THE BEST VANTAGE FOR A BALINESE SUNSET EXPERIENCE

by lakwatserong tsinelas - 3:30 PM

There’s something about sunsets that makes us melodramatic. And though I believe sunsets are all the same, it only differs on the person shared with, there are vantage points undeniably a perfect setting for a sunset viewing while in Bali, Indonesia.

KUTA BEACH

The surfers, local residents and tourists converge on a vast shoreline to witness a picturesque setting of the sun. It was late in the afternoon when we arrived at Bali from Lombok. And there’s no other confirmed itinerary for the day than to lounge and people-watch at the Kuta Beach.

Kuta Beach is Bali’s most famous beach destination. It is a minutes away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban and a popular surf spot. The aligned accommodations, shopping and dining options even makes the beach vibrant and touristy.

As I stand in one corner to do the usual routine of taking photos endlessly, the backdrop of children playing soccer and some lighting up sky lanterns made a good welcome for my second time in Bali, Indonesia. We were fortunate for the good weather and the consistent waves that comes along. And what is more remarkable for that day was the presence of the full moon after that glorious sunset.

PADANG-PADANG BEACH

Descending on a flight of stairs through a unique hollow rock entrance, we are about to discover the setting of the famed big-screen adaptation “Eat. Pray. Love”.

Padang-Padang Beach is another famed surf spot in Bali and located on the north-western coast of the island’s Bukit Peninsula. As soon as we touched the fine white sand of the beach and after sweating it out on the steep descent, noticeable are the parasols and a number of beach mats laid. We position ourselves at the center with a view of a distant horizon. Limestone cliffs and formations surround the beach as well. I honestly wasn’t impressed of its topography. On a low tide nearing sunset, it was a struggle going against the waves on a rocky shore. And so I decided to just sit and wait for my friends to finish their business.

ULUWATU TEMPLE

I had fun on my first visit to the Uluwatu Temple although tarnished by the images of wild monkeys that dwell in the forest leading to the temple. The Uluwatu Temple is one of the sea temples of Bali known as a destination for sunset viewing. It is even made interesting due to its unique location.

For almost a thirty-minute walk from the temple entrance, we reached the steep cliff from where the temple stands. It is positioned at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. The water surging up against the rocks and the ocean horizon are likewise remarkable.

For a perfect sunset viewing, we positioned ourselves on the farther adjacent end of the cliff where the temple stands. Wild monkeys came in random. The cliff, sea temple, Indian Ocean and the monkeys comprise the setting of the beautiful sunset in Uluwatu.

TANAH LOT TEMPLE

Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most important landmarks, famed for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops. On this recent visit, the low tide made the temple more accessible despite the occasions of sudden wave splashes over the surrounding rock formations.

The Tanah Lot is depicted as a romantic cinematographic setting as shown in the movie Eat. Pray. Love. But in reality, the splashing of the waves is so dangerous that with its current and unpredictable direction, any life of a tourist can be put in danger when standing on the edge of this cliff. The appearance of the sunset though can calm any visitor and be mesmerized at its beauty.