Hello Beautiful Souls,
Continuing our journey in Bali, we ventured on more fascinating tours and experiences. If you missed part 1, go here to read it first.
- Pro Tip: Before going on any adventure, ensure you’re connected by purchasing an eSIM from Airalo. It’s a quick and hassle-free way to stay connected as soon as you land. You can purchase the eSIM through the website or via your mobile phone. I purchased it in advance, and it was ready to use as soon as I landed. I swear by it for all my faraway travels, having used it for my South Africa adventures as well.
- Another tip to navigate Bali seamlessly is to download the Gojek app. Similar to Uber, it’s an easy and cost-effective way to order a taxi and ensure you pay the correct amount. I find it much more convenient and affordable than relying on traditional taxis.
Our next adventure was visiting a Balinese home, which was incredibly interesting. We learned about the structure of the homes, each having its temple, the meaning of each building, and the village temple concept.
I had to search for the next tour because it didn’t seem so popular anymore in the different tours we saw, but you can always create your own tours with TUI, which was great. So we went to my favourite temple, Gunung Kawi. Despite the many stairs, this 11th-century temple, rich in history and mystery, was worth the effort. I was thrilled to visit it again.
The temples of Gunung Kawi are believed to have been constructed in the 11th century (1080 AD) by King Anak Wungsu in honour of his father, the great Balinese ruler Udayana and the Warmadewa Dynasty.
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water when visiting temples with many stairs, like Gunung Kawi. Also, a poncho or hat for the rain, I forgot mine.
We explored Ubud Palace, though we missed the big cremation ceremony for the guardian who had passed away in February. Tjokorda Bagus Santaka was the eldest son of the late Tjokorda Agung Suyasa, who served as the pengelingsir (guardian) of Ubud Royal Palace. The palace gardens were still open to stroll around. Across the street, we visited the Ubud Market. Though a bit too touristy, I prefer shopping in Sanur for its more authentic feel.
- Tip: Bargain politely at local markets; it’s part of the shopping experience in Bali. These vendors are very skilled and start with high prices, but don’t go too low either. You will soon realise what a fair price is and what is not.
Our supposed last night in Bali turned into an extended stay when our flight to Dubai was cancelled. This unexpected turn of events made me quite anxious, but we received confirmation of our next flight the following day, extending our stay by four more days.
- Tip: Always have travel insurance and keep your airline’s customer service number handy for unexpected situations like flight cancellations.
We decided to make the most of this extra time with one final tour. We visited the Butterfly Park, marvelling at the various butterfly species. We then walked through the UNESCO site Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, where the view was breathtaking.
- Tip: Bring some cash to buy rice or crisps from the local vendors.
Next, we visited the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple at Beratan Lake, an old crater lake temple that is as mesmerising in person as it is in pictures.
- Tip: Bring a lightweight rain jacket as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.
Our adventure concluded with a visit to Leke Leke Waterfall. Beware of the 300 steps needed to reach it and return, but the view is worth the effort.
- Tip: Pack comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for trekking to waterfalls, and be prepared for a bit of a workout! Honestly, this almost knocked me out; the heat, humidity, and stairs were a lot to handle at once.
This trip through Bali was incredible, filled with rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and wonderful family moments. Bali remains a magical destination, and I’m grateful for every moment we experience.
Stay tuned for more adventures!
