Thanks to the lousy day we had yesterday, we have been trying to escape mentally to the mountains. If you know us, we feel ourselves at home in the mountains. 2021 has been difficult for all of us but we have managed to cope on most of the days. However, occasionally, like yesterday, it gets tough.
As we process our thoughts, we seek solace in travelling back through memories. Why we dreamt of the mountains when inundated with sad emotions is something that made us curious. We narrowed down to 10 reasons why we love the mountains so much.
Tso Moriri, Ladakh, India
1. Memories
The mountains were a part of our childhoods, from road trips on the winding roads of Nepal to scaling gravity defying inclines in Darjeeling to trying yak cheese in Gangtok. As young adults, we remember freezing in the chilly winds of Chail & viewing surreal sights in the Scottish Highlands.
Our honeymoon was in Italy, but the standout memory is of viewing the Alps as we flew from Paris to Venice. We are lucky to have visited some amazing places & will continue to make more such memories.
Kyagar Tso, Ladakh
2. Delight
We are not keen on adventure sports, but walking & hiking are a part of us. When a hike takes us to a vantage spot, the adrenaline rush is exceptional. We get drunk by that sense of achievement. Physically we may say ‘no more’ but in our hearts, we know we will do it again.
3. Food
Chicken Thenthuk at The Tibetan Kitchen, Leh, Ladakh
Oh dear! This is triggering a major nostalgia. Mountain food is dainty! We always opt for the local cuisine & have seldom been disappointed. The steaming thukpa of the Tibetan – influence regions to the rajma – chawal (Indian style kidney beans with rice) of the lower Himalayas, we have always had a plethora of options when we visit the mountains.
& how can we not mention the freshly baked goods of hill stations which were home to British colonists!
4. Freedom
Dawn at Leh
When we have stood on the top of a mountain, freedom has been our dominant emotion. For those of us who live in the Indian plains, the warm Sun on our cheeks is welcome for a change. As we inhale the fresh air, with every breath, we exhale the word ‘freedom’.
5. Inactivity
There can be much to do in the mountains but there is always an option to relax. We love the fact that there is no pressure to dress up & complete a checklist of sights to see. There have been mountain trips when we have just lazed in the gardens of our accommodations, looked at the sky change colours, & listened to the birds chirp.
Spotting Indian Bisons at Dhupgarh, Madhya Pradesh, India
The pace of life for the locals is easy-going too & that can be infectious!
6. Landscapes
For those of us who live in Delhi NCR, the Himalayas are our chance of awesome panoramas. There is no better way to escape reality in our opinion. When we are in the mountains for a break, we are in awe of life every single day.
A misty morning at Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
If dramatic scenes do not make us believe in the beauty of life, we doubt anything else can.
7. People
OMG! We could write pages on this. We have met such beautiful people in the mountains. Their life outlook is different from ours & something to take inspiration from. They know the value of life & they do not take anything for granted.
A dramatic sunset at Lodwick Point, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, India
We cannot forget the ladies we met in Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh – the friendliest people we have ever come across.
8. Seasons
Be it any season, the mountains remain extraordinary. The breeze of spring, the rivers of summer, the yellowing leaves of autumn, the bone chilling cold of winter – each season has a distinctive vibe & must be experienced.
Our appetite for the mountains has taken us to impressive places – high altitude deserts of Ladakh, lush green hills of Satpura, rainfed forests of Western Ghats, umpteen hamlets of Himachal, warm hospitality of Bhutan, birds of Uttarakhand, Rift Valley of Kenya, safety of Sikkim, rice fields & volcanos of Bali, spooky Scottish Highlands, Great Wall in China, mountainous island of Kauai, undulating streets of Hong Kong, breath-taking valleys of Kashmir, cable car rides of Langkawi, vineyards of Chianti, Blue Mountains of Australia…
To each of these places, we have said, ‘we will be back’ & we do dream of returning but we also realise life is too short to keep seeing the same places. So, we continue to revisit these places in our hearts!
Punakha, Bhutan
10. Ambition
Every day we dream of the mountains. Every day we envisage our forever home in the mountains. This becomes more pronounced in the summer when we feel ourselves melting under the Sun. & also in winter because the very thought of snow surrounding us is delicious (even if inconvenient).
We do not know if & when our forever mountain home will materialise but that does not stop us from daydreaming.
Rift Valley, Kenya
It may take a while, but we will be back in the mountains at the first safe opportunity. Breathe in that fresh air & make those memories again. Till then, we are staying home, staying safe, & hope you are too!
To end our Bali blog posts series (see posts 1, 2 & 3), what can be better than to write of the day we spent on a boat, out in the ocean? It’s an experience we highly recommend. When your bones are tired from visiting temple after temple, or from partying too hard, a day sunning yourself on the boat is just what the doctor ordered.
Blue, green, aquamarine…
The Facts
We knew beforehand that we wanted to spend a day just chilling. After all, it’s not everyday we’re privy to turquoise waters. So, we scoured the internet for boat/ yacht day trip service providers.
Unfortunately, many of them proved to be exorbitant. But then we came across Indo Charters (Pulau Luxury Charters) which fit into our budget. We started interacting with Jesse on email, who helped us with all the information.
What we bring back with us are these views…
All charters of Pulau Luxury are private. This means the vessel & accompanying crew are privately yours. So, if you’re a big group, you can be assured of an exclusive, wonderful time.
Or, even if you’re a couple, (& have the buck to spend), you can enjoy a day living the life of a millionaire.
Pulau
Luxury Charters has two boats – Haruku & Rhino 1. We opted for the Rhino 1.
The total cost we incurred for eight adults was USD 1,165. The cost included food
(snacks, fruits, lunch), beverages (soft drinks, water, beer, champagne, wine),
snorkel equipment, raft, fishing equipment, towels, cruising permits, boat fuel,
certified skipper & crew, vessel to shore tenders, life jackets, insurance,
& return villa transfer in a private air-conditioned vehicle. We could also
bring our own F&B.
Bliss…
The Experience
We were picked up at 8 AM from our villa in an air-conditioned vehicle. We were at the Serangan Harbor for a 9 AM start.
The Rhino
1 turned out to be a beautiful boat. It’d individual undercover cushioned
banquette style seating down the sides of the cabin, & an open deck at the
bow & rear. The Rhino 1 also had a rooftop level for lazing in the sun, &
a freshwater shower & electric flush toilet. Further, it’d a great on-board
sound system for music. The Rhino 1 was comfortable for a day out.
We’re ready to roll!
As we set sail, we enjoyed light snacks, tropical fruits, & chilled beverages on-board. We relaxed listening to music. We enjoyed the scenery. We did some fishing. Once moored, we snorkeled in a bay with clear water. We lolled about on the inflatable raft.
We sailed over to the island of Lembongan. We had lunch at Villa Wayan Restaurant where we enjoyed fresh barbecued food. We arrived back to the harbor in Bali at 5 PM & were transferred to our villa.
Both
the crew members – Nanik & Shiby – ensured we’d a good time & took care
of us. However, we did miss the champagne & the wine; these weren’t on-board.
How can travel be complete without food? Now that you know where to stay in Bali, & what to see/ do, it’s time for the restaurants we loved. As before, the below eateries are tried & tested!
Breeze at The Samaya Seminyak
Not many pics of Breeze as the ambience overpowered our senses…
The Samaya is a resort in Seminyak. Breeze is its beach side restaurant overlooking the Petitenget Beach. The beachfront setting means lunch with a view/ dinner with a breeze.
We’d dinner
here. Soft fairy lights lit up the perimeter of the restaurant while tealights
at the table ensured we could see our visually – appealing dishes too. Plus,
our meal was accompanied by the sound of the waves!
We
experimented with a variety of meat dishes. All turned out to be delicious, specially
the Bebek Goreng (a classic Balinese ceremonial dish).
Our server
was courteous & helpful. A great meal in a nutshell! Even if you’re not
staying here, Breeze is worth visiting for a meal.
D’Joglo Beach Bar & Restaurant
D’Joglo Beach Bar is located on the Double Six Beach in the Seminyak – Kuta area. After chilling at the Double Six Beach, we were casually walking around when we noticed this restaurant, & thought of giving it a try for lunch.
All that walking on the beach & sunning ourselves made us seek nourishment.
D’Joglo has
both indoor & outdoor seating. We sat inside as it was quite warm. It’d a decently-functioning
WiFi.
The highlight of our time here was the melee of colorful drinks that arrived at our table. Bali Beauty, Lime Crushed, Long Island Iced Tea, Strawberry Crushed, Tequila Sunrise, & Watermelon Crushed made for a pretty picture.
The food was
scrumptious too. Our mouths are watering thinking of Ayam Sambal Matah, Grilled
Prawn, & Grilled Snapper. Certainly, a place to have a good time.
The ocean a stone’s throw away
Caution – D’Joglo
may not accept cards/ dollars.
Jimbaran Bay Seafood
Jimbaran Bay is a cluster of restaurants situated right on the white sand beach. You eat your meal looking out to the Indian Ocean.
It’s a haven
for seafood lovers. As you enter any of the restaurants, you notice counters
stocking fresh fish & seafood. You can choose which exact fish/ seafood you
want prepared for you. Once you select, the fresh catch is prepared on a live
counter, typically grilled. while waiting for your fish is ready be served.
Barakuda,
Baronang, Garupa, King River Prawn, Mubble, Sea Prawn, Super Crab are just a
few of the kinds of sea food you can choose from.
Caution:
Don’t expect
anything else on the menu apart from seafood.
The service
is kind of slow; so, ensure you are well spaced on time.
Vegetarians
& those who don’t fancy seafood can get queasy here.
La Favela
La Favela is located in the busy Seminyak area. We came here to celebrate a friend’s birthday. It was also our last night in Bali. Glad we chose this bar as it made our night memorable.
Mediterranean – style
La Favela has
really cool interiors, in line with its Mediterranean theme. Even though we
were a big group, we got a table readily, & had a good time with the
F&B. The staff ensured we were in good spirits. A good thing is – you don’t
need to be in a defined dress code here. Just walk in & enjoy!
Made’s Warung
A ‘warung’ is a small family-owned café/ restaurant. Made’s Warung is one of the older restaurants in Bali. It has outlets spread across the island but our experience is of the Ngurah Rai one.
We’d
breakfast here before boarding our flight. It serves both Balinese &
International cuisines. The food was scrumptious, specially the Cheese Omelet.
The service
was efficient & quick. This is all the more critical when you’ve a flight
to catch. We were a large group but the servers managed us effortlessly.
Revolver Espresso
A cinnamon roll to-die-for!
Revolver has got its basics right – amazing atmosphere, delectable food, exceptional service, & good coffee.
The café is
tucked away in a lane off the main Seminyak street. The look & feel will
remind you of a bar, rather than a café. But don’t let that fool you. Its
coffee (& coffee – based drinks) is fantastic. Of course, to keep up with
the times, it now does transform into a bar post 6 PM.
We were here
on our last evening for a round of coffee. Its Cinnamon Roll was absolutely
melt-in-mouth. The ambience is what you’ll call kitschy! Our server was
friendly & ensured we’d a good time. Cool place!
upside-down
Sisterfields
Sisterfields, in Seminyak, is a place where you can eat at any time of the day in a completely relaxed, café – style setting.
We were here for breakfast on our last morning. The place was teeming with patrons. & we soon realized why. The beverages were refreshing. Still remembering the Strawberry Milkshake… The food was appetizing too – Eggs Your Way, Omelette, Tacos etc. – sigh!
The last breakfast at a famous breakfast spot in Seminyak
The place was
buzzing with activity. So good!
Caution:
You may have
to wait for a table.
Service may
be slow due to heavy footfall.
There’s something about local cuisines.
The Paon
The Paon seemed like an unassuming restaurant on the main Ubud street. We walked in with growling tummies & had a good time here trying different dishes. Luckily, there weren’t too many other patrons which meant we got great service.
The Chicken Mie Goreng was yummy. Crispy Hash Brown, Grilled King Prawn, & Pelalah were good too.
Cheers!
Ultimo
A large group of us were here for dinner on our first night in Bali. While the ambience was kept soft & soothing, the buzz from the patrons overpowered it. For us, it was a testimony of Ultimo being good. The service was good.
We have to mention Bruschetta Bread, Panacota, & Ultimo Pizza – these were absolutely tasty.
“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.”
― Orson Welles
Now that you know where to stay, what to see, & what/ where to eat, do you want to know how we spent a day on a yacht in Bali? Stay tuned!
We hope Bali Basics turned out to be helpful to you. Now that you’ve figured out where you want to stay on your Bali holiday, we help you with the sights we saw in Bali & loved. The attractions below are tried & tested, & advocated (& not mentioned in any order of preference)!
Beaches…
Morning spent chilling at the Kayu Aya Beach
Bali is, of course, all about beaches. So, it doesn’t really make sense for us to get into these. Nonetheless, we visited the Double Six, the Kayu Aya, & the Nusa Dua beaches.
Double Six Beach
In Seminyak, as a subset of
the Seminyak Beach, is the Double Six Beach. It is a relaxed one offering
umbrella rentals & a chill ambiance. Perfect for just sitting & watching
the activity happening around you & the Indian Ocean. The water wasn’t too
cold when we visited; so, one could opt for a dip.
A riveting sunset at the Double Six Beach
Sunset is when the crowds start thronging in. Being on the west coast, the Double Six Beach offers stunning sunset views. The Beach is also home to La Plancha Bali, the beach bar that’s famous for its colorful parasols & beach bags.
Kayu Aya Beach
Kayu Aya Beach is a part of the Seminyak Beach. It is located behind Ku De Ta.
A blue sky at the Kayu Aya Beach
The beach is peaceful with quiet
activities available like body art & kite-flying. Or you can simply carry
your book & relax. The ocean was fairly calm when we visited; a few
splashed around in the water. There are a few restaurants nearby if hunger
strikes.
However, at one spot, we saw
of stream of black water coming from inland & getting released into the
sea. Not good! We must keep our beaches & oceans squeaky clean.
Nusa Dua Beach
A cheerful kite seller at the Nusa Dua Beach
The Nusa Dua Beach is one of the public beaches in Nusa Dua. The general public can access this beach to try their hand at water sports. However, we found the prices to be expensive here. (Goa has better prices!) Having said that, the water sports facilities (changing rooms, toilets, waiting areas etc.) are well-developed at the Nusa Dua Beach.
Being on the east coast, you
can get magical sunrise views.
Our favorite bit! Bali is a treasure trove for those inclined towards culture, heritage & history. Dance, metalworking, & painting are just a few of its mainstays. Bali has had a Hindu influence from ancient times, which reflects in the scores of temples found on the island. In fact, Bali is called the island of a thousand temples.
Puri Saren Agung
The Puri Saren Agung is better
known as the Ubud Palace. The palace is in the heart of Ubud, with restaurants
all around it. The road that it is located on is busy; so, note that you will
not get a parking spot here.
Ceremonial Chairs at the Puri Saren Agung
The Puri Saren Agung is the residence of the royal family of Ubud. The architecture is preserved well & is worth gaping at. The rust & grey-colored buildings are set amidst a charming garden.
Entry is free; so, you can go
in & click photos. However, there is a lack of printed information in the
Palace, making it a guesswork for sightseers.
Satria Gatotkaca Statue
Ghatotkach Temple in Himachal Pradesh, India
You can’t miss this statue. You’ll cross it once you’re on your way from the airport to your accommodation in Kuta/ Seminyak. The statue depicts Gatotkaca, the courageous son of Bheema (one of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, the Hindu epic) & Hidimbi (a man eater who wanted to eat Bheema but, instead, fell in love with him).
Gatotkaca was powerful & had magical powers. He not only helped the Pandavas win the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata, but also sacrificed himself as a victim of Karna’s deadly weapon that could be used only once (which Karna was saving for Arjuna, Gatotkach’s uncle). Hence, he is regarded with respect in Hinduism.
(Bonus – You can find a Gatotkaca Temple & a Hidimbi Temple (both perhaps the only ones) in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India.)
Pura Tanah Lot is located on a rock formation called Tanah Lot. Tanah Lot itself means ‘ land in the sea ’ in Balinese. True to its name, the rock formation juts out into the sea, with azure water all around.
The Tanah Lot Temple is
ancient & a popular pilgrimage spot. The Temple is a 16th C
marvel, dedicated to Balinese sea gods (along with Hinduism influence). Thanks
to the setting, it has become a cultural & photography destination as well.
The Indian Ocean that the Pura Tanah Lot overlooks
The Pura Tanah Lot is accessible during low tide when you can simply walk till it. The main temple is out of bounds for tourists but a small cave with ‘ holy water ‘ is accessible. The priests will expect you to donate & will give you a nasty look if you don’t.
There is another cave with a
‘holy snake’. Legend has it that venomous sea snakes guarded the Tanah Lot Temple
from evil spirits. You again need to make a donation to see & touch the
‘holy snake’.
During a high tide, the Temple becomes inaccessible. Then, the Pura Penyawang, an onshore temple is used as an alternative. Don’t forget to visit the Pura Batu Bolong, a temple built on a rock formation, similar to the Pura Tanah Lot.
Pura Batu Bolong
As you walk down to the Tanah
Lot Temple, you will cross Balinese souvenir shops & restaurants. We’d some
refreshing coconut water at one of the many stalls.
The Temple is located in
Beraban in Tabanan Regency.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Sunset at the Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Pura Luhur Uluwatu, another sea temple, is located on a cliff on the Indian Ocean, in Pecatu (Badung Regency). In Balinese, ulu means ‘ tip ’ & watu is ‘rock’. True to its name, the Uluwatu Temple is erected on the tip of a rock. The Temple construction year is disputed, but goes as far back as the 10th C.
It is dedicated to Lord Siva,
one of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism. Legend has it that the Pura Luhur Uluwatu guards
Bali from evil sea spirits. The Uluwatu Temple is accessible through a serpentine
pathway. Sightseers end up taking an hour or more to reach the Temple as they
can’t help halting at the numerous lookout points along the way.
It is surrounded by a forest with
monkeys (who are believed to guard the Pura Luhur Uluwatu against negative
influences). The Uluwatu Temple is scenic & a magnificent sunset spot. The
Sun dipping into the ocean is something you will remember for years. Thanks to
the setting, the Temple has become a splendid photography destination.
Sunsets to die for at the Uluwatu Temple
You need to cover your legs
while visiting it. Sarongs & sashes are available at the entrance. If
you’re wearing pants, you don’t need a sarong; a sash will do.
A Kecak & Fire Dance is performed every evening at a stage adjacent to the Pura Luhur Uluwatu, lasting an hour. The iconic Fire Dance was a high point of our trip. Against the sunset backdrop, the dance is magical. Dancers enact episodes from the Hindu epic, Ramayana. The background score is provided not by any instrument, but by the ‘chak’ sounds emanated by the performers.
A dancer in the Kecak & Fire Dance plays Lord Hanuman
We loved the Kecak & Fire
Dance from beginning till end. The chanting has stayed with us. The Ramayana
episodes were enacted well. Seeing one of our epics beautifully enacted stole our
hearts. Definitely recommended!
Go early if you want to see both the Pura Luhur Uluwatu & the Fire Dance. Or, even to get a good seat. Else, like us, you would have to sit on the floor & then have the inflamed husk coming toward you. Also, keep following the story in the pamphlet, else you’ll be lost if you don’t know the Ramayana.
Nature
Gunung Batur
At the cost of inviting sniggers, we state that Bali is a lot like India. That is, it’s something for everyone. (Of course, better weather. Of course, fewer people. Of course, smaller distances.) If you’re done with lounging on the beaches, or tired of visiting temples, you still have the option of soaking in nature.
We knew Bali was famous for its coffee. So, when we got a chance to taste different kinds of coffee, we jumped at it. Cantik Agriculture is a cooperative of local farmers. The coffee bean is processed traditionally. We sampled more than 10 types with each having a strikingly different flavor than the other. The tasting helped us decide which ones we wanted to buy.
A Luwak Civet Image courtesy: Our friend Tushar Belwal
We sampled the popular Coffee
Luwak, understood the process by which it’s made & saw the Luwak Civet from
whom this coffee comes. (At that point of time, we were unaware of the probable conditions the
Luwak Civet is kept in. Knowing better now, we would discourage our readers
from opting for the Coffee Luwak. Or, at least find a place where Coffee Luwak
is processed ethically.)
The farm had spices of
different kinds & a shop where you can buy all their produce. It was on the
expensive side but then, it’s once-in-a-lifetime!
Gunung Batur
Mount Batur at dusk
Gunung Batur (also called
Kintamani volcano) is an active volcano located in Bangli Regency. We visited the
volcano at the time of sunset. The mist was settling in slowly, making the
picture look surreal.
It’s famous for its sunrise
trek, but we chose not to do it. The feedback we’d got was ‘the trek’s
difficult’. But even from afar, the Gunung Batur looks spectacular. & who
gets to see a volcano everyday anyway?
It got chilly at Mount Batur
when we visited in the evening; so, do carry something warm.
Danau Batur
Danau Batur
Adjacent to the Gunung Batur
is the Danau Batur. The Lake Batur is a crater lake, located along the Ring of
Fire of volcanic activity. The Lake is considered sacred by the Balinese. It is
possible can take a winding road down to the shore.
Danau Batur is a striking color, no matter what time of the day you see it at. As you stand at any of the lookout points, the crisp mountain air & the majestic, crescent-shaped Lake Batur will stun you.
Outside the Mandala Suci Wenara Wana
Mandala Suci Wenara Wana
Mandala Suci Wenara Wana is a natural habitat of the Balinese Long-Tailed Monkey. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a blessed site located in Ubud. We can summarize the Monkey Forest Ubud in one word – enchanting!
It was love at first sight for
us – lots of greenery & Long-Tailed Monkeys (also called macaques). The Monkeys
usually mind their own business but like they say for every living thing –
don’t provoke them. The Forest is beautiful. The moss-covered ruins are lovely.
The ruins are of Hindu temples (which are actually still in use).
Temple inside the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
While the Sanctuary is well preserved thanks to a community-based management program, signboards displaying the history & significance of the ruins will be beneficial for sightseers.
In the next post, we’ll bring you a few of our favorite places to drink/ eat in Bali. Till then, happy sightseeing!
Before we headed to Bali, we had a lot of confusion about its geography & location. Was it an island? Was it a part of Indonesia? How big was it? Blame it on ignorance. And, there’s no better antidote for ignorance than travel.
Once we’d been there, many contacted us when they were planning their own trip. We realized then that we’d not been alone in our confusion & ignorance. Everyone who reached out to us knew Bali was a place to visit, but how’s Bali further divided, which are the areas to stay in/ visit, no one had a clue.
It was almost déjà vu for us, for we’d been equally clueless. After helping a few folks with a better picture of how to place their Bali holiday, we thought we should just put it down in a blog post.
First Up…
Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia. It’s made
up of volcanic islands. Beaches & Komodo dragons are just two of the many
things Indonesia is known for. Out of the 18,000+ islands that this nation has,
the largest is Sumatra. (Technically, it’s New Guinea, but it doesn’t belong to
Indonesia exclusively.)
Bali vis-a-vis Rest of Indonesia
Bali is the 13th biggest, just about
1.14% the size of Sumatra. And yet, it’s made such a name for itself in the
travel world. Bali is a great way to remind ourselves that we mustn’t
underestimate anybody/ anything!
Coming to Bali Now…
Bali is a province of
Indonesia, & is divided into regencies. Each regency has a capital.
Regency
Capital
Denpasar City
Denpasar
Badung Regency
Mangupura
Bangli Regency
Bangli
Buleleng Regency
Singaraja
Gianyar Regency
Gianyar
Jembrana Regency
Negara
Karangasem Regency
Amlapura
Klungkung Regency
Semarapura
Tabanan Regency
Tabanan
Source: Wikipedia
Bali Bali
The above map clears it out right away that it’s South Bali that has the most tourism. South is where the beaches are, along with the nightlife. As you travel north, the forests of Bali start emerging. But before that is the place where you get a taste of the culture of Bali. Further north are the regions you would visit if you’re keen to see volcanoes.
Okay, let’s take it one at a time.
Denpasar
Denpasar is the capital of Bali. The city can
easily be called the gateway to Bali due to its proximity to the Ngurah Rai
International Airport.
Denpasar has a close association with history.
In 1906, almost a thousand Balinese committed suicide to avoid surrendering to
the invading Dutch troops. The Taman Puputan square is a memorial for the
Balinese who laid down their lives.
Serangan is a part of Denpasar. It is an island
known for its turtles. Serangan is connected with the mainland by a road
bridge.
There are numerous yacht operators here that
conduct day trips/ cruises.
Serangan is also home to the Serangan Beach (secluded).
Seminyak
Let’s begin traveling south from Denpasar. The first town you will hit is Seminyak, a suburb of Kuta in the Badung Regency. You can find luxury hotels, spas, high-end restaurants etc. here. Sunsets are a busy time here with bars offering sun-downers on the beaches.
This is also where you will find gorgeous villas for your accommodation needs. We stayed at a heavenly villa called Villa Teman Eden. It was love at first sight! The pool is the highlight but the rooms were spacious with all amenities available. The prettiest bathrooms! Fantastic location! (Also read our piece on our Airbnb experiences featuring Teman Eden.)
Villa Teman Eden
Seminyak is home to the Double Six Beach & the Kayu Aya Beach.
Colorful kites at the Kayu Aya Beach
Kuta
Moving further south, you will hit Kuta (Badung
Regency), the nightlife hub of Bali. At any time of the day or night, the
atmosphere here can only be called electric.
Kuta used to be a fishing village, but also one of the first to start developing for tourism. The Kuta Beach is the most well-known (& thus the most frequented). Being on the west coast, it’s a great spot for sunset watching (& sun-downers!).
You can find luxury resorts, clubs & the like located along the Kuta Beach. And, surfers! (Do you know that surfers massively helped in restarting tourism in Bali post the bombings?)
Sightseers prefer to stay at Kuta (or its suburb,
Seminyak) as this is where the action is! Consequently, a few of the best
accommodation options can be found here, specifically villas.
Kuta is home to the Satria Gatotkaca Statue &
the Waterbom Bali (water slides anyone?).
Jimbaran
Further south is Jimbaran (Badung Regency), a
fishing village. Its Bay has calm waters.
Terrorism is an ugly part of the world today. In 2005, suicide bombers attacked a couple of popular restaurants in Jimbaran. But, the wonderful part about the world also is, it bounces back! Bali is a great example of that.
Jimbaran is lined with live seafood counter
restaurants. At these restaurants, you can select the live seafood you wish to
eat. It will be immediately prepared (generally grilled) & served.
If you’re seeking affordable accommodation
options, Jimbaran is the place to try.
Jimbaran is home to the Samasta Lifestyle Village (lots of entertainment) & the Tegal Wangi Beach (hidden beach).
Pecatu
We’re now at almost the south western end of
Bali. Pecatu (Badung Regency) is where you’ll find a hilly landscape. The hills
shield the beaches, making this area popular with nudists. Pecatu is also the
area that’s almost exclusively developed by the private sector.
Pecatu is home to the Uluwatu Temple (a
spiritual pillar of Bali) & the Suluban Beach (exotic!).
Kecak dance at the Uluwatu Temple
Nusa Dua
Let’s travel east from Pecatu to Nusa Dua (Badung Regency), the water sports area. On the southeast coast of Bali, the sandy beaches are a great backdrop for different water sports like banana boat, parasailing, sea walking & snorkeling.
A sub-district of Nusa Dua is Tanjung Benoa. A peninsula with beaches on three sides – dreamy enough?
Nusa Dua is home to the Nusa Dua Beach & the Museum Pasifika (all things artsy).
Kerobokan
Start moving northwest now. Beyond Denpasar is Kerobokan
village (Badung Regency).
The Kerobokan Prison is the stuff legends are
made of. Thrill seekers find ways to spend a night in the prison, to experience
the notoriety first-hand. For the non-thrill seekers, there are night markets
to explore.
Kerobokan is home to the Batu Belig Beach
(whattay calm) & the Petitenget Temple (wards off dark forest spirits).
Beraban
Moving further northwest, & closer to the
west coast of Bali, you will arrive at Beraban, a village in the Tabanan
Regency.
Beraban is home to the Tanah Lot Temple (you can’t not have seen a photo of this place) & the One Bali Agrowisata (chocolate & coffee plantation).
The Tanah Lot Temple
Gianyar
Let’s head a little northeast now & come to
Gianyar, the seat of the Gianyar regency. It is a town that has preserved its natural
& traditional heritage well. Once you’re done with the heritage
sightseeing, you can relax on the beach.
Gianyar is home to the Cantik Agriculture (coffee anyone?) & the Bali Bird Park (bird-watching alert).
Coffee & tea tasting at the Cantik Agriculture
Ubud
In the Gianyar Regency itself, towards the northwest, is the cultural center of Bali, called Ubud. The town is located in the uplands. Anything that has to do with Balinese tradition can be found here.
Rain-forests and terraced rice paddies surround Ubud while Hindu temples form the main attractions of the town.
Ubud is home to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Balinese Long – Tailed Monkeys. Squee!) & the Puri Saren Palace (erstwhile official residence of the royal family).
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Kintamani
Moving far north from Ubud, you will come to
Kintamani (Bangli Regency). You can view the Mount Batur from the village. It
is the place from where the breed ‘Kintamani dog’ (only official breed in Bali)
originates.
Lake Batur
Kintamani is home to the Mount Batur (active
volcano) & the Lake Batur (crater lake located along the Ring of Fire of
Mount Batur).
Nusa Lembongan
Southeast of Bali is the island of Nusa Lembongan (Klungkung Regency). It is famous as a side destination for mainland Bali visitors. Nusa Lembongan is surrounded by coral reefs with white sand beaches. Day cruises from the mainland to the island are worth opting for.
Clear ocean & coral reef at Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is home to the Devil’s Tear (cliff
jumping anyone?) & the Mangrove Forest (canoe ride).
With this, we end our short guide to the way Bali is structured from a sightseer’s viewpoint. By no means is this list exhaustive. We’ve tried to cover the areas that we’ve personally experienced.
Other Bali Basics…
Bali traffic is quite bad. We stayed at Seminyak, & chose to spend a day in Ubud. The traffic from Seminyak to Ubud was awful. This is the reason sightseers choose to break their stay into two places – Seminyak/ Kuta & Ubud.
Bali is economical for Indians. Except for the airline fares, all our expenses were similar or even less than what we would spend in, let’s say, Goa, on a similar kind of holiday.
In our next blog post, we’ll share our favorite Bali attractions.
Let's Go Sightseeing! 