10 Romantic Days in Bali
By Micah Sarut
Rarely has a culture and place captured the western imagination as much as the diminutive and lush isle of Bali. Labeled as paradise by more than one early traveler, it’s hard to believe that wars between the Dutch and the Balinese once ravaged this peaceful land. Even in these days of mass tourism the fascinating and welcoming culture, verdant jungle and sensuously-curved and terraced rice paddies will effortlessly set the stage for your own kecak, or “fire dance”.
Cliffs of Uluwatu
Days 1-2 Southern Beaches
The developed area in Kuta and its surrounds have long been a sort of Cabo San Lucas for the Australians who, despite their own wealth of fabulous beaches and tasty beer, head to Kuta in droves for all-night forays in to earth-vibrating hedonism. Honeymooners will likely prefer the chic surroundings of nearby Seminyak, an enclave of glamorous bars and nightclubs, boutiques, and even it’s own glossy magazine. Start your honeymoon with a classic stroll along the beach in the late afternoon sun before walking up to Ku De Ta for a cocktail or two to catch the legendary sunsets across the Indian Ocean. When staring into each other’s eyes is no longer enough, slip back to the incredible luxury of Sentosa Private Villas or the serenity of bvilla.
Rice Paddies
Day 3 Flowers and Hindu Temples
Much of what makes Bali and the Balinese so special is their unique brand of Hinduism. Temples are everywhere; thatched-roof pagodas reach for the heavens while countless miniature handmade offerings adorn homes, businesses, sidewalks, cars, and even toasters! Take a day trip to one of the most picturesque temples, Pura Ulundanu partially set on a small island in the dramatic Lake Beratan, a favorite of photographers. Surrounded by the cool air and impossibly green mountains, head up to the Bali Botanical Gardens where you can walk amongst 400 acres of incredible botany including hundreds of orchid species.
Praying With Offering
Days 4-10 Ubud
Often referred to as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud has a unique mix of Balinese, expats, and tourists that actually seems to work. The famous welcoming nature of the Balinese has seduced many a weary traveler to stay; yet the local culture has embraced the development and in many ways has made it their own. Long a creative refuge, galleries abound, and it seems that everyone in Bali is an artist. With a wealth of restaurants, culture, and lifestyle, you might stay too long yourself!
Spend your first day strolling along the main streets of Jalan Hanoman, Jalan Monkey Forest, and Jalan Raya Ubud. Whatever you can think of to decorate your house with will be here, somewhere. Duck in to Kafe for a relaxing lunch and invigorating fresh juice. Spas abound in Bali, and Ubud is no exception. Pop in to the Sedona Spa for a massage before heading to the acclaimed Mozaik for a glamorous dinner of Indonesian-inspired French cooking. A short drive amongst the darkened rice fields will bring you back to the lovely and secluded Villa Sarna, or a private villa at the nearby Four Seasons.
Food in Bali can be pretty special. From grilled sate to endless curries of Padang cuisine to avocado milkshakes, you could explore the eating experience here forever. Take it home with you with a fabulous and authentic cooking class at Paon Bali. When you’re about town, don’t miss Ibu Oka for lunch, deservedly renowned for babi guleng, or spit-roasted suckling pig. Get there early! Tuesday nights, however, belong to Batan Waru, a upscale café that indulges its customers with Chili Crab Night, an orgy of shellfish swimming in sweet-spicy sauce enjoyably conquered with your fingers over bottles of chilled white wine.
A great way to see the gorgeous countryside (and work off the suckling pig) is by bicycle. A great tour is run by Bali Bike Baik, and mostly downhill too. You also benefit from a visit to a local temple where some of the frankly mystifying practices of the Balinese are explained. Save a night back in Ubud for a kecak dance, a nighttime spectacle of chants, fire, and ancient storytelling.
Ubud Nighttime Festival
More Time?
Lovina beach on the northern coast offers the ultimate in serenity and privacy. A few extra days up here will relax all comers. Not enough? The nearby tiny island of Lombok will surely please.
Contacts
Seminyak:
Ku De Ta
Sentosa Private Villas, from $390/night
bvilla, from $265/night
Pura Ulundanu temple, Jalan Pancasari, Candikuning
Bali Botanical Gardens, admission Rp 7,000
Ubud:
Kafe
Sedona Spa, massage from Rp 90,000
Mozaik
Villa Sarna, from $175/night
Four Seasons, from $680/night
Paon Bali, classes Rp 350,000pp
Ibu Oka, Jalan Suweta/Tegal Sari No. 2, Ubud, lunch about Rp 30,000
Batan Waru
Bali Bike Baik, tours Rp 370,000
Kecak dance schedules
Getting There & Other Practicalities
US citizens are issued a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. A recent web search yielded flights from New York or Los Angeles to Denpasar, Bali from $1013pp, and $1259pp respectively. It’s warm year round, although Bali’s mountains can be cool. The wet season runs from October to April, with the crowded high season in July and August. Hiring a driver is the most convenient way to get around.
- All photos property and courtesy of Micah Sarut
In between designing buildings, architect, photographer, and writer Micah Sarut selflessly scours the planet for the next big romantic adventure to share with Staggered’s readers; find him online at www.micahsarut.com and www.interurbanstudios.com
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