चित्र कथा (Photo Story): Magnificent Bali

We were a group of four (two couples) on honeymoon at Bali, guess the place was made for honeymooners. I as a passionate photographer, trip turned out be anything but lifetime to remember.

We had our transit at Kuala Lumpur and we all four were super excited as Bali was first time visit for all of us. When we first saw the beautiful island with bluest water ever from the plane, our excitement was in next level. Now I feel no words will match to explain the beauty the place holds but one must experience itself.

The warmth of Bali, its people and culture can be felt right from the airport. Tourism being the major contributor to the Balinese economy, people here have realized that it is only with a smile and warm hospitality you can attract and retain tourist.

Ariel View of Bali

Inside Bali Airport

Our first visit at Bali was Gili island, we were visiting Gili Trawangan. We had to stay at place called Padang Bai to take ferry to Gilli island the next day. During the stay at Padang Bai, we went to nearby Blue Lagoon beach which is pretty small but very peaceful and serene. We spent the entire evening watching the sunset and playing with water.

People at Padang Bai preparing for Holi Festival

Couples enjoying at Blue Lagoon beach

Moreover, that day was Holi (Hindu Festival of colors) and Bali being the only hindu majority province in Indonesia, they celebrated this day in their own unique way. They would gather at the temple where they would held a gathering called Mela (a public event that is organized to celebrate a special occasion or an event where goods can be bought and sold) and perform cultural dances inside the temple area.

Artist performing dance during holi

Next day we took early ferry to Gilli Trawangan, took us around 1 hour 15 minutes. The island was a little heaven in itself if I could say. This tiny island is just 3 km long and 2 km wide but does have enough to hold you for 2 -3 days or a week if you plan to visit other nearby islands of Gilli. Surprisingly, island was vehicle free zone, Yes! No motor or motor road existed altogether besides the motorboat. One has to rely on cycle or horse cart and if you don’t prefer both then foot is the best alternative to discover the island. As I mentioned the island is small you can cover the entire island on foot like in 1 hour. You can feel the laidback nature of the place from your first glance.

Means of transportation at Gilli Trawangan

"Follow Me To" pose at Gilli

We spent 2 days in the island snorkeling and just lounging on the beach watching the picture-perfect sunset. Snorkeling was a beautiful experience as we witnessed beautiful sea turtles among many other rainbow fishes. Our wives would just love to play the swing located on the sea near the beach and get high on the beauty of nature.

Holding Jelly fish during snorkeling

Swing at Gilli Trawangan

Our next stop in Bali was Nusa Penida island. We stayed at place called Sanur from which we took ferry to the island. We visited Kelingking beach, surprisingly the beach was in shape of a dinosaurs. The beach is comparatively empty and mesmerizingly beautiful. You will have to do short hike down hill around 45 mins to reach the majestic beach. I suggest you at least spend 2 days in Nusa Penida to enjoy the beauty at the fullest. We were just doing the day trip so we had to miss walking to beach.

Kelingking Beach seen in the background

"Follow Me To" at Angel’s Billabong

Enjoying at Crystal Bay

Similarly, we visited Broken beach and Angel’s Billabong at Nusa and finally ended the day with swimming at Crystal Bay.

Our third stop of the trip was Lovina located at South of Bali. The main attraction of this place was not only another beautiful beaches but to see natural dance of the wild Dolphins. Dolphins would dance and jump on the see during the sunrise so we had to get up really early like 4 am so we can witness the amazing dances.

Enjoying the Dolphin Dance

Other few highlights on the way to Lovina island were visiting Mt Batur, the mountain still holds active volcano; Ulun Danu Temple and trying their best local cuisine called ‘Babi Gulin’, it kind of barbeque but slow cooked with local spices.

Mount Batur seen from the view point

Ulun Danu Temple

Babi Gulin

Our last stop in Bali was the most commercialized and most hyped place called Kuta beach. We went to Tanah lot temple, place is best to be visited during late afternoon to witness the beautiful sunset. Bali trip would have been incomplete without riding the scooter which are easily available for hire, so we hoped on and rode along the city to observe the places, people and the local food. Kuta also has few options for shopping.

Kuta Beach during sunset

Tanah Lot Temple during sunset

Most unexpected and unpleasant encounters create the beautiful stories, hence please beware there are some con men residing behind those beautiful and warm smiles. The con men we encountered were the money exchange, they show high exchange rates to lure tourist and end up looting them. So Only exchange your money at authorized counter.

I must give a shout out to our lovely guide Putu Sandy who took us around the major places of Bali. He is extremely humble, speaks English fluently and provides lots of tips and insights on local culture and places. Please contact him at +62 812 3837 4746, he is available on whatsapp too. Also you can get in touch with him via his facebook (https://www.facebook.com/putu.sandi.3).

To summarize, we hopped around lots of places in Bali every day we spent there were indeed a soul reviving trip for all of us and beautiful memories to cherish for list.

I leave you with some of the photos taken during the Bali trip.