Places to visit in Bali

The Bay - public area

Bali, the well-known paradise. Either you are looking for suntan, beaches, wave to ride, hip bars, exotic culinary or cultural experience…all (body and soul needs) are offered on this tiny island. Being so frequently talked about…written about…I wouldn’t go further into the stuff that you could probably find somewhere else…but I simply would like to share the places that we visited during our last year-end holiday there   :-)

The Bay - public area

The Bay - private beach of Mercure

The Bay Beach

Since we stayed in Nusa Dua area and were kinda bored of Benoa, Geger/Sawangan or Pandawa Beach, this time we went to The Bay. The location is easy to find, near Bali Collection and Devdan show (another one that we missed to watch due to schedule conflict). Some part of the beach is open for public while the long shore on the right as well as on the left…all are bordered by the exclusive resorts and hotels around it.  We visited both, the public and the private one, and I have to say…it is beautiful. The white sands blend perfectly with lazuli seawater, plus blue sky…it was perfect.

Echo beach

The seafood resto

Echo Beach

Our friend recommended this one for us, saying it was the newest spot for seafood *yum yum*. Abandoning our plan to have seafood dinner at Jimbaran, we directly headed there with the help of GPS. The location was a bit difficult to reach (though GPS helped a lot) but the road is too small and full of turns. Without GPS, we would be lost already. Located on Bali’s southwest area (around 1 hour drive from Denpasar), Echo beach (around Canggu area) was famous for pro surfing (the wave here was big). With its signature charcoal blacken sands, the beach was kinda secluded…no sunbathing people lying around and only few dots (which I assumed the surfers) were in the sea…waiting for the perfect ride. But once the twilight falls, flock of people started to fill the chairs and table at the only and the largest seafood resto here. We felt like an alien here since all guests were foreigners and I noticed several stares from them (probably wondering our nationality since I speak in English with my girls. The seats filled up quickly (ehm this place must be pretty famous) and live music started…ehm dinner here didn’t sound bad at all. With yummy and fresh seafood with reasonable price…almost similar setting but with different atmosphere, dinner at Echo must become one of your must-to-do   :-)

Candidasa beach

Candidasa Beach

Unlike the famous Kuta beach, Candidasa which was located on eastern part of Bali offers something different. Again with its charcoal blacken sands which felt rough on my feet, the place was sort of abandoned. Not much of improvement been seen here (I recalled my visit here several years ago) only the road was much in better and well-maintained condition. However, I still like this part of Bali, which I can spend all day just sitting and watching fishing boat drifting…and sometimes when I was lucky, I could see a diver or two. It is a perfect place to go if you are looking for less-crowded beach

Tirta Gangga

 

Water Palace Tirta Gangga

Tired of beaches, then head to the water palace located within Candidasa area (2 hours from Denpasar). Here, you will find another charm of Bali. This place used to be the bathing palace for the king and the royal family. Beautiful vista of ponds welcome us from our first step entering Tirga Gangga (entrance ticket is IDR 5k/pax for local). There are 3 ponds, a smaller with stepping path which is picturesque with its Goddess statues in between, a bigger one on the left and another smaller one which currently used as public pool (yes, you could have a dip here as long as you can brace the cold).

Flights of stairs to heaven   :-)

View of the bridge from pavilion

Water Palace Ujung

The biggest water palace in Bali (entrance ticket is IDR 5k/pax for local), this place boast a big rippling ponds with its white-off pavilion in the middle. Ancient Balinese style was found within the pavilion (with stories relics and pictures told in black and white) as well as the stony bridge. On the farther side, there are 2 stairs, on the far left and on the far right which if you have strength to climb those flights of stairs, the reward will be breathtaking. The stunning view from above shows you the whole palace and its garden, as well as sea on the far right and mountains on the far left. Really awesome.

The pavilion of Water Palace Ujung

The ruins

Balangan Beach
This famous spot for pro surfer is located at the southern part of Bali, around Uluwatu area. A bit difficult to reach (the road is in good condition but just too small - not to mention the turns). Anyway, the 1hour drive there was worth the effort. The white smooth sands were ankle depth (walking around with slippers were a bit difficult). Here you could get the most of sands...deep teal seawater...blue sky...sea breeze in the most humble way. The supporting facilities were limited and basic but, all you need to enjoy this place was only your bikini, sunglasses, and cold beer   :-)  Cheers

Balangan beach