BALI has been one of the most cherished trips I planned and executed. There seems to be a lot for everyone in BALI.
There are quite a number of flights from India. Most prominent ones Singapore airlines, Malaysian airlines, Malindo, AirAsia and few more.
I traveled via Malindo which I got for a comparatively cheaper price keeping in mind the short notice I had to plan this trip..
The airport of Ngurah Rai International Airport (known as DENPASAR) is situated between two prominent places JIMBARAN and KUTA. You would find the glimpse of the beautiful island BALI and it would it has to offer, the moment you are about to land...Check out the video .
The moment you step out of airport u would be flooded with taxi drivers selling you that cab ride which u would desperately need.
TIP: Bargain for everything without guilt. Sometimes for as much as 40 to 50 % of what they have asked for. I hired a cab from the airport for 1 million IDR which was a lot more than what I should have paid. If you are headed to KUTA, bargain it for 50000 IDR (around 3$) or less.
KUTA:
The place which I absolutely loved for its accessibility, resorts, beach, nightlife, street markets, food joints and of course endless massage parlors...
ANVAYA BEACH RESORT KUTA
The properties in Bali are usually good and cheap as compared to similar properties in some other countries. ANVAYA was a splendid resort. The tariff is on the higher as compared to other hotels in KUTA but with a private beach access, a fantastic in house Pool, Good and spacious rooms, and a gorgeous Breakfast buffet, the price didn’t seem too high.
If you are on a budget trip I would still recommend you to stay here for a night (maybe) to experience the luxurious resort.
The Kuta street on the other hand is full of budget hotels, so you can work it around as per your desired budget.
Walk along the street, Sip through BEER (available almost anywhere) and leave your trails through the sand on the kuta beach.
You may definitely want to spend the evening doing absolutely nothing but just relax.
LEGIAN STREET
The street is a nightlife haven. You may hire a cab from anywhere in Kuta for 50000 IDR (around 3$) and head straight to the street.
If u love good music, good buffet and a fantastic vibe, head straight to the biggest club (SKYDOME)..Three floors and all with different setups and different DJ's spinning everything from house, techno to trance.
The street is filled with Shops (clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs) , Clubs and Restaurants.
Other popular CLUBS are VI AI PI, BOUNTY, Paddy's club…
A DAY DEDICATED TO NUSA PENIDA
NUSA PENIDA is an incredible island with many hidden places, beaches and 'Instagram Spots' which is far from the mainland BALI yet so near...
Take a ferry and cut through the BALI SEA to reach the PENIDA...It is situated approx 30-40 min away by a speed boat ride).
The island has many beautiful spots for spectacular views. It has beaches that are still pure and untouched.
The roads on the island are bad (largely) but it is worth the pain as the sound of waves crashing on the shore is one of the most relaxing sounds on earth.
Once you reach the shore hire a Scooter and roam the island at your will. It is a fantastic way to explore the island because it has many hidden spots and small food huts (run by locals) for the hungry beast in you.
There are plenty of seafood options for Non-Vegetarians.
Vegetarians and Vegans mostly have only couple of options, so either survive on Potato fries/plain rice and alcohol or take some food staples with you.
Here is a list of few beaches and spots at NUSA PENIDA
ANGEL BILLABONG
This one is an incredible place to be amidst the Nusa Penida Remote land. The island has many beautiful spots for spectacular views and this one in particular is at Angel Billabong.
Go in search of soul and the water drops will come searching you. A perfect place to just explore, take pictures, drink beer, snorkel, and relax your way up.
BROKEN BEACH
A scenic coastal formation. The spot is marked by a hilly arch-like rock formation separating the lagoon from the sea. A truly sweeping seascape.
KELINGKING BEACH
It is a SECRET POINT on NUSA PENIDA. Definitely one of the most sought-out photo spot at the Nusa Penida island.
You would see Travelers and Tourists waiting in queues for a whimsical shot. Capturing massive cliffs amidst the hundred shades of blue, and trying to reach the pristine beach is an usual affair here it seems.
Toughest part however is to actually reach the deserted beach below the hill. Managing your way through the crumbling path is quite exhilarating, scary and dangerous but doable. I Managed to cover only 10-15% distance before turning my back to it.
CRYSTAL BAY BEACH
Relax, swim, snorkel and drink on this palm tree heaven. If you are on a Day long tour of the Penida, then this beach is the perfect spot to finish in...
Better road conditions (as compared to other beaches), beautiful sunset and blocked off by a whole jungle of palm trees, it is nearly impossible to not stop and take a pic.. Save time at the end of your PENIDA trip for this super cool beach and a sunset beer..
There are other places to visit and a whole opportunity to go on a full Backpacking trip in BALI.
Few other places to definitely lookout for.
SEMIYAK, UBUD -STREET, MONKEY FOREST, ULLUWATTU TEMPLE SUNSET and BEACH DINNER, RICE FIELD ATV TOUR, BALI SWING, VOLCANO HIKE SUNRISE TOUR.