Flight Centre's guest blogger Mel Travelled shared her experience of a Thai cooking lesson during April. After spending a month exploring Bali Mel is now sharing a four part Bali blog with the Flight Centre travel blog.
Bagus... is one word that sums up a holiday in Bali as everything seems to be Bagus. Bagus meaning good. As I left the airport I fell into a sensory overload. The smell was intoxicating and unfamiliar; sounds of horns beeping, scooters racing and Balinese music filled the air. I found it all so exciting and couldn't help but look all around as my head spun and I took in the organised chaos surrounding me. During the drive to the hotel I had already found several items I wanted to purchase from markets, food I want to taste and places I wanted to visit. The taxi to the hotel is generally free when you book your hotel.
Bali
Does Bali have much to offer? It most certainly does. I was soon to discover that Bali, a tiny island in the Indonesian archipelago may be small in size but definitely makes up for it with its energy and vibrant culture. No one would get bored in Bali!
With its breathtaking mountains and its sandy beaches it is often referred to as the last paradise on earth. With this in mind I set out to explore all that I could of Bali from the main holiday making spots of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, to the mountains of Ubud and the quiet, less discovered region of East Bali.
During the first week I stayed at the Niksoma and Maharta Hotel on the beach in Legian. These hotels are literally right on the beach so you have no excuse not to try to surf. A massage here and a massage there and even another massage at the Maharta's cutest spa in Bali... I was hoping it would never have to end!
I had eaten so much food I nearly needed to shop for a new wardrobe. Hmmm... Please, can someone take these Niksoma buffet breakfasts, afternoon teas and welcome drinks away from me? Actually, who am I kidding? Stay right there in the hotel!
Within walking distance, right on the beach between Legian and Seminyak you will find some really cool bars. La Planche and Crystal Palace to name a couple. With a Bintang beer or cocktail in hand you can sit back, relax and watch the beautiful Bali sunset right from your Beanbag. Yes... I said beanbag. Beanbags are Bagus! Legian is in between Kuta and Seminyak. Kuta, being the main tourist area of Bali is amidst the hustle and bustle of markets, bars, restaurants and hotels. Legian appears to be the quieter area but it's not too far away from all the excitement if you feel the need for some more noise and people. Seminyak, known for its upsurge in private villa accommodation is again completely different with boutique shopping, and trendy bars on the beach such as Ku De ta and Potato Head.
You can probably now understand my sensory overload as no matter how you look at it, Bali has it all.
As holiday makers we are so spoilt for choice and the best part is that it doesn't cost a fortune. A beer will cost you about 25,000 = approx.$2.50. With Bintang everywhere I went I found it an easy way to compare the prices. Indonesian Rupiah of 100,000 = approximately $10 AUD
Having thoroughly enjoyed my week of relaxing, it didn't take long for me to be convinced Bali is Bagus!
