Ending 2018 in Bali

House of I Gusti Nyoman Lelpad,
painter and sculptor. Ubud

I just got back from a short vacation in Bali with my siblings and families. It's been about 2 years since we all met in one place. It's funny how a short holiday took so much time to firm up and plan - it must have been a good 9 months. And after we bought the plane tickets, Mount Agung erupted in June, followed by several earthquakes in Indonesia and then recently the deadly tsunami in the Sunda Straits on 22 Dec, just 4 days before our trip. We did discuss a number of times whether we should change our plans. So I really praise God that the meet up materialised and we had a brilliant time together.

Single Fin, Uluwatu

We started our vacation with a sunset dinner at the Single Fin. Perched on the cliffs of Uluwatu, this open air restaurant gives you a stunning view of the surf breaks off Suluban Beach. We got there earlier than planned as we had anticipated a traffic jam at the Uluwatu Temple as it was Galungan, one of Bali's most important festivals. Just as well, because the place filled up very soon after we got there. Understandably so, because the view of the sunset over Uluwatu was stunning. Great music, atmosphere, food and the sea breeze made a perfect start to the family holiday.

Big Swing,
Uma Pakel Agro Tourism

Day 2 was focused on the inland. The drive took us through the rustic green Balinese countryside. There was so much to see on the way. Our first stop was Uma Pakel Agro Tourism where you could learn about Kopi Luwak production or try one of the big swings. Next stop were the rice terraces in Tegallalang, just 5 minutes drive from where we were. Since my last visit, they have created a footpath down the rice terraces and up onto the other side. Some of us took a walk down the rice terraces while others took in the views from one of the warungs at the top of the terraces. There were big swings here too, and bird's nests to snap instagrammable moments. Great way to spend the morning.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

After that, we drove to Ubud, the heart of traditional Balinese culture. We had lunch at Ibu Rai, a quaint place with a lovely Balinese garden and flavourful local cuisine.  Despite being in the middle of a busy town, the restaurant provided a quiet haven to escape the hot afternoon sun.  After the sumptous meal, we spent the next 1 1/2 hours roaming around the Jalan Karna market and the many small lanes. There were

Ibu Rai, Ubud

wonderful sights and colours at every corner we turned in Ubud. We also managed to hunt down the perfect pair of flip-flops for my niece.

On our way back to the hotel, we visited the Tegenungan Waterfall. I had always assumed this to be a remote site with very few visitors, maybe because of the photos I have seen. When we got there, loads of people were having a "beach" party at the waterfall.

Tegenungan Waterfall

It was like a cruise ship advertisement or the post-wedding dinner scene from Crazy Rich Asian. On top of the cliff, next to the waterfall was a place for drinks and chillout. Great vibes but surreal. My brother took a dip in the waterfall while some of us climbed up the waterfall.

Day 3 was beach hopping day. Initially I had planned for us to visit 3 beaches, but we only ended up visiting Bingin Beach. The beaches with stunning views require climbing down and up steep steps and we concluded that 1 was all

Bingin Beach

our legs could take. Also my sister was chased by a few cows on her walk down; not sure what she did to the cows. Bingin Beach was stunning and well worth the climb. Along the climb, you will see a number of accommodations and cafes to cater to surfers. Since we didn't hop to another beach, we

Hotel Intercontinental, Jimbaran

went to Hotel Intercontinental in Jimbaran for lunch. Pool view and beach front lunch and rest for the tired legs.

Day 4 was free and easy as were catching our flights home. Like the last 2 mornings, everyone got up early to catch the Sanur sunrise at the beach. I would go for a run before joining everyone for breakfast. Before we left the hotel, we spent some time thanking God for the precious time together. We prayed for His continued watch over our lives, especially those of the younger generation. God has been so good in the ups and downs, and the big and small things in our lives.

This trip was a wonderful way to end the year 2018.