What is better than a honeymoon far away from your homeland? Join me to discover the island of Bali (a province of Indonesia). One of the best and affordable destinations for tourist (80% of Bali’s economy).
We had the chance during our trip to visit both the Upland town (Ubud) and the beachside (Kuta, where tourist started in Bali).
In July 2017, we took our flight from Beirut-Lebanon to Bali. It was a 14-hour journey, really exhausting, which we later found that it was really worth it.
On the arrival to airport, we had to exchange currency and took the hotel shuttle (around 50 minutes trip) straight to the mountain, our first destination was Ubud.
We arrived at our destination (Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa). The Balinese hospitality was really noticeable. A warm welcome with handmade necklace made of natural flowers. Everything was arranged and well set. The mountain view was incredible; seeing the clouds in between the trees. Hearing the water falls all over the place with the resort music combined with the birds whistling.
Such a beautiful place to relax and enjoy every moment. The Balinese cuisine was delicious, while I was enjoying every bite, my wife was suffering from the chili pepper.
Staying in a small villa hanging from a tree was a real adventure. Not to forget the swimming pool surrounded by trees with all the people enjoying their stay.
It is time to relax more, what is better than having a warm spa and a relaxing massage (one of the ancient healing therapies)? They seek out your bones not your muscles, it was hurting. But once they are done, you feel like a newborn (soft skin) and barely able to walk.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to visit many places due to the rain which started few days after our arrival. We didn’t have the chance to visit the monkey forest, rice terraces and many more.
We decided then to move down to Legian the beachside of the Island. Our reservation at Pullman Bali hotel was ready. As expected, a very friendly welcome at the reception and very neat rooms and the surrounding gardens (simply a piece of art).
In the resort, you can enjoy a roof top swimming pool with live DJ and parties throughout the day till late nights. You can see people from multiple nationalities and different ages.
A variety of local and international food can be ordered in the hotel. As well as the live band during diner time with live grill to be made with any combination on your choice.
The beach (Indian Ocean) was just five minutes’ walk from the hotel. This location is a major world surfing destination. Trainers are standing and ready to teach whoever is interested. Honestly, I didn’t have the passion to try it. Looking at the people enjoying this sport, you can really feel it in their blood.
Unexpectedly, you can notice the availability of free WIFI all the way while walking on the beach. Artists are sitting everywhere; my wife got the chance to do a Henna (temporary tattoo) design which she chose.
While walking, the local markets selling all kinds of handmade arts such as drawings can be seen everywhere. You can bargain for half an hour and the seller won’t let you leave without buying. Surprisingly, every few steps, the street boys hiding form the police behind the trees jump to offer their dope.
We were offered a trip to visit Uluwatu Temple located at the edge of high cliff next to the sea. Very quiet and spiritual environment; except when ladies start screaming from time to time because of the monkeys snatching their belongings such as pair of sunglasses, camera, purse or cap. Going down the broken stairs next to the high cliff was really difficult especially for ladies wearing heels.
From the temple, we rushed down to the beach for an early dinner and to sit enjoying the stunning sunset. Which was decorated with a Kecak dance.
The Turtle Conservation Island in Kuta was our next adventure, just 15 minutes away from the coast. We took the boat which had a glass bottom for the visitors to see the underwater from upside the boat. Here we are on the island and the huge water turtles were at the entrance, moving freely for the visitors to touch and snap pictures with them. Dangerous turtles as well as other wild animals (monkeys, huge lizards, owles, eagles) were locked and can be seen from distance. Lovely birds and parrots standing and waiting the next visitor to snap a picture.
In the afternoon, the same day, we took another boat for a new experience “Sea Walker”. We stood on the boat for the trainer to explain the steps and awareness. They put on our sea walk helmets (so heavy) which later became lighter once we merged under water. We saw the clownfish (Known as Nemo in the Disney movie “Finding Nemo”) and many others.
Definitely, if you are coffee lover, tasting the Luwak Coffee in the civet farm was a must to try. This coffee origin is Bali and very expensive to produce, it requires a lot of time and energy. It is made from the partially digest the coffee by the Luwak. And then the fermented coffee will be taken for grinding and production. Our trip came to an end, I hope that it was amusing. If you have the chance to travel, Bali is your next destination. #EMBA28
