Bali
What if a water-colour hand-painting showing natural vistas with mostly green colour comes out alive, what would that place be? It will be Bali
Bali trip brings me sheer nostalgia as it was my first international trip. At that time travel bug had not bitten me and I was still the ignorant, clueless tourist. But today when I sit to pen down my thoughts on that trip it brings me waves of beautiful memories of this magical destination.
I went to Bali in the year 2008 but that trip memories are still so vivid in my mind and heart till date.
Bali is a heavenly place with white sandy beaches, lush green rice fields, ease of roaming around, great sea food, stunning beach resorts and friendly locals.
We went in the month of December 2008 for weeks trip to Bali. We landed on Ngurah Rai International Airport and were transported to Grand Mirage Resort Bali. A beautiful sea side plush beach resort with luxurious facilities. The resort has a private beach, lush green outdoors, amazing pool side cafes, big-sized rooms overlooking the sea and what not.
A bare-foot walk on the beach parallel to a calm sea transports you to an another world.
Our next few days were spent in seeing all the famous places in Bali which included visiting; Mount Batur Bali which is an active volcano that draws tourists in with both beauty and promise adventure. The still-active Mount Batur volcano has erupted about 24 times since 1800, each time reshaping the surrounding landscape
Tanah Lot & Uluwatu Temples, both these temples are perched on top of a huge rock, and surrounded by the sea with waves constantly crashing on to its base. These are Bali's most important sea temples, where you can capture the most stunning shots of sunset from top of the cliff .
Besakih Temple, known as Bali’s ‘Mother Temple’ for over 1,000 years, sits 1,000 metres high on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung. Besakih is an artistic and unique complex that comprises at least 86 temples. Besakih is the biggest and holiest of the island's temples and is surrounded by breath-taking and scenic rice paddies, hills, mountains, streams, and more.
Next was Ayung river rafting that left us completely enthralled by its adventure. The thrill of a turbulent ride and the exhilaration of navigating rapids was a memorable experience. The river is bound by stunning stone carvings from mythological period. A sight to behold.
Bali is brimming with local market selling local handicrafts, spa centres, roadside cafes, paddy fields, lush-green terrains. It offers everything that a travellers dreams of.
Today after 9 years when I decided to put down my experience on paper, I was amazed to realize that how much this place had impacted me that even after so many years, I remember each and every detail so accurately. Bali is a must for all kind of people be it vacationers, explorers, travellers, touristy, bag-packers, solo souls. Book your flights now and trust you me you won’t be disappointed.
Bintan
My second visit to Indonesia happened in Dec 2016. I clubbed my Singapore holiday with Bintan, a small island, tucked in south-china sea is just two hours away by a ferry ride from Singapore.
After a super touristy week in Singapore this was a much need change for us. Just the beach, the mesmerizing south-china sea and me. We choose to spoil ourselves and stayed in a luxurious resort called Bintan lagoon resort. The sprawling, grand resort was beyond our expectation. We decided just to, hog on the food, drink the local beer, take some relaxing spa, walk on the beach and bath in the sea. A complete relaxation for mind and body. Highly recommended for people who are looking for short stay to calm your body, soul & senses.
My two trips to Indonesia have made me realize the fact this small island country is packed with many more beautiful places waiting to be explored. My next trip to Indonesia will cover Lombok, Gilli Islands, Raja Ampat Islands, Borobudur, Mt.Bromo, and Yogyakarta.
Indonesia is calling you, what are you waiting for....
