Bali: beaches, spas, nightlife and Shahrukh Khan
For me, arriving in Bali was a pleasure for travelers. Nothing can beat travel fatigue better than the smiling and friendly Balinese faces at Customs and Immigration at Denpasar Airport and the ‘Visa on Arrival’ stamped on my passport for USD 10 in 15 flat minutes!
He had heard that Bali was an island of ancient temples, dances, and rituals; with more than 95 percent of the 3 million people practicing some form of Hinduism. But nothing prepared me for my taxi driver’s ‘Gayatri Mantra’ recital, followed by a Kuch Kuch Hota Hai song on the same breath. I was blown away by the craziness of Bollywood in this Far Eastern city, so much so that I was instantly labeled ‘from Shah Rukh Khan’s country’ by every taxi driver and local I met!
Upon arriving at the airport, most tourists head straight for the beach areas of Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua. I chose Kuta simply because it is arguably still the center of nightlife activities along with a wide variety of shops, boutiques, and galleries. What more can I ask for?
Bali offers a wide selection of hotels to suit all budgets, from simple, inexpensive backpacker accommodations to five-star hotels with indulgent spas for those seeking pure luxury. I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, a stone’s throw from Kuta beach.
At sunset, Kuta Beach comes to life and people want to enjoy the breathtaking panorama. Abundant tourists, locals selling the colorful sarongs and batiks and a Balinese dance performance somewhere on an endless stretch of beach … and if you want to dance until the wee hours of the morning, you won’t be disappointed – pub is awesome in Kuta. , with a wide variety of pubs and clubs offering a vibrant nightlife.
The best way to enjoy Kuta is by simply asking the locals, who are very friendly and always ready to help you. I was lucky to have a very successful Indian friend in Indonesia, Kishore Pridhnani, who along with his wife Radha took me on an evening tour of all the fancy places in Kuta. The one that left a lasting impression on my mind was Ku De Ta, an elegant restaurant overlooking the beach. I loved the atmosphere in the evening and would recommend this restaurant to anyone.
However, if your type of vacation is to kick back and relax, head to the southern peninsula, with world-class independent luxury hotels located on quiet stretches of Sanur and Nusa Dua beach, as well as on Jimbaran Bay. (which is also very popular for very reasonable seafood) These white sand beaches dotted by thousands of mangroves and coconut trees and protected by coral reefs, create an ideal retreat for honeymooners or those who prefer solitude.
To take a break from the hustle and bustle of Kuta, I made my way to Ubud, which I must say has retained the feel of a cozy haven in a village, despite the growing tourism industry. Ubud is the arts and crafts capital of Bali, so in addition to streets lined with shops and workshops specializing in traditional crafts, there are a number of different art galleries and museums to visit.
The next day, I headed for a day cruise from Benoa port that took me to Lembongan Island, a popular spot for surfers and divers. (at about USD 60 and up for the day cruise including lunch, I think it’s worth a visit.) Upon reaching the white sand beaches of Lembongan Bay, you can take guided snorkeling excursions and a glass bottom boat cruise or simply walk among the native villages of Bali.
If you want to take a break from the beach scenery, I suggest a trip to the cool Kintamani Mountains with their green rice fields, the placid Lake Batur resting in a huge crater, and the impressive Gunung Batur volcano that dominates the landscape. Nights tend to be cooler, so pack a warm sweater or shawl and make sure you have a camera to capture the spectacular view of Mount Batur.
Bali is one of the spa capitals of the world where you can enjoy a spa treatment at very reasonable prices. If you want to pamper yourself, you can indulge in an elaborate menu of lulur massages, rice paste scrubs, flower petal scent baths and indulgent cream baths. I suggest you check out some of the local spas that incorporate spa therapies into their vacation schedule on a daily basis. And don’t forget the traditional herbal and root-based drinks: the ‘jamu’, a local Balinese remedy for fatigue, headaches, bone aches or chills.
For adventurers and sportsmen, Bali offers a host of adrenaline-pumping water sports, both below and above the water. Surfing, diving, banana boat, snorkeling, parasailing, Jet Ski, Bungee Jumping, Bali offers it all.
Try rafting on the Ayung River in the middle of a wild tropical forest. Cruise down the fast-paced Ayung River as you wind through numerous hairpin bends and swirling rapids. A full day program would only cost you around USD 35 and up and I found the experience completely exhilarating.
For those who love the underwater world and have always wanted to dive, there is spectacular diving and snorkelling in the pristine coral reefs around the island, with the most amazing and colorful underwater life. There are even beginner courses taught by qualified professional instructors for amateurs (you can take a one-day course for less than $ 100)
And while you are on the beach enjoying water sports, let yourself be carried away by the locals who cajole you into trying to braid your hair, get a tattoo or even give you a relaxing massage.
If you are traveling with your children, be sure to take them to the Waterboom park. My kids and I enjoyed a day of slides and pools of all sizes with restaurants and bars close at hand … family fun for kids of all ages!
When you feel like eating out, there are many open-sided bamboo cafes serving authentic Balinese food, as well as a variety of sumptuous international cuisine. But for those who miss Indian food, I suggest trying a delicious meal at Queen’s Tandoor in Seminyak, where owners Puneet and Neeta Malhotra go out of their way to pamper you with personalized attention.
Another great hobby here is shopping!
For those who don’t want to stray too far from the beach, Sanur, Kuta, and Ubud have more than enough to appease any shopper, from sarongs and sandals to wooden statues, stone carvings, and iron and bronze work. But if you are into shopping, you can buy branded items in malls like Mahatari or also look for brand name clothing factory sales.
You’ll find the latest in open-air market exploration in South Bali, where traditional Asian-style shopping still thrives. Take a look at the local painting styles. I suggest that you always come in for less than a third of the price and even leave, until you get the price you want. .
And before leaving Bali, don’t forget to buy their cold sauce called Sambal (it’s one of a kind and you can even pick it up at the Bali airport duty free).
From locals enthusiastic about Shah Rukh Khan to colorful Balinese-Hindu culture, this tropical paradise draws Indians not only for its natural delicacy but, more importantly, for its culture and the warmth of the Balinese.
With Bali becoming more accessible and affordable, with cheap extension packages from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, and great deals from Garuda Indonesia Airlines that have daily flights connecting the island for as little as $ 160 for a roundtrip ticket, I would definitely recommend this one. getaway to the island. as your next travel itinerary!
Copyright (C) Manoj Gursahani