My idea of holiday is the fulfillment of all the senses. A mix of relax and adventure immersed in the rhythm and culture of the place. Bali encompasses all. But I must confess, my best vacation ever was in Thailand, two years ago, when we were on Koh Samui in one of the most beautiful and exclusive villas on the island!
Sanur
The beach in Sanur is not very attractive and the sea is almost always agitated- and not at all clean and transparent – but there is a hive of activity along the edge of the paved street. This is not large enough to accommodate the traffic of pedestrians, bikes and scooters, but it is pleasantly sheltered by Palm trees and verandas of the beach Warung.
We like the authentic atmosphere of the early morning fresh market. Just for fun take a bemo public transport to go from Sanur centre to the market.
It’s well worth visiting the nearby temples of Tana Lot and Ulu Watu where we watched the Catch dance with the sunset in the background. Be aware this is extremely touristic!
The easiest way to visit the area around is hiring a car with a driver. I highly recommended this! We totally loved Toti, a talkative Italian speaking man.
His balinese name is actually Katut which is the name given to the 4th born of the 4th casta.
Where we stayed
Sukun Bali Cottages – a slice of Balinese heaven where the fragrance of frangipani is overwhelming. In the morning and in the evening the almost bare trees are shaken and a rain of flowers covers the lawn. Gentle ladies with ever smiling faces collect the flowers as part of the offering for the shrine.
The cottages are simple but beautifully furnished in Balinese style. Everyone in the hotel is ready to help and smiling seems compulsory.
Where we ate
There is a simple family owned warung as part of Sukun Cottages that prepares fresh Balinese dishes at lunch and dinner and a simple fresh breakfast with few choices.
Our favourite morning stop is Bali Buda Organic shop where we order Jamu, a concoction that almost every Balinese drink as medicine and youth elixir. It is a blend of fresh turmeric, lime and coconut water. Every family has its own recipe and often add a secret ingredient. It has become synonymous of Balinese health experience.
Cafe Massimo, run by an AUS expat serves freshly prepared organic Balinese and western dishes.
The best and reliable taxi service is Blue Bird Taxi.
Ubud
If you like shopping and eating, especially organic, this is the place for you!
The downside is that by taxi it takes 1 hour to get from the bottom to the top of the Monkey Valley Rd. It’s only one way.