I believe everyone should at least once in his or her life experience Bali. It’s a beautiful country with equally beautiful and warm people. Not to mention the exotic weather, down-to-earth lifestyle, laid back atmosphere; spicy food and rich heritage.
Bali to me feels like home because just like Filipinos, the Balinese people are hospitable. Whether they take your order in a restaurant or greet you with a “Selamat Pagi”, which means good morning in Indonesian, they always smile at you and there is no better way to start your day than with a smile.
Bali bound with my number 1
But there are some things that give Bali its overall magical appeal, attracting even the most frequent-flying traveler.
Here are 5 places to experience in Bali for all types of visitors:
1. Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
A luxurious getaway right in the heart of Kuta and is ideally located right in front of the beach.
This award winning resort offers an exclusive retreat, amidst spacious open-air terrace, outdoor rooftop pool and unrivaled panoramic views of the ocean.
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort houses three dining venues where travelers can enjoy Sheraton’s signature restaurants – the all-day dining Feast® with its vibrant open-kitchen, located alongside Beachwalk’s patio overlooking the Kuta Beach, or indulge at Bene – a light-hearted Italian kitchen, where guests can also relish mesmerizing views of the beautiful Bali Strait on the rooftop deck level. The Lounge offers a locally inspired cocktail menu, with open-air setting and breathtaking panoramic views of the beach.
Thank God! It’s Seafood Martini Friday
Don’t miss Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort’s Seafood Martini Friday at Bene Poolside. This brand new and exciting concept features a selection of fine seafood, free-flowing martini, mocktails and more.
The exciting Seafood Martini Friday menu showcases Bene’s trademark talent for nostalgic Italian dining with a modern twist.
Thirst-quenching mocktails include Lemon Pine Tea, Dark Purple, and Cucumber Punch. Guests also will be serenaded with a live band under the moonlight throughout the evening.
Bene Poolside serves appetizers such as mussel marinara and gamberi fagioli, grilled mahi-mahi or slipper lobster on the barbecue, uramaki rolls or tuna with spicy sauce and avocado, and à la carte mains of Singaporean live crab, calamari fritters and poached snapper with lemon sauce. Guests can choose from an extensive drinks menu, including 10 martini cocktails of refreshing flavors such as basil and pineapple, blueberry, red orange, and cucumber and kiwi.
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort also features a signature two-story Presidential
Killer view from Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort’s signature two-story Presidential Suite
The resort introduces 203 guest rooms and suites ranging from 46 to 265 square meters, each fitted with Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience.
It features a spacious private balcony with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean or the resort’s signature social courtyard. Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort also features a signature two-story Presidential Suite with oceanic views and contemporary approach of Balinese interior and private sundeck lounge.
To learn more about Sheraton Bali Kuta, visit www.sheraton.com
2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The Tegallalang rice terraces are one of the most iconic attractions in Bali. Found in the village of Tegallalang just north of Ubud, these steeply terraced rice fields are quite a spectacle to behold. The terraces, built to enable rice farming on the steep land, curve down into the bottom of the valley just like our very own Banaue Rice Terraces!
Do not miss this: Bali Swing, Tegallalang! An exhilarating ride with a beautiful view of the man-made rice paddies to boot!
My girl living her best life!
Must-try: Be sure to order some traditional Bali desserts and iced coffee
This day tour was organized by Kkday.
3. Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul Temple at Tampak Siring is one of the prominent temples in Ubud. It is considered as holy mountain spring and serves as a legendary setting for a traditional tale of good versus evil and is a national cultural heritage site. The temple complex was built circa 960 AD. It serves as a silent witness of the old Balinese kingdom years. Tirta Empul means “holy water spring” is actually the name of the water source that is passing within the temple. The water feeds adjoining purification pools, baths and fish ponds surrounding the outer complex which then all flow to the Tukad Pakerisan River. Another prominent and nearby site on top of a hill beside the temple complex is the presidential palace, Istana Tampaksiring, built during the years of the Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno.
It is located in the Tampak Siring region, just 20km north-east of Ubud. It is also quite near to Gunung Kawi Temple. The complex consists of three key areas. The front, the outer and the inner courtyard. You will walk through lush gardens with statues and beautiful tropical plants, towards the entrance. Behind the temple gate you will see the first pools. It’s a wonderful and beautiful scenery.
Dress code: Like in any Balinese temple, always dress respectfully. If you do not have a Sarong, you can borrow one with a sash to put around the waist.
Remember: Women during their period are prohibited to enter the sacred sites. The purification bathing ritual is only meant for Hindus.
Aryanna is cleansing her soul in one of the Tirta Empul Temple’s fountains.
Tip: Book a day tour via KKday for convenience!
KKday is an online travel platform that specializes in local in-destination tours and guides.KKday is Asia’ largest e-commerce travel platform and supports multiple languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more. Visit KKday.com to learn more, or download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
4. Green School
A non-profit school that develops young green leaders in global citizenship. Aryanna and I got to tour the school and saw education and nature combined.
Imagine a school without walls, a campus which ignites the senses and the natural curiosity of children, a place where innovation, creativity and learning flourish, a community, which has come together from all corners of the globe to share new experiences, a place of joy. Seeing children learning by doing, hearing deep and meaningful student discussions, experiencing daily growth as a whole person and feeling the joy of being part of a vibrant community of learners is the Green School experience.
5. Element by Westin Bali Ubud
Standing amidst the luscious greenery on Jalan Raya Andong, Element by Westin Bali Ubud welcomes discerning travelers in the cultural town of Ubud. The resort is only seven minutes away by car to Ubud center, where guests can encounter Bali’s enchanting rituals, visit historical destinations, and shop local arts and crafts.
The smoke-free, eco-conscious resort offers a range of healthy food and activities, including a saline swimming pool and the hotel’s tailored spa, the PancaMaya Wellness. Everything is thoughtfully designed to keep guests balanced and whole.
The signature Heavenly Bed promises a good night’s sleep
Element by Westin Bali Ubud encourages wellness through selections of culinary delights. Start your day with choices of holistic signature breakfast featuring a Western and Asian breakfast spread, refreshing smoothies, wholesome granola, fresh fruit, flavorful coffee and more. Andong Teras all-day dining venue presents an excellent farm-to-table experience where many dishes are made from fresh produce combined with quality ingredients from local markets throughout Bali and Indonesia.
Spicy Balinese food FTW!
What I love: A relaxing and modern hotel with a killer pool and complete with the traditional Balinese hospitality.
Book your stay now: www.elementbywestinbali.com
Fly To Bali With The Best Low-Cost Airline
When it comes to traveling in Asia, Aryanna and I have the same mantra: save on airfare and splurge on experiences. Thanks to AirAsia you can travel to Bali on a budget and splurged on different experiences (food, fun and shopping).
Low cost airfare = High quality fun!
I love plane food! AirAsia offers delicious in-flight meals.
It’s always a delight traveling with my daughter Aryanna, especially now that she’s at that age where we’re more like girlfriends than mother-and-daughter. We both get to know each other even more and we learn so much from one another.
Our Bali trip was quite epic not only because of shopping adventures but also as a spiritual journey for both of us.
I can’t wait for our next mother and daughter trip!
Where should be our next destination? Please give us suggestions in the comment box. Thanks!