Travel Blog: A Week in Bali

I had the opportunity to go to Bali, a dream come true! On my 8 day trip I wrote several blogs about my trip, and of course included photos with each blog.


The Adventure Begins
My trip to Bali started very early in the day. My flight was scheduled for 6:25 in the morning, which meant I had to be at the airport by 4:30 a.m.

I had flown into Bangkok the day before and checked into my favorite hotel in Bangkok, the Floral Shire Resort. The rooms are great, the price is incredibly affordable, the staff very friendly and helpful. They offer free Wi-fi, and have a restaurant on the premises. But the best service they offer is pick up and drop off at the airport at no additional charge.

I received my wake up call at 3:30 in the morning, by 4:00 I was in their van on my way to the airport. (more)



Sunrise with the Dolphins
I woke up moments before my alarm clock went off at 5:30 a.m. Another unusually early morning for me.

I dressed in my shorts and tank top, and was ready to head out and find my way in the dark to the back gate of the Adirama Hotel. The gate leads to the beach where I was told I would be picked up for my Dolphin Watching Sunrise boat ride.

Half way to the door I had woken up enough to realize that maybe wearing shorts and a tank top out on the ocean this early in the morning might not be the best idea. (more)


Snorkeling at Lovina
Before going to bed I had checked my underwater camera goggles, and they seemed to be working fine. I was so excited about the prospect of trying the camera out in the morning.

My snorkeling was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. I figured I would wake up around my usual time, between 7:30 and 8:00, grab a cup of coffee and some breakfast, and probably have a little time left before the boat came to pick me up. (more)



Drive to Ubud
Before heading to Bali, I had done a lot of research to determine exactly what I wanted to do while there. I knew this was probably going to be a one shot opportunity, and wanted to get the most out of it.

I had chosen Lovina Beach as my first stop, because I knew it would give me a chance to see some of the country side just getting there. I also wanted to go on the Dolphin Sunrise Boat trip, and try snorkeling again.

Ubud was my next destination. I wanted to spend some time in this art community, and see what life was all about in the mountains of Bali. (more)


Ubud- Artist Community
When I arrived in Ubud Tuesday afternoon, I had no room reservations or any idea where I as going to stay.

Wayon, my driver, dropped me off on Monkey Forest Road, not too far away from the actual Sacred Monkey Forest. I liked the idea of finding a room within walking distance of the Monkey Forest. After all, seeing the monkeys was one of my motivations of choosing to visit Ubud.

The first place I saw was the Sagittarius Motel, and I thought, hmm, may be fate (since that is my sign). I checked at the front desk, only to find they were full. I walked back out to the street lugging my baggage and laptop, and was approached by a young gentleman asking if I was looking for a room. (more)


Griya Faria, Ubud’s Rocking Reggae Band
When I arrived at the Lobong Cafe, the place was packed. I was about ready to turn around and go back home, when one of the waiters came up and asked me if I would like a seat. Seeing no places available, he assured me he could find me a seat if I didn’t mind sharing a table.

I decided to stay, while he checked with a couple that was sitting at a table close to the band. I could see their nods of agreement, and he motioned for me to come on over. (more)



Terraced Rice Fields
Wednesday was a day to catch my breath, at least in the morning. I had decided to wait until Thursday to go to the Monkey Forest, so that allowed for a leisurely start to my day.

I decided to have lunch at a WiFi restaurant and take care of a little internet business.

I walked back to my hotel wondering what the rest of Ubud looked like, where was the town, where did the people live? Where were the famous terraced rice fields? (more)



Sacred Monkey Forest
One of my reasons for choosing Ubud was to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest. I had no idea what I would find, but it sounded promising.

I arrived early in the morning, paid my $1.50 entrance fee, bought some bananas, and headed into the forest.

I was greeted immediately by a few monkeys who must have the routine down, close to the entrance they will find people passing out bananas. They come up to you and take the banana from your hand, then sit back and enjoy their treat. (more)



Sanur, Watersport Paradise
My original plans were to spend 3 days at Lovina Beach, 3 days at Ubud, and my last night at Sanur, a beach town close to the airport.

Friday morning I was torn about leaving Ubud. I really liked my room, I could spend the day visiting the monkeys again, catch another live performance by Griya Faria that night, and take an early bus to the airport in the morning. Tempting!

But alas, I chose to stick with the original plan. I wanted to see more of Bali, particularly the beach on the south east side of the island. Sanur sounded good to me, I hear it isn’t usually as crowded as Kuta.

I arrived in Sanur around noon. My driver dropped me off at the boardwalk of Sanur Beach. (more)