Halo, Y’all.
Our first time in Bali was a surprise. We say that because we were actually on our way to Cambodia when we heard that Bali opened up with no quarantine. So we jumped at the chance to get there before the throngs of tourists arrived. We quickly diverted our plans (too quickly- we showed up at the airport ecstatic only to be told we had to delay our leaving by 2 days because we needed the most comprehensive Covid test – travel fail!). Not the best way to start a 3-week vacation.
Ring Around the World
So, two days later, we were on the plane and 30 hours after that – we arrived in Bali! We planned our flights, in one-way hops, so that we were literally putting a ring around the world! 💍✈️🌍 Ring Around The World equals a wedding (or two) in Bali!
Nusa Lembongan Paradise
After landing in Bali, we made a beeline for Sanur, a chill spot on the island’s east side. Our plan was to catch an early speedboat to Nusa Lembongan, a tiny island off the coast of Bali, the next morning. The boat zipped across the Indian Ocean for about an hour before we hit Nusa Lembongan. Within 20 minutes of that (after our luggage was carried off the dockless speedboat and balanced on the heads of men wading through the waves), we were lounging by an infinity pool, gazing at the most stunning turquoise water we’d ever seen. Seriously, this was the kind of view that makes you want to pack your bags and ditch reality forever.
We spent the next three days exploring this island paradise. One day, we were cruising along on our bikes, wind in our hair, when we spotted a lady walking down the street with something that looked like a shiv in her hand. 😨 To be fair, if we saw that in most other places in the world, we’d be pretty freaked out. So, we start nervously filming her from our scooter, just in case something goes down. It took us a while to shake off that feeling… but then a few days later, we noticed that this happens everywhere in Bali! People are always walking around with machetes and other sharp tools. 😂 We laughed so hard at ourselves for being so foolish! This is exactly why travel is so important – it teaches you about the world, challenges your perceptions, and ultimately changes your worldview. We quickly realized that Bali and the neighboring islands are some of the safest and happiest places on earth!
Ubud Adventure
After a few days of exploring Nusa Lembongan, we set our sights on Bali. This time, we headed to the quintessential tourist destination, Ubud. We rented another scooter and spent our first few days cramming in all the must-see spots. We visited the Monkey Forest, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Goa Gajah, Ubud markets, and various museums.
But the most fun for us is always eating, people-watching, eating, and wandering aimlessly. Did we say eating? Oh, the delicious food is like a rite of passage. We had at this point both been vegetarians for many years (except for when we travel. When we travel if there is something we had never tried before – we always say yes.) For Bali – our food adventure had us eating “flying fox” which we found out was actually bat. All in all, it was not too bat! (although the last piece we gave to the cats under our table hoping for scraps and they turned up their noses and walked away!) Ha Ha!
Our favorite thing to do is to hop on our scooters and get lost. And lost we did. We went temple hopping and searched for hidden gems off the beaten path. We skipped the crowded Tegalalang rice terraces in favor of less touristy spots, and we stumbled upon charming village temples and met some incredibly warm and welcoming locals.
One of our most cherished moments was when we stopped at a random store in a random village and sat on the steps, sharing smiles with a “chantik” local woman (beautiful in Indonesian) and savoring Taro ice cream on the curb as curious locals wondered if we were lost. This is what we call a perfect day.
Balinese Wedding
Almost as perfect, as our wedding day! We had a traditional Balinese wedding, our 3rd wedding to each other. What an incredible experience! (One we will share with you on its own post)
Ubud Vibes
Ubud is a fantastic town with a cool and vibrant “hippie” vibe. It’s quite popular among local tourists, nomads, and foreigners. We can only imagine what this place must have been like before all the attention. It must have been a sight to see!
We were lucky to visit towards the end of the COVID pandemic when there were fewer tourists around. It felt like we were the only foreigners in Bali! After spending a week in Ubud and the surrounding areas, we headed north for our fourth wedding ceremony.
Buddhist Wedding
Yes, you read that right—our fourth wedding- Our Buddhist Wedding in Bali! This time, we tied the knot at Brahma Vihara Arama, a Buddhist monastery near Lovina. It was an incredible experience, and we had the pleasure of meeting the most precious monk with an infectious giggle that he generously shared between his words of wisdom.
Amed Sunsets
After this wedding, we drove 3 hours east to the village of Amed to bask in the sun on the volcano-laden beaches under the watchful eye of Mt. Agung. The views were simply spectacular! And the sunsets in Amed were nothing short of breathtaking.
We spent our afternoons sipping cocktails, our feet sinking into the warm black sand, and sharing heartfelt conversations about our lives, our dreams for the future, and the possibilities of what the second half of our lives could be. We had no idea that moment would completely changed the trajectory of our lives. But, it did – it changed everything! (And that’s a story for another post.)
Amed, during COVID, was a quiet, sleepy little village. Most of the shops were closed, giving it a serene and tranquil atmosphere. After soaking up the sun on the beaches for a few days, we hopped on our scooter and headed towards the even smaller village of Sidemen.
Sideman Village
Sideman turned out to be one of our favorite places in Bali on this trip. The roads seemed to go on forever, winding their way up and down the mountainside. It was a breathtaking ride, and we couldn’t wait to explore this hidden gem. We quickly found our favorite spot – a peaceful spot overlooking the lush rice paddies. The rice fields were a vibrant green, and the village temples added a touch of serenity to the landscape. We spent hours wandering through the village, soaking in the beauty of our surroundings.
And the food! Oh, the food was incredible. We sampled all sorts of local dishes, from nasi goreng to satay to gado-gado, and everything was delicious. Sideman was a true foodie paradise.
We left Sideman with a heavy heart, knowing that we had found a special place. We can’t wait to come back someday and explore more of this charming village.
Temple Running
We spent countless hours exploring this island, chasing waterfalls and temples. We dedicated half a day to Tirta Empul, a temple revered by the Balinese community. This sacred site boasts several holy springs, believed to have been created by the God Indra, and are said to possess purifying powers. We were practically alone. The tranquility of this sacred water temple washed over us, purging the negative and embracing the positive forces of nature. We were incredibly fortunate to have had this experience to ourselves. We almost had the entire place to ourselves. The tranquility of this sacred water temple was truly cleansing, as if the negative energy was being swept away and replaced by the positive energy of nature. We felt incredibly fortunate to have experienced this sacred site in such solitude. Wandering through the temple’s serene grounds, we felt a sense of peace wash over us. The gentle sound of flowing water and the soothing aroma of incense created a tranquil atmosphere that was perfect for reflection. We felt deeply connected to the spiritual energy of this sacred place.
We also made our way to Besakih Temple (The Mother temple), the largest and holiest temple in Bali, perched majestically on the slopes of Mount Agung. As we understand it, every Balinese person is expected to embark on a pilgrimage to Besakih Temple at least once a year to pay their respects to the gods.
Temple Running
The Balinese people are incredibly passionate about preserving their rich culture, even amidst the millions of tourists that flock to their island paradise every year.
One of the most striking examples of this cultural preservation is the concept of “Tri Hita Karana,” which translates to “three causes of happiness.” This philosophy emphasizes the harmonious balance between humans and their relationship with God (Parahyangan), other humans (Pawongan), and nature (Palemahan). The Balinese believe that Mount Agung, the towering volcano that dominates the island’s landscape, is the center of the universe.
Falling in love with Bali is only natural.
The Balinese people are some of the happiest, most welcoming people we’ve ever met. They have a genuine warmth and kindness that is contagious.
The Balinese culture is a fascinating blend of Animism and Hinduism. This unique blend is reflected in everything from their art and music to their daily rituals.
The Balinese people are incredibly connected to nature. They believe that nature is sacred and should be respected. This belief is evident in their beautiful temples and their sustainable practices.
Bali and its culture are truly unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. The Balinese people’s way of life, their deep belief system, and their profound connection to the natural world are complex yet beautifully simple. Their culture is a testament to their resilience and their deep respect for their heritage.
The further you venture from the major cities or tourist areas, the more you’ll witness the beauty of everyday Balinese life. It’s a truly magical experience. This is the real BALI!
In a world that’s becoming increasingly disconnected, the Balinese people have managed to stay rooted in their traditions, their everyday lives, and even in death – they celebrate life.
This is Bali – these are the moments that changed our entire lives and permitted us to truly dream again and begin living our second half!
