A getaway we’d eagerly anticipated the entire year, if not our entire lives! Planning the perfect holiday with your partner is a dream, and we finally seized the opportunity to make it a reality.
Amidst the hustle of wedding preparations, we dove into the task of finding the most unforgettable hotels to ensure each stay would be etched in our memories. Crafting a meticulously stitched itinerary was high on our agenda.
Opting to extend our adventure, we booked a 12-day retreat in Bali, dividing our time among Ubud, Gili Air, Nusa Penida, and Kuta.
UBUD: Ubud, a charming town in central Bali, surrounded by rice fields and small farms, emerged as a major art and culture hub. The architecture showcased the town’s progress, and the welcoming spirit made us feel right at home. Our November visit, at the onset of the rainy season, brought cool mornings and evenings, with occasional overcast days. Each cab driver in Ubud turned out to be incredibly friendly, quickly making us feel like part of the community.
Our first day unfolded in a villa with a pool offering breathtaking views of rice fields. After a refreshing dip and a hearty brunch, we explored the Ubud market, stumbling upon a traditional Balinese dance performance at the Ubud Palace. The day ended with an ATV ride through Bali’s marshy forests and a rejuvenating Balinese massage.
The next morning, we strolled through Tegallalang’s rice terraces, visited Tegenungan waterfalls, and experienced the spiritual Tirtha Empul temple.
GILI AIR: A fast boat ride took us to Gili Air, where warm breezes and chilled beer welcomed us. Exploring the island on rented bicycles revealed its tiny size, making it easy to navigate. Gili Air’s diverse restaurants and beach bars, each exuding a unique vibe, offered a delightful culinary journey. Scuba diving at Meno wall allowed us to witness sea turtles, clownfish, and vibrant coral formations.
With all that fear, it’s much easier to stay at home in our comfort
zones than to break out and travel.
NUSA PENIDA: Our ferry transported us to Nusa Penida, where we marveled at Crystal Bay’s sunset and explored Kelingking beach, Angel’s Billabong, Rumah Pohan Treehouse, and Diamond beach. Snorkeling the next day provided an up-close look at Manta, Gamat, Crystal Bay, and the Toya Pakeh Wall.
KUTA: Returning to Bali, we explored Sanur port, Uluwatu Temple, sampled Kopi Luwak coffee, and enjoyed a romantic beachfront dinner. The last day involved shopping at Bali Bidadari Batik, UC Silver Gold art gallery, and Ubud art market.
Bali’s warm welcome, friendly locals, lush landscapes, and diverse activities left an indelible mark. Though our itinerary was packed, there’s still so much more to discover in this enchanting destination. As we bid farewell, we promised ourselves a more leisurely return to Bali in the future.
Journey Insights:
- Opted for seamless explorations with car charters via Klook.
- Unearthed hidden gems for our stays: Samkya Villas, Pink Coco Resort, Merta Beach Bungalows, and S18 Villas.
- Mastered the art of budgeting: Found sweet deals on Agoda, Booking.com, and Airbnb.
- Bargained our way to treasure at Agung Bali Oleh-Oleh and the vibrant Ubud Art Market.
- Transformed INR to USD before takeoff, riding the waves of favorable exchange rates.
- Embraced the power of two-pin round plugs (230V) in Bali’s enchanting realms.
- Indulged in honeymoon luxuries but uncovered Bali’s hidden gems for budget-friendly escapades.
- Discovered a world of gourmet delights, including coconut milk ice creams in Ubud’s alleys.
Exquisite Adventures:
- Conquered the wild terrains with an adrenaline-pumping ATV ride at Silakarang Adventure, Gianyar.
- Plummeted into the depths of the ocean’s embrace with a mesmerizing scuba diving experience at Blue Marlin Dive, Gili Air.
Culinary Odyssey:
- Savored the essence of Bali at Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort, Milk & Madu Cafe, Potato Head Beach Club, and Queens of India in Ubud and Kuta.
- Delighted our taste buds at Bel Air, Pink Coco Resort, Coffee and Thyme, Boogil’s Sunset Lounge Bar, Penida Colada Beach Bar, Warung Jungle, Namaste Bungalows, Zactie Bar, and Penida Minang Beach Resto and Bar across Gili Air, Nusa Penida, and beyond.
