Bali is surely the most memorable trip we did. Because it was our honeymoon indeed, but not only. It is also such a unique destination, with a unique culture, so different than the rest of South East Asia.
We've been planning to go back ever since, alas since covid, and the kids, and other familial reasons, we didn't manage to arrange it yet. And it's still not for this year...
So when a friend told me she was going to Bali and asked for some directions, I thought I needed to do something nice, as I really want to share the wonderful emotions we had there.
So it won't be your usual travel digest, but more like some quick ideas to have a good time. Plus, it's a good opportunity to introduce Hive to her :D
Kuta
Our first stop was Kuta. It is on the west coast of Bali and it reputed for its beach. And its gigolos apparently. But I don't know much details on that. It would have been a really crappy honeymoon if I had more info on the subject.
There is plenty of accommodations next to the beach, and we chose a bungalow just 2 minutes away from the sea.
The accommodation was already pretty nice with a relaxing vibe. The long garden to cross before reaching the rooms was already worth the walk!
The room by itself was nothing special, but it was ideally located for what there is to do in Kuta. And what is there to do in Kuta you may ask?
Well, it's mostly the beach.
The slope is really, really, really soft, so it is greatly appreciated by surfers. Specially beginners. I would have drown 10 times if not!
You can also wait for the sun to set, while drinking coconut and beer. I wish you more luck than us for catching a lovely sunset...
Oh, and by the way, you will want to remember this name: Bintang. Most useful!
And you will surely want to try the barbecued fish. Maybe not right now, but for sure after seeing it, it is truly amazing!
And that's mainly it. Our plan was to take the first few days for rest and doing nothing. We did that perfectly, so there's not much to say on Kuta. As for our trip, it just serves as introduction.
Ubud
Now the fun begins! Here is the true neuralgic point of Bali. From there you can conveniently radiate to anywhere on the island.
Let's start with the accommodation
Sorry to state the obvious, but you can either find a place in the center of Ubud, or a bit on the side. The center will be more convenient, but maybe less comfortable. We chose an hotel on the side: Villa Sonia.
It is located just behind Monkey Forest, so still convenient to go to the center by walk, but annoying to get a cab back at night. But honestly, that was one of the best hotel I've ever been to.
The breakfast would be delivered to you at the door. I mean, ok it's a detail, but when you start the day like that, what can go wrong?
The room and the service were top notch, and and, cherry on the cake: outdoor shower!
Oh, by the way, in Bali you will find a little shower head where you don't expect it... Try it! You have to! I loved it and I still plan to build and use one at home!
The swimming pool was perfect to relax, and there were often almost if not nobody at all!
Another selling point of this hotel is that it is just next a great restaurant: the Laka Léké. Every night they have a show of traditional Balinese dance you can enjoy enjoy while enjoying the food. Their specialty is the "Dirty Duck", which you have to book in advance, but it's all good: you pick a good table to enjoy the show, get your Dirty Duck going, and you're set for a memorable night! I even advice you to go at the beginning of your stay, because it's very probable you will want to go again!
Yeah, that's a good dirty duck here!
The schedule of dances is defined in advance. You will probably see several ones, but my favorite type, don't miss it, is called Kecak. It is not given often (either at the Laka Léké or in the Palace for the usual shows) as it involves around 30-50 singers. So be sure to see one at least once! Again, it was so impressive I insisted to go see another one!
The market
Of course you will have to bargain. For everything.
And when I say bargain, it's not like they give a price, you propose half, they lower a bit, and you end up at 70-80% of the initial price. No no no. Actually, and I'm sorry to say, you will look like a stupid tourist who knows nothing and will be treated as such. Your first proposal should be 10% of the initial price. If you have to say a number first, say something outrageously low. The target price is around 25-30% of the first price given by the seller.
It seems ridiculous, but that's what my wife could consistently negotiate (agreed she's a kind of expert and can negotiate 2 cents on a cabbage, but still). I was just as shocked at first. "honey, stop it with your insulting prices! wait, what? it worked?". The fact is we are so used to pay the label price, we don't know how to bargain.
A good thing to know, if you plan on buying something, is to buy early in the morning. There's a belief that the first sale of the day brings good luck. So sellers might be inclined to let their goods go a bit cheaper than usual, in order to get good luck for the rest of the day. You can use that to your advantage!
Monkey Forest
Safety tip to begin with: in case of doubt, just surrender! (oh yeah right, "so French")
Monkeys are friendly, a bit too much maybe, so...
Yeah, so if you end up like this, don't panic and surrender the food: this is a hold up! You can count, that's 4 monkeys... Don't worry, once you have no food left, they will quickly lose their interest.
Transportation
The great point of Ubud is that it's located in the middle of the island. You can go anywhere you want from there!
I shouldn't advise to take unofficial, unregistered taxis. But eventually it might be convenient to rent a car and its driver for the day. I don't know if it would be still the case, but registered drivers often won't want to activate the fare meter anyway and will bargain with you. So, if you find someone you like, you can keep him and you will get better prices the more he works with you. Short trip, long trip, day trip, they can do everything. We had a really nice one who was really helpful.
To find one is easy: just walk the street and you will find some. Worst case, you can go to the Tourist Office, that's the Headquarter.
Other places to go
Bike around Ubud countryside
Dive in Tulamben
Wait for the sunrise on Mount Agung (only if climbing a volcano at 4 AM is your kind of fun)
Wait for the sunset at Uluwatu
Well, you will have such a great time! There's so much to see, you will fill your eyes!
That's all for me, just a few quick tips, but next time I really need to make proper account of each of these wonderful places!