there. Doing nothing and everything at the same time.






I stayed at Kima Surfari Surf Camp for a few days first. After spending an amazing few weeks in Bingin Beach in the Bukit Peninsula, the shuttle picked me up and we were on our way to Canggu. My driver was a funny local with dreadlocks name Petu, he taught me more Indonesian words and I taught him English on the road to the north.

I arrived in Kima and was instantly welcomed by the staff, they showed me around the surf camp, provided me with my surfboard and a bicycle to get around. The next few days were spent surfing (or attempting to surf!), having delicious free breakfast at the camp, drinking coconuts with new friends as we watch the sun turn gold and dip into the horizon, biking around Echo Beach, and chilling inside the Surfer's Lodge which was fully equipped with a pool, communal kitchen, and a cozy living room for all of the bunkers.


















Sunsets with the boys


















On my last few days in Canggu, I stayed at FRii hotel. I was welcomed by sweet Yani, one of the managers. We shared our life stories, dreams, and passions, laughing together as we had a delicious lunch at the rooftop overlooking all of Canggu. The staff showed me to my beautiful room with sliding doors that open into the pool, just a few steps away.

At night I would sink into the water, swimming back and forth until I stuck my head underwater just listening to the stillness. Watching the clouds unravel the blanket of stars above me. It's in these moments where I close my eyes with my ears below the surface and I forget I am human, even for just a few moments.

Swimming in pure bliss, swimming in pure solitude.





























As much as I have completely loved spending the past seven weeks in Indonesia, meeting and reconnecting with beautiful kindred spirits, I find bliss in solitude. Echo Beach grew on me more and more each day and my feet felt more grounded. Here I've found time to reflect on everything that has happened, to refuel, to reignite the fire, to look back on past weeks in retrospect so I can taste it again, learn from it, and write about it.

Solitude is bliss, and bliss is right here.


Thanks to Kima Surfari Surf Camp and FRii Hotels for hosting me and making my stay in Canggu extra magical. 

Visit Kima Surfari on their website www.kimasurf.com and Facebook page www.facebook.com/kimasurfaris, Check out Sole Sis Adi's full accommodations review.

Visit FRii Hotel  on their website www.friihotels.com and Facebook page www.facebook.com/friiechobeach

*All images by Stephanie Dandan

Stephanie is a nomadic photographer, wanderer, adventurer, dreamer. She lives for capturing moments of bliss, wanderlust, inspiring hearts, reigniting spirits, and infinite moments of Satori. Follow her journey at Infinite Satori.