A Tale of Temples, Waterfalls and Wonder: Sathish’s Magical Bali Trip Review
“Bali is more than a place. It’s a mood, it’s magical. It’s a tropical state of mind.” This was the mantra that echoed in my head as we boarded our flight to Bali.
My wife and I had been dreaming of this second honeymoon, an experience that we knew would be filled with adventure, serenity, and pure magic.
After all, IT WAS BALI!
Stepping into Paradise
The moment we landed, the gentle ‘Bali’ breeze greeted us – all warm and fragrant with a hint of adventure.
As we drove toward Ubud, I couldn't help but glance at my wife, who had a huge grin plastered on her face. This was our Bali dream unfolding, and our first stop? Well, it was – Ubud Heaven Penestanan, our villa.
Oh, and calling it a villa is an understatement. It was heaven on earth, tucked away in the lush greenery of Ubud. With a private pool overlooking rice fields—it was an experience.
The villa’s serenity wrapped us in a warm embrace, making us feel like we had left the world behind.
Swinging into Bliss
If there’s one thing that screamed “Bali Instagram Moment,” it had to be the Bali Swing.
As we arrived at the famous swing nestled amidst the rice terraces, we could see the thrill on everyone’s faces.
My wife, who’s usually calm and composed, had a wild gleam in her eyes. “You’re going first,” she said with a mischievous grin.
Let me tell you, nothing prepares you for the feeling of swinging high above rice fields and an endless view of green landscapes below.
It was both exhilarating and terrifying—like falling and flying at the same time. And then, when it was her turn, she screamed louder than I did! We laughed so hard afterwards, it felt like we were kids again.
The Gate of Heaven
Next on our list was Lempuyang Temple, also known as the Gate of Heaven.
You’ve seen the photos, right?
The ethereal reflection of the gate, the majestic Mount Agung in the background—it’s like a portal to another dimension.
I must admit, the hype is real. As we stood in line for our turn at the famous photo op, we soaked in all the beauty around us.
But here's the funny part: when it was finally our turn, the wind decided to play games, and flew my hat away!
There I was, trying to strike a serious pose while my wife couldn’t stop giggling. The photos may not have turned out perfect, but they captured something far more valuable—our laughter and the amazing moments we shared.
The Perfect Combo
From temples to waterfalls, Bali’s natural beauty never ceased to amaze us.
We found ourselves standing in awe at the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, where the water cascaded down so beautifully– it was surreal.
It was one of the hidden gems, tucked away from the usual tourist trails. We waded into the cool water, feeling like explorers discovering a new world.
After a lot of sightseeing and walking, we were famished. And then we found a place which made the best duck we ever tasted by far. My wife, who claims to be a picky eater, was completely mesmerised. “I think we’ve found our new favourite dish,” she said.
We may have ended up ordering more than we could finish, but that’s the beauty of Bali—there’s always room for indulgence.
The Edge of the World
If I could pick a single word to describe Nusa Penida, it would be breathtaking.
The moment we set foot on this paradise island, it felt like we had been transported to the edge of the world.
Our adventure started at Kelingking Beach, a dramatic cliff that plunges into the turquoise sea below. Looking down, it felt like we were at the edge of reality, staring into something too beautiful to be real.
But that wasn’t the end of it. Angel’s Billabong, with its natural infinity pool, looked like it was carved by the gods themselves.
And Broken Beach? Well, the name says it all. It’s like nature decided to break the rules and create something so otherworldly. As we stood there, watching the waves crash against the cliffs, my wife turned to me and said, “This is where I feel the most alive.”
The Heartbeat of Bali
One of the highlights of our trip was witnessing the iconic temples of Bali. Ulun Danu Temple, perched on the waters of Lake Beratan, appeared as though it was floating on the surface.
It was peaceful, spiritual, and awe-inspiring all at once.
And then came Tanah Lot.
Ah, the famous sunset temple!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the temple, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm wash over me. It was like time stood still, and for those few moments, everything was perfect.
But Bali wasn’t done with us yet.
Nusa Penida, the Island of Priests, hit us with an adventurous side of Bali. It offered us opportunities to try water sports activities like snorkelling and scuba diving.
Needless to say, we chose snorkelling (not that we were afraid, of course).
And…let me tell you, it was like a dream. The colours, the coral, and the marine life—it was like swimming in a living rainbow.
My wife, who usually steers clear of water sports, was right beside me, marvelling at the underwater world. She came up for air and said, “I could get used to this.”
Until Next Time
As our trip came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on everything we had experienced. Bali had given us more than just beautiful photos and thrilling moments.
It had given us memories that we would carry for a lifetime.
Read more: Thrillophilia Bali Reviews