Summary
BALI TRAVEL DIARY
by @brookestyless
“Our canopy bed offered a panoramic view of a sun lounge and an infinity pool that suspended over the cliff’s edge. It felt like a million dollars.“
@brookestyless x @gotraveldaily
Day 1 : PEPPERS SEMINYAK
- Prices commence at approximately 468US$/night.
The Blue Bird taxi navigated through the narrow streets adorned with local shops on either side. Observing the bustling traffic and throngs of tourists, I recognized we were in the center of Seminyak. Jackson and I acknowledged several “Instagram” cafes that might populate our feeds with enticing culinary visuals. Before I could refocus on the path ahead, we had already veered into the PEPPERS SEMINYAK entrance, and I could already sense the proximity to delightful cafes. Welcomed with warm smiles and refreshing iced tea, I was captivated by the stunning lobby. Orchids gracefully dangled from ancient driftwood that enveloped the waterfall-adorned pool, the soothing sound reverberating through to the adjoining restaurant, where guests relished a meal that delighted the senses with the aroma of maple syrup and local fruits. My admiration for the beauty of the surroundings distracted me until Jackson informed me that we were checked in, and our bags were being transported on a golf buggy to our room. A brief ascent led us past villas encapsulated by meticulously trimmed gardens. Upon stopping at unit number 25, we were met by a sizable metal door. A young Balinese staff member guided us inside, navigating us over a plant-embellished pond, leading into a splendid villa.
It was astonishing to realize that Jackson and I had access to such an expansive space. A compact lap pool nestled amidst surrounding rooms, shaded by frangipani trees adorned with blossoms, sat alongside a spacious Balinese hut, which was ample enough to accommodate several guests, complete with freshly rolled towels beckoning me for a swim. Our butler opened the bi-fold wooden doors to reveal a living room that harmoniously merged with a dining area and fully equipped kitchen. He then escorted us to the other bedrooms encircling the pool—three in total—before inquiring if we were expecting additional guests, only to be taken aback when I informed him it was merely Jackson and myself. We bantered about perhaps selecting the furthest room from the entrance, ultimately settling our luggage in a naturally-lit room housing a king-size canopy bed, draped in white curtains. To the right was a hallway flanked by dressing rooms, leading to an outdoor bathroom, where black stones and verdant palms framed a freestanding tub and bamboo shower. Concealed behind a generously-sized mirror, which would delight any makeup enthusiast, was another shower for guests who preferred additional privacy. After extending our gratitude to our butler, we found ourselves marveling at six showers, five sofas, three beds, two individuals, and one inviting pool.
Succumbing to the heat and the allure of the pool, we indulged in a refreshing swim that offered respite from the midday sun. Without delay, we decided to experience the bamboo shower before venturing into town for shopping.
Merely 100 meters from the PEPPERS driveway stood the epitome of Instagram cafes, SEA CIRCUS. Its vibrant walls beckoned us for the perfect opportunity to capture an Instagram-worthy post. Subsequently, we wandered toward the beach adorned with black sand, where white umbrellas and chairs could be rented from a local vendor. As the sun began to set, we retraced our steps back to PEPPERS. We swung by the local “K-circle,” akin to “7-11,” to procure international snacks to enjoy back at the villa. A mere investment of $1.90 Australian procured us a full bag of delights! Upon entering the kitchen, I serendipitously discovered a box of complimentary brownies that appeared absolutely delectable. Triple J, brownies, a bag of foreign sweets, and the company of a cherished companion created a delightful conclusion to a magical evening at PEPPERS SEMINYAK.
Day 2
I am typically an early riser and usually find myself awake before Jackson. With a two-hour time difference between Bali and Australia, my 6 am awakenings now felt like 4 am. However, I embraced this quiet time, relishing in the tranquility while allowing the sun’s first light to filter through the frangipani trees. As daylight broke, so did the warmth, prompting me to indulge in a morning swim. By the time I emerged, Jackson was awake and eager to enjoy breakfast at LANEWAY, located in the PEPPERS lobby.
Fresh fruit of various hues, morning-baked bread and pastries, alongside robust coffee awaited us in the lobby’s dining establishment. From our prior day’s experience, I anticipated the French toast drizzled with maple syrup. Once our appetites were satiated, we journeyed back to the villa to lounge by the pool with a floatie. As the sun ascended above us, it became increasingly warm for my fair-skinned Australian complexion. I retreated to SPA AT PEPPERS alongside Jackson for an hour dedicated entirely to relaxation. A driftwood tree adorned with hanging orchids graced the middle of the waiting area, where the scent of lavender body oil wafted through the air. This aroma seemed to originate from an elegant staircase leading to the massage rooms. The floating staircase, nestled against a mirrored wall, illuminated the space with a magical glow. The staff was exceedingly accommodating, and my comfort level was so high that I found it effortless to secure another session. Upon returning to the lobby, the aroma from Laneway’s lunch enticed our stomachs once more. We delighted in satay chicken skewers and spring rolls, among a variety of delectable foods, before resuming our swimming endeavors. Before long, the day faded, and the comfortable atmosphere of the villa coaxed us to remain indoors for the evening. We concluded our second night in Seminyak with room service and a Disney film by the pool.
Day 3
It was exceptionally warm, and even my urban decay all-nighter setting spray was no match for the weather. We opted to venture out after yet another breakfast at Laneway. This time, we traveled somewhat further, as I had long been eager to explore the numerous beach clubs favored on Instagram. Our expedition led us to POTATO HEAD, where the acclaim of the location was readily apparent. The upper structure, composed of repurposed windows, embraced the curvilinear design, representing an art piece in itself. The pool afforded views of the beach, facing the direction of the sunset, complemented by beach beds occupied by other patrons.
Pina Coladas served in coconuts and the sounds of urban music kept us entertained all day at the pool bar. We observed the sky blushing pink as the sun expanded on the horizon while setting over the Indian Ocean. A small Indonesian restaurant situated upstairs piqued my curiosity, and it did not disappoint. If you visit Bali and forgo traditional cuisine, you are certainly missing a remarkable gustatory experience. Following a short ten-minute walk back to PEPPERS, we relished a nighttime swim beneath the stars while the storm clouds gathered overhead, bringing comfort after a humid day.
Day 4 : VILLA LUA
- Prices commence at approximately 54US$ for a one-bedroom accommodation.
It was our final morning at PEPPERS, and we aimed to maximize our experience. We began the day with a refreshing swim before swiftly repacking our belongings to return to the lobby for breakfast. Freshly prepared eggs were my selection of the day, and it exceeded expectations. We quickly consumed fresh fruits and freshly squeezed juices, allowing room for one last swim before checking out. PEPPERS SEMINYAK was enchanting; its ambiance transported you to a haven of relaxation, embodying the essence of an idyllic escape. I was reluctant to depart, yet there remained so much more of my journey ahead.
Our bags were tightly secured in another Blue Bird taxi as we embarked towards Canggu. Despite some congested traffic, the delay provided insight into streets we had yet to explore. Exiting Seminyak, lush rice paddy fields punctuated the scenery between residences and shops, and as we progressed, we sought guidance from locals to locate our villa. While traversing the main thoroughfare, we encountered an array of popular shops nestled amongst local markets. Canggu appeared to be an emerging tourist hotspot, having transitioned from a surf town into a favored destination. Our villa was situated down a narrow road bordered by quaint cafes, leading to a prominent blue gate bearing gold lettering: VILLA LUA.
Delicate white stepping stones led us to a small square dip pool, accompanied by a crochet hammock and sun loungers. Opposite the pool was a rustic outdoor kitchen with seating crafted from tree stumps, eliciting memories of childhood fairytales. Three petite rooms encircled the area, and we were fortunate enough to occupy the moon room, featuring a bamboo bed draped in white curtains, centrally positioned on a woven round rug. Fiddle leaf plants and wooden benches adorned the gypsy room. By the time we completed our exploration, twilight was approaching, prompting us to discover the nearby streets.
For those familiar with Bali, the traffic can be overwhelmingly chaotic, and while we hesitated to navigate Seminyak’s streets, Canggu, proving less daunting, seemed ideal for us. Jackson demonstrated remarkable courage by renting a scooter, and I exhibited my own bravery by joining him as a passenger. We followed the main road toward the beach, ultimately arriving at the celebrated Old Man’s Surf Bar, recognized from numerous Instagram posts from favored accounts. We savored the sunset while enjoying cold beverages before heading back to VILLA LUA for the evening.
Day 5
I woke a bit later today, transitioning from a 4 am to a 6 am start. By the time I extracted myself from bed, the sun was already making its ascent. Today, we planned an adventure to Ubud, aiming to witness several noteworthy attractions. Our driver, Kutut (yes, we did feature in the Rhonda and Kutut television advertisement), guided us on a full-day tour encompassing the monkey forest, waterfalls, and elephants. The one-hour drive from Canggu was fully worthwhile. After magical encounters with the wildlife, we returned to our villa in the late afternoon. Jackson subsequently persuaded me back onto the scooter to search for an affordable dinner. It was finally my chance to sample Nasi Goreng, and we obtained two servings from a local eatery for under $6 Australian. We dined overlooking a lush farm field, observing baby calves frolicking amongst their mothers as the sun set. However, our meal was curtailed by unforeseen rain showers, forcing us to navigate the wet roads back home. A brisk five-minute ride led us back, utterly drenched as the lightning flashed above us.
Day 6
Following a refreshing overnight reprieve, the day promised warmth. With minimal plans, Jackson was eager to jump back on the scooter as early as possible. We relished the break from the heat, as the gentle breeze enveloped us while cruising along the main strips exploring new sites. Breakfast beckoned, and the enticing aromas from LITTLE FLINDERS café intrigued us with their innovative menu. Coconut waters, açai bowls, and fruit arrays revitalized us in anticipation of a full day in the sun. Following a lengthy ride past extensive rice fields, we stumbled upon FINNS BEACH BAR, and recognized it as a popular destination. We arrived just in time for sunset, the beauty unparalleled elsewhere. A few cocktails accompanied by shared nachos kept our spirits high in the pool bar until begrudgingly returning home to rest.
Day 7 : THE UNGASAN
- Prices commence at approximately 436US$ for a suite.
As per usual, I awoke ahead of Jackson’s schedule, preparing my belongings for our next destination. This is where our tendencies diverge; I prefer to be organized and ready, mitigating unnecessary stress, while Jackson often waits until the last moment—such is life with men. Consequently, I assist him in gathering his items. As the day began heating up, I took a dip in the plunge pool, refreshing myself as I waited for Jackson’s preparations to conclude.
Upon finally negotiating him into readiness with the incentive of covering the massage from a local establishment, we set off after a thorough deep-tissue massage. We revisited Little Flinders to satisfy our appetites before heading towards Uluwatu. Kutut graciously offered his assistance in navigating us to our next location, enhancing our journey with Justin Bieber’s tunes. After sharing a few laughs amid traffic delays, we passed Seminyak once more, stopping for lunch at the picturesque Frestro bar. While Jackson and I typically gravitate towards familiar items on the menu, I was compelled by the staff at FRESTRO RESTAURANT to sample some of their renowned dishes, which surpassed our expectations. Flavors exploded in my mouth in an iconic manner, and before long, we had indulged in three courses and four cocktails. Feeling pleasantly full, we begrudgingly moved ourselves back into Kutut’s vehicle to continue our travels to our next hotel.
Upon our arrival, the cliff edge seamlessly met the Indian Ocean, showcasing a breathtaking horizon. Stairs meandered around the lobby pool, leading down to the beach club. Our butler received us with warmth, expressing gratitude for our choice of THE UNGASAN cliff top resort, leaving us in awe of our splendid surroundings. We briefly rode in a buggy to explore our villa, falling deeper in love with every step. The butler unveiled the wooden doors, revealing a corridor flanked by fishponds on both sides. Along the way, we encountered doors leading to other villas, but we persisted onward. Observing a lounge room overlooking an infinity pool cascading into the verdant landscape, we entered a bar and dining area, all while our villa patiently awaited beyond the public space. At the cliff’s edge awaited our villa, boasting impressive ocean views, an honor I could hardly fathom being bestowed upon us.
Our butler kindly reminded us that he was available for any services, then departed, leaving Jackson and me to relish our new retreat. The expression on Jackson’s face illuminated with astonishment at our lavish accommodations, his delight evident. Our canopy bed provided unobstructed views of a sun lounge and infinity pool perched at the cliff’s edge, a sight that felt priceless. Lovingly clutching each other, we gazed over the cliff’s edge, appreciating life’s finest moments as the sun cast a rosy hue across the skies of beautiful Uluwatu.
Day 8
Today, I indulged in a leisurely sleep-in, waking at 8 am Bali time, which equated to 10 am back home. By this hour, the sun had already begun to radiate warmth, leading us to linger by the pool momentarily before proceeding to the lobby restaurant for breakfast. The pool has undoubtedly become my favorite aspect of this property, offering stunning views of the beach below, where individuals indulged in snorkeling amidst the nearby reef. Waves rolled gracefully in the distance, evoking a sense of longing for home.
We strolled past the various villas, reaching the restaurant that overlooked the cliff’s edge. A sumptuous spread of fresh fruits and breads precluded a mouth-watering serving of waffles, ensuring a satisfying meal. As the humidity intensified, we decided to explore SUNDAYS BEACH CLUB to witness its famed beauty, and it did not disappoint. The crystal-clear waters danced under the sun, paired with alabaster sands stretching beneath protective umbrellas. We enjoyed a refreshing stay at Sundays Beach Club until dusk when bonfires flickered in the evening air, allowing us to enjoy dinner in the company of fellow guests.
Day 9
This marked our final full day in Bali, and we aimed to soak up as much sunshine as possible before departing the following afternoon. Typically, I do not tan easily, but the island’s sun, coupled with a little help from Bali Body, had left my fair skin slightly bronzed, much to my delight. Lounging by our pool, relishing room service while enjoying our favorite tunes, the afternoon drifted away effortlessly. Prior to sunset, we returned to SUNDAYS BEACH CLUB to explore the reef. With optimal tidal conditions, we enjoyed snorkeling right in front of the beach club, facing the pleasant surprise of encountering sizable fish. Jackson and I cherished the opportunity to dive and engage with these friendly creatures throughout the afternoon. This part of Bali truly embodied paradise, so stunning that one could happily linger for an entire week.
Day 10
Ultimately, the journey reaches its conclusion, yet our adventures remain far from over. The gracious staff at THE UNGASAN cliff top resort facilitated an unforgettable half-day excursion. At the early hour of 5 am, before checking out, we embarked on an expedition to spend time with rescued elephants. For those unaware, elephants rank among my favorite animals, and the experiences in store for the day filled my dreams with anticipation. A one-hour journey northward revealed the Elephant Safari Rescue Park. Entering the park, I felt butterflies flitting around as I saw elephants freely wandering. Initially, we partook in their morning bathing routine, scrubbing them with brushes and hosing them off in preparation for their day at the sanctuary. Subsequently, guided by their caretakers, we enjoyed bareback rides into the wash pool for a unique experience—swimming with them. This moment was unprecedented in my life. Learning that these magnificent beings were rescued and now collaborating in conservation efforts to sustain their species in Indonesia filled my heart with joy. After spending the majority of the morning in the company of these gentle giants, it was time to return home. We collected our luggage from THE UNGASAN, bidding farewell to the exceptional staff who had so graciously cared for us over the previous days before proceeding to the airport.
I developed a deep appreciation for the culture and authenticity of Bali. The warmth with which it welcomes each visitor brings clarity, revealing the beauty present in our surroundings, inciting a desire to explore further.
This Bali Travel Diary was composed by @brookestyless in collaboration with @gotraveldaily.
