Indonesia: 2 Days in Bali with Bali Golden Tour

After our wonderful and relaxing stay in Alila Seminyak, it was time to explore more of Bali! With our hangover from Trip of Wonders: Wonderful Indonesia still in full swing, it was a huge relief to not think of any itinerary and just go with the flow. Bali Golden Tour took care of everything and made sure that we get to know more about the Island of the Gods.

Bali Golden Tour Day 1

While motorbike/scooter is the most popular mode of transport in the island, I must say we were spoiled rotten by Indonesia in the past days. So the four of us (with Cai, Marcos, and Rona) were picked up by Mr. Wayan Paul in a car and bid adieu to Seminyak and our batchmates from Trip of Wonders.

A post shared by Darlene (@pointandshootwanderlust) on Oct 19, 2016 at 6:11am PDT

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)

First stop is one of Bali’s most popular temple located on the southwest tip of the island. Its cliffside location fronting the Indian Ocean makes it a perfect spot for sunset watching. It is one of Bali’s oldest temples and one of the nine directional temples that guard it against evil spirits.

Like in Batu Caves, Mt Popa, and Penang Hill, naughty monkeys are aplenty, quick to grab any belongings that they get to.

Kecak and Fire dance

At sunset, most of the people flock to the amphitheater for the much awaited Kecak and Fire Dance. As soon as the seats were all filled up, the reason why the dance was called “Kecak” was soon revealed. This unique Balinese dance was paired with an interpretation of Ramayana. The repeated chanting has the tendency to lull one into a trance-like state while watching the scenes unfold.

Jimbaran Bay dinner at New Matahari Cafe

Apparently, it was best to eat at Jimbaran Bay while the sun sets. Since we opted to spend the sunset at Uluwatu, it became a candlelight dinner instead at New Matahari Cafe. It’s a romantic setting with plenty of ambiance and entertainment, which includes a Balinese dance, to keep you occupied. Although the seafood was freshly cooked, it was too much for us so we didn’t get to finish all of it.

Where to stay in Bali: Alila Seminyak

Bali Golden Tour Day 2

Babi Guling for breakfast at Babi Guling Men Lari

They say you haven’t been to Bali if you haven’t tried Babi Guling. Best known as Lechon in the Philippines, this roasted suckling pig is stuffed with lots of spices and seasonings. Warungs (small family-owned restaurant) along the streets of Bali usually serve a portion of it with vegetable salad, steamed rice, and soup.
I had this with a view of the paddy fields in Babi Guling Men Lari on the way to Tanah Lot.

A post shared by Darlene M (@pointandshooteats) on Jan 31, 2017 at 12:39am PST

Where else to eat in Bali? Check out Bali Foodscapades: Bebek Goreng, Babi Guling, and other eats. 

Tanah Lot

Another famous temple in Bali is Pura Tanah Lot, built in a rock located in the sea. Because of the crowds, I highly advise going early so you can enjoy the waves crash into the temple’s rock base peacefully.

Outside of the temple grounds though, the streets are lined with shops, making the area very touristy and quite chaotic at times. We had a hard time finding our way to the parking lot because of the crowd.

Monkey Forest in Alas Kedaton Temple

Since the one in Ubud was always crowded, we were delighted to have visited a quieter Monkey Forest in Alas Kedaton. I admit, just the mention of monkeys put me on high alert now, owing to my not-so-good experiences in the past in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Bagan.

Although a lot less naughty than the ones in Uluwatu, it was still unnerving to see so many monkeys, freely moving around. Aside from the monkeys, there were also giant bats and a large snake to have your picture taken with.

We were escorted by a designated guide who later led us to her shop and urged us to buy from her display. A small price to pay I guess.

Jatiluwih rice terraces

The lesser known sister of Tegalalang Rice Terraces was our next stop. Stopping by the roadside, our driver left us to stare and photograph the wide span of terraces spread out before us. Although it is indeed beautiful, I was a little bit underwhelmed compared to when I first saw Banaue Rice Terraces and Batad Rice Terraces in the homeland.

with Marcos of Detourista, Cai of Travelosyo, and Rona of Travelwithmaria

After walking for a bit, we indulged our grumbling tummies in the nearby restaurant, Warung Jatiluwih 259.

A post shared by Darlene M (@pointandshooteats) on Feb 1, 2017 at 2:18am PST

For more of Bali Foodscapades: Bebek Goreng, Babi Guling, and other eats

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and Lake Bratan

Reminiscent of Baguio due to its high elevation and picturesque lake views, Lake Bratan’s most photographed spot is the temple found also in 50,000 IDR, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.

As the weather is a bit cloudy and rainy that day, the mist enveloping the lake lent an eerie but beautiful atmosphere.

A post shared by Darlene (@pointandshootwanderlust) on Sep 27, 2016 at 6:36am PDT

Check availability & cheapest price for Bali accommodations: Booking | Agoda

Check reviews of Bali Golden Tour in Tripadvisor.




Disclosure: We were guests of Bali Golden Tour and although the trip was sponsored, all opinions, biases, and comments are still my own. 

Click for more of

Have you been to Bali? How was your experience? 

LIKE IT? PIN IT!