Halo! Basically, BALIcation is a vacation in Bali, Indonesia, cute, isn’t it? Add Balication to your own dictionary and make it happen. Anyway, straight to deets. In the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is the most popular holiday destination. It offers an overwhelming and breathtaking natural beauty that they even tag it as paradise on earth. Indeed, right before my eyes, I saw the so-called living postcard. If you are an IGers, surefire you’ll love it. It even made me revive my IG account. Please scroll down and find out more.
Airfare: It’s another #CEBtravels. We got our airfare at a discounted price valued P4900. Regular fare is around P7000 and may reach up to P35000 when booking on the spot and during peak season. According to Bali.com, high season is throughout July and August then holidays during Easter, Christmas and New year. This is the busiest time in Bali thus, the activities and accommodation rates are higher.
Accommodation: We stayed at The One Legian Hotel, booked via Agoda. It is a 4-star hotel located in Kuta Legian, Badung. It is strategically situated near the airport, Kuta beach, Legian beach, local restaurants, nightlife, and shopping stores. The hotel room is spacious and clean. The hallway, bar, and lobby are non-air-conditioned but the ventilation is pretty good. At the ground level, there is The Deck, the hotel’s restobar, and Starbucks by the other side. Staffs are very accommodating and quickly respond to requests. The buffet breakfast starts at 7am. For those who need to leave the hotel earlier than 7am, they provide bottled water and to-go-box choice of Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, or bread and fruits.
Tip#1: More perks for staying 3 nights! Upon check-in, they gave us welcome drinks, breakfast buffet stubs, discount vouchers of Starbucks and The Spa, plus free yogurt in Yogurt Republic Legian.
Transfers: First day high is with Klook. I booked a Private Car Charter which is good for 4 persons valued at P1655 for 10 hours. They are cool with airport pick-up, start the tour, and drop-off to the hotel. For the second day, transfers were inclusive in Nusa Penida day tour package we availed. On the following day, a friend recommended hiring a private car to take us to the northern part of Bali. This is cheaper than booking with Klook since there is a surcharge going outside Klook’s service areas.
Tip#2: It is more comfortable hiring a private car for the day. According to one of our drivers, if you prefer to commute using cabs, ride the Blue Bird Taxi. They are safe and metered which is way cheaper than others.
Activities: There are several FB posts circling about Bali trip with full details and expenses. Keep digging and reading those to get more tips and maximize the Balication. Our 4D/3N itinerary is patterned on my friend’s trip details, Homer (Follow him on Instagram). He is my go-to friend for seat sale and DIY travels.
Day 1: Ubud District Tour
We went straight from Denpasar airport to Ubud central, it supposedly around 1.5 hours but due to traffic, it took us around 2 hours to reach our first stop – Ubud Royal Palace. It is famous for its Balinese traditional house as the residence of the Ubud King. It is located at the center of Ubud town and front of the Ubud Art Market. The area displays the Bali’s artistic culture.
After we took our brunch in Coco Restobar, we went to Ubud Art Market and bought rattan bags and souvenirs.
Tip#3: This tip is actually from our Klook driver. When buying something from the Art Market, ask for the price and start the mark down up to 50%. Negotiate well, sellers tend to overprice for tourist buyers.
By the afternoon, we visited Uma Pakel Agro Tourism to experience the popular swing ride, take photos in the bird’s nest and taste the local Luwak coffee. The swing ride costs 150,000 IDR. It is actually the cheaper version of Bali Swing.
Our last stop for the day is the Tegalallang Rice Terraces. We had a quick visit to this place just to capture its beautiful rice paddies with systematic irrigation system. Along the roadside, there are several souvenir shops, cafe, and art kiosks. The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR per head.
Day 2: Nusa Penida Day Tour
Here’s the highlight of the whole trip – I found paradise in Nusa Penida Island. It is located at the southeast of Bali mainland. Everything here is just stunning that brings out the nature-lover in you. The package tour we booked costs 600,000 IDR per head plus 500,000 IDR round trip car service from the hotel to Sanur port. It is inclusive of entrance fees, lunch, boat fare, private car service and tour guide. Follow our tour guide on IG @andreguiding and avail the day tour package. He led us to the best spots to take photos. He is very patient and easy to get along with.
Broken Beach. It is famous for its artsy arch or cove-like natural formation and pristine water. (Follow on IG @egiecasolino)
Angel Billabong. This is like an infinity pool by the cliff. The waves down the cliff were raging. The seawater could swash up hence, going closer to the edge is very dangerous and not a good idea. (Follow on IG @maikalupitan)
Kelingking Beach. For me, this is the most stunning overlooking view in Nusa Penida. They call it Dinosaur island for its incredible shape like a T-rex. Tourists are allowed to hike down the cliff and look for the secret point. Many said it is a sketchy hike but really worth it.
Crystal Bay. This is where travelers can do snorkeling, swimming, and bum by the shore.
The day tour started 8am and ended at 4pm. It was totally worth it. For first time travelers, I highly recommend visiting Nusa Penida Island.
Day 3: Heading Northern Region
The tour started at 10am so we had the time to enjoy our breakfast and stay at the hotel. It took us 2.5 hours to reach Ulun Danu Beratan Temple from Kuta area. The temple complex was built in the 17th century located by the shores of Lake Beratan. It is one of the most visited temples in Bali because of its unique natural backdrop with a mystical floating effect on the lake.
A few kilometers away is the Handara Golf Resort Bali, one of the world’s most beautiful golf course. Handara Gate is truly grammable. It became iconic among the gates in Bali and travelers will stop by for a photo op or selfie. But before going near to the gate, there is Selfie Photo fee of 20,000 IDR per person. They also offer set meal lunch at the clubhouse and get the chance to explore the golf resort for only 150,000 IDR.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills is another gram-worthy spot. This little park is located on an elevated plateau, overlooking the scenic mountains and lake. Since it is on the highland, expect a foggy view and cool breeze. Entrance fee is 50,000 IDR per person for unlimited photos while 150,000 IDR when riding the high swing.
After the long awe-inspiring day, we went to the hotel’s The Spa and tried the 60-min traditional Balinese massage. Never miss this kind of local experience. It is the best way to relax and enjoy the rest of the day.
Day 4: Ending BALIcation
Our last day was just an airport day. I arranged an airport service from the hotel that costs 150,000 IDR one-way inclusive of toll fee. Our flight back to Manila is around 8am thus, we had to leave the hotel at 5:30am. The airport is 15 minutes away from the hotel.
Upon arriving in Manila, there’s something I realized about the trip – I will definitely be back in Bali. ♡
Disclaimer: The site and author are not affiliated, associated, authorized, sponsored by, or in any way officially connected with Cebu Pacific Air, Klook, The One Legian Hotel, and other mentioned companies or events unless otherwise stated. All images are original. This is served as a guide or reference only.