An Adventurous Getaway to Bali – The Hindu Kingdom
Bali is the hotspot for every honeymooner in Southeast Asia: A heavenly Hindu Kingdom and a jewel of Indonesia. The Bali tour is really sacred and serene.
Bali has a lot to offer. You need a month to explore most places of Bali. From discovering the breathtaking beaches of the island and exploring its ancient temples, to indulging in the delectable flavors of Indonesian cuisine and diving into the pristine waters for snorkeling adventures, Bali offers a myriad of delights for holidaymakers to relish.
We Started from Ubud
We started our visit to the famous hotspot Ubud U Bali. We visited a Buddhist temple after completing our breakfast in the morning. Our driver picked us up for the whole day, and we saw a lot of volcanoes, rice patties, lakes, waterfalls, and temples.
So, in Bali here, we started the day at the most remarkable building in Ubud, the Royal Palace of Ubud. In the 19th century, this was a place where all the artists would come to get inspiration. It was located at a distance of about 30 minutes. Walk around, and you can see some beautiful statues and temples. Actually, the king of Ubud actually lives here behind the doors, so this is his small Kingdom, and there were some people bringing in gifts and food going through the big entrance doors that are normally closed. In Bali, you have several options for visiting the Rice Terraces that make this island so unique and beautiful, but the two most famous ones are Tegalalang and Jatiluwih. The first one is a bit closer to Ubud, and the other one is located a little further on the island, and it’s definitely a lot bigger. Jatiluwih is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. The name jatilui means very pretty, and it’s very pretty indeed. We also experienced the most expensive coffee in the world, the Luwak coffee. It’s a small Fox that eats the berries and poops them out, and then you make coffee of that so that inflates the overall coffee-making process. We visited the coffee plantations where foreign spices are grown, and we got to learn about all of those that are used in Bali in the food and also to make all kinds of tea and coffee. Touring around the plantation is completely free, but of course, in the end, you have to spend some money, so we get a lot of coffee and tea on the table. Then there is another well-known normal Balinese coffee that is pretty good.
On Our next stop, we reached a height of 1200 meters over Lake Bratan, a sacred lake with a temple on it called Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, which they built in 1633, and this has been the symbol of Bali for centuries. We later moved to the roughest part of Bali between the mountains and the beautiful waterfalls that is Banyumala. We then walk back to go with the help of a taxi, and it’s the end of the day. For the best view, we went to see the sun going down on Lake Tamblingan Lake, and we grabbed a sip on that cold Bean tank in one of the casual eateries in Ubud at Ubud Warung.
Our Visit To Nusa Penida
We have planned to visit the three Nusa Penida districts, but we start at the closest one to be precise. We’re standing on Nusa Lembongan. The Nusa Islands are a group of islands that belong to Bali, and after this, we visited the famous Nusa Penida. Bali is not hugely expensive if you want to spend your day on a beach. The huts are popular and these little Huts are known as the Abian Hut on Lembongan. This beach hot spot accommodation is situated close to dream Beach and this Beach lives up to its name commonly known as the dream destination of Bali.
Bali is generally traveled on a motorbike, so we rented one, and we were ready to do some exploring.
In Nusa Ceningan, the major highlight is the Blue Lagoon. With the superb view, you can also check out an amazing juice and a delicious Mie Goreng. There’s a secret Beach where you can see different shades of blue in the water and highly breathtaking views here in the Nusa’s rugged islands with Heavenly beaches between the rocks, making it a beach lover’s top destination.
However, if you want to swim, you can’t do it quickly. It is a unique natural place where it’s impossible to swim over here because the coastline is so rough that when the water hits the Rocks, it creates the devil’s tears in the sky, and that’s why they call this place with the splashes the devil’s tears.
We enjoyed the natural forces of the rough ocean for an hour or so, and in those high waves, we even saw multiple Turtles. Later, we were all set on the motorbike, where we decided to go towards the center of the island area. The perfect white Beach looked thrilling with the view of Blue Water and those dark areas where seaweed Farms existed. Bali was the export center of seaweed before it became a tourist hotspot. How can we end the day better than at the Cozy Sunset Point? and now we take a 20 minute Boat Trip further to the bizarre nature of Nusa Penida, just like on the previous island of Nusa Lembongan; I advise you to rent a motorbike as the distances are more than ten times bigger than on Lembongan and if you want to see everything sometimes you need to drive for an hour or so. We visited the most spectacular place in Nusa Penida, and it’s called Kelingking Beach; it is named after the pinkie” or “baby finger. It is a fantastic Coastline Nusa Penida, so this place is also known as the T-Rex Rock – named after the dinosaur. You can definitely see the particular resemblance when you mainly hike down from the top, and it already feels like an adventure. Certainly, the view is getting better and better with each step, although looking down is a bit hard because it also looks dangerous to hike.
Now, we braved the tumultuous ocean and navigated through congested highways, finally arriving back at our starting point. Early morning journeys may prove more favorable, as we encountered heavy traffic when descending from our ascent. Nevertheless, the endeavor was undeniably worthwhile, leading us to an astonishing locale – our sanctuary amidst the jungle. Later, we plunged deep into the refreshing and untouched waters. Despite the rash weather, we remained undeterred in our excitement for the day’s adventure – a snorkeling excursion around the island. Despite the rough seas, our perseverance turned successful as several giant mantas gracefully glided past our boat amidst the raging waves.
We observed the Manta Point from the boat and later had the opportunity to observe them up close. We then moved to La Manta Bay, where we anticipate seeing other species of tropical fish. Swing was one necessary activity to do in Bali, so we got it. Despite the success of our trip so far, we’re particularly impressed by the vibrant coral formations here. As we concluded our excursion back at Crystal Bay, We were lost in thought, reflecting on the experience. I highly recommend this snorkeling trip on Nusa Penida; it’s truly unforgettable.
Next, We visited a site known as Broken Beach, which already boasts an incredible view.
The landscape resembles a perfect circle surrounded by rocks, with a tunnel leading to the open sea. Falling here would result in a long descent and potentially dire consequences. Nusa Penida is brimmed with natural wonders, as confirmed by the aerial view from the drone. However, considering the current tide, it’s evident that swimming here would be challenging. To provide perspective on today’s journey, we traveled from the westernmost point to the easternmost tip of Nusa Penida on my motorcycle.
Visit To Gili Islands
We proceeded to explore yet another remarkable destination along our journey. Immersing our souls in the local lifestyle and traversing the island proved to be an exhilarating adventure. The location I reached in the Far East, which took approximately an hour on my motorcycle, is known as Diamond Beach. Standing atop the cliffs, we were greeted by a breathtaking panorama, and descending to the Beach below was equally enticing. Excitement mounts to the next level as we prepare to board the boat and return to the main island of Bali. This prospect fills me with anticipation as I enjoy breakfast alone in the hotel in Ubud, Bali.
Following breakfast, we embarked on a new journey to the Gili Islands. Often, there’s confusion between the terms “Gili Islands” and “Gillies” – the latter meaning little islands. Lombok boasts around 30 of these islands, most of which remain undiscovered by tourists. However, the most renowned trio lies between Bali and Lombok: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. The journey took approximately two hours, leading us to Gili Trawangan, our chosen base. Our hotel, conveniently located near the pier, provided easy access to amenities. While most accommodations on Gili Trawangan are beachfront, we opted for a more budget-friendly option just 100 meters away, offering a charming cabin with a pool.
Historically, the Gillies were uninhabited until settlers from Lombok arrived approximately 200 years ago, mainly to start a society as fishermen because the waters here are full of fish. So it was only in the 80s that the first tourists came here, and it became a hidden game to go to from Bali. Nowadays, there are a lot of restaurants and bars, but what remains is that there are still no motorized vehicles on the island, which makes it nice and quiet. As I told you earlier, the island has no motorized vehicles, so it’s extra fun to rent a bike and go around the island, which is about four miles, so we have today let’s go foreign. A bike here is super cheap.
As the sun sets, the Gili Islands transform into the ideal spot for beachside dining under a canopy of stars. Here you can enjoy a hearty meal with friends amidst this picturesque setting. Good morning, everyone! We’re still basking in the paradise of Gili Trawangan, and today promises another perfect day. Our itinerary includes visits to the other two islands, Gili Meno and Gili Air, where we’ll indulge in some snorkeling adventures. En route, we’ve caught glimpses of the abundant marine life, promising plenty of natural wonders to behold. After booking a five-hour sailing excursion with a local tour company, which includes snorkeling gear for just INR 700-800 per person, we’re eager to embark on this adventure. Our first stop is at a shipwreck, offering a unique snorkeling experience I’ve never encountered before. It’s said to be the most pristine of the three islands, boasting some of the best snorkeling spots.
Our visit to the Beautiful Bali Temples
Our exploration of Bali’s temples was a profound journey, weaving spirituality, culture, and natural beauty into a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. Each temple we encountered held its allure, captivating us with its rich history and spiritual significance.
Among the temples that left a lasting impression was the magnificent Tanah Lot Temple and the Uluwatu Temple, perched majestically atop towering cliffs that kissed the ocean’s edge. As we stood in awe of its ancient architecture and intricate stone carvings, the crashing waves below added a symphony of natural wonder to the spiritual ambiance. The evening it culminated in a mesmerizing Kecak dance performance, with the temple as a backdrop, immersing us in Bali’s cultural heartbeat.
At the tranquil Tirta Empul Temple, we witnessed devotees engage in sacred purification rituals, submerging themselves in the holy springs believed to possess healing properties. The serene atmosphere and the rhythmic flow of the rituals instilled a sense of reverence and introspection, leaving an indelible mark on our souls.
Our journey also led us to the ethereal Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, nestled amidst misty mountains and tranquil waters. The temple’s serene setting provided a sanctuary for reflection and contemplation, offering panoramic vistas that spoke to the harmony between nature and spirituality.
Throughout our temple explorations, the warmth and hospitality of the Balinese people illuminated our path, enriching our understanding of their cultural heritage and traditions. Whether engaging in traditional ceremonies, offering prayers at sacred shrines, or simply marveling at the intricate details of temple architecture, each moment deepened our connection to Bali’s spiritual essence and left an imprint on our hearts that will endure a lifetime – The Memorable Bali Tour
