THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

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THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

In the true sense of rest and relaxation, seldom do I avail of tour packages when in vacation. Even with limited research, a travel can still be pulled-off with ease and enjoyment in the company of good travel buddies and as a bonus, in the company of a local resident.

As an exception, we availed the services of one the largest tour operators while in Bali, Indonesia, manned by local residents and with English-speaking drivers.  

There is only one trusted tour operator for me while in Bali and that is the Bali Golden Tours.

The air-conditioned private car was our comfort zone against the sweltering heat in Bali.  The plotting of itinerary was done in an instant.  Because landmarks and tourist attractions in Bali are quite a distant from one another, renting a private vehicle is the best way to explore.

GEGER BEACH, NUSA DUA

Our first stop is Nusa Dua. The golden sands of Geger Beach is the selling point of this destination.  The scorching heat became bearable on account of the scenic landscape it offers.  There were no squirrels this time unlike my first visit where they came in number while we had our lunch of hefty babi guling (pig roast) – the best version in the island for me.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

The waves were a haven for surfers.  But a portion is ideal for swimming as well with clear waters and a soft sand that’s too tempting to loiter.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

PASIFIKA MUSEUM

Within Nusa Dua, there is a less known attraction that houses varied collections, arts, paintings and installations.  This is also highly recommended for those interested in Bali arts, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific region.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

PANDAWA BEACH

A secret destination that is actually no secret to tourists and locals alike is my new discovery of Bali.  Since we have no idea where to go, our local driver suggested that we drop by this beach destination named Pandawa.  It was hidden behind a hill in the past, from which it got its name, the Secret Beach. 

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

The beach is somewhat secluded and at times may be empty due to accessibility, according to local residents.  We were surrounded by foreign surfers and domestic tourists on one midday.  Sans the unbearable heat, this destination could have been the perfect place to chill and sun bathe.  It is pristine.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

DREAMLAND

Contrary to its name, the next beach destination is no dreamland for me.  The waves were so huge that I ended up stumbling at some point.  Yes it was fun but it I am no surfer and it could have been more fun had I been one.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

Dreamland Beach is said to be the site of the failed Pecatu Graha development, planned by the youngest son of their former President Suharto.  Though there are traces of unfinished grandeur, the natural rock formations and the beach itself provides a charm making it a destination of its own.

We plunge into the waters of Dreamland and continuously fought for the waves and the under current.  It was fun though notwithstanding risky.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

TEGENUNGAN WATERFALL

Ubud has been depicted as the laidback part of Bali.  It is my second time in Bali and I have been inquiring from my companions if they have made prior research and if they have landmarks in mind to visit but they replied none.  And so, we gave our driver the discretion to plot our itinerary for the following day.  Without hesitation, he suggested we visit a waterfall.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOURTHE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

The main concern really was whether trekking would be tedious and how many hours would it take.  With the assurance that it only takes a few steps to get close the waterfalls, we heeded the advice.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

It was fun and a different way to explore Bali. Surrounded by a mountain and towering tropical palm trees, the landscape was indeed picturesque.  A minimal amount is paid for admission and the same is not crowded.  There are corners that can make you feel you’re alone mesmerized by the green valley with a gushing waterfall running through it.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES

We are not new to rice terraces.  In fact, we have set high standards on what a well-landscaped rice terraces should be owing to the fact that we have UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines.  While in Bali, there is a constant landmark that is part of every tourist itinerary and that is, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

There is no need to hike or trek for distances, as the view of the rice terraces is visible from the main road.  Though for purposes of searching for a great vantage for photos, one can go further and follow the pathway leading to the village that sits in the valley surrounded by the rice terraces.

We came after the harvest season, thus, it is not as green as it should be.

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

THE BALI CAR CHARTER TOUR

A lot has changed since I visited the spot a year ago.  A number of souvenir shops and wooden artworks now surround the viewing point of the terraces from the main road and that even photo opportunities at certain vantage points now comes with a fee.

During our visit, the Ubud Public Market was destroyed by fire.  Traffic was then congested.  Our original plan was to visit the Ubud Public Market after the Tegenungan Waterfall, for some souvenirs and to roam around the vicinity and visit the Balinese temples that surround.  Unfortunately, plans have to change.


Our 2-day trip was indeed fun and made even more special by a personalized and relaxed itinerary courtesy of Bali Golden Tours.

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