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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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