Day 3 - Bali - Uluwatu temple

Uluwatu temple

This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali but I would avoid going during the midday as it was too hot. The landscape and views are amazing.

We drove all the way to the temple from kuta but the temple was closed and we could not see anything inside. Nobody could advise the time for temple visit. However the surroundings were very scenic as the temple is situated on sea shore. High tide waves added to the scenic beauty. The never-ending foaming white waves of the Indian Ocean crashing endlessly against the sheer cliffs gave me a sense of how small I really was in the vast perspective of Life itself.

We walked through the small jungle with lots of monkeys and when you reach the cliff, you will definitely forget all the pain, worries and world. The mesmerising view is really awesome. Although many tourists visit this holy site, I found this place sufficient to enjoy the view and vibes.

We came out and had lunch and coconut water. on our way back we saw some monkeys but they don't seem dangerous as mentioned by Patu.


In short, a must-go place in Bali

Day 3 - Bali - Pantai Pandawa Beach

Pantai Pandawa beach

Pandawa Beach, locally referred to as ‘Pantai Pandawa’, is a great addition to Bali’s collection of gorgeous beaches. 

Besides its impressive natural sea panorama of white sand, blue sky and surf, Pandawa Beach is also best known for its impressive terrain and manmade limestone features that serve as a one of a kind welcome into this coastal area. Huge cliffs were cut through to make way for its winding and smooth asphalt roads which lead down to the beach.

The sides remained as high walls, while the ocean-facing cliffs midway down the slope feature deeply carved arches installed with large statues. They each depict the hero characters from the Mahabharata epic, known as the ‘five Pandawas’, hence the name of the beach.

There are six white stone statues draped in colorful Balinese waistcloths, namely Dewi Kunti, the mother figure from the epic, and the five heroes: Dharmawangsa (also known by the name Yudhistira), Bima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadewa.

Day 3 - Bali - Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is a place full of adventure. Out of all, Mns and Vedhu picked para sailing and booked me for ocean walk. It is very expensive adventure for me as I never been inside water above my knee. I got changed and went outside to see Vedhu and Mns. Both of them were very happy but I was very nervous. A boat came and picked me to middle of the ocean. There were 6 more passengers along with me all of them in pairs. I was the only one who went alone. After reaching the middle of the ocean, we were shifted to another boat where some people gave us water and one by one getting ready for putting oxygen helmets. All of them left as I choose to leave last. I went and stepped 3 steps down and came back. After 10 mins I asked them if I can try again. They put me oxygen helmet and I started going slowing inside the water. I went under water for 8-9 steps and a big tied came. I was unable to breath (may be due to fear of water) and I claimed all the stairs I went down in 3 seconds.

I did not go for ocean walk but I got good experience on how it will be under water. For a first timer I think I did a good job. If Vedhu or Mns were with me I would have 100% done the walk. I have no regrets instead I was very happy for my courage to try and go at least few steps inside water.

Came back to beach, had shower, changed cloths and met Vedhu and Mns. From there we started on touring. On our way we had coconut water.

Day 2 - Bali - Ubud Ancient King Palace

Ancient King Palace

Our final destination for today is Ancient King Palace.

The Ubud Royal Palace is one of the most prominent places in Ubud, as it is on the main Ubud road and near to an intersection. The palace can also be regarded as the focal landmark of Ubud. The Ubud palace was built during the lordship of the late Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel (1800-1823), and is well-kept by his successive heirs.

Although I have to accept that it is not a big palace but it has well preserved Balinese architecture and charming garden settings.

Due to heat, we sat on one of the Palace rooms and relaxed a bit. We took few pics there and went to a big covered stage in front of the Palace where many of the tourists are relaxing. Heard from one of the local person that this stage is used for local and international festivals.

We left the Palace on our way remembered that Mns left his glasses in the palace. We went back to find them but they are not there. With disappointment we went to have early dinner at one of the finest open restaurant (forgot the name of the restaurant). Food was amazing and there was a dance performance for people who dine in at the restaurant. Only three of us are in the restaurant and we got a royal treatment there. I gave additional 10K (1$) to the dancers and they were very happy.

Day 2 - Bali - Batuan temple

Batuan temple

This was the first temple I've ever visited in Bali and it was an amazing experience. Unlike the Hindu temples in India-removal of footwear is not needed. However the wearing of a sarong is. The women of the village give everyone a sarong (long skirt, lungi kind of cloth) to wear to cover legs and to show respect to the god. From there we walked around the temple and took photos. It was very well kept and absolutely breath takingly beautiful.

Day 2 - Bali - MAS Wood carving

MAS Wood carving

Our next halt was at MAS wood carving. The woodcarving skills of the workers are amazing. I never knew there are so many varieties of wood to carve. The quantity and quality of the details in each piece is really amazing. A salesperson greeted us and then explained the whole process that each carving goes through, and because there are several workers outside the shop we actually can see the progress.

 The shop itself is huge. The sculptures are of varying sizes and materials. There are no price tags. Everything is negotiable. And you should negotiate. The price is artificially raised at the beginning so that we can bargain. But the final price is often more than reasonable for the product you'll be buying.


We pondered for a few minutes in the show room and walked out to see more sculptures outside.



Day 2 - Bali - Ubud Monkey forest

Ubud Monkey forest

In the heat of the sun it's worth getting in under the trees. We loved every minute of our trip here. The park itself is nicely laid out with paths, bridges, jungles, temples, and waterfalls to be seen, besides all the monkeys. Walking through the park was very relaxing, not too many people, cool, and very scenic. The entrance fee is quite low and reasonable $4 AUD.

The monkeys are beyond cute and it's a treat to see them in their natural habitat. No need for worrying they didn't go after anything just massive cuteness! The grounds are quite pretty as well.

Monkeys searched Vedhu’s pocket and found inhaler. It tried very hard to get that from his pocket. After taking it from pocket, it has no clue how to open it. It was so cute and fun to see Vedu playing tricks with monkey. Some monkey’s went to Mns and tried to take mobile from his pocket. When Mns ignored, baby monkey tapped him to get his attention.

This place is definitely a very pleasant outing for the whole family. If you're in Ubud, don't miss it!