It’s the sight of some of the world’s greatest adventures. It’s the place where dramatic landscape meets paradise. It’s the island where Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of “Eat, Pray Love,” found love. The distant destination of Bali evokes a certain mystique to the traveler, but anyone who travels here will leave with something memorable.
In Bali, stunning views of terrace rice fields, ancient Hindu temples, world-class surf (for all skill levels), spas galore, an active volcano, and a flourishing cultural center all set the stage for an epic adventure. The exotic Indonesian island offers so much for all willing to make the trek.
When your Bali flight touches down in Denpasar (DPS), the Kuta Beach famed nightlife, the first-rate five star resorts of Nusa Dua, and the artistic center of Ubud are all less than an hour ride from the airport. And a true trip to Bali will include stops in all three. But, it is when you head to Ubud that you truly peek into the essence of the island.
The main arteries of Ubud are loaded with traffic, and the 3.5 million people who call the island home remind you of city life you left behind, but just a few steps from the sidewalk you can get lost in a tranquil oasis. Whether it’s an artist gallery, a lush green garden, or a casual café those few steps from the road transform more than just the environment. Suddenly, you feel as far away from the street’s traffic as you do from your apartment back home.
No trip to Ubud is complete without attending a traditional Balinese dance. Of the dozen forms, the glancing eyes and unique hand movements of ladies who dance Legong remains a must see. Most performances include multiple forms and enable you to enjoy more of the island’s unique and rigid choreography that tell the stories passed on from its romantic past.
Although I believe Bali certainly could have played host to ‘Eat’, based upon its tasty European influenced Asian fare, or ‘Pray’ as the Balinese Hindu roots focus on a balanced life inclusive of Yoga, meditation, and daily offerings, Gilbert’s final stop is where she found ‘Love.’ And, there is no argument from any traveler, there is much to love about spending time on the island of Bali.
Bali Travel Tip: Some hotels, such as the St Regis, offer a VIP airport service that allows arriving passengers to relax in a lounge during the visa process (required for U.S. Passport holders), immigration, and baggage pickup. The refreshing wet towel, hot or ice tea, tropical fruit and local desert delicacies are a perfect way to start your adventure after a long flight.
Hotels in Ubud, Bali: Ubud offers hundreds options from simple cottages directly in the town center to first class resorts in the surrounding quiet countryside. Two options to consider are the economical Matahari Cottages because of its delicious afternoon tea and central location. Or, the private villas of the Pita Maha Resort and Spa because of its stunning views of the Tjampuhan Valley and its intimate Balinese village design.
Flights to Bali: Flights to Bali from New York start at around $1,300 USD, you may want to consider using those hard-earned frequent flier miles to get you to this once-in-a-lifetime destination. The OneWorld member airlines will fly you there from the United States for 70,000 miles.
© Cheapflights Ltd Craig Zabransky
