Don't Take My Words For It - Go to Bali

Bali Indonesia (Gili Gede & Ubud)

When you think of paradise, what springs to mind? I had many an idea about what paradise meant, felt and looked like. Bali, in all its simplicity, exceeded that. The picture about to be painted for you, dear reader, is one that can’t be shared and transcribed in literary attempt, but one that needs to be experienced – yes, experienced. So I’m going to start by telling you to go to Bali. The intention of my trip to Bali (one of many I was to quickly find and understand), was to attend a wedding on the Balinese island of Gili Gede. A group of 30 people made their way from South Africa to attend the exquisite occasion. Our flight path took us from Johannesburg South Africa - Singapore - Singapore - Denpasar, Bali. Approximately 24 hours to reach our final destination. Let me begin by taking you on a journey of this interesting melting pot of the East.

What struck me first was the humility and accommodating nature of its people and culture, evident in the abundant positive energy, deep rooted spirituality and calm. Not to be mistaken and confused for the heavy and chaotic traffic that runs rife throughout. Like India, the accident rates and aggressive driving is minimal – it functions within a perfectly balanced “chaotic” order and understanding of common courtesy. When reading constant articles and blogs about hiring scooters, it can be done – easily so, well within affordability and also the fastest way to get around – but keep in mind that this isn’t for the feint-hearted. There are four main religious faiths – Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam, where English is widespread and spoken by most. A people of firm faith, every morning you lay witness to Hindu prayers conducted on the doorsteps and sidewalks of every home, shop, hotel, restaurant etc. There’s a feeling of each day commencing as a true blessing, and to be thankful to see and experience yet another. Another tell-tale sign of the nature of its people, are their treatment of and care towards the rife number of stray dogs. Bali has a large stray dog percentage where they have multiple people driven initiatives and undertakings to spay and treat as many as possible for rabies and general vaccinations. What’s interesting to spot are some dogs adorning red ribbons around their necks – a form of identification for the pooches that have been spayed and vaccinated. Very special indeed. Now, let’s get into the actual experience, shall we? First stop, landing in Denpasar – the major International Airport of Bali.

Landing in Denpasar and disembarking the plane, you’re automatically hit with the reality of the humidity and heat. Tick box #1, you’ve officially landed in tropical terrain. So the best advice to provide is to ensure you’re wearing breathable and summertime attire before landing. Once in the airport and making your way to passport control, you’ll be met with long lines. You’ll also be approached by several locals offering to fast track your wait time to the front of the queue. As with anything in life, if it sounds too good to be true it generally is. That and, nothing comes for free. This offered “service” is legitimate however comes at a hefty price. So if you’re willing to part with a fair amount of Balinese Rupiah, by all means. Once at the front, the security process is really quick and you’re greeted with heartfelt smiles and a very warm Balinese hello – consistent throughout the islands.  From the airport, we hopped onto our pre-booked shuttle that was transporting us to the harbour – we’d highly recommend the Gili Getaway shuttle service should you be taking a similar holiday “expedition”. A short 20 minute drive later we arrived at the harbour where we purchased a fair few of the local brew – Bintang - prior to boarding our boat to Gili Gede. The boat ride was approximately an hour, where you’re able to sit at the very top of the boat to take in a view of every part of your surroundings. Unless you have a cap to strap onto your head, sunblock and sunglasses, the recommendation is to sit within the comfort of the below deck to enjoy the trip.

The boat ride flew by, where we then arrived on the island of Gili Gede – hello tropical paradise! What could easily be straight from a scene out of Jurassic Park, the exotic and lush greenery you’re hit with is something to truly marvel, where all that’s missing is the soundtrack and dinosaurs. We stayed at the most incredible resort called ko-ko-mo Gili Gede, owned and run by a phenomenal woman named Norma. Upon reaching the jetty, a group of Norma’s staff met us to disembark and to take our luggage – all smiles, waves and hugs. Upon your arrival, you’re adorned with lei’s and provide with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic welcome drink of choice. The devil is truly in the detail. We were then escorted to our villas. Our villa (Villa Amandala) was a large open planned home-away-from-home with a lovely sized lounge, kitchenette and guest loo – all leading out to a private and mini “Olympic” sized swimming pool. Full decked with lounge chairs, swimming towels and clothes horses to hang your damp clothing (of which there was much due to the amount of swimming and water activities we partook in.

Once we had settled in, we decided to swim and lounge around. Time, the resort, and leisure was the going rate now that we had arrived at our paradise destination for the next couple days. A little later in the evening we decided to freshen up and head to dinner at the resort restaurant. A restaurant overlooking the ocean (whether seated on the lawn or underneath the comfort of the inner part of the restaurant, beach sand strewn across the flooring), the warm breeze and sea air immerse you. Being a vegetarian in this part of the world leaves you mind-boggled at the variety and choice of dishes. I was never disappointed or hungry.

While on the island, we took advantage of the opportunity to splash around in the picturesque, warm and calm waters. We also dabbled in a fair amount of snorkelling - managing to spot and watch a graceful sea turtle - and took an early boat out one morning for potential deep sea fishing. Happy to report that we caught nothing ;) What is disappointing to see however is the amount of rubbish and pollution in some parts of the ocean as well as many a parts of the land. Much of the trash flows through from the Jakarta River (all the way from India), and many a local disposes of their refuse by simply tossing it wherever one pleases. People haven’t adopted the mentality of cleaning this up and taking accountability for their own rubbish, but I suppose when ones priorities lie elsewhere this is (possibly) the furthest thing from one’s mind. Not an excuse, but possible perspective into the why. What may be materially a poor people in its vast majority, they are incredibly wealthy spiritually where you see and feel the practices and values of loving thine neighbour. Being on this tiny island, with a population of approximately 2000, a 4Km radius from end-to-end and not a single “commercial” restaurant or store on it, we had to “stay put” and truly enjoy the solitude of where we were – incredibly special. Essentially, if you’re looking for a tropical getaway of solitude, you need look no further than this special island and exquisite resort.

Fast track to a couple days later where we headed off to one of the major towns – Ubud, famous for its abundance of rice paddies, jungle terrain and steep ravines. It took us another boat ride from Gili Gede to the harbour, and an easily caught cab ride to Ubud. A fairly long drive to Ubud from Denpasar (mainly due to the traffic) but either way, the scenery, local music on the radio and lush tropical landscape make the drive an enjoyable one. We stayed at the most adorable family run guest house – Narendra Guest House – an approximate 10 minute walk from the hustle and bustle where bookings ahead of time are absolutely essential… Not just due to the location, but due to the affordability, included breakfast, cleanliness and air-conditioned facilities (an absolute non-negotiable for when staying anywhere in Bali). Our booking was made via Air BnB a couple months in advance, and thankfully so. If you’re looking for a gem of accommodation recommendation, this is it!

We spent the next few days exploring the town on foot, as well as via a guide who took us to the main tourist attractions - rice paddies, forest swings, coffee tasting, lunch with local cuisine (where for the vegetarians out there, it’s an absolute feast for the soul). Ultimately, whatever your heart’s desire in this town, you’re sure to quench ones “thirst”, you simply have to ask..

My favourite part about this trip, was having my soul in a state of peace and tranquillity. Almost in a perpetual state of calm and euphoria, whilst in a mindful and present state of simply “being”. It boils down to what’s on the inside and the genuine makeup of what defines us as human beings. Something very unique and special indeed. But, don’t take my words for it… Go to Bali.