The Island of God

Bali The Island of God 

There are many reasons why I love Bali, but one thing is for sure I love the laid-back ambiance. I know that Kuta Beach sounds overrated, yet I’ve always liked to spend my time and spare at least a day to go there each time I travel to Bali.

Bali is an island located between the island of Java and Lombok in the Southern part of Indonesia, the archipelago state. It was one of the very well-known destinations in the world, thanks to rock star Mick Jagger who got married to her supermodel girlfriend, Jerry Hall in 1990, which made Bali more popular. After those rock-model weddings, there are many celebrities followed in their footstep such as; Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, Chris Pratt and Anna Faris, and so on. 

So why did those celebrities decide to hold their special day in Bali? Well, because it is simply paradise. It has numerous beautiful beaches, luxury resorts that provide top service and amenities, restaurants, bars, and its unique culture. Well, no wonder every time I visit Bali, I always get excited.

Life’s a Beach

Enjoying the beach by reading some book

The beach is my favorite destination for traveling and holidays. I’d considered myself a beach babe rather than a mountain lady. Since I have a perspiration problem at low temperatures, I avoid activity in mountainous areas.

There are many things I love to do going to a beach. One of them is only sitting and doing nothing. In a world of constant distraction doing nothing is a cure for mental feet up. The greatest thing about doing nothing on the beach is you get an additional mental healer which is hearing the sound of the wave is very relaxing, as seeing the sky so blue, the wonderful natural scenery, and a beautiful sunset across the sea. Sometimes to make my chill moment more exciting I also read a book and listening music. That’s just perfect! Life’s a beach.

There are numerous beaches in Bali and the most popular is Kuta beach; It has a long coastline that spread from the area of Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta to near Ngurah Rai Airport. All spots are precious but when you come at peak season like summer, Kuta is not enjoyable.

Enjoying virgin mojito while sunbathing in Kudeta 

Nowadays beach clubs are spreading in a hip areas like KuDeTa and Potato Beach Club in Seminyak, Sundays Beach Club in Ungasan, Finn’s Beach Club in Canggu, Karma beach in Karma Kandara resort, and many more. Those places are spotted with the best sunset view but yet quite pricey. I personally like KuDeTa because of the nice services, affordable prices, and not too many weird policies.

Chillin at Finn's, it ain't cheap 

Well, several resorts, bars, and beach clubs nowadays have weird policies like troublesome belonging checkups and reservations, and the most irritating one is selectiveness towards the customer. In my opinion, this so-called “selectiveness” is more like racism towards nationality and their ability to spend more money. Well, if you’re a foreigner or a celebrity or ready to spend millions of Rupiah you’ll be a top priority to get in. How annoying is that? I understand that this is all just business, but when they search and earn money from our beloved country and then make the local become a second-class nation it is contemptuous!

Bingin Beach The Surfer's Paradise 

If you’re looking for a beach for serenity you can come to Bingin Beach a boho hideaway that’s hard to find. This place is so popular among surfers and it has many affordable beaches stays that are perfect for backpackers with tight budgets.

Resort of Paradise

As I have mentioned before, there are many resorts in Bali from highly expensive that only crazy rich people can afford to a super low budget. Talking about luxurious resorts a number of them really caught my attention.

I am accidentally in love with Royal Pitamaha Resort

First on my list is The Royal Pita Maha Ubud or Tjampuhan Relaxation Resort. It is the first resort that made me fall in love; it is simply beautiful with a breathtaking view. This resort combines natural landscape with Balinese tradition and is built with rare sensitivity towards the surrounding environment. What makes this resort so special is this area descends to the banks of the Ayung River.

I came there in 2013 during my work trip to Bali and I was just mesmerized by every detail of that resort, from the top of the lobby, the restaurants, the pool, the spa, and the room are all perfect. I have two favorite spots; the restaurant beside the Ayung River and the Tjampuhan Spa.

At that time I even said to myself, “Someday I’d love to get married here. " Wow... I never even considered it before. This place represents my soul that seeks serenity, wild nature, and timeless beauty. There are no words that can describe the beauty of it; you should see it yourself.

Second, on my list is The Four Season Hotel in Jimbaran Bay. I went there a long time ago, but I do not remember exactly when. The only thing I remembered was how beautiful the room and the view are. To get into the room you need to ride a golf cart because the distance between each villa is quite far.

There is an indoor and outdoor part and it also has a pool in each villa that faces the ocean. The room is so big with king size bed, and the bathroom is very spacious and luxurious with a marble floor, bathtub and shower.   

Strolling around The Mulia Resort 

The Mulia Resort in the Nusa Dua area is also beautiful, The W Hotel, Ayana Resort, and many more. I believe there are more beautiful resorts in paradise that I haven’t visited but definitely, but these two resorts are on my top list.

Laid Back Ambience

Shirt, short pants, sunglasses, and a nice hat; my all-time favorite outfit in Bali

Despite all the beautiful places, the best thing about Bali is its laid-back ambiance. Whether you go to the beach, restaurant, museum, or shopping mall you don’t need to wear preppy clothes. Just wear short pants, shirts, sandals, a hat, and sunglasses, and you’re ready to go.

The best transportation to do sightseeing around Bali is to ride a motorbike. I’m not a fan of riding motorbikes, especially in Jakarta but in Bali; I love it. With so many tourists worldwide, Bali is forever crowded; the street is too small compared to the existing cars. That’s why the traffic congestion is so bad, and riding a motorbike is the best option to move around.

That’s all reasons why I like Bali so much. How about you guys? Oh... I can’t wait to go back with more excitement and create stories on the island of god ❤