BlissfulBali

A diversified, serene island Bali, I have never imagined that the aeroplane will land on a airstrips surrounded by beautiful scenic blue water of Indian ocean WOW!! was the first reaction just before the landing.

Arial View of Bali

 We got our visa etc cleared and then we met with our tour guide "Patra" from make my trip. I was just lost in the beautiful infrastructure of the airport and the nearby building and trying not to miss any chance to capture the beauty of neat, clean and organized city while our driver took us to the Hotel at Nasa Dua Benoa beach. After a long tiring journey which started at 10.30pm from IST and here it was 3 pm when we finally reached to the hotel we got refreshed and then in the evening just roamed around the place hunting near by.

Tanah Lot Temple

Day1 was to have look at the near by places of Bali, blessed with spectacular mountains, green rice terraces, enchanting temples and a vibrant culture.

We started our journey for Tanah Lot temple, one of Bali’s most important and venerated sea temples, means "Land in the Middle of the sea" in Balinese language, the sea-draped temple of  rises out of the surf. Perched on a rocky outcrop amidst waves that crash along the dark temple walls, Tanah Lot is among Bali’s most picturesque temples. Temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

The scene was picturesque but the sun was also showering scorching heat we had a look of the nearby local shops. The one important thing that we realized the moment we landed in Bali that we felt as a Milliniore as they were talking in terms of thousand rupiahs or in our terms 1 lac or 2 lacs rupiah, so sometimes it was confusing to count the exact amount.  

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue

We then proceeded towards GWK cultural park Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, it is said that thbye plan was to build a tallest statue of lord Vishnu. There are many statues representing the Hindu Gods.  

There is an exceptional view of the island and airport that gives a good orientation to how big the island is.  We got to see the Balinese dance performances and also got a chance to match with their tunes on the stage for few minutes. It was fun she was calling one by one from the audience to try balinese steps and then she called a tourist he was looking like someone from a European country . He tried to copy her step for a while and then switched to some hip-hop moves in the same way when I was called I tried for a while and then unknowingly switched to Bollywood moves.

Ulwattu Temple

Then we were advised by our driver to proceed towards ULWATTU temple before the sunset so that we can catch the glimpse of the beautiful sea temple. Built in the 11th century, it is one of nine directional temples meant to protect Bali from evil spirits. The temple rests majestically on the edge of a steep cliff that towers above the legendary surf breaks of southern Bali.

We have to buy a saffron scarf to wear on the waist as a symbol of respect to the God and were also warned from the monkeys, it was enough to scare me from their sight. No doubt it was one of the very beautiful evenig with sun prepared to rest in the lap of ocean leaving wll the heat behind and the sky absorbing all the fire left behind by the sun . 

Kecak Dance

We also got a chance to watch the spectacular Kecak dance held here during the sunset without any use of instruments, devotees chant along as costumed performers dance and act out the Ramayana. The most funny artist was in a form of Hanuman Ji and was jumping in the crowd and performing some funny moves. They depicted the story or Ramayna starting from Sita haran to the ravan- vadh.
Our first day of Bali was over with a beautiful experience and pleasant memories we proceeded towards Our hotel which was located at a nice place Nasa Dua across the sea beach.

NasaDua Beach

Next Day we thought of enjoying some of the water sports at Nasa Dua beach, the main problem for me was to calculate in terms of their currency as they had notes of 50 thousand and 1 lac rupiyah as well, so every time we used to calculate in terms of Indian currency, typical Indians you know. We went for snorkeling first, it was my first experience to see the world inside the sea the moment our guide pushed me in the sea I was so scared  as if I am sinking inside the water then my husband tried to convince me that I will be safe as I had life jacket then I peeped inside the sea water Oh My God it was amazingly beautiful with beautiful fishes swimming in amazing pattern, coral reefs, turtles flying in the water and various vibrant colours of fishes. AMAZING I have seen such sights in discovery channel or in some movies but I could see the real beauty that day. The best thing was the feeling of floating in between the beautiful blue Pacific ocean with sun getting mild just above your head. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and after that we thought to do other water sports some other day and proceeded towards Kuta .

Kuta Beach

Kuta is the most happening place we found in Bali having a range of shops from a well known brands to local street shops. It has architectural beauty of shopiing malls, hotesl etc. Present a wonderful view to the street you can just roam on the streets.

View of the streets in Kuta

Kuta Beach is also one of the very beautiful beach famous for surfing activities as the sea waves were on their maximum heights and few tourist lying on the sand for sun bath. It was so sunny that scorching sun became unbearable for us.

We roam around the streets purchased few things for us and our dear ones. It was a nice experience to bargain in the local shops as they didn't understand english very much and we didn't understand their language.

So it was end of another adventurous tiring day. We were all set to start the next day for UBUD. 

Monkey Forest Ubud Bali

The heart of Bali’s culture definitely beats in Ubud. Perched on the gentle slopes leading to the central mountains, Ubud is the best place to become fully immersed in Balinese culture. The town is surrounded by most of the attractions that bring people to Bali—scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities and ancient temples.

The beautiful site of Lush-green and well-tended Balinese rice paddy sites was mesmerizing, it was difficult to believe that a small island is so diversified with a schorching heat at aone end and a cool and pleasent weather at the other. We got to see an extraordinary variety of ornamental woodwork and various carvings as well in the local shops, adorning the beauty of the site.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud

We came back to the hotel with a pleasant memory it was like one of the place I dreamt.
Last day again we enjoyed our heavy brunch at Ramada Benoa and were set to go back to Mumbai with bunch of sweet memories.