How I fall in love with Bali

Alina Aliman| February 5, 2016

All I needed was sun, sand and ocean. And I will jump in the first plane anytime to revisit it. As I did for Bali. (CLICK ON gallery above for more pictures from Bali)

Or I can be impressed by the spectacular sunsets on the beach at Jimbaran. To be overwhelmed by the zen spirit of all those amazing temples (Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beratan and Uluwatu Temple are my favorites) and stay on the beach all day long with nothing to do. I would love to share my peanuts (again) with the squirrels living in the attic of my frangipani-covered bungalow. For sure, in the winter I will exchange in a minute the ski slopes with a walk in the jungle to the Gitgit Waterfalls or a hour of fun in the Monkey Forrest. And I would replace with no regrets any hot tea with fresh coconut water and a spicy rice dish in a local warung in Sanur. Call me a beach addict: it is my middle name, for sure.

To see and try:
The best 5 temples to see: Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beretan, Uluwatu Temple, Goa Gajak and Besakih Temple.
To visit for fun: Ubud Monkey Forrest, a Kopi Luwak plantation (even sounds weird, is no harm in trying the most famous coffee in this part of the world) and rice terraces.
Beaches: Kuta for surf (and surfers), Seminyak for the night vibe, Jimbaran for sunset, Sanur for the best quiet beach.
For parties: Seminyak, especially Woo Bar at W hotel
For animal lovers: Bali Bird & Reptile Park, Taro Elephant Safari Park, Bali Zoo or Lovina Beach to see the dolphins.
For gifts: the Ubud Art Market, locally referred to as ‘Pasar Seni Ubud’ is located opposite the the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace (beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats; statues, kites and many other hand-crafted goods).
The best tip I had: to avoid the touristic trips and to hire a driver for some days. I could see all I want, in my own rhythm.