Follow my journey on Facebook Page: Hang Around Thailand
Link: https://www.facebook.com/hangaroundthailand/
"If heaven exists, Bali must be the land that lies between heaven and the human world."
Among the destinations I have visited, Bali undoubtedly stands out as the most memorable. Its captivating natural beauty, unparalleled sunsets on the beach, simple way of life, and the locals' unwavering hospitality towards tourists make it an unforgettable experience. These qualities make Bali a place that should not be overlooked.
Bali, a small island in Indonesia, was the destination for this trip. We booked a round-trip flight with Air Asia for the morning, departing at 6:10 AM. The total cost was 3,575 baht, which was incredibly affordable.
Find cheap tickets at: www.airasia.com
Before embarking on my trip, I conducted extensive research on various websites and consulted with friends who had previously visited Bali regarding transportation options. The most common recommendation was to rent a car with a driver, which typically costs around 1,500 baht per day. While this option is cost-effective when traveling with a larger group, it presented a challenge for our party of two.
Scrolling through information, I was surprised to find that renting a car was incredibly affordable, costing only around 20 USD or 600 THB per day. As someone who enjoys driving myself when traveling in Thailand, I decided to rent a car.
We used the services of balicar4rent and were very impressed. The car was delivered and picked up on time, and there were staff available to assist us throughout the process. We were able to choose the pick-up location, date, and time, which we set as the airport for both pick-up and drop-off.
Booking link: https://www.balicar4rent.com/
Day 1: January 6, 2018
We arrived at Don Mueang Airport at around 5:00 AM. We had already checked in through the Air Asia app (super convenient) because we tend to run late and were worried about missing the check-in counter. We then walked to the connecting building to top up our AIS SIM2Fly internet SIM card.
It appears that "it's closed", OMG!!! No camps are open yet. What should I do?
I tried calling the AIS Call Center and, surprisingly, someone answered! They instructed me to top up my balance using Internet Banking and then activated my internet connection for me. (Amazing service, even at 5 AM!)
I recommend it. If you're going abroad, use it. It's super convenient.
As the plane took off, the sun was just rising. I managed to take three photos before falling asleep. It was time to sleep, after all!
We arrived at Denpasar Airport in Bali at 11:20 AM, approximately 10 minutes late. As soon as we turned on our phones, a company representative messaged us, arranging to meet us at the information desk and take us to pick up our car.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
This is our companion on this trip, Mr. Brio.
After receiving the car, the staff asked if I wanted to purchase car insurance. The insurance premium was 6 USD per day, which covered the entire four days we were there. I agreed to it (I recommend anyone who rents a car to do so, as the roads there are narrow and there is a risk of collision).
Upon exiting, you will encounter an airport fee checkpoint. The cost is 5,000 IDR.
Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.
This trip primarily relied on Google Maps for navigation. The route was planned in advance and saved on the internet (if you'd like a copy, feel free to reach out).
The first place we visited was called "Puncak Karang Boma Pecatu," a cliff that juts out into the sea. It's a hidden gem in Bali, and when we went, there was no one else there except for one Westerner who followed us.
Upon arrival, you will encounter a barrier preventing large vehicles from entering. You must park and continue on foot for approximately 1 kilometer.
Follow the path until you reach a steel gate. Turn right and continue along the path into the forest.
The path leads to a vast clearing with a breathtaking cliff face. The view is incredible, but not for those with a fear of heights! Let's go take some pictures!
We then drove to our second destination, Uluwatu Temple. This famous temple is perched on a cliff, and it's said that if you visit Bali and don't come here, you haven't truly experienced the island.
Uluwatu Temple charges an entrance fee of 30,000 IDR per person. Visitors are required to wear a sarong before entering the temple. (This requirement applies to all temples in Bali.)
Before we could finish taking photos, heavy rain began to fall. We were forced to wait in a pavilion for about an hour before deciding to run through the rain to our car. We needed to drive to our accommodation near Mount Agung, which was about a two-hour drive from Uluwatu.
Driving in Bali is relatively easy, similar to driving in rural areas of Thailand. However, it is important to be cautious of motorbikes, as they are ubiquitous and often driven recklessly. To mitigate this risk, many drivers opt to hang amulets on their dashboards, reflecting the strong Buddhist beliefs of the local population.
We arrived at our accommodation around 7 pm, and it was already dark. Therefore, we did not take any pictures of the accommodation that night. We unpacked our belongings, ate dinner, took a shower, and went to sleep.
Day 2: July 1, 2018
Those who have seen reviews or posts about Bali will know that there are a lot of cool and amazing accommodations here. Our accommodation is called Hideout Lightroom, which is part of the same group as Hideout Bali, where many famous bloggers have stayed. It's really cool, super beautiful, and super chic. Don't believe me? Take a look at the pictures.
Booking Link:
https://th.airbnb.com/rooms/18761574
In summary, after we finished taking photos of the accommodation, it started raining heavily. It rained heavily all day, to the point where we couldn't see anything. As a result, we were unable to go anywhere and could only stay at the accommodation, playing and taking photos.
Follow my travels on Facebook Page: Hang Around Thailand
https://www.facebook.com/hangaroundthailand/
August 1, 2018
The original plan was completely changed because we made mistakes all day yesterday. Today, we checked out of our accommodation at 5:30 am. Our first stop today was "Pura Luhur Lempuyang", a temple located on Lempuyang Mountain, which is in the shadow of Mount Agung.
Yes, that's it! The volcano that has been erupting recently. It's not erupting anymore, but there's still some smoke coming out. It's safe, don't worry.
The road is quite challenging and difficult to drive. It is not recommended for inexperienced drivers. The road is narrow and there are cliffs on both sides.
We arrived around 7 am, just as the temple opened. We might have been the first ones there. The entrance fee is a donation, but sarong rental costs 10,000 IDR per person.
Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.
The Pura Luhur Lempuyang is a large temple. If you walk around it, it will be about 4 km long. It is a path that goes up the hill, but our destination is the gate that foreigners call "Heaven Gate", which is located at the beginning of the temple, about 1 km walk.
As you requested, here is the translation of the sentence:
As you walk up, you will find a large open space on your right. Walk to the left and you will find three staircases. The guard told us that we can only use the left and right staircases, and the middle one is off-limits.
Facing Mount Agung, there it is, Heaven Gate. Found it, let's take a picture.
After taking the photos, we walked back to the car. But… wait! Why is it so empty? It seems like we were holding something on the way there. Oh no! We forgot the tripod.
I sprinted up the mountain as fast as I could. Running uphill at such a high altitude was incredibly challenging. I was exhausted. When I finally reached the car, my entire body was numb.
After a short break at the temple, we drove towards Ubud, where our next destination was the Campuhan Ridge Walk. This scenic trail winds along a ridge with lush green fields on either side, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is approximately 2 kilometers from the main road, through a wide meadow.
The next stop is "Tegallalang Rice Terrace," the iconic rice terraces of Bali. Bali was one of the first places to develop rice terraces. The drive takes about half an hour.
The Tegallalang Rice Terrace charges an entrance fee of 10,000 IDR per person. After entering, walk down to the bottom where you will see the start line sign. It takes about 1 hour to walk around the entire terrace. When we visited, unfortunately, the rice had already been harvested, leaving only dry soil. However, it was still beautiful.
After exploring the area, we moved on to another must-see destination in Bali: "Pura Tirta Empul," also known as the "Holy Spring Temple" or "Tempak Siring" among Thai tourists.
The term "Tirta Empul" translates to "holy spring" or "spring of the soul," a sacred site revered by the Balinese people. Individuals seeking solace or wishing to make offerings often visit this spring for purification. Admission costs 15,000 IDR per person, while sarong rentals are offered through donation boxes, allowing visitors to contribute as they see fit.
Those who wish to descend into the water to make offerings at the fountain must first change into a green sarong. The rental fee is 10,000 IDR, as the front sarongs are not permitted in the water.
Our dear Bo also joined in the fun. At first, she said she didn't want to get wet and would pray on land. But when she got there, the atmosphere took over, and the feeling was right. It looked sacred and truly believable. Before she knew it, she had changed her clothes. 5555
After making our offerings and feeling content, we looked up at the sky. Dark clouds were gathering, a sign that rain would be falling within minutes. We decided to return to Ubud the next day to finish exploring, as there were still two waterfalls we hadn't visited. So, we drove back to our accommodation.
Before checking into our accommodation, we stumbled upon a charming little cafe called "Canina Bali". This tropical-themed cafe boasts a swimming pool in its center, creating a refreshing and inviting atmosphere.
We ordered two dishes and two cocktails, but the waiter informed us that it was happy hour and that for every cocktail we ordered, we would receive another one for free. As a result, we ended up with four cocktails. 5555 Since we are not heavy drinkers (or so we thought!), we got a little tipsy and our faces turned red.
The purpose of our visit is to make a reservation for a floating breakfast, a trendy way to enjoy breakfast served on a tray floating in the water. We have booked a reservation for 9:00 AM tomorrow, which costs 350,000 IDR plus VAT and service charge, totaling 408,100 IDR.
Alright, see you tomorrow at Cabina Bali!
We then drove back to our accommodation as heavy rain began to fall. Our accommodation was a pool villa called "Villa Lua", located near Canggu Beach. We had to enter a small alley with Bro Resto at the front.
For those who are planning to stay, look for the orange sign that says "Bro Resto". Turn into the alley and go straight until you see a house with a blue door on the left-hand side. That's it! You've arrived.
Booking link: https://th.airbnb.com/rooms/14344087
We took very few photos of the accommodation because it rained the entire time we were there. We didn't even get to jump in the pool.
After packing our belongings, we went out to find something to eat. The restaurant we chose was a popular spot for tourists, known for its healthy food options. The restaurant's name is "Cafe Organic," but unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures of the ambiance. We only took pictures of the food we ordered.
This restaurant's menu is entirely meat-free, but the vegetables and fruits are seasoned to create savory dishes. The food is beautifully presented and served on wooden platters, giving it a truly organic feel.
Follow my journey on Facebook Page: Hang Around Thailand
https://www.facebook.com/hangaroundthailand/
September 1, 2018
Today, we planned to visit the Tanah Lot Temple first. We were going to wake up at 5:30 am and go out to take sunrise photos. However, when we woke up, it was raining heavily as if the sky was going to collapse. Oh well, we just slept in. What else could we do? 5555
"Tanah Lot," which translates to "Land in the Sea," is a temple dedicated to the worship of sea deities.
Translation:
We arrived at Tanah Lot Temple around 8 am. The entrance fee was 60,000 IDR per person. We then walked around and took photos.
Unfortunately, we were unable to explore the interior due to a pre-arranged meeting with Cabina at 9 am, necessitating a prompt departure.
Upon arriving at Cabina, I took a series of solo photographs.
After a satisfying meal, we continued our journey to Ubud to explore two more waterfalls. Our first stop was the breathtaking Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
As we were driving up the mountain, a truck suddenly came speeding towards us. Out of sheer bad luck, I swerved the steering wheel to the left without noticing the large pothole on the side. The car plunged into the hole, sending my heart sinking into my stomach. To make matters worse, the tire burst.
The customer urgently messaged the company's manager to inform them about a flat tire. The manager responded, "You will have to wait approximately 2 hours for us to arrive at your location, as it is quite far from our company."
Oh no! My life is ruined! I guess I won't be able to visit the waterfall after all. I got out of the car feeling dejected. I thought about leaving the car here, waiting for them to change the tire, and then hitchhiking to the tourist spot.
However, amidst the misfortune, a glimmer of hope emerged. Bo's eyes caught sight of a motorcycle repair shop by the roadside.
The probability of having a flat tire in the middle of nowhere and finding a repair shop right in front of you is incredibly low, almost impossible. It's a frustrating and unfortunate situation that can leave anyone feeling helpless and emotional.
Bowing, I asked for help, which was very well received. Even though the group of Indonesian guys didn't speak much English, their gestures made me feel inexplicably warm. Although it was a motorcycle repair shop, they were happy to help me change my car tire without hesitation.
The journey to Tukad Cepung Waterfall took approximately 1 hour after changing a tire. The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR per person. Signs are clearly visible along the way.
Translation:
Emerging from the cave, we were greeted by the booming roar of thunder, followed by flashes of lightning, as if the sky were shouting, "Hey! It's about to rain!"
As soon as we reached the car, my friend went crazy and started pouring water on us. But we had to keep going because it was our last day. We had one more waterfall to see, the "Tibumana Waterfall," which was the highlight of the trip. It was the same waterfall that Surfer's Holiday had reviewed. Honestly, I only wanted to go because of my friend. 5555
After driving for a while, the rain continued to fall without stopping. Feeling hungry, I saw a cart selling bakso ayam and decided to stop and eat.
Bakso is similar to our meatball noodle soup, but it differs in the ingredients and the soup base, which has chili sauce added to it. I tried it and it was delicious, plus it's super cheap, only 20,000 IDR per bowl.
Children playing football saw us eating and smiled at us. 5555
Looking across to the opposite bank, I saw something that looked like a temple. So I made a wish that the rain would stop when I got there.
After we had our fill, we got back in the car and continued driving until we reached Taboomana Waterfall. And then it actually stopped raining. As soon as we arrived, the rain gradually subsided until it stopped completely. We were so happy! 5555
The entrance fee to the waterfall is 10,000 IDR per person. The entrance is on the right, and you need to walk down the stairs. About halfway down, you will see a fork in the path on the left. Look carefully, the waterfall should be on the left, and you need to walk down the stairs again. You will then see a crossing, which is a bit difficult to walk on.
Our waterfall conquest was finally complete. We then drove back to Canggu Beach to capture the sunset. We rented a surfboard for some stylish photos, which cost 50,000 IDR. The rental staff asked if we had surfed before, and when we said no, they advised that this beach wasn't suitable for beginners. However, they allowed us to rent the board for photos, so we agreed.
Missing out on surfing during my trip to Bali left me with a lingering sense of disappointment. Time constraints and persistent rain throughout the trip thwarted my plans. However, I remain determined to conquer the waves on a future visit.
Translation:
After sitting for a while, the sun gradually set below the horizon. The color of the sky slowly changed, following its natural course.
The sunset marked the end of our trip, leaving us with a peculiar sense of contentment. While things may not have always gone according to plan or been picture-perfect, this is what life is all about: embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the journey.
Update Budget and Plan.
Translation:
This is an empty paragraph.
Follow my journey on Facebook Page: Hang Around Thailand
Link: https://www.facebook.com/hangaroundthailand/
Hang Around Thailand
Monday, November 11, 2024 9:55 AM