Hey, Charming!
It's been exactly a month and 3 weeks since Bali vacay happened. There are days when it feels as if I never left the island. This week has felt pretty much like this.
Instead of keeping all the lovely memories to myself, I thought it would be good to share some highlights from the trip, must-see places and some travelling tips.
---
Bali is not a new destination for me. I was there a couple of years back before the pandemic. Being the second time around on the island, I wanted to keep things as lowkey and relaxing as possible, but also incorporate one or two uncustomary activities missed during earlier travels.
Speaking of uncustomary, hiking Mount Batur was one of the odd activities we decided upon. It became one of my top priorities for this trip.
Suppose you're wondering what all the fuss is about. In that case, might I elaborate, Mount Batur is an active volcano located at the center of two concentric calderas (volcanic craters) northwest of Mount Agung on the island of Bali, Indonesia. Mount Batur is listed under UNESCO's Global Geopark Network. At its peak, the mountain extends to 1,717 meters above sea level.
While researching Mount Batur, I found that sunrise hikes were a thing travellers raved about. I was sold the moment I Googled the images.
---
We hiked Mount Batur in the middle of the night. This was so that we could catch the sunrise which is usually around 6 a.m. Bali time.
It took us 2 hours up the mountain and another 2 hours back down. It was a challenge for me because of the rocky trail coupled with our pitch-black surroundings. We were each given a mini torchlight to carry, but even so, I still slipped a couple of times. The higher we climbed, the steeper the trail was. Thankfully, we had experienced guides to lead us up the mountain which helped the group keep pace.
At about 5.45 a.m., we summited Mount Batur.
The views at the top were stunning, but not in the way we saw on Google images. It was a cloudy day that day so the sun was mostly hidden. Still, we were able to take in the grandeur and picturesque landscapes whilst enjoying a simple breakfast of hard-boiled eggs, bread and fruit.
Caption: A once-in-a-lifetime money can't buy experience to hike Mount Batur. Book your tour with Klook today!
Travel tip #1: When hiking Mount Batur, wear suitable hiking shoes and bring a jacket/windbreaker as the temperature drops quickly as you go up the mountain.
---
With the fun/exciting element of the trip checked, it's time to relax.
I deliberately planned our stay at Komaneka at Bisma in Ubud town for the first few nights knowing we would be drained from the hike.
No surprises, everything about this luxury boutique resort was top notched, from aesthetics to hospitality and their facilities. I was amazed by the spaciousness of our hotel room; Bisma's suites come with a walk-in closet, a balcony, a shower, a bathtub with bath salts and candles, individual his and hers bathroom sinks, a TV with Netflix for entertainment, and complimentary bottomless cookie jar.
Comfy as the hotel may be, what made Bisma a true standout was its spa facility.
Set upon a slope with the Campuhan river valley in the backdrop, Bisma's spa is one of a kind experience. You will feel transported into a land of peace and tranquillity as you step foot into the spa. Be greeted with a welcome drink (herbal ginger tea) followed by a short consultation with a professional therapist.
Once you have selected your treatment type, your therapist will whisk you off into one of their private rooms for an hour or more of deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
Caption: Komaneka Resorts is a collection of sophisticated boutique resorts in Bali, with four properties located in highland Ubud including Bisma, and one in Keramas Beach on the island's eastern coast. Bisma is conveniently located 6 mins away by car from Ubud central.
Travel tip #2: It's best to hire a personal driver when in Bali because traffic can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially for those on motorbikes. While Grab and Gojek are popular options for transport in Seminyak, they can be harder to find on the outskirts like Ubud and Uluwatu.
---
What trip is complete without good food? Foodies take note!
We spent a huge part of our time cafe hopping while in Bali.
Amongst the ones we tried and loved was Sisterfields, an Australian-inspired brunch cafe in Seminyak.
Ex-pats and international travelers alike frequent Sisterfields so the overall ambiance and service are decent. I recommend ordering the classic Eggs Benedict if you're in the mood for brunch or the Original Dirty Burger with pickled onion rings, brioche bun, and french fries for something heavier. Take note that pricing is steep here. You should expect a meal at this place to cost almost the same or even more than what you typically would pay in Malaysian cafes.
Another cafe you shouldn't miss out on is AKASA Kintamani Coffee & Bakery. AKASA appeals to caffeine addicts like myself because it is a roastery that serves specialty local Kintamani beans. Kintamani beans produce a distinct citrus-sourish flavour that is common in Arabica coffee but with an added smoother and lighter body.
If coffee is not your thing then the views from AKASA are pretty spectacular as well. For those of you who opted out from hiking, here's your chance. Come to this cafe for its strategic lookout point of Mount Batur. You will not regret it!
While taking in the fabulous views, pick up a snack or two. I recommend ordering AKASA's Godoh Biu, a delicious concoction of crispy fried banana fritters topped with fresh fruits and palm sugar on the side to drizzle, or the Banoffee croissant. Pair it together with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, it really takes your breath away.
Travel tip #3: AKASA opens daily from 5.30am - 7pm on weekdays & until 8pm on weekends. Come early and snag a spot on the cafe's 2nd floor for the perfect view of Bali's sunrise and Mount Batur.
Dessert fans and sweet treat lovers, you have not been missed! My recommendation is to try Dough Darlings. Founded in 2015, this cafe is famed for its artisanal donuts and bombolinis in various yummy flavours. You can find Dough Darlings easily in five locations, four mainly in Bali - Canggu, Jimbaran, Berawa, and Seminyak, and one more in Jakarta.
Lastly, for those looking for something more authentic, head to Bebek Joni Restaurant located in Ubud town serving local Balinese food. As its name suggests, Bebek Goreng (Crispy Duck) is popular here and their chicken satay is a must-try. The peanut sauce that comes together with the satay is the bomb.
And with that, it's a wrap for Bali until next time!
Comments