For me, coming to Bali was a travelers delight. Nothing could beat travel fatigue better than the friendly, smiling Bali faces at Customs and Immigration at Denpasar airport and ‘Visa on Arrival’ stamped in my passport for USD10 in 15 minutes flat!
I had heard that Bali was an island of temples, dances and ancient rituals; with more than 95 percent of the 3 million people practicing a form of Hinduism. But nothing prepared me for my taxi driver’s recital of ‘Gayatri Mantra’, followed by a Kuch Kuch Hota Hai song at the same time. I was blown away by the Bollywood madness in this Far Eastern city, so much so that I was immediately labeled “from Shah Rukh Khan’s country” by every taxi driver and local I met.
Upon arrival at the airport, most tourists head directly for the beach areas of Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua. I chose Kuta simply because it is still possibly the center of nightlife along with a wide variety of shops, boutiques, and galleries. What more could ask!
Bali offers a wide section of hotels to suit all budgets, from simple budget accommodation for backpackers to five-star hotels with indulgent spas for those seeking pure luxury. I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, a stone’s throw from Kuta beach.
At sunset, Kuta beach comes alive, with people wanting to enjoy the impressive panorama. Throngs of tourists, locals selling colorful sarongs and batiks, and a Balinese dance performance somewhere on the endless stretch of beach…and if you want to dance until the wee hours of the morning, you won’t be disappointed: the pubs in Kuta are amazing. , with a wide range of pubs and discos that offer a lively nightlife.
The best way to experience Kuta is simply by asking the locals, who are very friendly and always willing to help you. I was lucky to have a very successful Indian friend in Indonesia, Kishore Pridhnani, who together with his wife Radha took me on a night tour of all the fancy places in Kuta. The one that left a lasting impression on my mind was Ku De Ta, a stylish restaurant overlooking the beach. I loved the atmosphere in the evening and would recommend this restaurant to anyone.
If kick-back and relaxation is your type of vacation, however, head to the southern peninsula, with world-class self-contained luxury hotels located on quiet stretches of Sanur and Nusa Dua beach, as well as Jimbaran Bay. (which is also very popular for its very reasonable seafood) These white-sand beaches dotted with thousands of mangroves and coconut palms and protected by coral reefs, create an ideal haven for honeymooners or those who prefer solitude.
To take a break from the hustle and bustle of Kuta, I headed to Ubud, which I must say has retained the feel of a cozy village haven, despite the growing tourist industry. Ubud is Bali’s arts and crafts capital, so in addition to the streets lined with shops and workshops specializing in traditional crafts, there are a number of different art galleries and museums to visit.
The next I headed for a day cruise from the port of Benoa that took me to Lembongan Island, a popular spot for surfers and scuba divers. (At about $60 and up for the day cruise including lunch, I think it’s worth a visit.) Arriving on the white sandy beaches of Lembongan Bay, you can take guided snorkelling tours and glass bottom boat cruises or simply walk among the native Balinese villages.
If you want to take a break from the beach scene, I suggest a trip to the cool mountains of Kintamani with its verdant rice fields, placid Lake Batur resting in a huge crater, and the impressive Gunung Batur volcano dominating the landscape. Evenings tend to be cooler, so pack a warm sweater or shawl and make sure you have a camera to capture the spectacular view of Mount Batur.
Bali is one of the spa capitals of the world where you can enjoy a spa treatment at very reasonable prices. If you want to indulge yourself, you can try an elaborate menu of lulur massages, rice paste scrubs, flower petal aroma baths and indulgent cream baths. I suggest you check out some of the local spas that include spa therapies in their vacation program every day. And don’t forget the traditional herbal and root drinks: ‘jamu’, a local Balinese remedy for fatigue, headaches, bone pain or chills.
For the adventurous and sporty, Bali offers a host of adrenaline-pumping water sports, both above and below the water. Surfing, diving, banana boats, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, bungee jumping, Bali offers it all.
Try rafting on the Ayung River in the middle of a wild tropical forest. Travel along the mighty Ayung River as it winds its way through numerous hairpin turns and swirling rapids. A full day program would only cost you around USD 35 and up and I found the experience utterly exhilarating.
For those who love the underwater world and have always wanted to dive, there is spectacular diving and snorkelling in the pristine coral reefs around the island, with the most amazing and colorful underwater life. There are even beginner courses taught by qualified professional instructors for the hobbyists (you can take a one day course for less than USD 100)
And while you’re on the beach enjoying water sports, enjoy the locals cajoling you into trying your hair braids, getting a tattoo, or even enjoying a relaxing massage.
If you are traveling with your children, be sure to take them to Waterboom Park. My kids and I enjoyed a day of water slides and pools of all sizes with restaurants and cafes close at hand…good family fun for kids of all ages!
When you feel like venturing out for a meal, there are many bamboo cafes open to the breeze serving authentic Balinese food as well as a variety of sumptuous international cuisine. But for those who miss Indian food, I suggest trying a delicious meal at Queen’s Tandoor in Seminyak, where owners Puneet and Neeta Malhotra go out of their way to pamper you with personal attention.
Another great hobby here is shopping!
For those who don’t want to stray too far from the beach, Sanur, Kuta, and Ubud have more than enough to appease any shopper, from sarongs and sandals to wooden statues, stone carvings, and iron and bronze work. But if you are interested in shopping, you can shop for branded items at malls like Mahatari or also look for Branded Clothes Factory Sales.
You’ll find the ultimate in outdoor shopping in South Bali, where traditional Asian-style shopping still thrives. Check out the local painting styles. I suggest that you always enter at less than a third of the price and even leave, until you get the price you want. .
And before you leave Bali, don’t forget to buy their cold sauce called Sambal (it’s unique and you can even pick it up at the Bali airport duty free shop).
From the locals raving about Shah Rukh Khan to the colorful Balinese-Hindu culture, this tropical paradise attracts Indians not only for its natural lusciousness but more importantly for its culture and the warmth of the Balinese people.
With Bali becoming more accessible and affordable, with cheap extension packages from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and great deals from Garuda Indonesia Airlines which have daily flights connecting the island for as low as USD160 for a round trip ticket, I would definitely recommend this one. island getaway. as your next travel itinerary!
Copyright (C) Manoj Gursahani