Bali never fails to leave me with unforgettable memories. From the moment I set foot on this enchanting island, I’m captivated by its stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty. Everywhere I look, there’s something new and beautiful to discover. Whether it’s the lush rice terraces, pristine beaches, or majestic mountains, Bali’s landscapes never cease to amaze me. Each corner of the island holds its own unique charm, making every moment an adventure waiting to unfold.
From Airport Lounges to Local Balinese Cuisine
On our first day in Bali, we landed bright and early, excited to see the island wake up. But, getting there so early meant we had to skip on sleep. We took a late flight and ended up hanging out at the airport all night, trying to catch some z’s. We only got a few hours of sleep from midnight until 9 in the morning, right before we flew out from Ngurah Rai Airport. It wasn’t the best sleep ever, and we were pretty wiped out.
Right after we got to the airport, super hungry and ready to start our adventure, we skipped the fancy rides and found a cheaper GoCar after walking for about 10 minutes. Our first stop was Warung Nasi Bu Oki. This place is a dream for anyone who loves food. They serve chicken that’s been cooked with Balinese spices and herbs in a delicious broth for over 5 hours. And the sambal? Hot and perfect, especially with the crunchy peanuts and green beans. All this for just 30,000 rupiah per meal. Trust me, you won’t get a meal this good at any fancy spot in Bali. Bu Oki’s is the place to go for some real Balinese taste.
After eating our fill, we checked into our hotel to crash and recharge. The first night, we stayed at the Mercure Legian Bali. They boasted super comfy beds and pillows, plus the AC was just right, perfect for beating the heat and getting some rest. The team at Mercure was super nice and let us check in early since we were totally beat. We crashed in our room immediately, sleeping like we hadn’t in ages, all snuggled up and cozy. We napped for almost 3 hours, dodging the midday heat which was a scorching 34 degrees Celsius. For someone not used to that kind of heat, it was a bit of a challenge.
Bali seemed to nap during the daytime, but it truly came alive as the sun began its descent towards the west
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We didn’t want to waste a minute, so we rented a scooter right away. It’s the best way to get around, especially with Bali’s crazy traffic. We got a great deal on the scooter, less than 100,000 rupiahs for a whole day. It gave us the freedom to explore on our own schedule.
In the late afternoon, we tackled Kuta’s busy streets, dodging cars and tourists without helmets. Our first stop was Legian Beach, where we chilled and had some tasty fried food for just 10k. Then, we wandered over to Beachwalk Kuta and decided to check out %Arabica Coffee Roastery. The espresso there? Amazing. It was the perfect thing to enjoy while watching the sunset at one of Kuta’s busiest spots.
Watching the sunset at the beach was breathtaking. The sky turned shades of red as the sun dipped into the ocean, and the bars along the shore started lighting up. We wrapped up our first day with some coconut ice cream at a café, not wanting to overdo it on our first night. We were just getting started in Bali, and there was so much more to see and do.
