Back to Bali and Lombok / 2014

       Indonesia stays with you after you've left it, like a haunting melody, a fabulous novel or a beautiful woman.  It is so varied, so exotic, so evocative, that it refuses to be forgotten. I found that Indo returns to my memory over and over again, even more so now that I have visited her twice.

       Cheryl and I traveled to Bali, Yogyakarta and Lombok this past Spring, for the last two weeks in May and the first week of June. For me, my second time; Cheryl's first visit. Our itinerary included three days in Seminyak, Bali and four days in Ubud, Bali.

      I have written extensively about my three months in Indonesia, both in these posts and in an entire blog called Monterisi In Mondo Indo found here: http://monterisiinmondoindo.blogspot.com
For our purposes now,  I want to only cover new ground, and hit on some new recommendations.
If you want a bit more detail, try Trip Advisor, and especially the reviews of damariscottalakegirl. She is brilliant!:)

      Here we go, then, seven highlights of Bali:

      1. The Semaya Seminyak. Choose your own glowing adjective, it will probably fit ---- opulent, gorgeous, restful, luxe, friendly --- all of these describe Semaya Seminyak.
                                             

Facing pool, ocean and dining area

The Semaya is centrally located in Seminyak, has modern amenities and a great beach. We scored a pool villa which included our own rather large pool, a large bedroom, living area and oversized bathroom with two sinks. As far as personal space is concerned, ours at the Semaya was the finest accommodation I've ever stayed in (and I write this with all due gravitas). The staff is very helpful but never intrusive. My wife raved about the spa. Breakfast was sumptuous. Highly recommended.

       2. Urchin Restaurant, Seminyak. Very close to the Semaya on Jl. Laksmana #22, this restaurant specializes in interesting preparations of local seafood. It is not overly formal, but not a seafood shack by any means. Interesting modern space, open kitchen, superb cocktails (mine with basil and gin), and the wonderful Kathy hosting. Prices are reasonable.

       3. Pura Tanah Lot. One of the most visited temples in all of Indonesia, Pura Tanah Lot is one of the seven sea temples said to form a chain around the Balinese coast (Wiki). It was built in the 16th or 17th century and is said to be guarded by snakes who live in a fresh-water spring under the entrance. It is perhaps overly-touristed, but the photo ops are great and it makes a beautiful and mysterious scene, especially at sunset and sunrise.
                                                 

        4. Ubud Palace. The cultural center of Ubud is also, almost parenthetically, one of the most beautiful sights in Bali. The palace has lovely traditional Balinese houses and temples, all with superb architectural detail  It was founded in the 19th century and remains fully functional and well-maintained. The traditional market is across the street and Ibu Oka, home of the killer the roast suckling pig lunch sits kitty corner across another street.
                                                                         

            5. Lello Lello. It's just a gelato spot opposite the Semaya at 21 Jalan Kayu Ara in Seminyak, but the flavors are delicious, the place is clean and welcoming, and it's a lot cheaper than Italy. Everyone loves the salted caramel, but the local fruit flavors are quite refreshing. The gelato girls are sooo cute!

            6. Bicycling With Bali Eco Tours. My second time and I'm ready to go again. My original review from March, 2013 is here: http://monterisiinmondoindo.blogspot.com/2013/03/ubud-finale.html. This is still a wonderful deal at about $38. for a full day. You get a bit of exercise, meet nice people, make five or six cultural stops, and get two excellent meals. Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel. It's the best.

Breakfast view

       7.  Local Dance from Lotus Cafe.  Traditional dance is part of everyday life in Ubud. It is very available and very inexpensive. The new tourist office will sell tickets in the $7. range to dance at one of the local venues. But for a special experience, I suggest you go to Lotus Cafe on Jalan Raya Ubud. Honestly, the food here is not that great. Cafe Wayan, for example, has better food. But for a reasonable extra price, you can dine and watch dance in a very exotic lotus pond, and the visuals are pretty special. Unfortunately, hard to photograph:
                     

                                       
Our table was right at the black gate. The performance was beautiful. The total cost of dinner for two and the show was about $50. USD.

       There is so much to Bali, we have just begun to scratch the surface. There are incredible local crafts including some of the finest silver work I've seen. We also had the chance to visit some temple festivals during a Hindu holiday, and that was quite special. The delightful and knowledgeable Su took us out for an incredible day looking at birds and nature as part of a Bali Birdwalk tour.

       Here's hoping you enjoy these posts and all of your journeys.