Bali / Xmas 2023 on Bali

Travel

29 grudnia 2023

Hi!

Bali, for each of us, is a place associated with azure waters, beautiful views, amazing food, fresh fruits, Balinese hats, sunrises and sunsets—generally speaking, a paradise on a beautiful island and so on. And for most of us, that’s exactly what it is. Each person’s experience of this place is unique in its own way. I could go on describing it endlessly.

Has Bali earned its reputation as a beautiful, ideal place thanks to influencers? Is it really as stunning and unique as they portray? Is the idealism surrounding this place truly accurate? Let’s examine this through my eyes, based on the experiences and feelings I had from day one. If I had to sum up how I remember Bali in one sentence, it would be brief: “Bali is overrated.” What exactly does that mean?

Starting from the beginning, upon landing at the airport, I had my first encounter with the reality of “what’s going on here?”. Every tourist needs a visa, which doesn’t bother me, but the lack of any information about how to obtain it at a separate counter beforehand is unacceptable. There were huge lines at passport control (40 minutes on the clock), then you have to fill out an online tourist form (note: your mobile operator is not available in Bali) and the free internet at the airport is a total disaster, adding another 30-40 minutes to complete the form. Then there’s another check, and finally, you can leave the airport. I’d describe this in one word: “CHAOS,” and it was already too much for me, as it took 1 hour to leave the airport, plus another hour to reach the accommodation, which was supposed to be a maximum of 30 minutes. In short, my initial experience with this so-called island paradise was not very pleasant.

Moving on, we chose a typical Balinese treehouse with a tree inside, located in the beautiful “ROOTS TREE HOUSE.” It’s truly a peaceful place with the sounds of singing birds, and there are only seven houses, making it an ideal spot for tranquility and relaxation with a huge dose of nature.

We traveled around Bali by scooter, which is quite popular, and helmets are mandatory (we had an incident where the police stopped us and wanted to confiscate our scooter, but as tourists, they allowed us to buy helmets).

Regarding the places we visited and whether they are worth seeing, I want to emphasize that these are my personal impressions and experiences, so don’t take them as final recommendations, as everyone expects something different.

Geger Beach is one of our favorite beaches, conveniently located close to our accommodation. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The beach offers free entry, and loungers are also available for free, provided you order something from one of the nearby restaurants. This allows you to spend the entire day in comfort, savoring local treats and beverages.

The waves at Geger Beach vary from day to day—sometimes they are stronger, sometimes gentler—which adds charm and diversity to the beach. It’s an ideal place for both sunbathers and those who enjoy gentle sea waves.

Karma Kandara Beach in Bali is an ideal spot for an evening stroll, although the steep descent can be challenging. The path down is quite demanding, with numerous steps that can be exhausting in the hot climate. Nevertheless, the beach makes up for the effort—it’s a popular party spot with stunning views and gentle waves. Strollers should be prepared for a tough return, but the picturesque surroundings and evening ambiance make it worthwhile.

Pantai Melasti Beach in Bali is a beautiful, expansive beach perfect for walks, with numerous cafes and restaurants. The sand is soft, though there are some noticeable issues with litter, which is disappointing considering the entrance fee. The waves are similar to those at other beaches, making it an ideal spot for wave enthusiasts, although they may be less comfortable for some swimmers. We spent only one day there, but overall it’s a pleasant place, especially for those who enjoy lively surfing.

It’s worth noting that in the area where we were in Bali, there isn’t a calm beach. The waves can be quite large at times, but surfers are happy, as it’s an ideal spot for them with the warm waves they need.

Tanjung Benoa Water Sport is an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts. Located on the southern coast of Bali, it offers a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, helmet diving, jet skiing, and flyboarding.

You can spend an action-packed day full of excitement and adrenaline here. There are also cafes on-site and a sandy beach where you can relax on the warm sand. Nearby, there’s a charming town worth exploring and an intriguing Chinese temple to discover.

Wak Bali Adventure is an excellent spot for wakeboarding enthusiasts. The facility is well-organized, offering not only wakeboarding but also family-friendly activities. There’s a pool available for free to families of wakeboarders. For children, there are inflatable water toys and a designated area with loungers, restaurants, and shops selling swim accessories and souvenirs. Wak Bali Adventure provides a range of options for both active and relaxing leisure.

Ubud is a picturesque town in Bali, renowned for its rich culture, artistic atmosphere, and beautiful landscapes. It’s an ideal place for relaxation and exploring Balinese traditions.

One of the most famous attractions in Ubud is the „Monkey Forest.” This phenomenal nature reserve is lush and green, where you can walk among the monkeys. The monkeys are everywhere—small, large, curious, and unfortunately often mischievous. You need to be cautious as they might grab anything that catches their interest, and some may even jump on your back to reach something from your backpack. Some can be quite aggressive and hiss, likely in defense of their territory and young. Despite this, the Monkey Forest is definitely worth a visit for its uniqueness and beauty. Walking the paths of the Monkey Forest offers close contact with nature and unforgettable experiences.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of those places that frequently appears on „must-see” lists. However, opinions about it are mixed. For some, it can be a fascinating experience, strolling through the rice terraces and admiring the landscapes. For others, it can be disappointing, especially considering the entrance fees and additional attractions like swings that are often promoted as major tourist draws. Some feel that the cost and effort involved in visiting might not match the value received. Therefore, before planning a visit, it’s worth considering whether Tegalalang Rice Terrace meets your expectations and if it’s worth the time and money.

There’s no denying that tourist attractions often fall victim to their own success. Many of them, like Tegalalang Rice Terrace, become mere backdrops for mass tourism selfies. In such moments, they often lose their authenticity and become just another item on a checklist of places to visit.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall seems like a refreshing departure from this tourist frenzy. While it may attract crowds, it offers a bit of privacy and a unique perspective on nature. Your idea of exchanging photos with other travelers is a great way to avoid the “mass production” of identical images. It allows you to discover the true beauty of the place, regardless of how many people visit it.

Ultimately, traveling shouldn’t be limited to collecting standard Instagram photos. It’s about discovering the unknown, creating memories, and experiencing things that are unique to each traveler. Originality always outweighs mass reproduction.

When it comes to food, seafood definitely stands out in such countries because it’s fresh, and cocktails made from fresh fruits and vegetables taste amazing due to their natural quality. Two notable restaurants are definitely BATUBARA, which offers seafood, steaks, fish, and sides. The service was excellent, and the food was perfectly seasoned; the meat was a true masterpiece—making for a fantastic and delicious festive dinner. The second restaurant is SURFERS GRILL HOUSE—a surfer hangout with a charming atmosphere and delicious food. It probably has the tastiest tuna steak, simple yet incredibly flavorful.

We visited Bali in December during the Christmas holidays, and it was very hot. The weather was sometimes unpredictable with occasional rain showers, often sudden downpours and storms. Nevertheless, there was plenty of sun and greenery.

Given how Balinese people treat tourists, it’s safe to say that they are often seen simply as “walking ATMs.” My travel experiences lead me to this conclusion based on observations in many European countries. In some places, the prices are really high, which may suggest that local businesses view tourists merely as a source of easy money.

In my opinion, Bali has been excessively promoted by Instagram influencers, leading locals to realize that tourists are willing to pay significantly more just because of the island’s name. However, my own experiences in Bali were quite different. I didn’t feel enchanted or excited; on the contrary, I was disappointed right from the arrival at the airport.

I would prefer not to describe Bali as wonderful and beautiful because my personal experiences there were not positive. For me, a true paradise is Thailand, where I left a part of my heart, especially in Bangkok.

I’m not intending to compare Thailand with Bali, as that’s not the point here. Everyone has different travel expectations and preferences, so I can’t say whether Bali will appeal to someone or not. However, it’s worth planning a trip to Bali carefully and being prepared for various surprises.

Even though not all the places I visited were exceptional and close to my heart, every travel experience is valuable. I appreciate the opportunity to see Bali from different perspectives, even if my personal impressions were different from what was expected. Ultimately, whether Bali is a fascinating place remains a matter of individual experiences and tastes.

See you!

My Simple World by Bogna

Bali / Xmas 2023 on Bali

Travel

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