November 2016 63 www.womanthismonth.com Sun and Surf – Bali This is the place for the ideal tropical island experience. Never-ending stretches of beach, coconut trees bordering verdant paddy fields, rich coral reefs and the blush of frangipani in your hair. Kuta Beach is a beachcombers’ paradise, best known for its surfer-friendly waves and nightlife. The main promenade, adjacent to the sands, is lined with cafes that serve up exotic coolers and calamari done just right, amongst a host of other fun bites. There is an art bazaar and street shops to visit as well. Rent a scooter from the hundreds lined up against the beach to easily zip around the island. Kuta is also where you should ideally stay; in the midst of all the action. Batubulan literally means moonstone - and you’ll see why. Walk around the village’s shaded, winding ways and the artful sculptures seem to call out to you: little monks with bowed heads, intricate Hindu deities and serene-faced reclining Buddhas, amongst many others. The area’s noted for its fine stonework temples too. Catch a Barong performance in any of the temple premises in Batubulan. This mythological story enacted using loud sounds, costumes and gestures is an inherent part of Balinese culture. Love it or not, you won’t be able to ignore it. Named one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Bratan sets the stage for the Ulun Danu Temple. The juxtaposition of the water temple and its many ancillary pagodas over the shimmering lake makes it a sight to behold and capture in your mind’s eye for the future, when you feel you need to escape everyday life. Stray wisps of cloud, cool highland air and fog-shrouded mountains in the background add to the mystical element of this attraction. Tanjung Benoa is a great spot to trawl the ocean bed and explore Indonesia’s magnificent marine flora and fauna. Opt for scuba diving, snorkelling or sea-walking for your underwater escapade. If that does not float your boat (ahem!) there’s jet skiing, tubing, flying fish and banana boating to be done at Hot Dog Water Sport and Dive Centre. For some ‘monkeying around’, let the thick green canopy of Ubud’s Monkey Forest swallow you. No matter in which direction you choose to set off, you’ll be awed by the myriad shades of nature. The picturesque bridge over the deep ravine, moss-covered stone sentries and ancient temples make for Facebookworthy photoops. Follow the guidelines of the wardens, and the primates who rule this alternate universe will let you pass by without much ado. Exploring the island is incomplete without soaking up the atmosphere of Jimbaran Bay, touted as Bali’s Beverly Hills. Come sunset, the eateries lining the beachfront lay out their candlelit tables with succulent seafood, amidst the sound of the waves and a soft and gentle ocean breeze. Sunset at Kuta Beach Jimbaran Beach Ulun Danu Temple Musicians at Kraton Seafood feast
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==