Lucky enough to visit the land of the Gods? What’s the first thing you do when you get there? Pay your respects of course! By that, we mean visiting one of Bali’s oldest temples, the 11^th century Uluwatu Temple that is believed to guard the island from evil spirits. Perched precariously at the edge of a 250 foot cliff and overlooking the Indian Ocean, this stunning Hindu temple, located on the island’s southern peninsula is where you head to for those famous Bali sunsets.

Make sure you go there in the evening for the Balinese Kecak and Fire Dance which are held between six and seven pm. Between the sunset and the shows you will feel otherworldly, and that’s the exact feeling you should have when you visit Bali.

After thanking the Gods, its almost customary to make your way to Jimbaran and head to the beach. Here you can kick back at one of the many, many seafood restaurants that line the beach and dig into any kind of sumptuous seafood you can think of, while crashing waves provide the perfect background score. Our tip is to find a hot corn vendor and first buy yourself a roasted corn on the cob while you dig your toes into the soft white sand of the beach.

Those travelling with the tots (and wanting to nestle into the beautiful Jimbaran Bay) need only walk a few steps down the same beach to the Intercontinental Bali. This luxury property, designed to resemble a Balinese village will have your little cherubs enthralled. Between the six pools, the Planet Trekkers kids’ club that is open a whopping 13 hours a day and the never ending activities for the little ones including a turtle release programme on Jimbaran beach, the parents are quite sorted to soak in all that Bali has to offer. Make sure that includes KO, the Japanese restaurant at this hotel, which is undoubtedly the best on the island.

Once you’re done with the sun, sand and sea, venture to a completely different side of Bali in Ubud. Ubud is made up of fourteen villages put together and are very much artisan based. Temples, museums, art galleries and rolling rice paddies are what you see in Ubud and the pace is serene. This is the cultural and artistic seat of Bali screaming to be discovered by anyone who visits it. You can even visit Ketut, the medicine man in the movie “Eat Pray Love” and have him read your palm and tongue for a small fee. It’s said that he is over a hundred years old and, while we don’t place too much faith in his fortunes, his compound is simply beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a taste of Bali’s hippest nightspots, most luxurious accommodation, best spas, fabulous shopping and indulgent restaurants, Seminyak in southern Bali would perhaps be the unanimous choice. It is also known to many as the home of the iconic restaurant and beach club Ku De Ta. Located in the nearby village of Petitenget, Pura Petitenget is a beautiful 16^th century Balinese sea temple and renowned for its colorful beachside ceremonies. You should definitely take advantage of the fact that this little seaside temple is much less crowded that Uluwatu and pay a visit, you might get be lucky and be the only one there, simply magical.

The truth is that it really doesn’t matter in which part of Bali you are in – it is beautiful and it is blessed.

Written by Mandira Rai