Because inevitably there comes a time, when you’ve finally settled back into your routine, life returns to normal and then, sometimes when you least expect it (and sometimes exactly when you’re expecting it) the post-holiday blues settle in.
Going through old travel photos can impact you in one of two ways.
1. It can make you long for your next holiday, wishing the present moment away or that it was different in some way
or
2. It can make you grateful for the experiences that you’ve had, the memories you’ve collected and how all of this adds into what makes your life and who you are, exactly that.
I guess it can impact you in both ways, but I encourage you to focus on the latter. There is nothing wrong with craving adventure and travel, working towards a goal and feeling excited for the future. So long as all this doesn’t make you hate your life, for where you are right now. And if it does, change your thinking… or change your life…
The above imagery is looking back on my time in Bali with my love back in nov-dec 2015. It was right after we had both finished uni (forever…) and it was the perfect way to cap off a trying year.
And it was pure magic.
Although we had been to bali the year before, we essentially had villa hopped and adventure time was relatively minimal (bummer).. But this time we were fortunate enough to have THREE. WHOLE. WEEKS to explore this beautiful island (even though one certain volcano tried to prevent us from getting there at all).
Qe spent our time equally between Uluwatu, Ubud, Gili Air and Nusa Lembongan (with a few extra days tapped on in Uluwatu at the end, because we just couldn’t get enough). I’ll be sharing travel guide for each place later on the blog (specifically my vegan where-to-eats). But for now I’m going to leave you with my top 10 must-do-see-feel things in Bali.
1. First and foremost (but these aren’t actually in any particular order)
The quintessential Single Fin, Uluwatu… at sunset.
IT certainly is hyped about, but its worth it. The perfect view, good vibes all round and watching amazing waves till dark.
2. Stand-up paddle board at Padang Padang
Stand-up at padang-padang is a must. Its so calm, and the water is so blue. maybe see if you can spot a dugong (I did!)… but hold onto your go-pro… slash just check and see if it still floats when the pole is attached (we did not do this)…
3. Scooter adventure and swim at Dreamland
Between Uluwatu itself, Padang-Padang and surrounding beaches like Bingin and Dreamland, it is really worth hiring a scooter and going exploring. Dreamland is pure bliss. The guys will be endlessly entertained if the the swell is just right for some epic bodysurfing. The water is the insane blue, with an almost milky look making it even more intensely blue (or at least it was when we were there).
4. Tegenungan waterfall.
It can get a little crazy busy here. But my top tip is there is a secret path that requires a bit of trekking through jungle and clambering up a hill (I consider this a bonus to be honest) but you get to the very top of the waterfall and, if you’re lucky, you’ll have this all to yourself.
5. Tegalalang rice terrace.
Ubud is surrounded by amazing rice terraces, but Tegalalang is certainly the most spectacular. meandering through the mass amounts of lush green (depending on the rice growing stage) is breathtaking.
6. Climb Mt Batur for sunrise.
Whilst getting up at 2am, sitting in a car for an hour or so to travel to the mountain and then hiking for a couple of hours might sound like a chore… its really not. or atleast it is soooooo worth it. I didn’t find the walk that difficult, and it is truly mesmerising adventuring up the mountain in the dark, beneath the twinkling stars, following a trail of torchlight as it traverses upwards as far as you can see. And then the sunrise. Magical. The picture (above) does not do it justice.
You might even see some cute little monkeys along the way… word to the wise. even though you’re pretty warm on the climb, it does get chilly at the top so pack some warmer layers so you can enjoy the sunrise sans shivering.
7. Swim with sea turtles on Gili
Does this need any explanation? Any at all?
They are just so damn cute. And the ride out on your boat is an adventure in itself, particularly if the ocean is as rough as it was the day we went out.
8. Watch the sunset from the ocean. In the ocean. Drink in hand.
I’ve watched some of the most amazing sunsets whilst in Bali (i’ll admit, i haven’t been to Western Australia yet). and I can think of no better way to enjoy this moment, then floating in a salty paradise.
9. Snorkel with manta rays on Nusa Lembongan
This was probably one of my favourite ever moments of our entire trip and probably the most vigorous snorkelling I’ve ever done in my life.
These creatures are so giant. So majestic. And swimming with them was so magical. When they catch you off guard, its quite startling, but watching them circle and dance around you is pure magic. If you’re with a group, definitely hire a private boat. And make sure they take you to crystal cove (or the name is something like this) because the coral is like being transported to some magical, underwater-world.
10. Go for a surf at Playgrounds
I’m only a learner surfer, but thats why these waves are a dream come true. Perfect little baby waves, beautiful reef to stare at between lulls (admittedly does make it a little unnerving when you fall off, hence I recommend you use the technique i like to call ‘star fishing’). And if your lucky, you might even time it when some of the local kids are out and man they are adorable to watch. They have their own little gang (and matching t-shirts) and their faces just scream pure joy.
Stay tuned for my wrap up of all my favourite places to eat, or at least the ones I discovered this time.
Would love to hear any of your top things to see and do, because lets face it, we will be going back.
Next on our list is the 3 day Mt Rinjani climb on Lombok. Alas this was the volcano that just so happened to be erupting the time we were there. But it is still on our bucket list.