My First Time In Bali

In January 2017, I spent 30 days in Bali, Indonesia. It has always been a dream of mine to travel to this magnificent island and I was really lucky I spent enough time there.
I spent a few days in the area of Canggu and i rented a scooter to move around and visit the Tanah Lot Temple. It is one of the most visited and photographed temples in Bali and without a doubt, it is absolutely beautiful. For the Balinese, it is one of the most important Temple and visiting this at sunset is a must. I did it at 9 am to 11 am and i definitely loved it!

After Tanah Lot, i continue to Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple. This was the second Temple i visited. It's about 15,000IDR per person to get in and wearing a sarong is a must. It's a nice old temple with a lot of rice terraces and small river. If you are planning to see this place, always be prepared for almost 400 steps going down(and back up). Also, you have to make sure you're fit and healthy for the hike back! I was so exhausted but it was worth the sweat.

The next day, i decided to stay in Ubud, I was very surprised because this place have hundreds of nice restaurants and coffee shops. I have stayed in Puri Garden Hotel and Restaurant. This is one of the cheapest hotel in Bali, i paid about $38 a night and i absolutely loved it! Their rooms are very clean and huge. The pool is amazing and the free breakfast buffet is incredible. I highly recommend this hotel.

The first thing i did in Ubud was to go to their public market and walk around the place. I could see the rice fields and it was truly impressive if you have never seen them before.

The next day, i took the opportunity to see a classic Balinese dance show that left me speechless. Their costumes and the incredible movements of the performer's hands and eyes was very interesting.

The next morning, i decided to rent a scooter again for 50,000IDR or $3.68 and visited the Monkey Forest and Pura Besakih Temple. Pura Besakih Temple "known as the mother Temple" is one of the biggest Temple in Bali and it's incredibly beautiful. During my hour-long drive from Ubud, I enjoyed seeing the beautiful views, villages and the rice fields. I actually stopped in one of their villages and learned about their unique houses.
When i got to the Besakih Temple, i paid 60,000IDR for the entrance fee and 800,000IDR or $60 for the tour Guide. I eventually got frustrated and feeling like I was being scammed. The biggest mistake I ever made was not searching and reading the reviews before seeing this pretty Temple. I love this temple but I will never ever come back there again and won't recommend this to my family and friends.

The next day, i visited Tirta Empul Temple also known as "Temple of Holy Water." I enjoyed watching the people cleansing themselves in the holy water. I didn't want to get things done the wrong way so i decided not to participate. This was truly one of the most amazing experiences I ever had while in Bali.

On our way back from Tirta Empul, i stopped and see Mount Batur. It was well worth after a very long road trip there. The place is absolutely amazing. One of the most beautiful sceneries I have ever seen.

After Mount Batur, i visited the Bali Zoo the next day, one of the biggest zoo in Bali. I had breakfast with Orangutan and that was really the highlight of my trip. Eating breakfast with Orangutan cost about $100 which I thought was great! All the animals were amazing and cute. I actually got to see lots of Tigers, lions, crocodiles, monkeys, alligator, snakes, elephant and so much more! I also had their Bali coffee while watching the two lions. I am very excited to come back there again.

From Bali Zoo, I took the opportunity to see the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. The 50,000IDR entrance fee is absolutely more than worth is this magnificent view. I got there by scooter and I could see everything I wanted to see. I would definitely recommend visiting this place.

Early in the morning, I had to rent a car going to Ngurah Rai International Airport to catch my flight at 10 am going to Malaysia. There are many tourist agencies everywhere in Bali and looking for a car with a driver is not really difficult.

From the beautiful people to the lovely tourists spots, tasty food and the rich cultural heritage. I have to say that Bali was everything I could have imagined.