In mid March, a group of 60+ SURGE365 travel members from the U.S. and Canada were welcomed and treated with first class service by Elite Voyages (Chinatour.com) and Balinese Tourism.
This was a journey of a lifetime for me.
Bali is known as the island of Gods, the island of a thousand temples, or Paradise Island. For some the mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise.
I have been blessed having traveled around the world for the last 40 years. I have seen some of the most beautiful places and have many favourites. But for some reason, Bali will always be different. I found it was more than a place, it was a mood, an inspiration, a spiritual awakening and I left feeling like I had found my vision of Shangrila.
It is a feeling that is difficult to understand unless experienced. Whether its Bali's beauty, the friendly people, or maybe even the influence from spirits that are in this place.
According to Wikapedia Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago. It is home to an ancient culture that is known for its warm hospitality as well as exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops.
Lonely Planet describes Bali as a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Decades of tourism haven't dampened Bali's, deep-rooted spirituality and natural charms. The rich and diverse culture of Bali plays out at all levels of life, from the exquisite flower-petal offerings placed everywhere, to the processions of joyfully garbed locals shutting down major roads as they march to one of the myriad temple ceremonies, to the otherworldly traditional music and dance performed island-wide. Almost everything has spiritual meaning"
My experience began with the aroma of orchids from the beautiful gardens at the arrival gate at the DPS Ngurah Rai International airport in Kuta. Our first three days were spent at the Risata Bali Resort and Spa, a traditional Balinese hotel near the beach. A small three-story shopping mall is nearby. And it is just a five-minute walk to the beach. However it might take longer because you walk through a local market with handicrafts, clothing and more.
Everywhere we went there was the essence of incense in the air from the daily floral offering for God as a thank you for a good life. Each home has its own temple and even the shops and hotels have this daily ritual.
A few of us took time to go snorkeling and visit a turtle sanctuary. Our group enjoyed an evening of Kecak dancing at Uluwat, a cliff top temple sitting on the edge off a steep cliff 70 metres above the Indian Ocean.
The next part of our journey was to Ubud, the heart of Bali. Ubud is a place where the culture of the island is most accessible, and it shares the island's most beautiful rice fields and ancient monuments. It is also the art centre where you can see wood carvings, giant statues and artwork being made. We spent four nights at the new Sthals, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (Marriot).
We visited ancient temples, museums, art galleries, local villages, volcanoes, coffee plants, Royal temples and more. We dined in some of the most scenic restaurants and beautiful restaurants I have ever been in.
One of my favourite stops was the Tjrta Empul Temple, built in 960 B.C. The temple was built around natural springs and special bathing pools. The unstoppable waterflow is believed to be able to cure any kind of disease.
Another stop was to the sacred Ubud Monkey Forest. This ecological reserve strives to maintain the viability of the Balinese long-tailed macaque. About 1,000 monkeys live in this area. The monkey and its mythology is an important element is Balinese art tradition.
There are so many places our group didn't have time to see. Someone told me there are as many images of Bali as there are flowers on the island.
Yes, Bali has beaches, surfing, diving, scenic restaurants, golfing, waterfalls, hiking, and resorts great and small, but it is the essence of Bali and the Balinese that makes it so much more.
Whether you are going for a week or two or a winter destination, I am sure you too will be enchanted by this amazing island.
For more information on travelling to Bali, please contact me at bonnie.travelbug@gmail.com.
Click here to email us
In mid March, a group of 60+ SURGE365 travel members from the U.S. and Canada were 
