There is something very alluring about cycling in Bali for me, being in the fresh air surrounded by so many different rural landscapes. Maybe this is a reason why a cycling tour is always a must do for us. Fortunately there are so many on offer in Bali. Bali East Cycling has always been on my radar with good reviews. I wondered how it compared to the usual Ubud landscape.
Maybe it is that image of people gliding by lush rice paddies that appeals. Out of 5 trips to Bali we have done four cycling tours. Bali East bikes offer a ride in an area that people rarely visit. We were on the hunt for something new and we found it.
I must confess that booking this tour was a not easy. I tried contacting Komang through the website to no avail. I got some success through SMSing him directly. Even then the price seemed allusive. In the end there was a mix up over the price of our drop off point. Newbies, even though this tour was extremely difficult to book, the tour itself made up for most of this and in time my booking drama memories will fade but the images of the amazing countryside will forever be emblazed into my mind.
Wayan and Nyoman came to whisk us away to the country side. I must say that they both looked after us extremely well. We were taken to the set up point where Wayan showed us some tropical plants and fruits. Thanks to the Trip Advisor's reviews I was well prepared for the lose dirt and rocks at that we rode over. I was also prepared that this was not a ride beginners with a few uphill sections. There were many times that I decided to walk up or down certain parts. Wayan insisted that he take my bike as well as his up those inclines. I was blown away by his hospitality, strength and awe-some fitness levels.
The views that this ride offers is extraordinary. It was the views that I was expecting from other bike rides that I just didn't get to see. I loved the way that it offered a variety of views. Unfortunately many of these views have not been captured in our photos as I was holding on to the bike for my dear life over the loose rocks. Wayan told us that we could stop at any time to take photos but if I did that we'd never get any cycling done as there were so many beautiful things to see. LOL! :P
The bike ride wasn't easy but we had a great time with spectacular views and nice people. To conclude our tour we made our way to Virgin Beach otherwise known as White Sands beach for even more spectacular views. The colour of the water is just magnificent. Unfortunately every time we have visited here it has always looked a bit rough for this novice toe dipper. Never the less I could spend all day here soaking up the activities of the locals and tourists of this beach as well as watching the amazing waves that crash onto the rocks.
Wayan and Nyoman kindly dropped us of at our next adventure, the Four Seasons Hotel at Sayan. I call this an adventure because the whole experience is a mind blowing tour in itself: P This is the reason why we change hotels so often. It makes the packing and repacking beyond worthwhile. To say that we were exhausted after the long ride was a bit of an understatement.
Ubud to me is the classic rural escape that I think about when I think of 'Bali,' lush rice terraces and green jungles soften the landscape and give me a sense of adventure and refresh my being. This is also where the true wow factor hotels can be found. The beauty of these places must be seen to be believed. Their new harmony with nature is simply superb and is what makes these places so special. A girl only turns 40 once so on the eve of my actual birth-day a trip to The Four Seasons in Sayan was in order. This place has been on my wish list for over a decade. As to be expected the Four Seasons is not cheap. I wondered if it would live up to its heafty price tag. Would it be too clean cut? Would it still have the wonderful Balinese cultural lushness to it? I have been disappointingly fooled by these swanky places before, with all hype but no substance. There was only one way to ease my curiosity about this tempting place that has called my name for so long. As their Face Book page says, 'The sun is shining and water is sparkling, all that is missing is just you!' How could I possibly resist? I knew that it was now or never.
We arrived at our room with our luggage by buggy which was fun for an in room check in. You have got to love that! The basic room was surprisingly impressive. The website made it look quite small as I did not fathom that it was made up of two levels when we booked. It was like living in a luxury town house with the most amazing bathroom and walk in dressing room.
After a quick refreshing and luxurious shower the phone rang, it was my family from back home. My mother had an accident while looking after my house and she was about to go into surgery. As you can imagine I was quite frantic and after being in Bali for only two days we organised the first flight back home. I was so very lucky that there was a direct flight that night. The other option was to wait for two days for a flight via Brisbane and Sydney before arriving in Adelaide. To be honest at that time I did not think that she was going to make it. I had 4 excuriciating hours to wait until I could be on my way back home. But what a healing place to receive this kind of news.
The rest was a bit of a blur but gardens were extraordinary. The river was amazing. The regal palm trees were astounding. Pictures do not do this place justice. My previous concerns were a distant memory. Yes it is does have special Balinese X factor, yes it did provide an incredible experience that does rival other hotels. Yes you must do it.
I knew the level of service would be good but I was not prepared for the outstanding service that the Four Seasons provides. It puts all other hotels to shame. However, let me make something very clear you are paying top dollar for this 'friendliness.' Speaking with people who have great english skills was very refreshing. It was the little things that set this place apart for example the mints in the car during the airport transfer and the driver asking if it was ok if he rang the airport to ensure that we arrived at the right place. Had he not done this I would have assumed that he was talking to a Balinese friend and arranging a late dinner. The prompt arrival and pick up of luggage, the in room check in, the live soothing music were all small things that made the whole experience so soothing and classy. They even replaced my banana when we went out.
As soon as we arrived at the airport it was chaos. It was the night of the first opening of the new building for international customers. The building itself is indeed impressive. As we walked in welding sparks flickered through the window. The security line was long, caused by the poorly planned check in line. The conveyor belts holding the luggage were not working. There was a lack of seating in the departure area. There were no updated signs indicating which gate we should be waiting at. Most people sat or slept on the floor. The staff had no idea what as going on and waited for news like the rest of us. We heard reports that flights were cancelled or delayed. We waited for over an hour on the tarmac before we finally left at 1:40am.
Needless to say my Bali adventure did not turn out to be like the ultimate 10 day adventure we had planned for so long. Such is life. As it turns out 2 days was long enough for me to get my Bali fix.
It is ironic that the words in my intro were true, we never know what is around the next corner so we need to seize the day and make the most out of the wonderful opportunities available to us. In two days we managed to cycle, kayak and saw many extraordinary sights. The people were as lovely as ever. I just love their bright smiles. The landscape was equally impressive.
My mother still has some very serious injuries but thankfully she seems to getting a little bit better every day. Her healing cannot come fast enough though. It looks as though we will have some lasting challenges ahead for us as a result of the accident which has turned our world upside down but in the meantime we will take things in our stride, count our blessings, hold our chins up and wear a bright smile just like the Balinese.
HASSLE SAVING TIPS FOR NEWBIES IMHO:
As a Bali newbie I was overwhelmed with information so I hope that my JBRs and these tips help others to have a smooth and hassle free holiday. Not everyone on the planet agrees with my tips that I learned from my personal experiences but if they ring a bell for you then it is worth it.
Contacting tour guides in Bali can be difficult. Remember that they do not always have the best reception. Often SMS is the best way to contact them rather than email.
Skip the silver factory tour
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Don't forget to make sure that the flash feature is on on your camera when you are taking photos of yourself with those spectacular views behind.
Always wear or carry thongs on the beach. The sand was unbelievably hot!!
Always carry hard copies of any arrangements with quotes. Fumbling around in a phone to find the info you need can be stressful.
Apply sun screen twice as often as you think you will need.
I always like to visit a luxury resort or two on each visit to Bali. I believe they show off Bali at its finest. The architecture, showcasing the glorious natural environment at it's best is truly remarkable. It is the closest place that I can find to heaven on Earth. Words cannot describe the magnificence that the Balinese have been able to achieve. I find that many people feel that they can only dream about these places. To these people I remind them that we have only stayed one night yet our memories last a lifetime. We make our own booking of accommodation at at different times of the year and consider each booking to be a one off bill. If we had to pay for our whole accommodation in one hit as people do through a travel agent there is no way we could mentally afford it either. As the Four Seasons so rightly reminds us "Don't be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson and 'Design the life you love.' I certainly can't argue with them!
Bali has taught me so much over the years. Not only has it taught me to appreciate what I have but also what the Balinese have even though despite their lack of material posessions. Bali has taught me to make an effort to relax, to smile, to greet people courteously, to be generous and at other times it has taught me great saintly patience.
As the traditional dances and religious symbols suggest the conflict of good and evil are ever present in Bali. There is no doubt that Bali is ugly pretty. However it IS possible to dodge most the gaunlet of ugliness and surround yourself in the most lush and culturally rich wonders this world has to offer. Bali may be the closest place to hell for some but it is also the closest place to heaven for me and so many others. With a little help from your Bali forum friends you can also discover these treasures and avoid the pitfalls. Read the forum daily and do your homework. Seek out Bali's treaures and you will be rewarded. Unfortunately most of them are unlikely to come and find you... well unless you have read my JBRS :P
Many people are amazed that I keep going back to the same place and presume that I would be able to get around with my eyes closed by now. I keep returning to Bali as it is a place with so much on offer within a small island. Things are constantly changing. This is what makes Bali so amazing and unique to me. There is something for everyone:D However Bali is not so small that you can do this by staying in just one area:( The intense traffic has made this impossible without feeling totally drained in the heat of the day. Do take the time to go out and explore. Ubud, Amed, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Dua and Sanur are all worthy of your precious time and effort.
Bali is known for a cheap get away. Most of these people leave feeling disappointed. It reminds me of the saying, 'If you pay peanuts you get monkeys.' Bali can be a cheap get away compared to other places in the world but you must be prepared to do your homework masterfully. People who are attracted to the cheap packages in the Kuta, Tuban and Seminyak areas do so at their own risk. These places area great for a short visit but for the most rewarding holiday I encourage you to go out and experience the countryside or as some like to say, 'The real Bali.' It is during the sunrise and the sunsets when most of the real magic happens. Those who go for a day trip with good intentions unknowingly miss out on most of the fun and are left wondering what all the fuss is about.
IMHO there are too many incredible things to see and do and a variety of inspiring characters to meet to hide yourself away in a single private villa. Bali best suited to those who are hungry for adventures and those who like a bit of spice in their lives. However we need to be mindful that Bali is not necessarily a completely safe holiday destination (actually nowhere in the world is). Newbies should make themselves aware of the 'An Aussie Dies Every Nine Days' article as the safety messages about motorbikes, drugs, arak, alcohol, Dengue Fever, earthquakes and even the security threats should be taken seriously. Just as you should take the everyday warnings in your own city about living a healthy lifestyle, vehicle accidents, earthquakes and security threats seriously. It is a great privilege to visit this wonderful country and tourists should always remember and respect that and behave responsibly. As long as you learn from others experienes and keep your head screwed on and you will be fine.
We all crave the warm Bali sunshine but do not underestimate the draining heat factor which makes long explorative walks or long car rides in heavy traffic incrediby taxing. IMHO do get up early and see the sunrise and watch people prepare for the busy day ahead without the crowds and exhausting heat. Also plan to go out at sunset to see the magic that happens at this time. Also be prepared to be sunburnt no matter how careful you think that you are. Hopefully by being aware you can avoid most these quite upleasant situations.
Do yourself a favour and become familiar with the term, 'Bali time.' After trying to book some hotels directly and finding out that their replies were awfully slow if they replied at all I needed to remind myself that they are on Bali time. I also needed to spare a thought of how difficult it must be for them to keep their internet connections updated. Thank goodness for booking sights such as Agoda who in our experience have been a delight to deal with.
When booking accommodation always keep in mind that you will so glad that you booked a place with air conditioning and you should always check if hot water is available. At the very least the airconditioning will give you some respite from the mosquitoes. We take high strength vitamin B tablets two weeks before we go to Bali and while we are there as well as the usual spray. We also take Travelan tablets with our meals to prevent any Bali belly episodes.
Be aware that the forecast for Bali quite often predicts rain with storms even during the best time of year. Also be aware that there are many microclimates in Bali so although it may be raining in the mountains the beach areas are probably dry.
Thank you all for your kind words. I encourage you to write your own Just Back Reports (JBRs) and take a tonne of photos. Buy an SLR camera if you can and a waterproof pouch for your other cameras. Not only do you remind your future self of the amazing details but you also pay it forward to help others in desperate need of a mental holiday or even a physical one.
Thank you to those people who took the time to write their JBRs. I know that it aint easy after an exhausting trip. You have allowed me to mentally escape when things were tough in my mundane life and you have enhanced my experience tenfold while I was in Bali. For that I am so very grateful.
To the people of Bali, thank you for your outstanding hospitality and for showing the world how magnificent and wonderful life can be. You should feel very proud of what you have achieved.
Until next time...
Semoga harimu menyenangkan :D!!