Snuggling into a plush bed in a four-star hotel is like a balm for the soul, perfectly prepping us for a day of exploration in Bali’s southern treasures.
Zestslow
Forget the quick breakfast; we’re all about a leisurely “breakslow.” Post-feast, we immerse ourselves in the hotel’s luxuries, inspired by the “slow life” philosophy. Amidst tranquility, we lounge under leafy canopies by the pool, with the joyful noise of kids playing in the water. Every now and then, we dive in, trying out backstrokes and letting the clouds’ lazy dance sync with our water rhythm.
Absolute bliss! But adventure calls, and we can’t just sit around. We gear up and head out into the 34°C heat, cruising at 30-40km/h on scorching roads under a cloudless sky, a true challenge for our skin not used to such relentless sun. Our journey heads south, to the stunning Tanah Barak Cliff, with scarves and jackets as our armor against the heat. It’s a sweaty ride from Kuta, but the spirit of adventure keeps us going.
But oh, is it worth it! Imagine a limestone cliff, carved open to reveal a path to the boundless southern beaches. The occasional breeze sneaking through the cliffs offers a refreshing break, drying the sweat of our journey.
Tanah Barak Cliff, a prime photo op in South Bali costing just 8k, was a must-visit. We weave through the crowds, all gathered to soak in the beauty of this place. Beyond the cliffs, we’re treated to a stunning beach. The sound of waves accompanies our trek along the steep paths between cliffs. This hidden gem is the perfect spot for a serene sit-down, book in hand, enjoying the sea spray among the rocks.
But South Bali’s coastline beckons with too many beautiful beaches to linger long. We head to Uluwatu, aiming for Suluban Beach, yet another hidden treasure. The 45-minute journey, under the blazing sun, fuels our excitement. Suluban lies secluded southeast of Kuta, in Uluwatu, reached through a forest trail just to get to the parking. Beware of the wild monkeys ready to raid any food left carelessly in bike pockets.
A cautious approach is advised due to the wildlife’s unpredictability, a sign of their struggle in an encroaching human domain. Nevertheless, we rush eagerly to the beach, a 5-minute descent down stairs through shops and cafes. It’s a taxing journey, navigating a crowded, narrow path with a 20-meter elevation. Suluban Beach, once a secret, now draws crowds from everywhere. Upon arrival, the sight of karst boulders and towering cliffs between land and sea is mesmerizing. Small tunnels carved by the sea at high tide make this place feel like a dreamland.
With every step, the sight of 100-meter-high cliffs is awe-inspiring. I wish to linger, to sit peacefully and witness nature’s spectacle and the sunset. Yet, we’ve made plans to meet a friend, recently appointed as the head of a department in the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever seen.
Sunsets and Luxury at Jumeirah Bali
As the day edged into evening, we had a rendezvous set with our friend at the Jumeirah Bali. This place, steeped in controversy, was once land where locals were displaced to make way for the luxury resorts now standing tall on it. But that’s water under the bridge now, as today’s agenda is all about diving into the opulence this resort offers.
Jumeirah Bali is nothing short of spectacular, a feast for both the eyes and the senses. It marries breathtaking natural beauty with Javanese-Hindu historical references and stunning architecture. The resort boasts 123 villas, offering both one and two-bedroom configurations, and even a Royal Water Palace with four bedrooms, all overlooking the Indian Ocean and with their own private pools. The price tags here range from a whopping 20 million to 100 million per night, figures that are way out of league for budget travelers like us. Haha!
We found ourselves at Segaran Restaurant and Maja Sunset Lounge, where we splurged on a coconut ice drink priced ten times the usual rate, branded with the Jumeirah Hotel logo. The taste was spot-on, truly remarkable. The service? Exceptionally friendly, which you’d expect at such an exclusive resort where not everyone can just sit back and enjoy the sunset. Thanks to a 50% staff discount, we got to soak in the resort’s exclusive ambiance freely.
After indulging in a fusion of Southeast Asian cuisine and local Balinese snacks, we got the chance for a room visit to the two most expensive suites. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to say the least. The rooms were a blend of traditional Indonesian design, with batik patterns and Majapahit-era interior touches, combined with Balinese exteriors and unique cultural elements from both Bali and Java. The east-facing private pool was just perfect for an unforgettable sunset viewing.
We joked that if we ever paid ninty of millions to stay there, we wouldn’t sleep for even a second. Haha! Despite its allure, I still prefer the simplicity of camping by the beach or in the midst of a forest. The luxury lifestyle isn’t really my cup of tea. But Jumeirah offers experiences far beyond the reach of the average Joe.
Battling the Rain for Bali Nights: From Jumeirah Retreat to Seminyak Beats
After leaving Jumeirah, we braved the rain and storms across Bali to make our way back to Kuta. It was precisely 8 PM, and we had plans at 11 to hit up one of the club bars in Seminyak. The journey from south to north was long. Accompanied by crazy traffic jams and bumper-to-bumper cars, we finally arrived at our hotel, feeling almost like home. This hotel wasn’t the best out there, but it was the perfect spot to crash and recover from the day’s heat and chill as we traversed the south of Bali.
Taking a much-needed break and snoozing for just 30 minutes, we hurried to get ready for Mesa Club. This new nightclub was our ticket to experiencing the dazzling nightlife of Bali. We were met by another friend who guided us through three different club bars. A glass of gin and tonic and a bottle of beer were all it took to warm us up, feeling nearly as drained as a smartphone on 5% battery. Sand Bar Bali always offers a unique experience, with every beat of its music enough to shake the sandy floors, accompanied by the sound of crashing waves.
Imagining the chaos of a tsunami mid-dance to R&B tunes added a surreal edge to the night’s thrill. But as 2 AM rolled around, signaling our adventure’s end, the exhaustion was undeniable. Time to call it a night, or rather, a day, with a full day’s sleep as the only agenda. But this is Bali, after all, leaving us eager for the next day’s escapades.
