WITH over 16,000 islands, Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country out there. It offers a diverse set of destinations and activities for its tourists.
One of the popular islands in Indonesia is Bali. The province is known as a major tourist destination in the Southeast Asian country attracting visitors from all over the globe.
Whether you are at Denpasar, the capital of Bali, or any of the towns in the island, there is something in store for tourists.
A night with the elephants
One of the unique experiences you can enjoy in Bali is spending a night or two with the elephants at the Mason Elephant Park and Lodge in Taro, Ubud.
The 3.5-hectare eco-tourism site and lodge is home to 31 endangered Sumatran elephants, which guests can interact with.
During our stay here, we were able to ride, wash, and bathe with the elephants in their bathing lake. You can also experience a safari ride atop the elephants as they take you to a stroll around the park and at the Taro jungle.
Being up close and personal with these gentle giants will allow you to appreciate them more especially with their intelligence and varying personalities. A chit chat with the mamhout or elephant trainer will help you get to know better the elephant you are with.
Colorful Ubud
When it comes to arts and culture, Ubud is the place to go in Bali. Here, you can visit the Puri Saren Ubud (Ubud Royal Palace), Pura Taman Saraswati Temple, and the Ubud Art Market.
Built during the reign of the late Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel (1800 to 1823), the Ubud Royal Palace features traditional Balinese architecture that the heirs have preserved and took care of for the current generation to appreciate the Balinese culture.
Meanwhile, the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple features classical Balinese temple architecture and a foyer featuring ponds with pink lotuses. The place is perfect for photo opportunities.
For your pasalubong, drop by the Ubud Art Market. The market showcases various hand-crafted goods and commonly bought souvenir items that are mostly made from neighboring villages. Bags, shirts, magnets, ornaments and decors, key chains, and paintings, the market has it.
A touch of Balinese hospitality
As a tourist destination, Bali has a lot of accommodations where one can relax when visiting the island. During our visit here we also stayed at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa and Anvaya Beach Resort Bali aside from the Mason Elephant Park and Lodge.
Each resort gives you a different vibe but at the same time allows its guests to experience Balinese hospitality.
The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa simply provides its guests the best of traditional Balinese hospitality, culture, and food. Their spa here will help you relax and get ready for a good night's sleep.
The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali is a new and modern hotel in Denpasar. From the food to its accommodation, the resort will definitely appeal to millennials and yuppies.
We also visited the Desa Visesa Ubud, which is an inland resort surrounded by rice fields. Definitely one of the most beautiful resorts I have been to.
Bali has a lot to offer to its visitors. These are some of the places and activities that you can enjoy here.
Cebu Pacific Air will be flying daily flights between Manila, Philippines and Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia starting October 28, 2018. This is an upgrade from their current four times weekly flights to the popular Indonesian island.