As promised this is the first of my three posts.
I'm gonna post some photos from the Indonesian part of my holiday, which we got to spend in Bali. This was my second time in Bali, yet completely different.
When we arrived in Denpasar, we decided to stick around Canggu & Seminyak area which was a perfect place to start the trip and ease into the Bali life!:)
We didn't pre-book any of our accommodations. With so many choices, there is always room for price negotiations in person, which you don't get when booking online.
The locals are mostly friendly and welcoming, however double check prices etc as scams do happen.Always take care with valuables and don't flash them too much, petty crime is present everywhere.
If you are travelling for longer distances take the metered taxis, unless the negotiated price with a driver is better. However for the next weeks, this (photo below) will be your source of transport! Scooter rental ranges from 40,000-50,000 rupiah per day- prices get better if you rent for longer ;)
Bali in a "nutshell"
Sunset at Echo beach
The Creamery, Canggu - An essential part of the trip, this place has THE ultimate coconut ice cream, so yummy!!
more at www.facebook.com/CreameryBali
Canggu sunset sky..
Echo beach puppies
In Canggu we stayed at a homestay and occasionally commuted to Seminyak for about 3 days. It's great to check out Seminyak for its shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. La Plancha on Seminyak beach even hosts the Ombak surf film festival in July. If you're around there then, make sure to check it out.
When in Canggu, make sure to check out the "Deus Ex Machina, Temple of Enthusiasm" - a great complex that boasts restaurant ( with delicious food), bar, skate ramp ( with a view of rice paddies) surf & motor bike store in one. Cool vibes. It's located just on the way to Echo beach.
If you got the bucks, they got the bikes & boards-
only at the Deus Ex Machina's Temple of Enthusiasm in Canggu!
After the three days in Canggu, we moved down to Bingin in the Bukit peninsula, South Kuta.
We stayed at a homestay, where we paid 300,000 rupiah per night (around £14) for a double room with aircon and a pool - just at the top of the Bingin steps.
Bingin, famous for it's shallow left hand reef break accommodates both surfers and beach bums. If you're a beginner and trying to learn I would recommend to do it on the white water waves at high tide , in order to avoid some unnecessary reef cuts ( speaking from experience). Alternatively to avoid the reef, head down to Dreamland beach- that beach break which you can see from Bingin. For the experienced surfers I guess the wave takes priortiy over the possible risks and for you guys I don't need to say more:)
The homestay in Bingin, Bingin Sari
Later on, during our stay in Bingin we moved down to the front beach rooms, which are located on the Bingin cliff, as you walk down the steps. The standard was a bit lower but the view was priceless..
As you walk down the Bingin steps you will find so many places like that - various prices and standards dependent on your budget.
View from our second accommodation in Bingin ;)
Bathroom selfie ha.
Of course, there are much more luxurious alternatives such as Mick's place located just on top of the Bingin cliff or Blue Point Bay Villas & Spa at Uluwatu. Both which have infinity pools and all the luxurious additions. Here the prices start around AUS $150 per night. As we are students travelling for 5 weeks we were trying to be smart with our expenditures and we went for the more budget options ;) (which were still of a good standard)
Bingin
Beautiful day in Bingin
Low tide at Bingin
Uluwatu
Breakfast at Uluwatu
Big swell at Padang Padang
Padang Padang sunset
Don't miss out on!:
- Nalu Bowls at Uluwatu ( delicious Acai bowls, perfect for breaky) - photo below
- Single Fin Sundays - go down for some sundowners at Uluwatu's prime bar & restaurant. (The shop also has some cool bits & pieces)
- Rip Curls Padang Padang parties - usually start around mid July
- Cashew Tree Thursdays- live music at Bingin's top healthy eating restaurant, topped with live music & bean bags. Need I say more?
-Burger at the Mango tree cafe - Jl.Pantai Bingin
-Kelly's Warung, Bingin- watch the surfers do their thing whilst sipping on a delcious coconut shake
-Thomas Beach- hidden between Padang and Uluwatu,worth finding (photos below)
Uluwatu Nalu Bowl
(they also have another spot in Seminyak)
Wave check at Uluwatu
Roadtripin Bali style
At the Bluepoint Villas & Spa in Uluwatu - wearing the RVCA crop and Billabong Womens bikini bottoms
Barrels @ Bingin
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach
Island Hopping & Snorkelling
There are many other islands to check out within close proximity to Bali- such as Nusa Lembogan or Nusa Ceningan, ask the locals when you're there to choose the perfect one for you!
You're probably wondering why I haven't mentioned the infamous Kuta?
Well if loud clubs are your thing go for it! For me apart from some shops it's not a place where I would spend more than one day or two. Maybe this is just up to personal holiday preferences but there is much more to Bali than Kuta's busy streets.
Unfortunately for many who do not leave Kuta - that is Bali. For me it's something different..
The Bukit peninsula offers more without the overly dominant touristic hustle and carries a much more chilled vibe! Highly recommend it! However if you want something more "touristy" I would recommend heading to Seminyak or Canggu over Kuta:)
If you're planning on heading out to Bali sometime soon..get used to seeing these too :)Scents and flowers which the locals put out in public and in front of doors to keep away the bad spirits, magical!
Hungry for more?:
1) Visit www.we-like.org or welikebali on Instagram - a great blog run by two girls who are living the dream in Bali! Surf, beaches, bikinis and good vibes. Check it out and really see the definition of a "Bali Life". Their photos will make you wanna stay there!
2) Buy Lonely Planet's Bali & Lombok guide and use their webiste- Filled with many useful tips and maps, these are my "go to" guides whenever and wherever I travel. It's always nice to read up a little before setting off.
Don't forget this is my personal Bali experience and treat it as an inspiration to your adventure. Remember! Explore what intrigues YOU!
Until the next time,
Any questions? You know what to do!
MK :)
