Let me count the ways. . .
The Beach. Imagine yourself.. fine white sand, cool gentle breeze, a perfect hot sunshine, chilling and relaxing under an umbrella with fresh coconut to drink staring at an ocean filled with picturesque waves sprinkled with good looking people. Kuta Beach, i could not complain.
Don't get scared by the waves, that's the fun part! I am not a surfer but in Bali, I felt I was. I'm nowhere near being a pro, just a stoked surfer wannabe that got challenged by the waves she saw. I spend hours and hours out in the water trying to get a long ride and as exhausting and tiring it is, the experience was incomparable. Plus, I learned a new water sport, bodyboarding! Honestly, I enjoyed this more than surfing. It was addicting! Seeing and riding with the experts inspired me a lot. I actually bought a board on my way home.
A perfect place to get a tan. Sunset was nice, really nice.
The Rafting. If your up for a real challenge, conquer the Telagawaja River White-Water Rafting. It's only the longest river in Bali which will give you 2.5 hrs of pure level 3 unpredictable rapid challenge, adrenalin rush and sore arms the next day. Awesome!
The Party. If we think we know how to party, we can think again! I got the pleasure to watch and learn. The place is called Bounty Discotheque. From the entrance, you can say that the place was a hit. Famous for their fishbowl drinks which are a variety of their own mix of cocktails, juice and beer. I tried Jam Jar, a gin mix and Bomba, a vodka mix. If you don't like the fishbowl you can settle with the tumblers which will give you the kick you're looking for. I got a Wendy Bear, a mix of everything. Here we have SMB, they have Bintang. A bottle will cost you a litter over a dollar.
Foam Nights till sunrise. With the drinks, I bet you can’t differentiate between the soap bubbles and the beer bubbles. So, be prepared but do try it, Bali style.
You may think it's weird to have an intermission number in a disco but they have that. A couple of go go dancers and muscle men will interrupt and perform at the stage all of a sudden.
Expectations here is key, you have to set it way high. Don't be alarm! Expect people from different races. Expect different cultures. Expect a lot of new things. Expect everything and more than everything. Cheers!
The Place. Bali is a sinful place for shopaholics. Shopping places are everywhere and prices are cheap. If you're looking for branded surf shops or dive shops for any gears and accessories or even clothing to match your water sport/activities, you can find it there and this time be able to buy. They are discounted from 50%-80% off, you will be buying from factory outlets so don't worry. Items can be returned and exchanged easily.
They have their version of "Divisoria" just within the streets of the resorts you will be staying. Same buying techniques are to be applied. Always ask 50% less or more items. Show minimal interest when looking. Don't be afraid to walk away, prices go lower when you do that. Cheap and Expensive is also "mahal and mura" in their language.
Resorts are everywhere too. Usual rooms are fit for a group of four(4) persons. Indonesians are nice and helpful people. We just have to understand that they are not so good with their english so try to be patient.
Everyone can be a millionaire in Bali. Their money value is low. 1 Indonesian Ruppiah = approx Php220 or $1 = 10,000 Indonesian Ruppiah. An exchange of $100 will make you an instant millionaire.
Food there is frustrating for pork lovers but best for those who love chicken. They have this famous rice called Nasi Goreng or Nasi Lemak, kinda spicy but taste good. Plain rice is non-existent.
Other places to go are temples, the volcano, rice terraces, the zoo and their batik and wood crafts.
Adventures like bungee jumping, funship cruise, island hopping, diving and others are also possible.
It's recommended to go to Bali for at least five(5) days with people who likes the same adventures as you do and a good trip provider like Travel Factor(wink).
This is why i fell in love with Bali. I'm sure you will too.
