A complete 360 degree view of Bali

Bali is a small beautiful island and part of Indonesia archipelago. It is a dream island for vacationers. It has it all from long sandy beaches, pristine blue waters, amazing volcanoes, waterfalls and cliff side temples along with being a mecca for surfers.

HOW DID WE LAND UP

While searching for the next holiday destination – we pulled up a pending item from our TODO list and started exploring options for “Bali”. Reached out to various local and regular travel companies – but most of them had to offer a standard and a very “touristy” itinerary. On searching further – we contacted a local tour operator in Bali, explained him about our need for experiencing island and not just “visiting”. Over a few days of researching and discussion we finalized the plan.

GETTING THERE

Bali has only 1 international airport – Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar. There are multiple flights carriers that operate between India and Bali. As there is no direct flight from India, you can choose your stop over either at Singapore or Bangkok. We started from Mumbai, took a connecting flight via Bangkok.

Mumbai – Bangkok : 4:15 hours
Bangkok – Bali : 4:25 hours

VISA

Free visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. Visit the immigration counter and get your visa stamped.

Day 1: Exciting Cruise and Super clean and landscaped city

On reaching Bali, our guide was waiting with a placard with our names – most interestingly – he was dressed up in the local Balinese costume to welcome us. That’s the first glimpse of the super friendly people of Bali. We hopped onto his SUV and were off to a great start. We rushed to the hotel and got ready for the Cruise – at the Benoa Harbor.

Quick Tips: The cruise leaves right on time, make sure you reach there at least 5-10 mins early.

Even after being tired after such a long flight – the cruise was a relaxing experience. All travel tiredness went away after looking at the beautiful sunset. You can see it from the pictures below –

Day 2 – Glimpes of Ubud, Kintamani with Batur Lake and Volcano Mountains, Tampak Siring Temple.

Early start after a heavy breakfast at the hotel in kuta. Superb drive uphill to the Ubud village – about 40 kms. Checked out the amazing craftmanship of the locals. Celuk village in Ubud is also known as the silver village and that is entirely for its production of jewelry.

Next stop: Mas village – which is famous for its wooden carvings. We were completely mesmerized by the level of detail.

We then left for Kintamani – a hidden jewel about 35 Kms further up north. We had had lunch at the Batur Sari Resort. It offers an amazing view of the Batur volcanic mountain and lake in the backdrop. To top it up, the weather was at its best – clouds and the sun playing hide and seek with the drizzle. After lunch, we had the so-called Indian tea served on the roof. The dullness of the tea was completely forgotten in the light of the picturesque view and intimate weather.

On our way back, through the scenic routes, we took a quick coffee break. Not just a regular coffee stop – it was the coffee, with multiple variants. The picture says it all.

To close the exotic day, with a religious mind we reached Tampak Siring. Tirta Empul Temple - famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus go for ritual purification. If you get lucky, you could also witness the Balinese traditional ritual of water being carried from the holy water spring.

Day 3- Water sports at Tanjung benoa, Pantai Pandwa beach and Uluwatu Temple (Kecak dance show)

Our day started with some water sports at Tanjung Benoa. There are different water sports options - even the jet surfing. As we were travelling with our 5 year old kid we opted for a seeming less adventurous ride - the Rolling Donut. We screamed the hell out during the ride most important my kid enjoyed ride to fullest. Following this great ride and with all the adrenaline rush my husband got all geared up for his scuba dive - it was a truly unforgettable experience.

Given the hot and humid weather - we immensely felt the need for dip in the amazing ocean - reached the scenic beaches of Bali "Patai Pandawa" - the white sand beach. It is also known as secret beach because of its location. One of its cliff is carved into statues of Pandavas hence the name. The route to beach is scenic and a entry pass for vehicles is required. There are hardly any Indian that we could spot.

Now it’s was time for the next item on the list – although one is never quenched. We were very reluctant to get out of the water. The “Uluwatu Temple” is about 15km away from the Pandawa beach (although the road was under construction and it took about 40 mins to get there). Please try to get there before 4PM. The pictures on the internet do not do justice. The views are just mind blowing, the perfect waves, scenic location alongside the steep cliff with the sun providing a perfect silhouette.

That’s not it – we then headed to view the extravagant “Kecak Dance show” in amphitheater along with one of the most amazing sunsets in the backdrop. The dance depicts the mythological grandness of Ramayana. It is a really worth the time and value. Kids would surely enjoy the enthralling and energetic performance of Hanumana.

Day 4 – Shopping, Balinese house, Unseen north Bali - Lovina beach

Our day started with some shopping and souvenir collection. We reached “Agung Bali Oleh-Oleh”, Kuta - One Stop Shop. They have variety of options spread across two floors. We thought will complete it in one hour, but it was next to impossible. Make sure you plan for this. The packaging is just a cherry on top, they make sure to pack each item carefully. So, you do not need to worry about your stuff making back home safely.

Quick Tips: Instead of shopping elsewhere this is good option at reasonable prices.

Once we were content and pretty late :) for our day plan we rushed to our next stop “Balinese house compound” at Kabupaten Tabanan. On reaching there we entered the compound through traditional “Bali gates”. We were welcomed by an old lady who was caretaker of that house. We were mesmerized by the architecture and the layout - very different from current housing concept, they had their own temple inside the compound, different blocks for parents’ room, boys’ room, girls’ room, kitchen and an elevated granary. After going around the large campus, we were super tired, just then we relished a fresh coconut water - almost the double size of regular coconuts.

Note: You can also book a stay at this beautiful place.

Next on the card was travel through the scenic mountains, gorgeous valleys offering breath taking views, from the Central Bali to Northern beaches. Enroute we took a break for lunch at “Billy’s lake view” beside “Danau Beratan” lake. It had a limited menu, we ordered pizza and fried rice. It was one of the best veggie pizzas I ever had - with vegetables topping plucked right out from the adjacent farm. I can still remember the freshness crunchiness of the toppings. Mist with the rain made the food and view more romantic.

Finishing lunch, we proceeded to our further journey towards black sand (from the volcanos) beaches of “Lovina”. The resort was awesome with a private beach. We immediately rushed to the beach.

Day 5 - Lovina, Gitgit Waterfall AND Tanah Lot Temple

Our day started early morning at 6am, we went for dolphin surfing – along the dolphins’ migratory path – some of them pretty close to the seashore.

Within no time we saw a group of dolphins. We also saw some baby dolphins jumping above water – it felt like they were doing some aerobics. Although, this might take second spot in terms of the count of dolphins as compared to what we experienced in Maldives. The sun behind the mountains soon started coming up and providing a great tint to the silent beach sand. North Bali is somehow not frequented by Indian travelers – but its just a hidden jewel which we highly recommend.

Heading back to our resort There while having breakfast we experienced little shaking of earth for few seconds, afterwards resort guys confirm it was earthquake.

Quick Tips: Indian food is available pretty much everywhere, except for North Bali.

Next stop was "Natural hot spring" at Banjar village. There were most people taking dip and having fun in hot springs.

Gathering all the memories of north Bali we started our return journey to “Gitgit waterfall”. Till the time we reach there it started raining. It was a small trek in it. Narrow snake trail with cliff on one side and valley on other side. While walking we were able to hear waterfall sound as we reached there the view of waterfall was beyond description. There are some safe spots were u can get down under waterfall, but the cold water sends chills down my spine.

Quick Tips: Make sure you wear trekking shoes as the route may get slippery. Its advisable to hire a guide as u may miss the road.

Enroute we also took a break to click pictures at iconic “Bali Handara gates”. It is one of the awesome photoshoot points. Having a DSLR helps get more amazing shots.

To close our day, we still had a mesmerizing view awaiting us at “Tanah Lot Temple”. This really gives you a great relaxing experience to watch the sun hide behind the waves. If you are surfing enthusiast - the waves here are one of the best.

Day 6 : Bali safari tour followed by a romantic candle light dinner on beach Kedonganan Beach - Pantai Kedonganan

First things first - the safari here is good but maybe not the best. We had been to the Safari World in Bangkok and were keen to do it again in Bali. Although it was not the best. There are quite a variety of shows here. Make sure you plan your time accordingly. Some attractions that you should not miss here - "the Agung Bali show" .

After the entertaining and exhausting day, we wanted to just head back to the hotel. Although, Mr Guide insisted and were were headed to a surprise dinner planned specially for us.

A candle light dinner right on the beach, listening to the sound of waves hitting on the shore. Along with the most yummy seafood on the palate, served right to the table. It was one of the most memorable part of the trip which we will cherish forever.

Day 7 : Water blow @Nusa Dua, and a walk to Kuta beach

On the final day, we were just not content and not ready to believe that we come close to the end of an amazing week. As we had a late evening flight, we planned to explore nearby.

Water blow @Nusa Dua. Its called as water blow because due to stone structure form there water creates big waves on the edges. There was also the big statues of Rama and Laxmana. You could also find a huge copy of the holy scriptures of Ramayana - preserved perfectly in glass. Clicking some pics, we then walked down the Kuta beach - famous for surfing.

In the evening, we boarded our flights - feeling happy to be heading home, carrying the memories of a lifetime back with us. Bali - you will stay close to my heart - forever. If given a chance we would do this all over again :)