Wonderful Bali

Hi, my name's Paola and in August 2003 I went to Bali with my boyfriend; it was our first adventure together, backpack on and off we went, and I have to say it was truly worth it. We came home with our eyes full of the colours, the scents, the warmth of these places and their people. The journey was very long and the only regret is not stopping for a few days in Hong Kong, since we had a layover there both going and coming back. We flew with Cathay Pacific; definitely not an airline I'd recommend, the seats were made for gnomes, and the plane was decidedly old. The first two nights we stayed in Nusa Dua at the Novotel Coralia Benoa, the hotel was very nice, very expensive and full of Italians, for that extra-luxury holiday that, however, doesn't let you get to know the reality of the place and its people.

We went to JIMBARAN to watch the sunset, very evocative, and then along the beach there are loads of little restaurants where you can eat fresh fish. The only way to choose where to eat is to look at the fish and haggle over the price.... for getting around we relied on the many Balinese you find along the road; there too you have to be good and tireless at bargaining, you always find the one who gives you the best price. Or if you get an international driving licence (which I'd recommend), you can rent scooters (very handy because they're quick to park) or a car, or else there's always the bicycle.

After those 2 nights in Benoa (nothing special) we moved to Ubud and this place found its way into our hearts; in fact we spent most of the time here and it's where we also bought our wedding favours (we're getting married on 17/07/04) at Retno Painting, on a side street off Monkey Street, the one beside the football pitch. Here (where the football pitch is) if you need a driver ask for Wayan Karta, he's a man of about 50, small, with a moustache, very friendly and honest. Here too we stayed at the GAYATRI BUNGALOWS monkey forest, 67 Ubud, it has a small, very well-kept inner garden with a fountain and there's a pool too. Cost 150,000 rp for 1 day or 130,000 rp for 2 days. On Monkey Street I wouldn't recommend going to the Puri Garden, there are rats.

The best anyway is the ARTINI COTTAGE 2 on jl hanoman, also with a pool, 200,000 rp a night (breakfast is a bit sparse, but you can't have everything!!!) If I go back to Ubud I'll certainly choose this place first for the night. In any case there are loads of bungalows and some truly beautiful ones, you just have to be willing to look. From Ubud we did the various excursions to all the nearby villages and especially for shopping, because the temples, after seeing those in Bangkok and Thailand, left me a bit disappointed. But if you like going shopping hunting for handicrafts, here you're spoilt for choice. If you like paintings I'd recommend a look at TEBESAYA GALLERY in Peliatan, address wayan durus - banjar tebesaya. Here we bought 2 very beautiful Balinese bride-and-groom statues and there were marvellous paintings. I'd have bought them all.

For eating, again on Monkey Street, you have to go to the WAYAN CAFFE', it's an enchanting place with a huge, very well-kept garden, a truly special spot, and the food is very good. Between one long walk and another we also treated ourselves to a lovely body massage at the MILANO SALON.... An hour and 45 minutes of massage and total relaxation.... how wonderful. The next day we set off for Lovina in the north of Bali, hoping to do and see some beautiful sea, but unfortunately once we got there the sea was a disappointment..... we stayed at the RAMBUTAN BEACH COTTAGES in Singaraja. A really lovely place with large, spacious, clean rooms and very unusual bathrooms, completely lined with little green and pink stones forming patterns. And with two very cute frogs on the tub. It's family-run. Cost 330,000 rp per room.

Here in Lovina don't miss the OCTOPUS'S GARDEN restaurant, they serve Japanese dishes and therefore really fresh, delicious raw fish, then Balinese dishes, fish and even al dente spaghetti for those who can't do without Italian food (we, though, always chose local dishes). We went on lots of excursions; I'd suggest finding a few bungalows you like as a fixed base and then moving around each day to do the various excursions. From Lovina we went back to Ubud for a few more days, also because we had to manage to ship the 124 wedding favours we'd bought. We opted for postal shipping, definitely cheaper than the various cargo services or DHL, and they all arrived safe and sound in December. Yes, it's true the wait was long but it was worth it..... What else can I say.....

the landscapes you see are remarkable, the rice fields so green are spectacular, relaxing, you feel like you're living inside a painting, so great is the beauty. I can only wish you a good trip and I hope to be able to return soon..... because Bali, with its colours, its nature and its people, has stayed in my heart.