BALI - MY HAPPY PILL

May 21, 2023

BALI - MY HAPPY PILL

ARRIVAL

Unplanned vacation, but one for the books. A popular destination in Southeast Asia, BALI mesmerizes me in many ways. In tall order; warm and friendly locals, spicy food, nice beaches, and its utmost safety to tourists. Crime rate is very low.

Arriving in Ngurah Rai International Airport is such a breeze. What with all the cultural ornamentations around the airport. I was like transported in a museum of sort. Feast for the eyes. A far cry from our own. We arrived around 9 in the morning. We had breakfast at the airport's many coffee shops while awaiting rest of friends who flew in from Singapore, Dan and Bam.

The trip was also for Dan's birthday. Dan was clueless all along. We've got him a surprise treat as soon as we've settled in the parking lot nearby for our car to take us to our hotel. Thanks to our handsome tour guide, Gading, who kindly made the preparations at the back of his car, complete with balloons and cake.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Our hotel in Kuta, Bali is close to central shopping. And guess what, it's a 4 minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Febri's Hotel & Spa is ranked among the top 3 hotels in Bali. Located at Jalan Kartika Plaza, South Kuta Beach. The area with Discovery Mall, Waterbom Park, Kuta Centre and Kuta Square, has become the shopping mecca of Bali.

Our room is good for 4 persons, but we've added extra bed for us 5. Big and clean. Large cottage kind of facility. A patio in every room, that is a separate sitting areas. It has 2 outdoor pools, and their newly-opened spa that is already becoming popular among tourists. By the time of our vacation, we're the only Filipinos staying at Febri's.

FIRST DAY HIGH

NUSA PENIDA ISLAND and dinner in the bustling Seminyak.

Nusa Penida Island was far, but the majestic view is worth the tiring trip. Beautiful island. Unspoiled beauty of Bali. This is surely among the best tourists attractions. It has numerous lagoons and temples that you can visit, but no restaurants, though.

PURIFICATION RITUAL AT THE HOLY WATER TEMPLE - UBOD

SECOND DAY

A unique experience on our second day. We went to The Tirta Empul Temple. A Hindu Balinese temple that has been around 926 AD. Located in the Northeast of Ubod. An entry ticket of 1500 IDR per pax. Wearing a sarong is mandatory for both men and women, even if one is wearing a trousers. No fee for the sarong, though. Java Tengah is the place where the pools are located, and where the purification process will takes place. But their is a special sarong if one will proceed with the purification thing. A sarong and a locker for 25k IDR. My friends went in, and I, tend to our belongings and took some snaps, in my (balinese style) sarong. Well, a nap in between is also a must, we have a long day ahead of us.

CHILLING AT LA PLANCHA

The chill side after our tour that day was no less than Bali's popular La Plancha Beach Resort. Laid-back mode. Colorful umbrellas and beanbags on the sand kind of vibe. The best thing is the view. You can watch the sunset while sipping fresh coconut juice. Perfect place to relax and soak up the tropical vibe. Located in Seminyak, Bali. Indeed, a hidden gem in the bustling Seminyak. La Plancha Bali is famous for its delish street food and refreshing drinks. A perfect place after a long day of exploring.

In the course of our 4 day vacation in Bali, we also visited a place where Luwak Coffee is made. Luwak coffee or civet coffee is made from the beans of coffee berries which have been eaten by the Asian Palm Civet.

A little trivia here.

Passing through a civet's intestines the beans are then defecated, keeping their shape. After gathering , thorough washing, sun drying, light roasting and brewing, these beans yield an aromatic coffee with much less bitterness, widely noted as the most expensive coffee in the world.

We had coffee tasting that day in one of Bali's Luwak Coffee plantation. I consumed every kind of coffee laid over our table during our visit while listening to the coffee expert explaining the process of luwak coffee making. I was a bit high afterwards😆 We bought some to take us back home for our coffee and tea time after meals. Their is one friendly civet that greets you upon entrance that you can feed and pet, as this civet grew up from human care. Else, rest of civets are aggressive kind.

Rest of our vacation, we visited Tanah Lot Temple. A popular tourist and cultural icon for photography. Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home to the ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot. Though we only see Tanah Lot temple from a far view during our visit because of high tide, but we enjoyed just the same and immersed ourselves with the rest of scenic spots around the area. A must for cultural tours and sightseeing.

Ever since I have first seeing pictures of Bali Swing in Insta, it never slip in my mind that one day, I will be swinging in in the infamous and phenomenal Bali Swing in Ubod

I guess it is the most instagrammable spots. With the epic jungle view, how can you missed out this unique experience. However, it comes at a pretty high price at 35 dollar per pax. So I declined. Charot!😆 BFF Vicky took the challenge. At first, she was scared but enjoyed the ride all along. We rented a gown, in fuchsia with bell sleeves and swinging hemline. Picture this, swinging in a 'Bali Swing' in a swingin gown. How's that!😇 You're the judge!

It is a beautiful setting, and one look at the location and you'll be hooked. There are also Bali nests around the area worthy of double tapping.

Right after Bali Swing, we had a short visit in one of the many beautiful beaches in Bali. Sightseeing and some snaps.

Our tours are quiet hectic as we woke up early in time for our 8 AM journey. Good thing, Febri's hotel got our back when it comes to breakfast to fuel us of the long day ahead. I always chose American breakfast and 3 cups of coffee. Not the luwak kind😆 but the usual brewed one.

Anyways, we check out also this huge jewelry place that houses precious and semi-precious stones. The place definitely amaze us. Intricately-designed from outside. It was like a museum of sort. More so in their showrooms. Huge and beautiful collection. But I have no budget for it. Next time😑

I've noticed, Bali never runs out of dramatic facades even on ordinary houses. It evoke drama and mystery. I love Bali. I want to retire in this country.

Of course, food in Bali is one main reason why I love the place. So in between trips, our handsome tour guide Gading, never missed out good restaurants to eat and experience. We also stop for some fresh fruits along the way. Not pricey, though.

Bali never cease to surprise me every day during the short vacation. I was not disappointed. It's a good decision that I made it a 'GO' this time. Actually, back home, I had the separation anxiety from my friends for days. I mean, the 4 days that we've bonded sharing booming laughters and stories to interestingly ear about are but the moments to cherish by. We will come back, Bali. Just wait for us in the not-so-distant-future. Thank you, Gading for touring us around Bali and for your patience as well. We have so many beautiful places to visit soon.