Bali is a delectable Hindu oasis in a predominantly Muslim country.
Whether it’s in one or the other infinity pools, on a daybed, or under the shade of swaying palms, you are invited rather invoked to swim, eat, sip and unwind your own way. You can soak in the vibrant atmosphere, as you enjoy a multi-cuisine food favourites and specially designed drinks. You can get elated by the loud and haunting music yet silently watch the waves on the beach, look at the sun on the horizon turn orange and fade away- the party has just begun. You are obviously in Bali Indonesia.
Here the real nightlife often starts well after midnight. However, at beach clubs, the partying may begin close to sunset.
Indonesia the largest Islamic country in the world made up of thousands of islands, is also the third largest democracy with healthy traditions, culture, heritage and a rich past. India has very good relations with Indonesia. Just to recall, one G20 summit before Delhi, was held a little over a year ago, in the highly developed district of the beautiful island of Bali.
To my delight the natural beauty, serenity, wonderous beaches, open hospitality and the fertile landscape, is to be experienced to be believed. It’s a great melting pot of western influences, cultural life, fused with pure Balinese Hinduism which resonates in its rich Hindu culture and heritage, reflected in the thousands of temples and shrines that dot the landscape.
Bali is the Hindu-majority province in Indonesia, with 86.9% of the population adhering to Balinese Hinduism, where Lord Ganesha is considered the god of knowledge, wisdom, and new beginnings. He is worshipped at the beginning of any important occasion, such as a wedding or a temple ceremony, to help remove any obstacles and ensure success.
Construction of these temples in Bali dates back to the 8th century, when the Hindu Majapahit Empire ruled the island. Hinduism is the third-largest religion.
From Delhi there are direct flights taking around eight hours of flying time. The tickets are upwards of 28K rupees return. For Indians Visa is on arrival and in days to come Indonesia like other countries in south east Asia, hopefully will also do away with visa fee kept at 50K Rupiah. It takes a while to understand the value of the Rupiah, as the smallest transactions literally, is in thousands.
The climate is tropical, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The island is located near the equator (nearly 8 degrees south) and has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from April to October and the wet season, which runs from November to March.
Accommodation wise, the right choice is absolutely essential for you to have a positive Bali experience because if you are too far away from the beaches, restaurants, shops etc, you have to consider how you will get from A to B, unless of course you have a customised tour which takes away from you the freedom to explore, understand and experience . It sounds crazy but I booked online, a villa in the heart of Seminyak upon arrival just before stamping the visa.
I preferred Artemis, a serviced Villa (run by a Japanese) with suits/cottages, architecturally planned with plenty of greenery around, facing a beautiful shallow swimming pool with a restaurant on the side. Reminded me of villas in North Goa. It was hidden from the streets of the town yet the restaurants and food stores were a minute’s walk. There were Minimart, Indomaret and K Circle stores which dotted the island for food convenience. Petitenget and the famous Kuta beach were barely 500 metres. There are hundreds of such villas hidden in the alleys.
Well “Bali is known to many, but only truly understood by a few”. In the island, pork, chicken, seafood and vegetables are widely consumed. As Hindus however, Balinese never or rarely consume beef.
The intoxicating fragrance of incense and clove oil hangs in the tropical air. Peanuts sizzle at roadside stalls, petal-strewn offerings smoulder on busy sidewalks, a far and stretched religious scene, as music jangles against the buzz of endless mopeds, which also ply as single client rides for short distances.
Since the island is dotted with thousands of Hindu Temples, every house every establishment, depending on the status of the family\size of the plot, including even beach clubs and bars, have a spot with one idol or the other marked as a place for veneration. Fresh food and drinks are placed before the Gods daily without fail, for peace and prosperity. Even the famous Rock Bar in Ayana Resort and Spa in Nusa Dua closer to the Denpasar airport, an area where the G20 guests were housed, had a little corner with an idol of Ganesha.
We made a special road trip to the central town of Ubud located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines housing Cretya the Alas Harum which offers you a cascading setting, featuring a unique angel swing made from woven bamboo. There are three exceptional infinity pools and three attached restaurants named after the protagonists of Mahabharata namely Yudistra, Arjuna and Bima, with painted walls that depict the epic story, offering different varieties of dishes.
The hallmark of the trip was a visit to the Temple of Maa Saraswati in Ubud. One had to wear a special Balinese traditional dress, a legacy of hundreds of years, before one could enter the Temple that too only along the periphery, as the Sanctum Sanctorum, is out of bounds. This was truly a wonderful experience. The entry was as much as the cost of the Indonesian visa. We as Hindu tourists, must acknowledge the Balinese people for their efforts to preserve and carry forward the age-old traditions and practices in the island.
Bali really offers a lot, a two-hour long trip by boat from the northern coast, a visit to the Gilli Islands is totally blissful and serene taking you back in time. You need to stay for a day or two. Besides enjoying the calm waters of the beaches, you can bike around or take a small horse cart to tour the small islands each offering a different experience in quietness and solitude as if time stood still.
Finally Bali is known for its flamboyant designers and fabulous shopping and you’ll find the best examples along the busy streets of Seminyak. Cutting-edge designer fashion, surf and swimwear, jewellery, furniture, and homewares are just some of the items you can buy at the chic shops and busy market stalls here.
Ultimately, beach clubs offer the most satisfying experience. The best amongst them is Atlas ostensibly the biggest beach club in the world. You get a wonderful sun kissed setting with its infinity pools giving the feeling that the sea waves are trying to enter the pools. Adjacent to it, in the heart of Seminayak is Finns which claims to be the best in the category. Close by is Potato Head and the Beach Club is where it all began. A place to relax, celebrate, and explore creativity in all its forms. The best of the beaches are just a few steps away. KU DE TA a place where time stands still just long enough to enjoy the lure of life.
Gliding from breezy early mornings into tropical afternoons, breath taking Balinese sunsets to late-night dance workouts, Bali is the truly the home of oceanside indulgence. One visit is only the beginning.