Perfect to get used to it, to enjoy, and feel the real-life of Bali. 14 full days, 2 islands, 4 different locations, 19 places, 1 SPA, 7 nice cafes. I know, I know you might think that I'm just bragging because I had money or something like that but no. Well, yes - I had money but only because I was saving for this lifechanging trip (Bangkok-Bali-Nez Zealand) for quite a while. This wasn't a one-day decision.
I was hoping to visit Bali for more than a couple of years. Blue water and the amazing nature was on my bucket list. Trip planning started right before I jumped on a plane but the actual (actual) planing only after Bangkok.
Let me tell you - I absolutely loved every single day of the Bali trip. Even the one I, you know - got in a small accident that affected the rest of the trip. But about that later, now let's jump in my list of places, that I can recommend as I've seen, been, and enjoyed them.
Places to see in Bali
Taman Soekasada Ujung Water Palace - lovely water palace that I happen to visit after 7 pm, so it was dark but still amazing.
1st water palace I've ever visited
Penataran Lempuyang temple - one of the TOP tourist temples to see and take illusion pictures. Behind the scenes, the system is like in like waiting for a burger in Queenstown's Fergburger. Not saying it's boring or what just not what I expected from a blessed place.
Lempuyang temple, illusion
Taman Tirtaganga (water with big fishes) - this is my original explanation so I can remember where I went. Kinda funny but huh, I WANT TO BE REAL. The park with several small ponds and big orange fishes. Fun fact: you can buy fish food only outside the park so better purchase it straight away. Why you need fish food? Good question! Haha, to attract fishes and if you want to have a decent photo, that's the only way.
Small water with big fishes
Sunset Point Bali - love from the first sight. The people, the view, and that food. Blue Earth Village was great just as I mentioned in one of my latest posts - I might even say, there I found one of my favorite dishes. This particular day turned out to be great not only because I love to have good food but also because of the challenge. I'm very much afraid of being under the water and not being able to breathe normally. And so I tried snorkeling for the 1st time. It wasn't that bad by the end but at first, I was freaking out! But everyone's afraid of something, from m it's just this. Still, I did it - overcome the fear.
Blue Earth Village, the nicest cafe
Tukad Cepumg waterfall - my favorite one! This is the reason I made my previous post about "big water". I'm still amazed by how nature can create something that beautiful and powerful at the same time. Definitely "must-see" exploring Bali.
Tukad Cepumg, biggest waterfall from 3
Bali Handara Gate - one crazily famous place that actually can take you to the golf course. This definitely is one of the most iconical places on Bali and only because of the hype around "perfect picture". Ok, it's also one of the oldest golf course behind the gate but that unfortunately most people even don't know. To take a photo next to them, yes, you have to get a Selfie Ticket. Kinda funny!
Bali Handara Gate
Pura Ulun Danu Buyan - this one didn't feel that special. A small temple next to the water, the garden was beautiful tho. Accidentally Google Maps showed me the wrong entrance so I get in for free.
Pura Ulun Danu Buyan
Twin Lake Wanagiri Spot - yes, the lake. Nothing much to say because it was very foggy and cold the day I decided to visit this beauty. There were a lot of picture places/sports ready for tourists to make gorgeous photos. If it would be sunny, I'd go for it.
Tegenungan Waterfall - party time! This is my key phrase to remember all about it. The only waterfall where on top of it you can just have great food, enjoy the vacation and swim in the pool. The most touristy waterfall but paying extra for the top part of the waterfall was worth it 100%.
On top of the Tegenungan Waterfall
Verona SPA - interesting experience, in a good way. I knew that the SPA in Bangkok should be amazing, but after trying both I definitely can say I enjoyed this one more. For only 585 000 IDR (42.82 USD) I got 17th-century Javanese royal treatment which is relaxing Balinese massage, followed by Lulur scrub and a fragrant blossom bath + pedicure and manicure. Unbelievable! The staff was very professional, friendly and delicate. Location for the SPA is great, only the place it's not the newest one. Still, the service was amazing and I'd recommend it if you travel on a budget.
Verona SPA, bath time
Tegallalang Rice Terrace - to be honest, I wanted to wist this place only because of the beautiful scenery - great for the pictures. Funny but I even bought a nice local dress for this location. I wanted to try huge swings only once in Bali and the Rice Terrace was perfect for that. I not only took pretty pictures but also enjoyed the view and great service. Orange looks great on green, do you agree?
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Monkey Forest - as I love animals, of course, I loved the monkey forest. The entrance looked surprisingly clean and modern. Monkeys, yes, they looked very happy with us and them being in the park. They can come and go, they have plenty of green space so it's not like a regular zoo, not even close. You should have at least 40 min free to enjoy the park fully.
Only on Nusa Penida
Everything started with a pretty extreme ride to the local hospital but about that maybe later. Just be careful on their roads if you decide to travel with a motorbike which is the cheapest and fastest option.
Atuh Beach/ Batu Abah/ Labuh Hampuak/ Jogglo Bungalow/ Diamond Beach/ etc. - yes, it's the same beach. One beach, several names but let's get to the point. Road to this one was just the worst one, at the same time it was extremely hot, so I'd recommend renting a car or getting a personal driver for this trip. Atuh Beach isn't an exception when it comes to stairs, they had them too and a lot but I did it with one and a half hands (at this point the bruce was very new and the pain was still all over the place if you know what I mean). It wasn't easy but if I did it in my condition then you can do it 100%.
Beach with at least 5 names
Angels Billabong/Broken Beach - the famous arch. Big blue water surrounded by cliffs. I met a lot of tourists there who went screaming around how hot it is and how terrible was the road. Weird how people can't appreciate their vacations, time they have on the island or even their travel partners. I will leave tips just at the end of this post.
Broken Beach
Crystal Bay - amazing for sunsets and not only. This beach is like a fresh air cuz it's easy to reach and the sand actually allows you to chill, go swimming or even listen to Balinese music from the temple just behind the beach.
Crystal Bay
T-Rex Bay - also great for sunset only the way down there was terrible, this time didn't hear angry ones around. I feel like if you want to see all the most beautiful places you have to keep yourself in a good shape otherwise might feel disappointed or uncomfortable in your own skin. The beauty you would miss is not really something you want to miss. Be ready to walk, climb, swim and feel comfortable in your bikini.
T-Rex Bay
Tips for the Bali trip - take your time, enjoy every moment, every scenery, every nice person; drink a lot of water and use sun cream - I mean it; be careful on their roads and hire a personal driver to visit Diamond Beach; try local SPA. Life is too short to worry about little things, please feel free to ask me any questions and I hope you enjoyed the post.
P.s. Looking back at my 1st trip to Bali, I still can't believe I had a chance to travel that far and find myself enjoying the longes summer.
Terima Kasish, thank you & paldies!
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