Bali | Indonesia
A lit path at the Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa
For those who live in Perth, Bali is likely the number one destination to escape the winter and find some sunshine and sand. While Perth winters aren’t miserable, it was really nice to have a week of sunshine and warmer weather. And we got to check another country off of our list!
Our home for the 6 days we were in Bali was The Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa, a stunning oasis of calm right on the oceanfront. From the moment we arrived, stepping into the grand, open-air lobby and being greeted with a cool drink and the scent of frangipani, we were struck immediately by the hospitality of the people. Something that never changed no matter where we were on the island.
A Journey into the Heart of Bali
Valerie and Jeremy at the Tegenungan Waterfall
For our first full day, we decided to dive deep into the island's cultural heart. We hired a private driver (an absolute must for navigating the island with ease, especially because of the crazy traffic everywhere you go. More on that later.) and headed inland towards Ubud. Our first stop was the magnificent Tegenungan Waterfall. The roar of the water cascading into the lush, jungle-fringed pool was immense, a powerful display of nature’s force. by the time we arrived, it was lunchtime and there was a nice little restaurant near the base of the waterfall where we sat and listened to the water and took in the lush beauty with a cold beer. Even this time of year, it was still very hot and humid.
From there, we went to Pura Tirta Empul, the holy water temple. It was a new experience witnessing people, dressed in traditional sarongs, immersing themselves in the sacred springs, leaving offerings, and engaging in quiet prayer. It was a beautiful, authentic glimpse into the island’s soul.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Next, it was on to the postcard-perfect Tegalalang Rice Terraces. The vibrant, layered green landscape is even more breathtaking in person, a testament to centuries of agricultural artistry. We found a spot a bout half way down the terraces where we could just relax and take it all in. Watching people explore and even a local tending to the crops on a distant terrace. Also a new experience
After a quick drive through the bustling, creative streets of Ubud, we shifted gears for an evening of pure indulgence. Pre-dinner cocktails at the sophisticated, 1920s-inspired Pinstripe Bar set the mood, before we moved on to the main event: a 7 course dinner at the magnificent Aperitif. Housed in a colonial-style building, the entire experience was a journey of exquisite flavours and impeccable service. Truly one for the memory books. This one was recommended by our friend (a chef) from Florida, and we are so grateful for the experience
Cocktail at Pinstripe
Tofu and mushrooms in broth at Aperitif
Cocktail at Pinstripe
Venison Wellington at Aperitif
Sunset views
After such a packed day, we dedicated the next day to relaxing by the infinity pool that looks like it is spilling over right into the ocean. That evening, we had dinner at Bambu, a Seminyak institution. The restaurant is open air but undercover (thankfully because it was absolutely bucketing down rain) and the tables mostly surround a courtyard with a shallow pool (not for swimming just for looks) and stepping stones. It is quite a stunning venue. The menu consists of traditional Indonesian food, with a modern flare. Even after eating at Apertif the night before, this meal stood out as one of the best while we were in Bali.
Dinner view at Bambu — SO GOOD!
The next day brought a classic Bali adventure. Some friends happened to be in Canggu, so we hopped in a taxi for what Google Maps promised would be a 30-minute drive. Two hours later, we were still inching our way through the infamous Bali gridlock, watching with a mix of awe and envy as entire families on a single scooter weaved effortlessly through the chaos. We realized about an hour in that if we would have just walked up the beach from our hotel to the restaurant, it would have taken only about 45 minutes. Lesson learned for next time!
Once we arrived and had a cocktail in hand to forget the trip there, we had a fun and fantastic lunch at the Billy Ho. We then walked down the road to a beach club called The Lawn. This place was its own vibe with everyone there wanting to be seen, except for us. Not really our cup of tea but we had such a great time with friends, it didn’t matter!
Relaxed and refreshed by the pool
For our final day, we leaned fully into relaxation. We booked ourselves into the resort’s spa for a 90-minute massages. The serene atmosphere and skilled therapists worked their magic, kneading away the last remnants of tension (and perhaps some lingering traffic-induced stress).
It was the perfect prelude to our farewell dinner. The resort had arranged a special “dinner under the stars” on the lawn. As we dined, a traditional Balinese dance show began. The graceful, intricate movements of the dancers, accompanied by the hypnotic sounds of the gamelan musicians (we called it the Plinky Plonky), were mesmerizing. The evening culminated in a thrilling fire dancing performance, the heat and energy of the flames lighting up the night sky. It was a a fun closing to our time in Bali.
Our tips for a trip to Bali:
Widely known as “Bali Belly,” it is easy to get sick from the water in particular while in Bali. Our friends in Canggu said that they just went into the ocean and a number of them were down for a few days. I am told other parts of the island are far more pristine sine they don’t get the sewage run off from the larger city areas like Seminyak, Canggu and Kuta. Mind where you’re eating and what you are drinking and you’ll be fine. We were!
Because of the traffic, rather than trying to take day trips places, next time we will plan to stay one place for a few days, then move to another part of the island for a few days, and so on. It avoids being in a car the whole time and you still see the diversity of the island.
Our Bali getaway was a journey of beautiful contrasts: from the sacred silence of a temple to the chaotic symphony of traffic; from the simple pleasure of a day by the pool to the refined elegance of a world-class meal. It’s this perfect imbalance, this blend of zen and vibrant life, that makes Bali so captivating.
Bersulang! Cheers to Bali! Where to Next?!
