Indonesia, Bali – Coming from a tropical country that has its fair share of world-renowned beaches, Bali mesmerized me beyond its reputation of sand and sea. Although a small island, Bali has been branded as Indonesia’s main tourist destination and one of the most visited cities on the planet – attracting 8.26 million tourists in 2019 alone. True to its moniker as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali is blessed with natural beauty and cultural and spiritual wealth. It’s the perfect place for anyone seeking escape from urban jungles and ultimately finding paradise upon touchdown.
My first trip to Bali was short-lived but breathtaking. My family and I stayed in a luxuriously affordable hotel in Jimbaran for 4 days, with only one activity booked throughout our trip. The plan was to simply explore whatever we can as long as it’s not too far from the hotel. On our first day, we only planned to visit Nusa Dua beach, but we got lucky on meeting a local who offered to tour us around the island. That’s one of the things I loved the most about Bali: the local generosity. Hearing horror stories of locals taking advantage of unknowing tourists, I was quite skeptical to trust anyone when traveling. But I sensed honesty when talking to our Balinese tour guide. There was a genuine effort to help us discover his island and was patient enough to have us enjoy each stop he suggested.
Even though Seminyak Beach was the obvious first stop, we followed the advice of our tour guide to check out Single Fin Beach Club in Uluwatu. Perched atop a cliff, the bar and restaurant provided stunning views of cliffsides and the ocean. The view was surreal, and we spent almost the whole afternoon looking onwards with glasses of mango shake in hand.
Single Fin Beach Club
Next, we hustled to catch the sunset at Uluwatu Temple. Situated on top of a 70-meter cliff, it has become a prime attraction for its ocean views, loitering monkeys, and traditional dance performances such as the Kecak dance.
Uluwatu Temple
Upon arriving, tourists were quick to take their place by the cliff’s edge, hoping to get a clear view of the sunset. We stayed long after the sun was down, admiring the calm crash of waves against the coastline – and seeing lots of monkeys on our way out!
Uluwatu Temple
The following days were dedicated to enjoy outdoor exploration and visit cultural sites such as Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park or GWK. The park houses massive statues of the Hindu gods, Vishnu and Garuda. It also boasts the tallest statue in Indonesia, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana, inspired by Hindu mythology. The park is a wonderful addition to the itinerary of nature lovers.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
In Ubud, there’s the Ubud Monkey Forest which displays a tangle of trees, temples, and long-tailed macaques. Trekking across a 12.5 hectare of forest was a refreshing change of pace from the usual choices of amusement parks, museums, and outlet malls when visiting other countries. Nearby, the famous Bali Swing will leave brave tourists hanging high above rice terraces and lush nature.
Ubud Monkey Forest & Bali Swing
There was also a part in our tour where our local guide brought us to a coffee plantation. Tourists are helped to sample a variety of drinks made from local coffee beans that had me buying a bag or two. We also got to taste one of the most expensive coffees in the world, kopi luwak, which is interestingly made from the poop of Asian palm civets.
Coffee plantation in Ubud
But the highlight of our whole trip would be our ATV adventure deep within a Balinese jungle. Traversing rough terrain, we weaved through rice paddies and a verdant landscape that showed the peaceful surroundings of a local village. There were steep inclines, bumpy roads, and muddy paths, but it was an exhilarating ride from start to finish – and more memorable than sunbathing by the beach.
Bali is that kind of city where every scenery is a wonder that needs no filters. It’s a paradise of serene surprises beyond its known beaches. So, whenever you find yourself looking for a place to pursue your wanderlust, then Bali is the place to be.
Addresses:
- Single Fin Beach Club – Uluwatu, Pantai Suluban, Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
- Uluwatu Temple – Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park – Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364, Indonesia
- Ubud Monkey Forest – Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
- Bali Swing – Jl. Dewi Saraswati No.7, Bongkasa Pertiwi, Kec. Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80352, Indonesia
- Bali ATV Adventure (KLOOK)