We decided to take a short trip to Bali for relaxation before the final charge to the last quarter of the year. Since it was to recharge, the trip went slow. Laid-back for a few days? Totally necessary.
We stayed in Pan Pacific Nirwana, a resort with an amazing view of the famous Tanah Lot. The resort feel suited our objective to relax.
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| Pan Pac Nirwana |
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| Pan Pac Nirwana |
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| Pan Pac Nirwana |
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| Pan Pac Nirwana |
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| Pan Pac Nirwana |
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| Pan Pac Nirwana - View of Tanah Lot |
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| Pan Pac Nirwana - View of Tanah Lot |
On Day One, we relaxed by the hotel poolside and had spa in the hotel. In the evening, we went to one of the best places to watch the sun set on Bali, Uluwatu.
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| Uluwatu |
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| Uluwatu |
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| Uluwatu |
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| Uluwatu |
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| Uluwatu - Sunset |
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| Uluwatu - Sunset |
When there, we were told to watch out for our loose belongings, for example hat, scarf, spectacles and even necklace. There were many monkeys ‘plying their trade’ all over. They snatched loose items from tourists and to get the items back, the victims needed to pay a local about 2,000 rupiahs (SGD 0.30), who would, in turn, offer the monkeys bananas to get back the items.
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| Uluwatu - Monkeys |
We proceeded to watch a traditional Balinese Kecak Fire and Trance Dance. The dramatic dance attracted many tourists and lasted until night fell.
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| Kecak Dance |
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| Kecak Dance |
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| Kecak Dance |
We then met up with a few local friends and had our feast on seafood and wine at Jimbaran. The setting – dining on the beach with the sound of the sea and the occasional low-flying aircraft, combined with the beautiful soothing songs played by a few locals along the seashore – was simply romantic.
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| Seafood Dinner - Jimbaran |
The next day, we went to Ubud where we bought a few nice wood craft and house ornaments.
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| Street of Ubud |
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| Street of Ubud - Furniture |
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| Street of Ubud - Furniture |
We visited the Antonio Blanco Museum, where artwork, paintings and collage were on display in a beautiful house.
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| Antonio Blanco Museum - Entrance |
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| Antonio Blanco Museum - Interior |
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| Antonio Blanco Museum - Interior |
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| Antonio Blanco Museum - Garden |
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| Antonio Blanco Museum - Garden |
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| Antonio Blanco Museum - Garden |
On the way to have lunch, we stopped by a padi field for photo-taking.
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| Padi - Ubud |
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| Padi - Ubud |
Lunch was the crispy duck at Bebek Bengil (dirty duck diner). The duck was indeed crispy and delicious. No wonder the restaurant was busy with customers. And at the restaurant, we met some friends from Singapore!
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| Bebek Bengil |
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| Padi Field in Bebek Bengil Restaurant |
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| Padi Field in Bebek Bengil Restaurant |
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| Padi Field in Bebek Bengil Restaurant |
Being foodies, we didn’t let up on the chance for the babi guling (roast pig) at the famous Ibu Oka restaurant. We proceeded to Ibu Oka right after lunch! With a traditional restaurant setting, customers at Ibu Oka sat on the floor and ate from a low table. The babi guning was good but interestingly, it was even better when we ate it with our bare hands!
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| Ibu Oka |
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| Ibu Oka |
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| Ibu Oka |
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| Babi Guling |
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| Preparation of a Rite Outside Ibu Oka |
We spent the morning of the third day at Tanah Lot, one of the most famous temples in Bali. Holy Water or Holy Ulur (snake)? We chose none of the offerings at the temple. We only wanted to walk around and enjoy the sea, breeze and the sight of the grand Tanah Lot.
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| Tanah Lot |
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| Tanah Lot - Ritual |
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| Tanah Lot - Ritual |
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| Tanah Lot - Seaside |
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| Tanah Lot - Seaside |
Seminyak was next. After visiting a few niche shops and bought a few unqiue Ts, we chilled out at Potato Head. With a glass of wine in hand and the sea view in front of us, we felt life was beautiful.
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| Potato Head - Entrance |
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| Potato Head - Entrance |
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| Potato Head - Chill... |
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| Potato Head - Chill... |
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| Potato Head - Chill... |
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| Potato Head - Chill... |
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| Potato Head - Chill... |
Day Four. Time to leave Bali. We left recharged, and vowed to return. Hopefully, soon enough.
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| Bali in October |
*Photos and content contributed by Martin Tong, an expat working in Singapore.
*The views and opinions expressed in this article are that of the writer and do not represent the views of New Shan Travel.
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