Bali offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, natural beauty, and flourishing microenterprise. We enjoyed some of Bali's finest accommodations, visited cultural landmarks, and experienced local traditions, all while indulging in the island's culinary delights and the warm hospitality of the Indonesian people.
Resorts
Hilton Bali Resort, Nusa Dua
We first stayed at the Hilton Bali Resort for a couple of days and were greeted by tiered ponds with waterfalls, goldfish, and water lilies. The reception had exquisite carvings and ornate ceilings. Nestled on a picturesque clifftop in Nusa Dua, the Resort offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and is a perfect place for those seeking tranquility and luxury, with a private beach, expansive pools, and world-class spa. As a club member we enjoyed the club lounge for breakfast and cocktails surrounded by a beautiful pond and gardens. The sunrise at the lookout was amazing and we were entertained by the large family of monkeys roaming the garden, trees, and rooftops. The buffet breakfast was superb and catered to every dietary requirement. We also enjoyed high tea on the beach, relaxed beside the pool, and enjoyed a Balinese cultural show and market.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Located in the upscale area of Nusa Dua, the Apurva Kempinski Bali combines modern elegance with traditional Balinese architecture. The resort features spacious suites, a variety of dining options, and an impressive infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The Kempinski is an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in luxury while appreciating the island's rich heritage. We stayed in a suite with a private pool which was very luxurious and settled in with a view of the beach. The Japanese restaurant Izayaki by Oku was world class with a superb meal. The Apurva also boasts Bali's first aquarium restaurant, Koral. The entry to the hotel was very impressive with large statues, carvings, bowls with rose petals, large ponds, and waterfalls but the most unique part was the labradorite floor with a deep iridescent colour that looked 3-D in nature.
InterContinental Bali Resort
Situated on the pristine shores of Jimbaran Bay, the InterContinental Bali Resort offers a blend of colonial and traditional design. The resort's lush gardens, lagoon-style pools, and direct beach access made it the perfect place for relaxation. However, if you wanted to explore the local sights, Jimbaran bay is close to popular tourist areas such as the Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park, Bali wake park, Kuta, and Seminyak. The spa was an experience in itself with a variety of offerings, private pools and day beds with a tranquil café in front of the pond where you can sip your tea and enjoy nature. We tasted a traditional Balinese BBQ and were entertained with a cultural show for dinner and also had massive BBQ king prawns at the garden restaurant for lunch. The pool was the perfect temperature and we were able to swim up to the pool bar to enjoy a drink. Sunsets on the beach were amazing as the whole sky turned a golden colour and lying in the beach beds sipping on fresh coconut juice while watching the sun set over the horizon was the best place to be.
Conrad Bali
Our final resort was the Conrad Bali, located in Tanjung Benoa, which had the best suites and club rooms. It provided a serene escape with its expansive beachfront, beautifully landscaped gardens, and private pools. The resort's luxurious spa had a large vanishing edge private pool which was the perfect place to relax raised above the ground and surrounded by palm trees and flowers. There were numerous dining options including the RIN Japanese restaurant, Suku Main Restaurant, and Eight Degrees South, a seafood beachside restaurant. The breakfast buffet was very good and the high tea and cocktails in the club lounge were top notch. The Conrad's commitment to excellent service and the warm hospitality of the people ensured a memorable stay for us.
Exploring Bali
Sunday Markets at Canggu Central
My daughter and I visited the Sunday markets at Canggu Central, Love Anchor and La Brisa. These vibrant markets were a hub of activity, offering everything from handmade crafts and clothing to fresh produce and street food. It's the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs and sample local delicacies, and you can get a good deal if you know how to haggle. We had lunch at a lovely restaurant called Luma which was absolutely amazing. We booked a hotel taxi for the day and the driver stayed close by and drove us to places we wanted to go – it was very pleasant hoping into an airconditioned taxi as it was very hot outside.
Be prepared to experience very busy streets teaming with cars, small trucks and lots and lots of motorbikes. There are many small businesses along both sides of the road I refer to as microenterprises and lots of handicraft centres. The footpaths are quite hazardous so you need to watch your step and also be careful of low hanging electrical wires and trees growing up from the footpath. Crossing the roads is an experience all in itself where either you find a man with a whistle or take your chances and run!
Bali Collective
We took a local tax to Bali Collective, which is a more upmarket shopping area that also has creative spaces that showcases local artists and designers. Bali collective also runs a van around the local resorts that run on a, usually hourly, schedule. We explored galleries, artworks, shoe shops, and fashion, and then had Japanese tea at a beautiful Japanese café surrounded by Japanese gardens.
Security is very tight in Bali and your taxi gets stopped and checked before you enter any hotel and Bali Collective, which is like a gated community, was no different. These security measures make you feel safe that they are taking precautions against attacks.
Nusa Bali Spa
My daughter visited the Nusa Bali Spa where she had a 3-hour 'Indonesia Ritual' for only 900,000 rupiahs which included a 10 min foot bath, 60 min Balinese massage with an essential oil of your choice, 20 min Javanese body scrub, 15 min green tea body mask, 15 min bubble bath and finally a 60-minute hair or face spa. It was very easy to book online through their website, with a near-instant reply and they arranged a pick-up from the resort as well, making the experience as streamlined as possible. The facilities were lovely, consisting of 3 storeys of massage rooms and a hair salon connected by a large sunny spiraling staircase, which you went through from the lobby where you could smell and choose which essential oil you preferred from a large variety.
Ubud
No trip to Bali is complete without a visit to Ubud. We hired a local taxi and guide through a Whatsapp contact listed on Google for the cheap price of 800,000 rupiahs for the whole day. He was very knowledgeable and took us to places we had not even found through our research so highly recommend him. His Whatsapp is +62 852-3849-9083.
Ubud Palace
We visited the Ubud Palace, located in the heart of Ubud, which offered a glimpse into the island's royal heritage. The palace was more like a temple, however, but did have some traditional Balinese architecture and intricate carvings.
Ubud Markets
The markets at Ubud are much larger and have many more options, usually at a cheaper price than those in Canggu and Seminyak, if you are able to haggle. If you are wanting a shopping trip, I would recommend starting here before going to the more boutique shops in Seminyak.
Restaurant by the Rice Fields
For a meal with a view, we visited one of the many restaurants situated by Bali's iconic rice fields. These eateries offer a serene dining experience, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. We enjoyed traditional Balinese dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients one of which was the chicken and prawn satay which came out in a clay dish with hot coals. There were a few photo opportunities with sculptures and the rice fields.
Bali Swing
For an adrenaline rush, we visited the Bali Swing. This popular attraction allows you to swing high above the jungle, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's a thrilling experience and a fantastic photo opportunity.
Coffee Plantation and Sampling
We took a tour of one of Bali's renowned coffee plantations. We learned about the coffee-making process, from bean to cup, took a walk through the trail with coffee and tea plants, and sampled a variety of local coffees and teas. We also tried the famous Kopi Luwak, one of the most expensive coffees in the world made from, surprisingly, Luwak poo, and saw a sleeping Luwak in a cage.
Women Weaving Cloth and Printing Silk
We visited a traditional weaving factory to see local women creating beautiful textiles. We watched as they skillfully wove cloth and printed silk, using techniques passed down through generations. These handcrafted pieces make for exquisite souvenirs and offer insight into Bali's rich textile heritage.
The Cave Restaurant
For my son’s birthday, we had a memorable meal at The Cave restaurant. Located in a natural cave with man-made cave formations, this unique dining venue offers an intimate and magical atmosphere. The menu featured 11 dishes of a fusion of Balinese and international cuisine, prepared with the finest ingredients. It also included several cave roof light shows and a walk inside the cave. It's the perfect way to conclude your Bali adventure, surrounded by the island's natural beauty and exquisite food.
Conclusion
Bali is a destination that captivates you. From luxurious accommodation and cultural landmarks to thrilling adventures and culinary delights, this island offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking relaxation full of spa experiences, exploration, or a bit of both, Bali promises an unforgettable experience.
