Explore the New Bali of Indonesia

Bali is usually the ideal holiday destination when it comes to beach vacation. Some of us might be tired of hearing Bali and might go “Bali again?” . That’s right, Bali! In this post, let’s explore the other side of Bali, simply the new adventures and some hidden spots that is increasingly seen as the “must-go” places. Should you be heading to Bali for the first time and looking to explore the common tourist spots in Bali, you may refer to my other post here.

So in order for Bali to compete with new holiday destinations in the region, they had came up with some of the more “Instagrammable spots” and here are some of those:

• The island of Nusa Penida

You should not miss this island which is located southeast of Bali. There are a list of awesome things to do till the extend that some people had this island written on their travel bucket list. Getting there includes riding on a 45 minute ferry (one way) that leaves multiple times per day from Sanur (located in the eastern region of Bali).

If you fully want to explore the whole island, one will require 2 full days. However, most of the visitors to this island are only there for a day trip. Basically, the island is divided into east and west side. If you have only a day like me, I would suggest to explore the west side which the highlight includes visiting broken beach.

East side: Diamond Beach , House Tree, Kelingking Beach.

West side: Broken Beach, Angel Billabong Bay, Crystal Bay, Kelingking Beach

Broken Beach: 

Angel Billabong Bay: 

Kelingking Beach: 

Crystal Bay :

Known for snorkeling with beautiful corals, exotic fishes and the rare Mola Mola fish. It is one of the few beautiful beaches on Nusa Penida that face west for the sunset.

The island may not be big, however getting from one point to another requires time as the roads are narrow (since it is never meant to be developed as tourist spot till it was discovered recently as a hidden gem). Roads are bumpy especially on the way to Broken beach and Angel Billabong which is located near to each other. Be warned of the small potholes as the skillful driver navigates around it.

BALI SWINGS 

Next up is to visit the increasing popular spot known as the Bali Swing. The admission fee is a little on the higher side.  The admission allows one to engage in the following activities:

Single swings (from 10m to 78m above the ground),  tandem swings,  cute nests to take photo.  

TUKAD CEPUNG WATERFALL 

One of the lesser known waterfall, Tukad Cepung waterfall is like a hidden waterfall and getting to there involves a 15 minute short trek. It is certainly one of an adventure to get there which includes having one to walk in the river that reaches to knee height level (depending on season).

Batubulan Temple

This temple is one of the must go places in recent time due to beautiful background which magically managed to capture the essence of Bali.

Do note there is no admission charge to this temple, but small donation is greatly encouraged. You only have to pay for the Sarong that is use to cover your legs, both the same for male and females.

Getting one of the most popular Instagram shot is no easy feat. I was there during the low season but still had to wait for 2 hours before I can get my 5 pictures shot. Each person is entitled to about 5 shots as there is a long queue. Do factor in the long waiting time and from there, the journey back to Kuta area (Bali main resort town) is about 2 hours drive.

Stay in a villa in Ubud

Last but not least, there are now many new villas with rooms located right next to paddy fields in Ubud area. Be enchanted and immerse yourself with the authentic Balinese way of living as one witness farmers going about in his daily routine early in the morning. Rooms can be as low as Singapore Dollars (SGD)$30 per night. The rooms and amenities that comes along with it could rival a 6 star property.

Categories: Asia Region