The resorts that dot the white beaches and the coral-fringed tranquil lagoons of Nusa Dua in Bali are a world unto themselves, both in ambiance and experience.
Melia Bali, for instance, is set amid lush tropical gardens with lotus and koi ponds, carved stone bridges and towering palm trees. The hotel offers enough activities to keep you within its 10.7 hectares — and they range from lessons in climbing coconut trees to wearing sarongs to scuba diving and pool games to attending a special Balinese blessing ceremony to bring you long life and health.
You might also a witness a mass Chinese wedding. But when (and if) you decide to step out of this micro-paradise, here are 10 ways in which you can soak up the rest of Bali:
1. WATCH Barong & Kris Dance at Batubulan: This ritualistic performance depicts the eternal fight between good (Barong, a lion-like creature) and evil (Rangda, a mythological monster). While the origins of the dance are believed to be from Bali’s animistic past, this stage-show is your perfect initiation into the rich mythological heritage of the island. Plus the chance to interact with traditional Balinese music ensembles, known as the Gamelan, and their instruments.
2. EXPLORE an active volcano in Kintamani: If you are in need of an adrenaline rush at dawn, climb up the most active volcano in Bali, located at the centre of two concentric calderas in the north east of the island. The area surrounding Mount Batur is commonly known as Kintamani and offers magnificent views of the mountains and the adjoining lake. Rising about 1,700 metres above the sea level, Mount Batur’s first eruption was recorded in 1804 and has been active since. There are guides aplenty to help you on the nearly two hours journey up. All you need is a basic level of experience to climb during the dry season.
3. CYCLE downhill from Mount Batur: A magical mountain ride on bicycles is the perfect excuse to burn those extra holiday calories. Hire a mountain bike and cycle your way down Batur to Ubud, through expansive rice paddy fields, winding forest paths and traditional Balinese houses. On the way, stop to mingle with scythe-wielding local farmers. They’re most keen to share their frugal meal (of boiled rice and bean sprouts) and contagious laughter with you, provided you take a selfie with them.
4. HAGGLE for souvenirs at Ubud: This district is the cultural heart of Bali and a vibrant street market rolled into one.
From exploring the vast art market to bargaining for wood carvings, bags, hand-carved chess sets and T-shirts that make good souvenirs, to savouring a traditional lunch of crispy duck at a local restaurant, you can spend anywhere between an hour to a day depending here. Some tour operators also offer visits to the famed rice terraces of Tegallalang about 15 minutes away.
5. INVEST in Balinese carvings: These are exquisite examples of centuries-old artistry and the damage to your wallet is proportional to your bargaining skills. Whatever be your budget, Bali offers everyone the opportunity to take back a part of its history and heritage — whether it’s Batik shirts or handbags or simply a bottle or two of sambal, Indonesia’s fiery contribution to the world of condiments.
6. ENJOY the sunset at Uluwatu with Kecak dance: Located on the southern tip of the island and 45-minute drive from Denpasar, the views of the Indian Ocean from the top of this cliff-side temple are breathtaking.
Throw in a sublime sunset and a traditional Kecak dance and your cultural immersion of Bali is almost complete. A unique dance form, Kecak comprises a choir of 70 bare-chested men seated in a large amphitheatre and chanting a cappella to produce a trance-like enactment of episodes from the Ramayana. Caveat: do not dangle your water bottle or sunglasses at the monkeys lining the stairs on the way up to the temple.
7. DINE at Jimbaran Bay: The sand is white, the sky is starry and the sea breeze is soothing. What else do you need to enjoy a night of fire-grilled seafood on the oceanfront? Home to about 50 seafood warungs (a cross between a shack and a restaurant), Jimbaran Bay is where you can enjoy a culinary adventure after a hectic day. Simply choose from fish, crab, squid, clam, shrimp and lobsters, and get a set dinner served at your table, with steamed greens, rice and sambal on the side.
Watch flights from the nearby Denpasar airport take off, get your feet wet or simply join local musicians play along to celebrate someone’s special day (on our night out, a local Balinese band belted out one of the most authentic version of the Bollywood song Kal Ho Na Ho I have ever heard.)
8. SIP the world’s most expensive coffee: OK, so Kopi Luwak (as they say in Indonesia) is essentially civet poop coffee. But don’t let that detail deter you from tasting what is billed as the world’s most expensive coffee — Harrods sells some for about £200 (Dh1139) per 100 grams.
And if you are lucky, you can glimpse the Asian palm civet (Luwak) snacking on Arabica berries if you visit one of the many Luwak coffee farms around Ubud or Kintamani. The beans pass through the civet whole after fermenting in the stomach, which gives the coffee its exceptional taste and aroma. If you are bringing home an entire bagful be sure to check with your country’s customs list first.
9. RELAX, get a Balinese massage: This is where the acupressure-based massage officially began. The principle guiding this blissful experience is simple: our life force or qi holds the balance between health and wellness. So applying variable pressure on the meridians, skin rolling and flicking, percussion and aromatherapy, your therapist will balance your qi (and soothe your body and mind into peaceful oblivion). Most spas in Bali will offer you a sweet hibiscus tea before the massage begins and provide an extensive catalogue of other authentic indulgent treatments.
10. SURF around the beach: Bali gets the full force of southern ocean swells from the Antarctic so its coasts are dotted with world-class surfing spots. While Kuta gives you the most popular and accessible breaks, Tuban, Seminyak and Legian beaches offer better swells and are great for advanced surfers.
If you are smitten by the Julia Roberts bug, you must head towards Padang – Padang (aka the Eat, Pray, Love beach). Is surfing not your type of fun? Then simply swim around the lagoon from your hotel room to the beach which most hotels provide.
Essentials
When to go: Today, next week or whenever ... Bali is an evergreen destination. The dry season runs from June until September, but the rest of the year it is less crowded and can be enjoyed easily.
Go there: Emirates flies daily from Dubai to Bali – flight EK398 departs Dubai at 8.20am and arrives in Bali at 9.40pm the same day; the return flight, EK399, departs at 11.40pm and arrives in Dubai at 5am the next day. Prices for a return ticket start at Dh3,495 for economy class. More details at emirates.com
