Time Period: Mid October
Duration: 8 Days
From active volcanoes to peaceful serene beaches. From historic temples to awesome beach cafes and water sports. Bali has so much to offer.There is something for everyone.
Me and my wife were looking for a chilled out romantic place for vacations. There were a couple of options in our minds, but we didn’t want to go for a clichéd destination. After some research, we finalized on Bali and Gili. We didn’t know we were going to get mesmerized.
Me and my wife were looking for a chilled out romantic place for vacations. There were a couple of options in our minds, but we didn’t want to go for a clichéd destination. After some research, we finalized on Bali and Gili. We didn’t know we were going to get mesmerized.
Weather was simply amazing with clear skies no rains, mild to moderate sun. We travelled in Malaysian Airlines, and I must say I’ve become a big fan of their service. We boarded our flight in Hyderabad (India). There was a small layover in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and finally we landed at Denpasar Airport (Bali, Indonesia), a beautiful airport just adjoining the sea.
Our hotel – Swiss Belinn, Legian. This was going to be our abode for the next three days.
Our hotel – Swiss Belinn, Legian. This was going to be our abode for the next three days.
Below is the highlights and all that we explored
Day 1 - Legian Beach
Legian Beach - Just 5 minutes walk from Swiss Belinn, lies this beautiful stretch of sand with some very nice cafes.
Day 2 - Balinese dance performance, Balinese Jewelry, Ubud rice fields, Mt. Batur, Tirta Empul temple, Goa Gajah, Monkey Forest
Legian Beach - Just 5 minutes walk from Swiss Belinn, lies this beautiful stretch of sand with some very nice cafes.
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| Terrace Pool @Swiss Belinn (with Legian Beach in the background) |
After fully enjoying the amazing breakfast spread at Swiss Belinn, we started at around 9am. After the halts for Balinese dance performance and Jewelry making centre, we continued our journey towards Kintamani. Having thoroughly enjoyed the scenic beauty of Ubud rice fields on the way, we reached Kintamani for lunch with a splendid view of Mt. Batur. The food was very ordinary but I must say the view was simply breath taking. The return journey included stops at the beautiful Tirta Empul temple, the Goa Gajah temple and the Monkey Forest.
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| Barong and Keris Dance |
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| Mt. Batur view from Kintamani |
Day 3 – Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Padang Padang Beach
Took a day package again and started the journey at around 9am. After spending some time at Tanah Lot and enjoying the spectacular view, we had lunch on the way back. Next stop was Uluwatu that is known for it's amazing sunset. Padang Padang beach is very near to Uluwatu and I must say it's one of the most beautiful beaches I've been to.
(Day 4 – Day 6) - Gili Trawangan
Our next destination was the Gilis, where the most peaceful serene beaches awaited us. We took a flight from Bali to Lombok Airport. A nice half an hour ride. And then a road trip along the north coast of the Lombok island and then a 5 minutes boat ride to the Gili T. but all worth it. With pristine clear blue waters and white sand, the beaches in Gili were so divine. Took a cidomo (horse cart) from the harbor to our cottage in Danima. A lovely resort with an amazing location and very friendly staff.
(Day 4 – Day 6) - Gili Trawangan
Our next destination was the Gilis, where the most peaceful serene beaches awaited us. We took a flight from Bali to Lombok Airport. A nice half an hour ride. And then a road trip along the north coast of the Lombok island and then a 5 minutes boat ride to the Gili T. but all worth it. With pristine clear blue waters and white sand, the beaches in Gili were so divine. Took a cidomo (horse cart) from the harbor to our cottage in Danima. A lovely resort with an amazing location and very friendly staff.
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| The Gilis view from the Lombok Mainland |
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| Cottages at Danima Resort, Gili Trawangan |
Day 7 - Gili-Bali Fast Boat, Seminyak Beach
A 2 hour speed boat ride with Blue Water Express and we were back in Bali. We didn't want all the travelling on the last day, and yes, saved a full day for shopping. We stayed in Destiny Boutique Hotel, Seminyak for a day. There's nothing good about the hotel, other than the location. It's hardly a 5 minutes walk from the Seminyak Beach. Just next to the hotel is Waco Burger Café. If you are around that area, then this is a must visit joint, serving some awesome mouth watering burgers. There are some good markets at walking distance and not to forget Balinese massages, a must try.
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| @Waco Burger Café, Seminyak |
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| Café at Seminyak Beach |
Went for an early morning walk and relaxing at the Seminyak beach. It's a large stretch of sand till the point where your sight can reach. In the evening, we boarded our flights for Hyderabad (India).
What not to miss:
Bali
- Tanah Lot
- Uluwatu
- Padang Padang Beach
- Street Food at Night Market
- Snorkelling Day trip
- Sunset at Hotel Ombak
Some considerations:
- If you like hills, then you can give Ubud a try and plan a day or two of stay there. In case you are a beach person (like me), then there are plenty of options. I would personally not recommend Kuta as it is very crowded.
- Prior reservation is required for the popular Rock Bar, Jimbaran. You should do that a week before your date.
- In Bali, always prefer Blue Bird taxis for local transport and airport drops.
- Gilis is a group of three islands viz. Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. No matter what sort of vacation you are looking for, prefer Gili Trawangan for your stay. You can always island hop and explore the others.
Hey Manish, thank you for this blog. Really informative and helpful☺️
ReplyDeleteEven i am planning my honeymoon trip to Bali. I will start from Delhi to Singapore. Singapore 3 nights then Superstar Gemini cruise for 3 nights and lastly Bali for 3 nights 2 days. I feel you are the best person to guide me how to utilise these 3 nights and 2 days in Bali. As of now we planned to visit Gili trawangan for a day which means leaving from our hotel at our around 10 am and reaching Gili almost in 2 hrs .. spending a day there and leaving Gili by 4pm thats the best safest time to leave for Bali else it may ge too late to travel through speed boat. Now my concern is whether Gili islands is worth this time and if it is must go considering we just have two days. And What to do at Gili's given we have almost 3 to 4 hrs only. Next day in bali we are planning watersports(if we dont do that at Gili's), spa and rockbar . Can you please help me with the same.
Hi Sonal, thanks for your comment. I'm glad you found the blog useful.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your itinerary, 1 day in Gili would be like you'll go, touch and come back. No doubt GiliT is an amazing place, but as I mentioned, it's very laid back and ideal for relaxing. If you plan to go as per your schedule, you can consider taking a cycle ride around the island, or enjoy the view and white sand at the Hotel Ombak Sunset beach.
But as for water activities,you'll find much better water sports in Bali compared to Gili. Plus, Snorkelling or scuba would anyway take more than half of your day.
There are some wonderful beaches in Bali and if you plan to give Gili a miss, then you can cover Tanah Lot and water activities on day 1. And Ulawatu, Padang Padang and Rock bar on day 2.
I would be happy to help you with any more queries you may have. Hf :)