THE LAND OF GODS CALLED BALI

By Ed Lorenzo
8 years ago in PLACES
1 Comment

There is something in Bali’s raw and untouched visage that tells you to stay, relax, and just enjoy the view by taking in the sights and appreciate nature in its truest form.

Bali is known to be called as the Land of the Gods, it appeals through its natural beauty of lush terraces, rock formation and looming volcanoes. It is also known to have a diversified, colorful festivities, that boast off arts and crafts.

When I arrived in Bali, I was welcomed by an inviting culture and diversified taste for arts and designs that was plastered on the walls of Ngurah Rai International Airport.

“Are you one?” a driver asked me, beaming an authentic smile, pertaining if I’m alone. He seemed nice, with his stout physique, he wears a large Hawaiian polo in Yellow and Blue matching his dark complexion. He accompanied me all the way to the taxi bay where I’m ought to meet my pre-booked driver and tour guide, but unfortunately, he cancelled it the last minute. So I was left with no choice but to get a good deal from this old man who willingly accommodated me to Seminyak, in Ramada Encore.

I passed by detailed statues on my way to my hotel, and from then on, I know I was in for a good ride in Bali. The old man even offered me a good rate to be his tour guide for my week-long stay. He even offered some activities that not all of the tourist would do when in Bali.

Acting like a legitimate tour guide, while driving our way to the hotel, he explained all the statues that we passed by. He even stopped by a big gift shop where he suggested me to buy my pasalubong. “So, many, many items to buy for loved ones!” He exclaimed. He also said that I could get good gift deals when I visit Denpasar and Ubud, and assured that I’ll find many things that I’d like to bring back home there.

Most of the starred hotels are located near the beach. Otherwise, they usually have their own private spots at certain beaches. You can find them easily at popular spots like Kuta or Sanur. If you are thinking of bringing home souvenirs, your best bet is the souvenir market at Sukowati, where you may be overwhelmed by throng of choices.

Geographically speaking Bali is located eight degrees south of the equator, so the weather you will find is tropical, warm, and humid climate all year around with two main distinctive seasons: Dry Season and Rainy Season. Quite different with the areas around Bali’s central mountains (volcanoes) which have several peaks over 3,000 meters in elevation. Up here the temperatures are considerably cooler, and there is much more rainfall than in the coastal areas.

We then finally arrived in my hotel and I settled right away in my room. During that time, it was just newly built so you’ll definitely see the raw beauty of the Hotel. They have good amenities, sumptuous food offerings, and most specially large pool area where you can take a dip, anytime you want. (That is if you’ve decided not to visit the nearby beaches)

Bali is famous with its white beaches and are favorite for family holidays. There are a variety of watersports available, such as banana boats, parasailing or jet skiing, swimming or plain sunbathing. Most well known among Bali’s beaches is Kuta.

Year-round, as my guide would say, “All foreign, always here.” saying that Bali is a home for foreigners who loves the beach and, of course, Surfing. Surfers love the waves at Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, these two islands are 45 minutes boat trip from Nusa Dua. Bali also offers adrenaline filled activities like Bungee jumping and white water rafting, which I indeed tried!

For those faint-hearted fellas you may want to enjoy cycling in Ubud to see its wonderful surrounding. There are also good cycling paths at Uluwatu in the south. You may also opt to witness how they make their all-famed Luwak Kofi, or Kapeng Alamid as we call it here in the Philippines. I sipped my complimentary cup of Luwak Kofi and from then on, I instantly got the point why it is considered as one of the most expensive coffee in the world. The taste was outstandingly delicious, not too bitter and strong, just perfect to keep you awake in times you need a punch.

Traditional shows are also shown in Bali like the Kecak dance where it is staged most dramatically in the open air by Pura Tanah Lot with as backdrop, the sun slowly lowering in the sea over the horizon beyond this beautiful temple.

The Kecak dance tells the story of Ramayana wherein prince Rama’s wife, Sita, is abducted by the ogre Rahwana. Just a piece of advise though, be sure to visit the place an earlier time, so as to be sure to catch the show, it is always sold out and they don’t allow by standers blocking the gates of the hall.

Just like the locals did, you would want to traverse from one place to the other riding a motorbike. It was so much fun, though I caught an accident in one of their highways, ‘cos I’m not really a pro in riding one. Nevertheless, the whole experience was perfectly great, and totally one for the books.

I then realized, one doesn’t need a plan to fully enjoy Bali, sometimes the most fulfilling experience are the ones least prepped for, and I would suggest that you take time visiting this country and I bet, you’ll definitely enjoy it too. My week-long stay was tad a bit short- to say the least- but I was able to enjoy every bit of it. I’ll definitely come back.

Allow me to leave you with a quote from Julia Roberts’ film, Eat, Pray, Love: “Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

I will list down top 10 activities that you must try in Bali on my next post, so keep checking the site!

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Ed Lorenzo

Edryan Lorenzo, a PR and Marketing practitioner with 13 years of solid experience in the industry of lifestyle, fashion, and e-commerce. I'm into visual arts which includes photography, painting, and sketching. During my free time, I'd prefer to travel to keep my self fueled by different cultures and information. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter at @edryanlorenzo.

Ed Lorenzo

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