4 Days of Paradise in Bali

It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve left Bali, but don’t worry this amazing Southeast Asian vacation destination is still fresh in my mind. I had gone to Kuta for one miserable night earlier in my trip and wasn’t entirely thrilled to have to go back again for four days. Luckily, we decided to go to the Ubud area instead and we were absolutely mesmerized by its beauty. I’m telling you, it was a vacation within a vacation kind of place. If only we could’ve stolen all Bangkok days and given them to Bali. But alas, I’m sure there will be a next time!

For such a small island, Bali is filled with things to do for all types of traveler - beach lover, adventure seeker, avid shopper, and way more. Our time there had many highlights, but I’ll cover the best of the best.

Bambu Indah Resort

The only reason we even knew about this wonderful oasis was because of a random conversation with a girl in a red truck in Chiang Mai. She happened to live in Bali and highly recommended a visit to this resort. And after visiting for the day, I 100% can see why. If only we had decided to stay there for our whole trip, or rather forever! I believe it’s safe to say it was the most amazing and peaceful place I’ve ever been. We purchased a day pass for ~$45 USD that included access to the ‘natural’ pools, a welcome drink, and lunch.

We started with a dip in one of the pools. They were natural in the sense that they were spring fed, had no chemicals, and looked like they were perfectly made to be there - well, they were. There were even little tadpoles swimming around. They were quite refreshing on our day of sunshine. They also had a rope swing!

The welcome drink was given to us with our lunch of a Balinese starter and delicious grilled chicken. They made it right there in the hut in front of us, and we finished it off with some tasty lime sorbet.

We spent much of the day relaxing in the swings overlooking the river and resort. We even watched the cows get fed, one of the activities through the day. Oh, and did I mention you get up and down from the main resort via a bamboo elevator? Yes, and you only have access if you are staying at the resort or have a day pass.

Needless to say, this place was magical.

Private Klook Day Tour

Yes, I know...why would I book another Klook tour after the disaster that was Bangkok? Well, this one looked cool and I was willing to give it another shot. It was the Bali Tukad Cepung Waterfall & Jungle Swing Private Day Trip and it included a driver that took us around to several waterfalls, rice fields and lunch. I also added on an English speaking guide because I was under the impression it was necessary, which it was not. But that just meant we had two locals with us for the day!

We started at Tukad Cepung Waterfall that included a somewhat steep descent down, but was worth the cool cave-like falls that awaited.

Then we went to Air Terjun Tibumana waterfall and had the option of taking a dip, which never of us partook in.

Lunch was spent at Pangkon Bali. We fully expected it to be a tourist trap, but instead we found a lovely restaurant right in the middle of a rice field. Prices weren’t expensive and we had the most delicious fresh mango juice and chicken satay. And then again, there's the view...

Our next stop was at a coffee making facility. But let’s be real, this wasn’t your every day coffee shop. They specialized in Luwak Kopi coffee which starts with a cat eating the best of the best coffee bean. Then, said cat poops out the bean and that is used to make this special coffee. Luckily, I didn’t partake in the poop coffee, just the swing on the property.

Last on our tour was the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, the largest and most famous in the area. It was just starting to sprinkle so we decided to view from the edge. It was quite stunning.

This tour was wonderful and our guide was pleasant and helpful throughout the day. I would recommend this tour to anyone wishing to see some of the beautiful surroundings of Ubud on a private tour.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Although we weren’t entirely sure where it actually ended, this walk was quite pleasant. At least we knew where it began - just outside the Warwick Ibah Resort entry lot. The only issue was the extreme heat. We were sweating profusely by the time we stopped at Karsa Kafe for an ice cold water. I’d say the views were worth it. Morning or evening would probably have been a bit better, but it would have been hot regardless.

Bali Art Market

Now, we may have come here more times than necessary during our trip. But they have so much! I was in the market for one of the circular straw-looking bags that everyone seemed to be purchasing purchased in Bali. We were on a mission and executed on that mission. And then of course we bought other things like sarongs, rings, bags and more. Our bargaining skills were put to the test and I like to think we came out okay. It’s a really fun experience, although getting pestered to look at everything by the people got to be a bit tiring.

Until Next Time, Bali :(

There are so many more things I would have liked to do in Bali including seeing the Monkey Sanctuary and hiking Mt Batur for sunrise. But I’ve got a feeling one or several more trips to Bali are in my future. This was only a small taste and it tasted like paradise.