Bali

It’s no secret that Aussies like a trip to Bali, and really it’s the perfect destination for a sneaky mini-break. Flights between Australia and Denpasar are frequent, both flying direct, or if you want a mix of culture, via other Asian destinations such as Singapore.

The island offers something for everyone whether it be a simple beach holiday, a chance to check out some amazing scenery and culture of the Indonesian Island, or just to party. Different parts of the island offer different things.

I stayed in Kuta, more specifically at the Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel, a nice hotel operated by the Accor chain. The location was fantastic, being right across the road from the famous beach and close to many restaurants and bars.

I spent most of my time taking in the sights, scenery, and culture. On arrival I asked my guide to drive me down to the Nusa Dua area; nice beaches and probably a great place to stay for a more relaxed visit to the Island. Next it was to a few more beaches to check out the view and finally to the highlight of the day, the Uluwatu Temple, a Hindu temple placed on a cliff top high above the ocean.

If wildlife is on your list of things to see, there were monkeys aplenty, and cheeky monkeys at that. If you’re not careful they’ll steal your glasses or bags! The day ended with a spectacular sunset and drinks over Kuta Beach.

The second day, the plan was to head into the Ubud area, with the first stop being Tegenungan Waterfall. The walk down and up the 165 steps in the high humidity was the day’s workout. This was followed by a couple of temple visits: Batuan and Tirta Empul Temple. The last stop for the day was Kintamani Volcano viewpoint, where I had a delicious meal of Nasi Goreng while admiring the views.

The last day in Bali ventured to the North of Kuta, the first stop Tanah Lot Temple. A very scenic temple nestled atop a rock surrounded by beach and ocean. Next was Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, another scenic location, the temple is situated on the edge of a lake. The final stop, and probably the day’s highlight for me, was the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.

With that, it was back to the hotel to pack. Bali doesn’t have to be all about beach and drinks. There’s a lot to see. If you’re interested in a mini Bali break, or a longer tour of the island, contact us for more information!

Photos by Paul Gambling