Travel with Sanil
to...Bali

Part 3 (read Part 1 and Part 2) of our Travel with Sanil series features another one of author Sanil Sachar’s favourite destinations: Bali.  He is all set to release his new book, The Dark Side of Light, which features an exciting new travel story: ‘An Everlasting Travel, a Never-ending Journey’. In a face-to-face interview, we got him to play 20 questions with us. Some excerpts:

First, the basics:

Favourite beach?

Nusa Dua. The first time I visited, it really looked like a painting came to life!

Favourite restaurant?

Ubud for desserts and Potato Head Beach Club in Kuta for drinks.

Favourite place to stay?

 The Intercontinental at Jimbaran Bay.

Favourite party destination?

Vi Ai Pi in Kuta

 

​Digging Deeper:

Are you a foodie? Would you try anything as crazy as Kopi Luwak?

- I am an avid foodie. But now that I have read up on what Kopi Luwak is, I would not try that!

Speaking of crazy, what is the craziest thing you’ve ever done on a holiday?

- My definition of normal might be crazy for someone else and vice versa.  

In Bali, the story of Ramayana is told through traditional dance. Would you say Indian mythology inspires your writing?

- Not directly, but I have grown up listening to the Ramayana. So maybe subconsciously.

Bali is featured in your new short story. Any real-life incidents from your trip that inspired that part?

- Most of the stories I’ve written are accounts of real life occurrences so to an extent the Bali incident is true. But I have, of course, added a fictional element to magnify the reader’s experience.

If you had to take three celebs along with you to Bali, who would they be?

- 1. David Beckham: I have idolized him ever since I was introduced to sports and we could probably play some beach football before heading to Vi Ai Pi!

 2. Jim Carrey: because the trip would be great fun with his eccentric sense of humour! He’d also be the best person to meet new people with.

 3. Morgan Freeman: Who wouldn’t love to hear their trip being narrated by him?

What’s the most amazing thing that travelling has taught you?

- That there’s much to learn when you walk the less-travelled path. And also, to learn to say a few words in the native language of where you’re travelling: Hello, thank you, please, goodbye. It makes a huge difference.

And what’s the one thing that scares you about travel?

- Nothing about travelling scares me. It is challenging at times if you are in unknown areas but you can’t live in fear when you travel.

One travelogue you would recommend.

- One blog I really enjoy is http://projecttres.blogspot.in/, as it is very detailed and covers information from a personal perspective.  

One piece of advice for writers.

- Meet and interact with new people. They are the best source of material and you never know which person will turn out be your main protagonist.

 

Rapid Fire

Surfing at Kuta or sunrise trek at Mount Batur?

- Sunrise Trek at Mount Batur! It’s one thing I want to check off my to-do list very soon.

Nasi Goreng or Satay?

- Nasi Goreng, however if there is Satay to accompany it, I wouldn’t complain.

Flea market souvenirs or designer shopping?

- Flea Market! It’s easier on the pocket and you get to experience local culture.

Your ideal travel partner

- Izzy Squire and Sumer Bir Singh are two of my closest friends who can rival my talent of devouring food. Together we are confident we can finish any buffet! They are also always keen on trying new things—a lot like Rose in ‘An Everlasting Travel, a Never-ending Journey’ from The Dark Side of Light.

5 things in your travel bag

- I don’t carry a travel bag but a pen and a note Pad, bottle of water, sunglasses, passport and munchies are essential!

Coolest travel souvenir from Bali

- I haven’t bought any from Bali, maybe on my next visit (hint).

Three places on your holiday bucket list

- Rio de Janeiro, Ladakh and St. Petersburg 

Find out more about Sanil’s latest book at  http://thedarksideoflight.in/ and watch out for his exciting new travel story: only on the MakeMyTrip Facebook page. Have something to say? Tweet to him @SanilSachar