BALI, INDONESIA

Slow Clap for Bali.  Hands down in the running for our favorite trip. 

As you may recall, our Bali trip last summer was cancelled due to volcanic ash closing the airport.  We finally got around to re-booking the trip, and feel foolish for waiting so long!

Bali is the perfect mix of scenery, culture and relaxation.  From the moment we landed, we totally fell in love.  Our wonderful tour guide Anwar really was the cherry on top of the trip.  He didn't miss a beat explaining the history of the island and immersing us into the local culture.  (For his booking information email personalbalitours@outlook.com - you won't regret it)

Jim and Anwar goofing around

 Bali itself is huge!  After some research, we decided to spend a full week there exploring two areas - Ubud and Seminyak - complete opposites, but equally as fabulous. 

First stop - Ubud (made famous by the novel Eat, Pray, Love).  Culture seeped through the pores of the town with the local craftsmanship shops and unique local flavors around every corner. Thankfully, we had Anwar to keep us from being overwhelmed with the amount to do and see.  He showed us local balinese housing, rice fields, a Luwak coffee plantation, stunning temples, and encouraged us to get our first four hand massage (alright, we didn't need too much encouragement for the latter). 

This man was kind enough to show us around his home.

Visitors waiting to be washed at the Temple. #wechosetostaydry

Uluwatu Temple (one of the 6 temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars)

Tanah Lot

Lake Bratan

Pura Ulan Danu Bratan (my favorite temple complex) 

Digested Coffee Beans from the Luwak. The most expensive coffee in the world.

Jim meets Luwak. Jim will later drink coffee made from Luwak poop.

Surprisingly delicious.

Hair Flips for Rice Fields

A couple of scarecrows

This guy got ribs for his excellent behavior at the temples #notatempleguy

Our balinese hotel was set amongst the sprawling rice fields and had stunning views of the volcanos (and only one tarantula). Added bonus - it was walking distance to the famed Monkey Forest.  I have a love/hate relationship with monkeys so needless to say - there were both smiles and screams while I was being mugged from behind for my bananas.

I really liked this little guy

Well-behaved.  (Unlike the Monkey that snuck up from behind, jumped on me and robbed me of an entire bunch of bananas)

Recovering from the Great Banana Robbery of 2016 with a Bintang in a private pool

Jim and I left Ubud the proud owners of 2 giant teak elephants, a buddha statue and 3 very tall wooden giraffes. Our suitcases told us it was time to leave handicraft heaven and migrate towards the land of the beautiful people - Seminyak.

The luxury of Seminyak was evident with the trendy oceanfront clubs dotting the long stretch of beach and plentiful fresh fruity cocktails.  Most of our time in Seminyak was spent lounging by our pool or partying at the Beach. The perfect juxtaposition to Ubud. 

This dog kept following us. Thankfully, Singapore has a strict import policy on animals or he would have been a souvenir. #wenamedhimBintang

Crab Spotting. 

This Guy. Peace Signs. 4 Hand Massages. Private Pools. #Balihasallmyfavoritethings

Sunsets at the Potato Head Beach Club 

Sun-brellas are manly

Rock Bar

Our last supper - Seafood Platter with Anwar on the Beach

Entertainment

The history, charm and people of Bali defied my wildest expectations. A definite must to add to everyone's bucket list.

Peace, Love & Wooden Elephants, 
Jenna and Jim