WORDS BY ALEX TARRARAN
If you're planning your next trip abroad to escape Melbourne’s cold weather, then look no further than Indonesia.
Based on my two-week trip to Bali over the university break, this is your one-stop guide to enjoying this province, striking the perfect balance between unwinding and cultural immersion.
Day 1: Exploring Seminyak
Upon arriving in Seminyak we were greeted with bright lights, the distant hum of night clubs, scooters weaving through the traffic, and people roaming the streets. The buzz of the city nightlife filled me with excitement to start exploring.
After a much-needed rest, we set off at around 11am to roam the surrounding streets (always my favourite thing to do in a new place).
The streets were scattered with small woven baskets filled with vibrant flower petals, incense, and food, that was offerings to the gods. The contrast of the bustling bars by night, with the serene cultural displays of the daytime was what had me captivated in this beach town.
Shrines and small temples seemed to blend seamlessly into the urban landscape. Every few steps, you'll spot intricately carved shrines, and larger temples nestled between the boutiques.
While exploring, we stumbled across Pura Petitenget; a Hindu temple located on the shorefront of Petitenget Beach. Although it cost IDR 50,000 per person (or $5 AUD), it was nice to have a closer look at the intricate architecture and statues.
Following our day of exploring, a meal at the Potato Head Beach Club was hands down the best food of the entire trip. We went there for dinner at around 7pm, just after sunset.
The Cauliflower Bites were particularly memorable; crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. Perfectly paired with the fresh Tuna Poke Bowl and a Pina Colada to wash everything down.
In total we spent around IDR 300,000 ($30 AUD) - definitely a little pricier than some of the other local food options but the quality was worth it.
We then ventured to Motel Mexicola - a vibrant Mexican restaurant that turns into a dance floor at 9pm after restaurant hours. We danced together with people from all parts of the world.
Even though we all spoke different languages, Jennifer Lopez’s ‘On the Floor’ united us into one big circle. Twirling each other around, jumping up and down, and singing at the top of our lungs… What more could one want?
Day 2: Ubud Day Trip
After scrolling online for some inspiration, we decided to take a day trip to the Cultural Heart of Bali, Ubud.
Located just under two hours from Seminyak in the uplands of Bali, the town of Ubud is renowned for its diverse natural landscape. Surrounded by lush rainforests, rice paddy, and the Ayung River, it is a serene escape from the bustling coastal towns.
There are a variety of activities on offer - temples, markets, a monkey sanctuary, quad biking - there’s something for everyone!
We chose the rafting and quad biking day trip, which turned out to be the most exhilarating experience. Water rafting in Ayung River was a lovely way to immerse ourselves in Bali’s beautiful forests.
We were each given a paddle to help guide the boat through flowing rapids. As we paddled, lush greenery surrounded us, revealing hidden offering sites, and a gushing waterfall. It gave us a chance to experience the ebbs and flows of nature; a simultaneously peaceful and exciting experience.
A few hours later at around 2pm, we arrived at the quad biking base camp. The All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) experience was everything an adrenaline junkie could ever need.
Driving through bumpy terrain, into a dark cave and through muddy water sure does keep you on your toes. We followed a diverse trail that gave us a glimpse of the surrounding villages and rice fields, leading us into the forest.
I’ll admit, a rush of fear came over me as the narrow track ahead was revealed. Yet to my surprise, with every passing minute, I started to get a feel for the bike on this terrain, and my confidence grew.
It wasn’t long before I was revving my engine and turning corners as fast as I could.
Day 3: Temple Tour & Traditional Dance
After a jam-packed day, we had a much needed sleep-in before heading to Pranava Yoga studio. We booked a late-morning Vinyasa class at 11am.
Surrounded by tropical flora including a lush rice field, it felt good to escape the hectic streets. The soft chirping of birds and earthy scent of rice paddies filled my senses.
As we cycled through the motions of a Vinyasa flow, I felt my body release any built-up tension.
After a rejuvenating morning, we felt ready to embark on another day trip, this time choosing a temple tour. For just $39 AUD per person, the six-hour private tour was well worth the money.
At around 3pm we arrived at Taman Ayun, the first temple, and began our private tour around the complex, learning about the cultural and historical significance. It was interesting to hear about the architectural symbolism, with the number of tiers on each shrine (from 1-11 tiers) signifying the importance of a particular god.
At around 4pm we drove to Tanah Lot, a large sea temple renowned for its stunning sunset views. After exploring the complex, we ate dinner at a cliff-top restaurant followed by a traditional Kecak Dance at the outdoor amphitheatre.
A performance like no other, there was chanting, intricate costumes and dancing to portray the Hindu story of Rama and Sita.
As dusk fell, the fire torches were ignited within the centre of the circle with flames launched into the sky. It truly was a dynamic performance, giving us our $15 AUD worth.
In just three days, we managed to experience Bali's vibrant energy, rich culture, and natural beauty without breaking the bank. From the busy streets of Seminyak to the serene temples and adventurous treks in Ubud, each day brought something new.
If you're a university student looking for your next trip, Bali is proof that you don’t need an extensive budget to have an unforgettable adventure - just a little planning, a sense of adventure, and the willingness to dive into its unique culture.