It’s been quite some time that I have been postponing the beach call. My last International trip was to Krabi, Thailand, and before that, I visited Vizag (Vishakapatnam). Thank you, everyone, for all your love, support, and curious questions. I am writing this blog a little later than my actual visit, as I was caught up with some personal commitments.
I had a couple of choices in my mind: Andaman Nicobar Islands, Phuket, Dubai, Maldives, and Bali (as it was my first trip after my marriage, gave it quite some thought to make it special and luxurious). Some of the conditions were quite obvious like white and sandy beaches, no overcrowded places, and locations equipped to handle tourists. Apart from just only beaches there should be waterfalls to take the sunrise shots and the roads should be scenic.
So, we decided to make Bali our honeymoon destination. Upon arrival, we were greeted with tropical breezes and the sweet smell of frangipani blossoms. Every morning we had a sumptuous breakfast on our private balcony and enjoyed amazing fresh fruits and traditional Balinese food. We were set up for a romantic dinner on the beach, watching the sun go down in the sky, painting the sky in orange and pink colors whenever it felt like a dream, we couldn’t have imagined a more perfect setting to celebrate our love.
I read multiple blogs about traveling to Bali and special highlights were Nusa Dua Beach, Balinese culture, luxury villas, private tours, an attractive pool, fantastic sunset views, and beautiful temples. So it was becoming quite hard for us to plan everything in 8-9 days. We decided to pick our favorites and start organizing our customized day trips instead of the ready-made ones. Also, we did not go with any agent or travel packages to avoid any adjustments in our trip.
The first day, we were quite exhausted as the journey was almost 19 hours including flights, stops, immigration and transport so, we decided to take a quick dip in the pool and call it a day. Bali airlines and Bali dps airport are very well equipped to handle tourists, but again, it takes time as usual. Walking on the beach, the sound of the waves at our feet and the twinkling stars above us sparked our excitement for the adventures that awaited us in this tropical paradise
As usual I went with the Holiday Inn and the hospitality was absolutely perfect. Whether it was the warm welcoming smiles of the staff or the lovely welcome messages placed in the room, everyone seemed so welcoming and thoughtful. Check-in was very easy and the formalities were completed in 5 minutes.
Our hotel had a wonderful infinity pool, it worked as a perfect place after long day trips and travelling. The water was crystal clear and it was maintained and kept in perfect position all the time. Most of the travellers were couple, looking for a serene place near to bali airport. Bali hotels and Bali resorts, most of them are very well connected to the public transport and Grab is available almost all the places for quick rides.
I have received multiple requests for the Bali entry visa (e-visa) details, We took the e-visa (e-voa) from the official website, and the visa was issued within a couple of hours. The process was really easy and it can be completed without the help of any professional. The government of Indonesia has developed a smooth process. The Indonesian Rupiah is used as Bali currency, You can easily locate them using any Bali map like Google/Apple Maps.
We spent our mornings exploring local markets, where I indulged in fresh tropical fruits and handmade souvenirs. The warmth and welcoming nature of the Balinese people added to the charm of my experience; their wonderful smiles and traditional greetings made me feel right at home in a different country. As the sun set, the sky changed into a canvas of oranges, purples and different set of colors, creating a magical background for the Kecak fire dance performance I attended in Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. Every moment in Bali felt like a dream, and I was really eager to discover more of what this enchanting island had to offer us.
The best part of the journey was the trekking to Mount Batur early morning. Though we visited in summer, the weather demanded a shawl/jacket to beat the cold weather. As we set off before dawn, the stars twinkled above, and the air was crisp and refreshing, invigorating our spirits as we navigated the winding paths. The anticipation of witnessing the sunrise over the volcanic landscape filled us with excitement. On the way, we came across locals who shared stories and offered us warm beverages to keep us energized. We took some chocolates, coffee and sandwiches as refreshments. As we climbed higher, the first signs of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a wonderful glow on the surrounding mountains Finally reaching the top, the wonderful view made us speechless; The jeeps were parked with great care so that everyone could enjoy the view without disturbance. The sunrise was one of the best views of Bali on the entire trip. The smiles on people’s faces at sunrise were worth a million bucks. The peacefulness of the moment, combined with the breathtaking scenery, made the hike not only a physical challenge, but a deeply spiritual experience that connected us with nature in a way we hadn’t felt before still.
Along with Mount Batur, Nusa Penida was enough to make anyone fall in love with Bali. I have never seen any beach that mesmerizing. The crystal blue waters and wonderful waves were enough to make anyone crazy. As I stepped onto the sandy shores of Nusa Penida, I was immediately captivated by the breathtaking cliffs that framed the coastline, their rugged beauty contrasting beautifully with the gentle lapping of the waves. The colorful coral reefs surprised me to explore beneath the surface, where I discovered an underwater life consisting of colorful fish and diverse marine life. Each day was an one of its kind, from snorkeling with majestic manta rays to treking to the iconic Kelingking Beach, broken beach and Angel Billabong, where the view from the top was the best I have seen in my entire life not just Bali.
The tropical breeze wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, creating a sense of peace and satisfaction that I had never experienced before in my life. Each sunset painted a different canvas, reminding me that these moments were fleeting yet unforgettable. My trip to Bali was not just about the places I visited, but also about the connections I forged with fellow travelers and the local culture that welcomed me with open arms.
My wife’s favorite was the famous Bali swing. The swing part was completed in an hour, but the photography continued for another two hours.
I kept this blog short and crisp intentionally to make sure, you people get and overall idea of the trip. Booking details, expenses, and complete reviews about everything will be included in the upcoming post, where you will get a complete idea of the entire trip.
I will write a more detailed blog in a couple of days for costs, tips and the whole experience. Until then, I can’t help but miss the amazing sights and vibrant culture that Bali has to offer. From the lush rice paddies of Ubud to the breathtaking beaches of Seminyak, every corner of the island seemed to tell a story. The local food itself was an interesting trip; I tasted dishes like Nasi Goreng and Babi Guling that made my taste buds dance with delight. The Balinese warmth and rich traditions made my experience even more memorable. I also indulged in some rejuvenating spa treatments, which was the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring. Overall, Bali was more than just a vacation; It was a wonderful journey that recharged my spirit and inspired me in countless ways. I can’t wait to share more stories, tips and photos from my trip in my upcoming blog post!
To conclude, the trip to Bali was extremely scenic and luxurious starting from Bali accommodation to day trips. If you liked reading this post like this post, leave a comment down below, and share it with your loved ones.
Your writing and photography actually gave an wholesome idea of the trip.. do continue writing more about this trip
Thank you for reading Ahana.