Exploring the bigger Bali

lastminute lovely Angela uncovers Aussie’s love affair with Bali, and gives us part one of her guide to two weeks in paradise.

So you’re thinking about an Asian getaway? Thailand – been there done that. The Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos combo – would love to but just don’t have the time for a trip that epic. Then there’s Bali. The flights may be ridiculously cheap, but you’ve heard the horror stories – an island of Aussie bogans. Don’t believe the hype, just hop on the back of a bike and in 30mins you’re out of the city and into a land of abundant natural beauty, culture and great food.

Here is your 2 week guide to exploring the bigger Bali with an Indonesian island hop or two:

Week 1
Night one and two – Seminyak
The cool, classy and chic suburb of south-west Bali is a great place to get your bearings. Only 30mins drive from the airport, hotels will be a little pricier here than neighbouring Legian and Kuta, but you get what you pay for – absolute luxury!

The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa is an excellent hotel right on the beach, the staff are all so lovely and helpful, and knew me all by name!

A day at the Kahyangan Spa, a day relaxing by the pool (and pool bar), not to mention the amazing buffet breakfast, are just a few of the things that make it really easy to lose track of time, it’s just sooo relaxing!

The hotel puts on daily activities for guests including fruit carving, yoga, aquarobics and also a weekly seafood buffet with live band. Forget Jinbaran Bay, the fisherman night market at The Seminyak is much tastier and cheaper!

The rooms are absolutely stunning, and I was lucky enough to be staying in a Beach wing room. The bathroom is bigger than my living room at home, and the room itself is set amongst a lush tropical garden just a skip away from the beach.

Although the true wow factor for me is their Supper room service menu, from 10.30pm-6.30am there are pages of glorious food just waiting for you to devour at the slightest twinge for a midnight snack!

Night three and four – Bukit Peninsula
The peninsula is known for two things: beautiful beaches, and fantastic surf.

While on the peninsula go to the Uluwatu Temple and see the Kecak Dance (monkey dance). The traditional dance includes an all-male vocal chorus, and is held every night at sunset.

Night five, six and seven – Ubud
Known for its artists, Ubud is where you want to go for jewellery, paintings and all things carved. There are literally hundreds of store selling local handicrafts (just remember not everything can be brought back through customs). A visit to the Ubud market is a must for jewellery lovers.

Once you’ve got your shopping fix (and can’t fit anything else into your bag) it’s time for lunch. I love to chow down on the traditional Balinese meal of Babi Guling (suckling pig)…yum!

There’s lots to see and do in Ubud, so pace yourself and stay away from package deals that promise more then they provide. My top picks are: the Kintamani Volcano, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the Monkey Forest Sanctuary and a visit to one of the many coffee and spice plantations (hot tip: try the Luwak Coffee).

A great base for all this shopping and adventure is the Bali Rich Villa – Ubud. A hidden gem in lush tropical gardens, Bali Rich has exquisite villas with private plunge pool, entertaining area and one of the biggest baths I’ve ever seen!

The lovely staff and simple yet sophisticated decor make you feel right and home, and the traditional Balinese music played throughout the gardens adds a very nice touch. On a whole, the resort has a very tranquil feel – a great escape from the hustle and bustle of central Ubud.

Stay tuned for week two of my exploring the bigger Bali, coming soon!