Bali: An Adventure in Paradise
“I did not write half of what I saw, for I knew I would not be believed.” Marco Polo
6/19/20249 min read
Bali, often referred to as the "Island of the Gods," is a tropical paradise that captivates travelers with its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene beaches. In this article, we embark on our adventure in Bali, uncovering the island's most iconic and breathtaking sites. From the spiritual tranquility of ancient temples and royal water palaces to the exhilarating experiences of jungle swings and snorkeling with marine life, each day in Bali offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Day 1: IG Photo Tour- Temples, Water Palaces, and Waterfalls. Our first day in Bali began with an early hotel pickup at 4:00 AM, embarking on a 12-hour journey to some of the island's most iconic sites. The two-hour drive to Lempuyang Temple, famously known as the "Gate of Heaven," was a test of patience as we arrived to find ourselves number 83 in line for the coveted photo. Despite the wait, the temple's efficient system—pushing through about 40 people per hour—made the experience enjoyable. We met fellow travelers, each there for the same breathtaking view, and the photos really did turn out to be breathtaking!
Next, we visited the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a serene and beautifully landscaped royal water garden. Wandering through its maze of pools and stepping stones, we felt transported to another time. Our journey continued to the Tukad Cepung Waterfall, where the water cascades through a cave. Water shoes are a must here as you wade through streams to reach the fall, and changing areas are available as you enter or closer to the falls for those who want to take a dip. We highly recommend wearing a bathing suit or shorter pants/ shorts to wade through the higher water levels. This all-day trip was a perfect introduction to Bali's natural and spiritual beauty, making the early start and long drive worthwhile.
Day 2: Swings, Rice Terraces, and Monkeys
Day two began with a 6 a.m. pick-up, leading to an early visit to Swing Aloha near Ubud, where we were third in line. Opting for their full package, we rented the vibrant dresses and professional photography services for about $40 total. The photos on the jungle swing turned out spectacular, with the dresses elegantly hiding the harnesses. Seeing other tourists' less impressive DIY photos convinced us we had made the right choice.
Our next stop was the lush Tegallalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The verdant, terraced fields stretched as far as the eye could see, offering a glimpse into Bali's agricultural heritage. This site also offers the swing photos, but we found it more crowded so we were happy we opted for Swing Aloha. They do offer a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the fields if you need to cool off. Afterward, we visited the Ubud Palace, a historical landmark that provided a fascinating look into Balinese royalty. The day concluded at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where playful macaques roamed freely. It was a fun end to a day filled with cultural and natural wonders.
Day 3: Island Hopping and Snorkeling
Our final day was a thrilling island-hopping adventure to Nusa Penida. We visited Kelingking Beach, famed for its T-Rex-shaped cliff. Here you can stay at the top and get some amazing photos or you can trek down 200 meters to the beach, but beware. It is a dangerous climb down once you leave the stair path. However, the beach and water that await you is epic. Next, the dramatic coastal formations of Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach were fantastic viewpoints. Lunch was provided by the tour company, and after, we went to our next destination, a 2-hour boat ride and snorkeling. The highlight of the afternoon was snorkeling at Manta Bay, Gamat Bay, and Crystal Bay, where we swam with vibrant marine life, coral and turtles. Opting for a private boat allowed us to explore at our own pace, making the experience even more enjoyable.
On this day we were led by our tour guide, Budi from Golden Bali Tour Company. He was exceptional. His professionalism, sense of humor, and excellent English made the trip seamless and fun. Everything was well-organized, allowing us to focus on the stunning scenery and underwater adventures.
The Perfect Stay at Sheraton Kuta
Our base for this incredible journey was the Sheraton Kuta, a fantastic hotel located right on the beach. When not exploring, we relaxed in the infinity pool, watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The hotel's Italian restaurant, Bene, was remarkable, with Chef Vinsen and the entire F&B team delivering culinary delights. The loyalty staff, Eka and Vivi, were exemplary, handling all our travel arrangements and ensuring our tours started smoothly with delicious to-go breakfasts each morning. First-class service all the way!
Despite the challenges of traffic and over-tourism, our trip to Bali was undeniably worth it. The island's natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality make it a travel destination worthy of all the hype. Whether navigating the intricate temples, swinging over rice terraces, or diving into crystal-clear waters, Bali offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return. Bali, we will be back!
Bali, often referred to as the "Island of the Gods," is a tropical paradise that captivates travelers with its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene beaches. In this article, we embark on our adventure in Bali, uncovering the island's most iconic and breathtaking sites. From the spiritual tranquility of ancient temples and royal water palaces to the exhilarating experiences of jungle swings and snorkeling with marine life, each day in Bali offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Day 1: IG Photo Tour- Temples, Water Palaces, and Waterfalls
Our first day in Bali began with an early hotel pickup at 4:00 AM, embarking on a 12-hour journey to some of the island's most iconic sites. The two-hour drive to Lempuyang Temple, famously known as the "Gate of Heaven," was a test of patience as we arrived to find ourselves number 83 in line for the coveted photo. Despite the wait, the temple's efficient system—pushing through about 40 people per hour—made the experience enjoyable. We met fellow travelers, each there for the same breathtaking view, and the photos really did turn out to be breathtaking!
Next, we visited the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a serene and beautifully landscaped royal water garden. Wandering through its maze of pools and stepping stones, we felt transported to another time. Our journey continued to the Tukad Cepung Waterfall, where the water cascades through a cave. Water shoes are a must here as you wade through streams to reach the fall, and changing areas are available as you enter or closer to the falls for those who want to take a dip. We highly recommend wearing a bathing suit or shorter pants/ shorts to wade through the higher water levels. This all-day trip was a perfect introduction to Bali's natural and spiritual beauty, making the early start and long drive worthwhile.
Day 2: Swings, Rice Terraces, and Monkeys
Day two began with a 6 a.m. pick-up, leading to an early visit to Swing Aloha near Ubud, where we were third in line. Opting for their full package, we rented the vibrant dresses and professional photography services for about $40 total. The photos on the jungle swing turned out spectacular, with the dresses elegantly hiding the harnesses. Seeing other tourists' less impressive DIY photos convinced us we had made the right choice.
Our next stop was the lush Tegallalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The verdant, terraced fields stretched as far as the eye could see, offering a glimpse into Bali's agricultural heritage. This site also offers the swing photos, but we found it more crowded so we were happy we opted for Swing Aloha. They do offer a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the fields if you need to cool off. Afterward, we visited the Ubud Palace, a historical landmark that provided a fascinating look into Balinese royalty. The day concluded at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where playful macaques roamed freely. It was a fun end to a day filled with cultural and natural wonders.
Day 3: Island Hopping and Snorkeling
Our final day was a thrilling island-hopping adventure to Nusa Penida. We visited Kelingking Beach, famed for its T-Rex-shaped cliff. Here you can stay at the top and get some amazing photos or you can trek down 200 meters to the beach, but beware. It is a dangerous climb down once you leave the stair path. However, the beach and water that await you is epic. Next, the dramatic coastal formations of Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach were fantastic viewpoints. Lunch was provided by the tour company, and after, we went to our next destination, a 2-hour boat ride and snorkeling. The highlight of the afternoon was snorkeling at Manta Bay, Gamat Bay, and Crystal Bay, where we swam with vibrant marine life, coral and turtles. Opting for a private boat allowed us to explore at our own pace, making the experience even more enjoyable.
On our final day, we were led by our tour guide, Budi from Golden Bali Tour Company, was exceptional. His professionalism, sense of humor, and excellent English made the trip seamless and fun. Everything was well-organized, allowing us to focus on the stunning scenery and underwater adventures.
The Perfect Stay at Sheraton Kuta
Our base for this incredible journey was the Sheraton Kuta, a fantastic hotel located right on the beach. When not exploring, we relaxed in the infinity pool, watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The hotel's Italian restaurant, Bene, was remarkable, with Chef Vinsen and the entire F&B team delivering culinary delights. The loyalty staff, Eka and Vivi, were exemplary, handling all our travel arrangements and ensuring our tours started smoothly with delicious to-go breakfasts each morning. First-class service all the way!
Despite the challenges of traffic and over-tourism, our trip to Bali was undeniably worth it. The island's natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality make it a travel destination worthy of all the hype. Whether navigating the intricate temples, swinging over rice terraces, or diving into crystal-clear waters, Bali offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return. Bali, we will be back!
