THE FEELING
In the state of Gujarat, India, people celebrate the annual kite flying festival during Makar Sankranti. The sky is littered with kites of varied sizes and colors. It is a sight to behold. Ever since I was a kid, I used to look forward to the day, 14th January to be precise, eagerly. The preparations used to start months ahead, which included sneaking out of the house to hone the kite flying skills day-in and day out. I used to turn two shades darker (not that it made any difference!) standing the whole day in the scorching sun flying kites without a hint of either thirst or hunger. That was the level of excitement.
I felt the same level of excitement when we zeroed in on Bali to be our first international trip together. Sakshi and I started booking the tickets and hotels one by one long before the trip. We both forgot that we have things of higher priority to plan and attend (Read: our wedding!) in the process.
THE ITINERARY
Without further ado, we will jump right into the trip and shall try to include our favorites (and not so favorites)!
A brief itinerary to begin with:
Day 1 – 4 – Ubud / Central Bali.
Day 5 – East Bali & Nusa Dua
Day 6 – Nusa Penida
Day 7,8 – Seminyak
BOOKINGS
We wanted to experience the cultural side of Bali and hence stayed longer in Ubud. The itinerary can be changed based each person’s liking. We wanted to experience the best of both the evergreen tropical forests as well of the beaches. So we split the trip accordingly. Although the whole island is full of unexplored and untouched places ready to be discovered. There is a story at each bend of the road waiting to be told.
Flight Booking – We used skyscanner to check and book our flights.
Tip: Pre-book your meals if you have any particular preference or else you would have to make do with what they give in flight!)
Visa on arrival was a breeze! (For us Indians)
To avoid any hassles we had booked an airport transfer to our hotel. I would recommend doing that or doing it at one of the many taxi booking operators present after you exit from the arrival gates.
Also, avoid purchasing a local sim card, if you need one, from the airport. Instead ask your taxi driver to take you to local shops to save some bucks. Choose a internet plan that suits your requirements. We took the plan for 3 GB for approx. 450 INR with a validity for 10 days which was more than sufficient during our stay as most places have wi-fi.
UBUD
Day 1
Ubud is in the north of Bali and considered as the epicenter of cultural and contemporary Balinese traditions. Ubud square is the town centre which is a well-known place for shopping local souvenirs with several food outlets making it a one stop destination for everything vacation-y.
We had booked ourselves in Rijasa Agung. The entry to the resort and the entailing views from our room took our breath away. The check-in was smooth and we were allocated one of the rooms facing the forest with the Ayung river flowing below in the valley. The sound of the river and chirping birds took us straight from the noise in the city to the sweet sound of the forest.
We highly recommend this resort for its location and the amenities to offer. Apparently, it was an off-peak season so the whole resort was more or less empty with a handful of guests.
We spent the first evening pampering ourselves to a Balinese Spa in the resort. (which was costly, as we later on realised!) and then took the hotel shuttle to the Ubud Centre to take a stroll there.
Tip: Hotels in Ubud generally offer hotel shuttles which run from the hotel premises to the Ubud centre. Consult your hotel to know the timings and use it. You can even rent scooters to visit nearby sites. Make sure you are carrying an international license with you.
Day 2
Campuhan Ridge Walk – Named after the confluence of the Wos rivers (confluence-campuhan)
Right next to the Ibah Hotel & Spa entrance is the start of this aesthetically pleasing hike. The walk is lined with cemented tiles to aid in walking. However carry enough sun protection and water along with you (coconut water is available halfway on the hike.). It provides views of local homes nestled in between coconut trees, lush green meadows and the cool breeze giving respite from the heat. Just visit it to enjoy the vistas.
We went till Karsa Spa and enjoyed the vistas. On the way back we savoured on some dragon fruit and fresh coconut water.
Tip : Go Early in the morning to avoid huge crowds and beat the morning sun.
Day 3
Kintamani – Coffee Plantations – Tibumana Waterfall – Tirtha Empul Temple – Teglalang Rice Fields
We took a rental car from Komang (+62 813-3741-0800) which included all of the above. Since we had a flexible route the tour was all the more enjoyable as we stopped wherever the view was soothing to the eyes or found fresh fruits to devour.
Although people go for the Mt. Batur trek as well (You have to start early morning at 02 am to catch the sunrise from the top of the mountain) we took a pass. Trek, may be next time! 😉
We opted for Tibumana rather than Tegnungan Waterfall as we had heard not many people frequented this place. And we had a blissful experience as only handful of people were there to experience the clear waters of the waterfall. Locals say it is usually very muddy due to rainfall but the time of the month was right to visit Tibumana.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the rice fields of Teglalang and had lunch in a place nearby which served nasi goreng (veg. rice) and a delectable wrap with fresh veggies.
There are swings placed at the rice fields which are high enough to give you an adrenaline rush.
Tip : Bargain as much as you can on the swings / local dresses to buy. We were surprised by what we could achieve. The local market outside Tirtha Empul Temple was the cheapest and most bargain friendly. In general, markets in rural places are cheaper than at the city centres. Avoid buying from Ubud Centre.
Day 4
Ulun Daru Beratan Temple – Lots of Rain – Bayummala Twin Waterfall – Again Rain!
We decided to hire a scooter from one of the rentals in Ubud. Rentals were hassle free. They took the driver’s passport and DL scan and took the money upfront. IDR 50k (approx. $3 ) for 24 hrs. Helmets and insurance papers were checked and off we went to explore Bali.
We planned on visiting the Ulun Daru temple situated on the banks of Lake Bedugul, Central Bali. However, our trip was marred by cold and incessant rain which forced us to buy raincoats along the way.
Rain at the temple complex subsided but it had already dashed our plan to visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and Sekumpul Waterfall farther north. We asked around to find Bayummala Twin Waterfall. A hike through some steep descent took us to one of the most enchanting waterfall.
A mesmerizing experience where we spent time sitting on a rock admiring the beauty of nature around.
With rain greeting us again on our way back, we stopped midway to buy some fresh and juicy strawberries mangosteen and mangoes.
NUSA DUA
Day 5
Besakih Temple – Lempuyang Temple – Tirtha Ganga Complex – Nusa Dua
We rented a car which picked us up from our hotel and took us to Besakih Temple. A little over 1.5 hrs drive from Ubud Centre to the East, Besakih temple is considered to be the Mother temple of Bali. It is built on the slopes of Mt. Agung which is around 7kms from the temple . The temple complex is house to the temples of Shiva-Vishnu-Brahma along with temples of other deities. In all there are more than 26 temples inside the temple complex.
We visited most of the temple complexes and were in awe of the sheer beauty of the landscape in front of us. The hill top on which the complex is constructed gives you stunning views for miles. Spend some time with the cool breeze hitting you while you contemplate whether to leave the place or stay for some more time.
Tip : Local guides have a nexus and hence avoid bringing a guide with you.
Next on our list was the famous Pura Lempuyang Temple or Temple with Gateway to Heaven. The Mt. Agung is clearly visible while one climbs towards the temple. The temple complex is huge and tourists generally visit to click photos on the gateway. Other temples are closed for tourists and are only open if you are coming to pray. We saw a huge crowd of people gathered to click photos near the gateway.
The illusion of water beneath the gateway is “created” with the help of a mirror kept near the camera lens. Still the view is majestic with the mountain in the background looking like a protector. We next made a quick pitstop at the sacred Tirtha Ganga (Holy Water) and witnessed unique pools of water. Spent some time contemplating our next day’s plan and where to eat the dinner for that day.
NUSA PENIDA
Day 6
As we had a day to spare, on the way back to our hotel we made an impromptu plan to go for a day trip to Nusa Penida Island. Once everything was decided, our driver provided a pick up and drop to the harbour along with lunch included.
A cab picked us up early morning and took us to the ferry which took around 1.5 hrs to reach the island. Once on the island we were taken to Angels Billabong – Crystal Bay – Klingkling Beach and then finally to snorkelling. The clear waters and the coral reefs were a sight to behold. A must try for people as it is fairly easy to grasp the basics.
We reached back exhausted and tanned but without an ounce of disappointment. The whole trip was worth it.
Day 7
Nusa Dua – GWK – Seminyak
We visited the Garuda Wishnu Kencana (GWK) monument complex and spent the afternoon exploring the new tourist attraction in Bali. The GWK statue is made on a hill overlooking South Bali and is one of the tallest statues in the world (after Sardar Patel Statue in India, Buddha Statue in China).
The development of this statue complex was shrouded in controversy soon after being announced. The locals believe that none of the structures built in Bali should be higher than the average coconut tree as they are considered to be sacred.
However, it was resolved subsequently and the development work started as planned. Now the complex has been opened to public and several events are also organised its is premises.
SEMINYAK
Day 8
Seminyak – Uluwatu Temple – Sunset
For Seminyak, we would recommend the Daluman Villas. The warmth and friendliness of the hotel staff blew us away. Moreover, the villa had private Jacuzzi pool inside the villa. Beach is a mere 10 min. walk whereas rest of the Seminyak and Kuta can also be explored easily.
We hired a scooter from the hotel (IDR 50k) and went to visit the Uluwatu Temple and experience the sunset. The Uluwatu temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean It is also home to monkeys who are not at all friendly.
Pro Tip : All your personal belongings must be tightly secured or kept inside bags to prevent them from snatching them and running away. I lost my spectacles and Sakshi lost her footwear in a flash while we were trying to capture the sunset. With my specs gone and the sun setting for the day, it was a nightmare for both of us to drive back to the safety of our hotel. At all cost, take care of your belongings. People offer to help if you pay them. But the damage was already done before we could take any help.
Tip : Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot are closer from Nusa Dua than from Seminyak.
Recommendations
- Download the Grab taxi hailing app for hiring local cabs / scooters in and around Bali.
- We did not explore much of the bars or the night life as we were there for the country and the scenic beauty at offer. For such experiences we recommend spending more time in south bali (seminyak) etc.
Food
Fruits – If you are a fruit lover. Worry not, because Bali has fruits of every genre. Being a tropical paradise, the fruits are as good as they come. We had as much and as many of them as we could during our stay.
Ubud
- Plenty of Food options in Ubud. Indian Cuisines – Ganesha Restaurant, Queen’s of India. Do check out Ubud Gluten Free Kitchen for their delectable and mouth-watering gluten free dishes.
A Gluten free burger with beetroot chips on the go!
Fresh salad with beetroot chips on the go!
Seminyak
- Amul India Restaurant in Seminyak. (Highly recommended for Indian food)
We did not prefer local food as both of us were vegetarians although an occasional nasi goreng was never forgotten.
Must Visits
Kiradi Spa @ Ubud
We treated ourselves to a very relaxing traditional Balinese Spa followed by fresh ginger tea. The price is reasonable whereas the massage is very high quality! We visited it every day during our stay in Ubud.
Tip : Beware of places where the massages are dirt cheap or look shady.
Considered to be one of the main rice terraces on the island. It was considered for the candidature of UNESCO world heritage site.
Temple built on a rock few meters away from the beach in southern Bali. Supposed to be a good viewing place for viewing the sunset.
Tip : Downside – Inaccessible during high tide and hence plan you visit to the temple accordingly.
Shopping
Ubud Market can provide an array of items to choose from but bargaining is difficult and prices are jacked up. Instead, prefer buying locally made items from shops around temple complexes.
You can buy souvenirs and t-shirts from any of the temple complexes.
Tip : Bargaining is the way to go. Be confident while going as low as half of what they demand initially!
This goes for anything you wish to buy as many items don’t have a rate printed on their packs.
Surprises
Always be on the lookout for unexplored places as there are many hidden gems at every corner.
Bali has our heart forever <3