A two-week dream in Bali, Indonesia
15 Aug, 2024
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By Jessica Gallant
Bali, the island of the gods, is a destination I've long dreamed of, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and heavenly beaches. Once we'd bought our plane tickets, my husband and I couldn't wait to explore this island nestled in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, visiting its verdant rice paddies, discovering its seabed and immersing ourselves in the local culture. We spent two weeks enjoying the many facets of this enchanting island. We could easily have spent a whole month there! So here's our itinerary, which I hope will inspire you for your next trip to Asia.
Day 1-2: Kuta
Our trip began in Kuta, one of Bali's most popular destinations. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, we kept our time here fairly brief, as we wanted to avoid the tourist mass as much as possible. We did, however, enjoy our walk along Kuta beach, where the sunset offered us an absolutely incredible spectacle. We really enjoyed lying in the sand just to watch the surfers catch the waves while sipping a local drink.
Window-shopping enthusiasts are in for a treat! There are numerous souvenir stores, as well as a variety of restaurants and trendy cafés. At night, Legian street comes alive, promising memorable evenings with its vibrant clubs and bars.
Day 3-5: Ubud
Then it's on to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, about an hour and a half's drive from Kuta. Ubud is a true haven of peace, surrounded by rice terraces and green hills. Although it's also a very touristy place, I really appreciated the serenity of the surroundings and the omnipresence of nature. We of course visited the unmissable Monkey Forest, a nature reserve home to hundreds of macaques. It was definitely a memorable experience! The temples and shrines scattered throughout the forest added a mystical touch that I really enjoyed.
The next day, we visited the Ubud market to immerse ourselves in local handicrafts, traditional clothing and unique souvenirs. A visit to Ubud's Royal Palace, followed by a Balinese dance performance, is a fascinating must-do experience to better immerse ourselves in the island's culture and history.
Day 6-7 : Tagalalang
The journey continues to Tegalalang, known for its iconic rice terraces. Not only are these rice paddies a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they also offer a glimpse into Balinese agricultural ingenuity. A feeling of gratitude completely overwhelmed me as my eyes fell upon this soothing and unforgettable masterpiece.
The region also offers opportunities to meet local farmers and learn traditional farming techniques. The picturesque cafés dotted around the region are perfect for enjoying a Balinese coffee while admiring the panoramic views.
Jour 8-10 : Amed
Of course, I jumped at the chance to dive alongside him, and we explored the Liberty wreck in Tulamben. This World War II ship, resting in the depths, is covered in colorful coral and home to an abundance of marine life. The rest of the time we enjoyed the beach and magnificent scenery, characterized by the imposing presence of Mount Agung. In the evening, we had the opportunity to connect with other divers and locals over good food. I'll remember our time in this charming village for a long time to come!
Day 11-13 : Jimbaran
After the serenity of Amed, we headed for the south of Bali, to Jimbaran. As our trip drew to a close, we took the opportunity to relax. Being food lovers, we really enjoyed the many restaurants and cafés offering breathtaking ocean views. We indulged in a few seafood dishes and spent hours being rocked by the waves. Still thirsting for adventure, we finally decided to attend a traditional show, the Kecak dance, in Uluwatu at sunset. It was a spellbinding moment set against a backdrop of spectacular rocky escarpments overlooking the Indian Ocean, and the lovely cliff-top temple of Uluwatu.
Day 14: Back to Kuta
To round off this magnificent journey, we finally headed back to Kuta, where we made a few last purchases and savored the Balinese delights one last time. The departure from Ngurah Rai airport was tinged with nostalgia, but the memories of Bali remain with us forever.
In two weeks, this trip to Bali gave us the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and cultural discovery, with each day bringing its share of wonders in the heart of this paradise island!
By Jessica Gallant
Bali, the island of the gods, is a destination I've long dreamed of, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and heavenly beaches. Once we'd bought our plane tickets, my husband and I couldn't wait to explore this island nestled in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, visiting its verdant rice paddies, discovering its seabed and immersing ourselves in the local culture. We spent two weeks enjoying the many facets of this enchanting island. We could easily have spent a whole month there! So here's our itinerary, which I hope will inspire you for your next trip to Asia.
Day 1-2: Kuta
Our trip began in Kuta, one of Bali's most popular destinations. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, we kept our time here fairly brief, as we wanted to avoid the tourist mass as much as possible. We did, however, enjoy our walk along Kuta beach, where the sunset offered us an absolutely incredible spectacle. We really enjoyed lying in the sand just to watch the surfers catch the waves while sipping a local drink.
Window-shopping enthusiasts are in for a treat! There are numerous souvenir stores, as well as a variety of restaurants and trendy cafés. At night, Legian street comes alive, promising memorable evenings with its vibrant clubs and bars.
Day 3-5: Ubud
Then it's on to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, about an hour and a half's drive from Kuta. Ubud is a true haven of peace, surrounded by rice terraces and green hills. Although it's also a very touristy place, I really appreciated the serenity of the surroundings and the omnipresence of nature. We of course visited the unmissable Monkey Forest, a nature reserve home to hundreds of macaques. It was definitely a memorable experience! The temples and shrines scattered throughout the forest added a mystical touch that I really enjoyed.
The next day, we visited the Ubud market to immerse ourselves in local handicrafts, traditional clothing and unique souvenirs. A visit to Ubud's Royal Palace, followed by a Balinese dance performance, is a fascinating must-do experience to better immerse ourselves in the island's culture and history.
Day 6-7 : Tagalalang
The journey continues to Tegalalang, known for its iconic rice terraces. Not only are these rice paddies a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they also offer a glimpse into Balinese agricultural ingenuity. A feeling of gratitude completely overwhelmed me as my eyes fell upon this soothing and unforgettable masterpiece.
The region also offers opportunities to meet local farmers and learn traditional farming techniques. The picturesque cafés dotted around the region are perfect for enjoying a Balinese coffee while admiring the panoramic views.
Jour 8-10 : Amed
Of course, I jumped at the chance to dive alongside him, and we explored the Liberty wreck in Tulamben. This World War II ship, resting in the depths, is covered in colorful coral and home to an abundance of marine life. The rest of the time we enjoyed the beach and magnificent scenery, characterized by the imposing presence of Mount Agung. In the evening, we had the opportunity to connect with other divers and locals over good food. I'll remember our time in this charming village for a long time to come!
Day 11-13 : Jimbaran
After the serenity of Amed, we headed for the south of Bali, to Jimbaran. As our trip drew to a close, we took the opportunity to relax. Being food lovers, we really enjoyed the many restaurants and cafés offering breathtaking ocean views. We indulged in a few seafood dishes and spent hours being rocked by the waves. Still thirsting for adventure, we finally decided to attend a traditional show, the Kecak dance, in Uluwatu at sunset. It was a spellbinding moment set against a backdrop of spectacular rocky escarpments overlooking the Indian Ocean, and the lovely cliff-top temple of Uluwatu.
Day 14: Back to Kuta
To round off this magnificent journey, we finally headed back to Kuta, where we made a few last purchases and savored the Balinese delights one last time. The departure from Ngurah Rai airport was tinged with nostalgia, but the memories of Bali remain with us forever.
In two weeks, this trip to Bali gave us the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and cultural discovery, with each day bringing its share of wonders in the heart of this paradise island!