Coming from smoggy Malaysia, the island's beauty presented itself first from the air, as we witnessed a gorgeous sunset up above the clouds. Bali is world-famous for its natural beauty, from its white and black sand beaches to its terraced rice paddies, from its volcanoes and waterfalls to its abounding temples. In fact, Bali was recently listed as one of the top 10 islands in the world to visit (Penang is also on the list!), and we'll never be closer than we are now!
Upon arrival, we were swept into a mob as we emerging into the very small and crowded airport, another in the process of renovation to better accommodate the huge number of tourists each year. When we got outside, I was to be greeted by a hotel employee, but I was not expecting so many people! I felt a bit like a celebrity as I stood in front and browsed all the signs looking for my name. I finally found our driver, and he herded us through the crowd to our van. Glad I didn't rent a car here!
A short drive later, we entered the glorious oasis that is the Intercontinental Bali in Jimbaran. Certainly this was the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in, an expensive luxury but worth every rupiah! The staff was extremely attentive and dressed in traditional attire, every space was decorated thoughtfully with Balinese style elegance, breakfast spreads were incredible, and beautiful details presented themselves throughout.
The first three days, we enjoyed the amenities of the resort, playing with the kids in the six amazing pools, riding bikes with Mark around the grounds, eating local cuisine alfresco at the cafe, reading on our patio, sipping cocktails on the couches at the Sunset Bar while the kids played in the kid's club. (Also worth the money, this was the best Kids' Club we've encountered thus far. Complete with a kids' pool, large playscape, trampoline, and indoor room with Wii and a schedule of arts/crafts, my kids were begging to have us drop them off!) One afternoon, Adam and I enjoyed traditional Balinese full-body massages, a truly relaxing experience. A memorable highlight for Abigail was getting to release a baby turtle into the sea!
We did venture outside the resort once during these first days, on an organized tour to the clifftop Uluwata temple. We were given the traditional sash and sarong to wear, then headed up the steps to see incredible views from the cliff. (My mommy senses were full-on; "don't get too close to that edge!!") The tour also included a performance of the Kecak dance, a local dance involving about 30 men making music in harmony by chanting "chak chak" while colorful, expressive ladies and others in masks danced to tell a story. Mark particularly loved the comical masked monkey and the fire dance finale. Like nothing I've ever seen before!
The southern beaches of Jimbaran are also famous for their beachside seafood barbeques, and we dined there by candlelight two different nights. So fresh, so cheap, and so good!
On the fourth day, it was finally time to leave our hotel and see more of the island. We hired a driver to take us up to Bedugul in the mountains. The traffic on the island was incredible, and the small roads just couldn't handle the volume of cars. (Developing Bali is certainly far from the organized infrastructure of Singapore!)
On the way, our driver stopped at an agro farm, where we were given umbrellas and led down a rainy path past various fruit trees to a shack where an older woman was roasting coffee beans over a fire. Mark even got the chance to grind some manually! Next, we sat down at covered tables where we were served samplings of various teas and coffees, and the kids were served hot cocoa--yummy! Adam and I paid to try "kopi luwak", the most expensive coffee in the world. (A particular kind of cat eats, then expels the coffee beans. The whole, partially digested beans are then collected, cleaned, and ground to form a uniquely smooth flavor.)
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