Why I did not visit Bali in 2011 and why I am looking forward to it in the future
I remember that when I visited South East Asia for 3 months in 2011, I was thinking of going to Bali as well. Bali is an island which together with a few small islands form one of 33 provinces of Indonesia with Denpasar being its capital.
Bali has always been on my bucket list as for us, Europeans, Bali is something exotic where not everyone can go from here if we have only a 2-week holidays in summer (and almost a mission impossible with low salaries in Slovakia).
So when I was planning my SE Asia getaway, I dedicated some time to browse cheap flights to Bali among other countries to visit there. Some of my friends posted their photos from Bali relaxing at the beach on my facebook before and were telling me to definitely hop on a plane to Bali if I was anywhere close.
Especially many of my friends from Australia visit Bali very often because of good deals they can get. And I am also in touch with many people from Indonesia through facebook as they are very active there. So I had really many reasons why to include Bali on my countries-to-visit list in 2011.
But then, believe me or not, I realised I could not make it there this time.
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines and again Thailand during 3 months was enough of moving around for me to visit Bali as well. I can tell you I was a bit upset about it. Because first, in Langkawi island I met a Canadian guy who flew to Bali after. And then, after spending a few days in Kuala Lumpur in early November, my friend, a German guy, spoke about his great Bali holidays.
So I really wanted to go.
But with my plans, the most I could spend in beautiful island of Bali was 2 or 3 days. And paying for the flights and the visa to enter Bali (Slovak citizens can get them at the airport – $10 for 7 days, $25 for 30 days) was not worth it in my opinion.
I wanted to go to Bali for longer time.
At least 2 or 3 weeks, or even a month so I could properly enjoy everything the island has to offer.
I learned from my friends or fellow travelers a few things about Bali and I cannot wait to go there within the next few years because of the same reasons.
a Bali beach
I am looking forward to visit Bali in the future because:
– it is a country of temples (such as Pura Ulun Danu Bratan) – oh yes! Temples and ruins are just something for me. I could spend days there just thinking and breathing the atmosphere like in the archeological sites of Mexico I visited.
– Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana – a temple complex with macaque monkeys in the jungle. I do love monkeys and it looks like they love me even more. They always attack me and try to get all my food. It is fun!
– Gunung Kawi – 10 shrines engraved in a rock
– hot weather
– beaches with both white (South part of the island) and black sand (West and North)
– island is surrounded by coral reefs – let’s enjoy snorkeling!
– a unique cave (grotto) spa in Ubud
– central Bali is covered with mountains and volcanos (such as Gunung Batur) – as much as I love beaches, I am a mountain girl too.
– Bali Orchid Garden – a garden of thousands of orchid. Tell me, which girl does not like flowers?
– it is affordable
– variety of food, avocado and cheap fresh fruit juices
– there are touristy and less touristy places
– around 280 species of birds, Bali tiger or leopard – some of Bali animals I would like to meet (and hopefully not get eaten by them)
In 2015 I finally went to Bali :)
Veny (@MissLaiLai)
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Hey Alex,
You made a good decision not to visit Bali, given the short time. I spent a month in November,and even then I didn’t cover the west side. But then again, I live in Jakarta, so I can easily fly every other weekend. BUT…definitely visit Bali for at least two weeks, if not more.
(And stay from away from Kuta, at all cost! :) Safe travels.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Donna Spears:
Thanks Donna for stopping by and your comment :) I see that I should definitely put Bali on my bucket list for next year then ;)
Donna Spears
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When I was in high school Bali is one of the places that I wanted to visit most. I was amazed by the place the first time I saw it from a South Korean drama series, Memories of Bali.
It was really lovely, a must visit place!
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Izy Berry:
Izy, that is exactly what I heard from more travelers too :) Gili is great!
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Hogga:
haha depends on what kind of friends you take to Bali too, I guess :D
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Tom @ Waegook Tom:
Right, Tom. I heard bad things about touristy places in Bali too. But amazing things about the rest of the island …
Tom @ Waegook Tom
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I Bali…I hear SO much crap about it that would really, really, really annoy the hell out of me that part of me really doesn’t want to visit. However then I hear about things away from the tourist hustle and bustle that make it look and sound like one of the most beautiful places in the world!
I hope you’ll finally be able to get to Bali soon, though, and see what you make of it!
Hogga
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Yeah… Bali is on my list too… I’m curious as to how awesome it would be cause everyone talks so much about it. I hope it’s awesome and not lame like Vegas lol
Izy Berry
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Bali’s great, I’m so glad to hear it’s a priority for you. I really loved Ubud and avoid kuta at all costs!!! You should also make more time for Indonesia, there’s so much to see there. I loved Java and Gili T in Lombok.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Tiny Girl with Big Bag:
I saw the movie and loved it :) Should include that as 1 of the reasons too :)
Tiny Girl with Big Bag
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And have you read the book Eat, Pray, Love? That’d be one of the reasons for me to visit :)
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Zoe French:
Haha you are right, Zoe! Let’s hope :)
Zoe French
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I think Bali is probably on everyone’s bucket list–I know it’s on mine! Here’s hoping we all make it there!
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Leah Travels:
Leah, sounds like a plan :) We should do it ;)
Leah Travels
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I’ve always wanted to rent a house in Bali for a couple of weeks with friends. What do you say? Let’s do it in 2013!
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Abadiiiiiii:
I am happy to hear that. I see I should not miss Bali during my next Asia trip in the future :)
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ TinTin:
Yeah Tin Tin, that is exactly what I hear from everyone :) Superb food? I am sold :D
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Jason Montana:
Jason, honey, it will not be within a year I am afraid, too many things to do before!
TinTin
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Hi babe!! I was in Bali for almost a month last year, and I still felt that it wasn’t enough. I can actually imagine myself living in Bali. It’s so mystic, super friendly people.. Beautiful beaches, cheap accommodation, superb food! :) You will definitely love it!
Jason Montana
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I wanna tag along with you if you’re going to Bali ! Let me know when :) It’s going to be a reunion !!!!