{"id":13159,"date":"2012-08-29T10:15:56","date_gmt":"2012-08-29T00:15:56","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=13159"},"modified":"2015-03-17T10:06:00","modified_gmt":"2015-03-17T00:06:00","slug":"exploring-the-bigger-bali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/exploring-the-bigger-bali\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the bigger Bali"},"content":{"rendered":"

lastminute lovely Angela uncovers Aussie’s love affair with Bali, and gives us part one of her guide to two weeks in paradise.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So you\u2019re thinking about an Asian getaway? Thailand \u2013 been there done that. The Vietnam\/Cambodia\/Laos combo \u2013 would love to but just don\u2019t have the time for a trip that epic. Then there\u2019s Bali. The flights may be ridiculously cheap, but you\u2019ve heard the horror stories \u2013 an island of Aussie bogans. Don\u2019t believe the hype, just hop on the back of a bike and in 30mins you\u2019re out of the city and into a land of abundant natural beauty, culture and great food.
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Here is your 2 week guide to exploring the bigger Bali with an Indonesian island hop or two:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Week 1
\nNight one and two \u2013 Seminyak<\/strong>
\nThe cool, classy and chic suburb of south-west Bali is a great place to get your bearings. Only 30mins drive from the airport, hotels will be a little pricier here than neighbouring Legian and Kuta, but you get what you pay for – absolute luxury!<\/p>\n

The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa<\/a> is an excellent hotel right on the beach, the staff are all so lovely and helpful, and knew me all by name!<\/p>\n

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Infinity pool at The Seminyak<\/p><\/div>\n

A day at the Kahyangan Spa, a day relaxing by the pool (and pool bar), not to mention the amazing buffet breakfast, are just a few of the things that make it really easy to lose track of time, it\u2019s just sooo relaxing!<\/p>\n

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Yum!<\/p><\/div>\n

The hotel puts on daily activities for guests including fruit carving, yoga, aquarobics and also a weekly seafood buffet with live band. Forget Jinbaran Bay, the fisherman night market at The Seminyak is much tastier and cheaper!<\/p>\n

The rooms are absolutely stunning, and I was lucky enough to be staying in a Beach wing room. The bathroom is bigger than my living room at home, and the room itself is set amongst a lush tropical garden just a skip away from the beach.<\/p>\n

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My very swish room at The Seminyak<\/p><\/div>\n\"\"<\/a>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

Although the true wow factor for me is their Supper room service menu, from 10.30pm-6.30am there are pages of glorious food just waiting for you to devour at the slightest twinge for a midnight snack!<\/p>\n

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If you do manage to leave the hotel, Seminyak is a great place to do a cooking class<\/p><\/div>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

Night three and four – Bukit Peninsula<\/strong>
\nThe peninsula is known for two things: beautiful beaches, and fantastic surf.<\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n\"\"<\/a>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

While on the peninsula go to the Uluwatu Temple and see the Kecak Dance<\/a> (monkey dance). The traditional dance includes an all-male vocal chorus, and is held every night at sunset.<\/p>\n

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The view from Uluwatu Temple<\/p><\/div>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

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Kecak Dance<\/p><\/div>\n

Night five, six and seven – Ubud<\/strong>
\nKnown for its artists, Ubud is where you want to go for jewellery, paintings and all things carved. There are literally hundreds of store selling local handicrafts (just remember not everything can be brought back through customs). A visit to the Ubud market is a must for jewellery lovers.<\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

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An artist-run gallery in Ubud<\/p><\/div>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

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Ubud Market<\/p><\/div>\n

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A local woman weaving fabric in her clothes store<\/p><\/div>\n

Once you\u2019ve got your shopping fix (and can\u2019t fit anything else into your bag) it\u2019s time for lunch. I love to chow down on the traditional Balinese meal of Babi Guling (suckling pig)…yum!<\/p>\n

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On their way to become Babi Guling<\/p><\/div>\n

There\u2019s lots to see and do in Ubud, so pace yourself and stay away from package deals that promise more then they provide. My top picks are: the Kintamani Volcano, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the Monkey Forest Sanctuary and a visit to one of the many coffee and spice plantations (hot tip: try the Luwak Coffee<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Kintamani Volcano<\/p><\/div>\n

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Tegalalang Rice Terrace<\/p><\/div>\n

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Balinese Macaque<\/p><\/div>\n

A great base for all this shopping and adventure is the Bali Rich Villa \u2013 Ubud<\/a>. A hidden gem in lush tropical gardens, Bali Rich has exquisite villas with private plunge pool, entertaining area and one of the biggest baths I\u2019ve ever seen!<\/p>\n

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My secret hideaway at Bali Rich<\/p><\/div>\n\"\"\n\"\"<\/a>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

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Dewi Kunti Spa<\/p><\/div>\n

The lovely staff and simple yet sophisticated decor make you feel right and home, and the traditional Balinese music played throughout the gardens adds a very nice touch. On a whole, the resort has a very tranquil feel \u2013 a great escape from the hustle and bustle of central Ubud.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned for week two of my exploring the bigger Bali, coming soon!<\/em><\/p>\n

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