MAGICAL BALI

Something for every traveller

Known as the “Land of the Gods”, Bali loves to show off its natural beauty, its active volcanoes, and its vast rice fields. It is also a surfer’s paradise.  Add to this culture, dance, arts and crafts, stretches of luxurious beaches and a pumping nightlife. MIKHAIL MOTALA quickly found out why this Indonesian island is a must for travellers. Here are some of his favourite spots.

Explore Uluwatu Temple and take in its breathtaking scenery at sundown, catch traditional Balinese dancers at the temple’s cultural show, and watch out for mischievous monkeys on the temple grounds.

Meander down the famous Uluwatu Cliffs, check out terraced markets, and pick up some traditional crafts. You can also paddle out to the renowned Ulu surf break, nestled in a beautiful cove, walking through a cave to get to it. Then head up to the popular Single Fin surf bar for a cold one. 

One of the best ways to take in the breathtaking scenery of Canggu’s Echo Beach is on horseback. Alternatively, if four-legged equestrian friends aren’t your thing, take a leisurely stroll deep into the heart of Canggu’s farmlands. There are numerous paths meandering through lush green rice fields, passing rice farmers with their traditional Balinese conical straw hats who are harvesting rice husks and cattle grazing in the pastures.

Where to stay 

I highly recommend Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu, not just for its close proximity to Uluwatu Temple, but also only a stone’s throw from the world famous Uluwatu surf break and iconic white limestone cliff’s jutting out of the ocean, terraced markets and the  Single Fin beach bar. It also boasts stunning scenery and a luscious garden that surrounds. It’s a little bit of tranquillity on the porch of your own surf cottage after a long day of surfing or sight-seeing.

What to eat

Delphi Warung is a one-of-a-kind cafe perched right on top of Uluwatu’s white cliff’s, situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the bay on the water’s edge.

Walking to the restaurant is an adventure in itself – strolling through the terraced markets, down a winding path and the cliff onto the white beach of Ulu Cove, through a cave and then up a stairway. Delphi Warung is one of the most picturesque restaurant views you’ll ever see!

I recommend the traditional Indonesian satay and flame grilled chicken skewers served with a tangy peanut sauce and accompanied by white jasmine rice and grilled vegetables on the side.

When to visit

One of the best times of the year to visit Uluwatu and the Padang Padang region for surfing is during the dry season, between April and October due to the southeast trade winds. Racetrack and Temples are some of the best surf breaks.

The wet (Monsoon) season is from November until March, but don’t fret, there are still decent waves on the east coast of the island, including Keramas, Green Bowl and Nusa Due to name a few.

The wet season is also a popular time of the year for white water river rafting on the island due to the increased rainfall, which is predominantly between December and February 

Advantages of travelling during the rainy season is that the weather is cooler, it is less crowded, and there is less traffic. The vegetation is a lot greener and lusher due to the heavy rainfall, giving a different perspective to this amazing island. IB