Kuta Beach in Denpasar City, Bali Island Province, Indonesia
Bali is one of the 38 provinces of Indonesia, of which of these 38 provincial-level divisions 35 standard provinces, two special regions (daerah istemewar for Aceh and Yogyakarata) and one special capital region (dearah khusus ibukota for Jakarta).
The province of Bali includes the main island of Bali alongside several smaller neighboring islands, such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Cenigan, with Denpasar as its capital city. Bali is the only Hindu-majority province in the predominantly Muslim country of Indonesia, with a vibrant culture heavily rooted in Balinese Hinduism.
Preparations
My departure flight at NAIA Terminal 3 at Boarding Gate 109
As early as November 6, 2024, I booked a round trip ticket Manila - Denpasar (Bali) on November 6, 2024 with a date of April 30, 2025 (Manila departure) and May 7, 2025 (return flight) a total cost of P10,216.63 and only a week before my flight, I purchased online a 20-kilo baggage allowance of P2,520 for a total plane fare of P12,736.63.
Unfortunately, on the date of my departure, I was late for 5 minutes for the 1-hour allowance and I was no longer accommodated to check-in. With this, I decided to rebook for the next flight which was at dawn but the ticket cost is more than P24,000 one way only. So, I just opted to purchase a new ticket but it was no longer April 30, 2025, but already May 2, 2025 at 7:50 P.M. costing P12,819 one way including a 20-kilo baggage allowance.
With that, I was advised to refund for the travel tax of P1,620 and just pay it again on the date of my departure. Since my actual checkout from my Eurotel accommodation in Cubao is still at 12:00 Noon of May 1, 2025, I just returned there and requested that I will just stay again and claim the unconsummated time. To make sure that I am close to the airport, when I checkout on May 1, I checked in at 101 Newport Boulevard East Wing where I was billeted at Room No. 5C at the third floor at P2,368.08. It was an airbnb accommodation with swimming pool, thus, I just had a laundry while inside the accommodation.
Day 0 - May 2, 2025
Arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport of Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia
The purpose of this trip was actually to have two major climbs in Bali wherein on May 1, 2025 would be the 3,726 MASL Mount Rinjani Climb and on midnight of May 5, 2025 would be the 3,031 MASL Mount Agung. Because of failure to have my April 30 flight, I was not able to join the Mount Rinjani climb.
Dawn meal at Johny Rockets at Ngurah Rai International Airport
I left NAIA Terminal 3 at 7:50 P.M. boarding Cebu Pacific flight No. 5J281 thru Boarding Gate No. 109 seated at 28A and arrived at Ngurah International Airport at 12:00 midnight of Denpasar City. After passing thru the Immigration check point, I withdrawn thru ATM 2,500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) equivalent to P8,422.86 from Mandiri ATM machine where the exchange rate is for every peso there is an equivalent of 0/0034 Indonesian rupiah.
Still at the airport, I bought an Indonesian sim card for 250,000 IDR or P842.29, I had a dawn meal at the airport's Johny Rockets where its burger and fries costs IDR192,308 or P647.91 and the bottled water is IDR39,000 or P131.39.
Taken outside the airport by the taxi driver
While at the airport, I randomly chosen a taxi cab heading to my hotel accommodation. My instruction was Sun Island Hotel & SPA Legian and we agreed it to a cost of IDR125,000 or P421.14 which was so expensive but I do not have idea at all, but when the receptionist checked my name, I was informed that theirs was Sun Hotel an Spa Legian. It was still at dawn, and I was advised by the receptionist that to get the exact taxi fare, a grab car was fairly cheaper. So, I boarded a grab where I was charged for IDR35,000 or P117.92.
My Sun Island Hotel & Spa Legian suite room
My hotel booking was May 3-5, 2025 and when I arrived there it was only 3:10 A.M. It only mean tht I have to wait for 2:00 P.M. for check-in and they do not allow early check-in nor to stay at its lobby. Hotel attendants were not accommodating. There was no place for me to stay. I was so tired. So, I have no choice but to have a new hotel booking and the attendance advised me that they only have a suite room available. So, I ended up taking it for IDR1,000,000 or P3,512.21. But yes, the room was spacious. Such lucrative hotel accommodation and with swimming pool.
I was so amazed of my room that I requested the hotel bell boy to take pictures and videos for me in the name of Ade Ardika giving him a tip of IDR100,000 or P336.91.
Day 1 - May 3, 2025
Waking up from a soundly and comfortable sleep
The hotel complementary buffet breakfast
So tired, I woke up at 8:56 A.M. and was at the buffet breakfast 9:20 A.M. I was alone and my travel buddies were billeted in the hotel where I first checked for booking. But at this time, they were already in their Mount Rinjani climb.
Enjoying a swim after breakfast
Aerial view of the hotel's pool at the third floor
The pool at the roof top or fifth floor
Since, the pool attendance took me few pictures and videos, I gave him IDR10,000 or P33.87. In the Philippines, this amount of tip is nothing.
Our hotel's facade
When I went out of the hotel, this is the first time I saw its facade since when I arrived, it was dawn and it was dark at 3:10 A.M.
Just a usual religious ritual on the street
After taking my lunch at the Bloody Sweet Restaurant just few blocks from my hotel which costs IDR138,000 or P464.94 and a waiter's tip of IDR10,000 or P33.69, I had a long walk and found a religious ritual at the center of a street.
The street ritual with some of the believers
As I roamed around Bali through walking, I noticed that its establishments are like the ones you see when you are in Boracay Island of the Philippines.
Kuta Beach
The whole time from lunch time till early evening, I was all the time walking exploring Denpasar City. From its busy streets, I headed to Kuta Beach --- a legendary 2.5-kilometer stretch of cream-colored sand in southwestern Bali, Indonesia. It is famous for its world-class beginner surf waves and vibrant nightlife, it is highly accessible, located just north of Ngurah Rai International Airport in the Badung Regency.
The following pictures showcases Kuta Beach with some of its activities:
Buttered grilled corn at Kuta Beach for IDR20,000 or P67.38
Walking back to the hotel
Day 2 - May 4, 2025
As usual, I started my day with a complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel. Then, I arranged thru a hotel staff in the name of Moe Kuta for my Ubud Day Tour package for IDR600,000 or P2,029.54. As my snacks for the day tour, I bought a chocolate bread for IDR18,000 or P60.89 and a Cadbury chocolate bar 25g for IDR10,400 or P35.18.
Destination No. 1: Sari Amerta Batik Gallery
First destination of the day tour
Sari Amerta Batik is Bali's shopper's paradise. One product that is extremely popular with visitors to the "Island of the Gods" is batik. It is one of the famous Gallery selling batik products, ranging from wall hangings to table clothes to men, ladies, and children clothing. Prices and quality range from one extreme to another. A great way to see a wide range of Batik product, and also how it is made, is to hire a driver for a half day. Outside the store, you will see their staff are doing their batik products.
An array of men's batik wear
The Batik Phasminas for my pasalubong for IDR220,000 each or P745.20
It is approximately 7 kilometers from the hotel where I stayed for a road drive of around 20 minutes. I just noticed that most of the batik "factory" shops are in close proximity to each other.
Destination No. 2: Barong and Kris Dance Stage Show
This is just a 5-minute drive from Sari Amerta leaving there at 9:32 A.M. and arriving here at 9:37 A.M. This is actually a stage show where I paid an entrance of IDR150,000 or P507.39.
I was welcomed as a paying guest
A typical Balinese Indonesian
It is located in Batubulan village about 8 kilometers from Denpasar City. The village has been known since a long time by the tourists of its handicrafts of statues that are made of sand stone. Reading their pamphlets, I read it as Barong and Keris dance stage show.
The Barong and Kris Dance Stage show
According to the given pamphlet I've read, the story of Barong and Kris dance was about Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, the King of Bali in the 10th century, was condemned by Erlangga's father because she practiced black magic. After she became a widow, she summoned all the evil spirits in the jungle, the leaks and the demons, to come after Erlangga. A fight occured, but she and her black magic troops were too strong that Erlannga had to ask for the help of Barong.
Such an impressive performance
The woman as shown in the picture above has such a superb performance from eye movement, head and body movements. So authentic. Of all the performers, my eyes were caught by her highly impressive performance.
Destination No. 3: Gold and Silver Smith in Celuk
I left the Barong and Kris Dance stage show at 10:10 A.M. and arrived in this store at 10:48 A.M. I just noticed that my destination were more selling their native products from first destination up to here.
This is a pure silver handicraft with a costly price
Celuk village is famous for producing high-grade gold and silver handicrafts, particularly jewelry. This is located in Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency, Bali. The village is usually an included stopoever on itineraries of Bali tour package to the central and northern regions.
Display of silver and gold jewelries
This store is approximately 10 kilometers northeast from Denpasar City. While these items are found in stores throughout the island, a visit here in Celuk village gives travelers a chance to see goldsmiths and silversmiths in action.
Not Part of the Destinations
It was exactly 11:00 A.M. when we passed thru this point. I was just amazed of its architectural form but this was not a part of the destinations we have to visit.
A captured solo picture on the temple's facade
The facade of this temple complex
I just noticed that in every destination I visit, I can't see any distinct visible name of the establishment. I really got confused and kept asking my guide, but he does not understand my questions.
Destination No. 4: Agro Luwak Coffee Plantation an Celuk Swing
It was already 11:12 A.M. when I arrived here. In this destination, it is more on the agri-coffee products. It is an estate that produces kopi luwak (civet coffee). The process involves the Asian palm civet (or luwak) eating coffee cherries, which are then excreted, cleaned, and roasted to create a uniquely smooth, highly prized, and expensive delicacy.
The Luwak Coffee Plantation in Batubulan
There are many luwak coffee plantation in Indonesia and the one I visited as a part of my day tour was in Batubulan. For each visitor, there is a guide like mine as you see in the picture which will explain each step of the process in a simple and engaging way. The plantation setting also adds to the overall experience being surrounded by greenery and fresh air and leads to create a calm environment that enhances the tasting experience.
It was explained where the coffee came from
I will translate this in Filipino language: Iyong Asian palm civet daw. Ang tagalog ng civet ay musang or alamid, ay kumakain ng coffee cherries. Tapos, pag ito ay itinae na nila, kukunin ito ng mga farm staff at lilinisin at itutusta then babayuhin na nila para maging pino at iyon na ang magiging kape.
Pounding the cleaned and roasted civet's bowel or stool or feces
When these cleaned and roasted civet's stool are pounded to become powderized, then they become now the high grade and expensive coffee.
The iconic jungle swing and a floating dress
In this location of luwak swing, this iconic jungle swing including rental of the costume costs IDR600,000 or P2,084.43 or US33.90.
My jungle swing on its simplest term
While mine without the costume costs IDR200,000 or P676.71 or US$11.30. It was just about the swing services plus the photo and video services. My tour guide was not aloud to enter the plantation.
Destination 5: Batuan Hindu Temple
We arrived in this tourist stop at 11:46 coming from Luwak Coffee plantation. Batuan Temple or Pura Puseh Desa Batuan is a historic 11th-century Balinese Hindi temple in Batuan Village, Gianyar Regency, Bali. It is being known for its intricate stone carvings, towering split gates, and black palm fiber roofs, it is an active, community-run site dedicated to the Hindu trinity.
The temple's facade
There is an entrance fee of IDR50,000 or P169.36 or US$2.83 and those who are in shorts will be given a native clothing to cover the legs.
Provided with a lower leg covering
The above picture was taken at the pavilion where entrance fee was paid. The rest of the pictures were at the temple across the street.
Destination No. 6: Yana Art Gallery Wood Carving
We arrived here at 12:46 Noon. This gallery is located in Jl. Raya Sakah, Batuan Kaler, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582 Indonesia. There is no entrance fee here.
Some of the intricate item displays for sale
This gallery showcases the intricacies of Balinese wooden art. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of handcrafted sculptures and carvings created by local artisans. It does not only showcase exquisite workmanship but also provides insight into the cultural significance and traditional techniques behind wood carving in Bali.
The gallery sells even the sculptures of Catholic saints
Here, guests are often invited to watch artisans at work, offering an authentic glimpse into the craftmanship that has been passed down through generations.
Destination No. 7: Tegenungan Waterfall
We arrived on its entrance at 1:00 P.M. paying an entrance fee of IDR30,000 or P101.48 or US$1.70. I agreed with my guide not to look for restaurant to eat to save time. Besides, we both have kept food and bottled drinking water for our snacks.
The Tegenungan Waterfall at a distance
Tegunungan Waterfall is one of the most popular and Instagrammable spots in Bali located in the village of Kemenuh. It is best to visit here in the morning where few tourists are in.
The inviting waters of the falls
I really regret, I did not bring with me swimming outfit since the water was really inviting and worth it. A lot of tourists had a swim. It was too hot because it was already 1:00 P.M.
Closer to the falls
The trail going down to the falls is a long walk descending and the reverse when going up. Though, along its trails are mini pools where visitors can swim.
A resort along the trail heading down to the falls
Going down the falls is around 200 steps, with a trail which offers a unique charm as visitors can swim in its pool, which is about 1 meter deep. However, do not attempt to cross the red rope boundary, as the depth and flow of the water from above can be quite strong and deep.
A big nest where tourists can have a picture with the falls as the backdrop
Near the entrance before starting the trail going down are souvenir shops and food shops. It was in these shops that I bought Bali 12 ref magnet for IDR30,000 each or P101.62 or US$1.70 for a total of IDR360,000 or P1,219.44 or US$20.40.
Another resort along the trail to the water falls
The water fall stands 15 meters tall and is about 6 meters wide. The waterfall is regarded as Griya Niskala, meaning the House of the Mystic Priest. This is evidenced by the presence of Pura Beji, located about 80 meters away, a temple where the sacred water flows, signifying its status as Griya Niskala.
Searching for Warung
My guide told me that his food is not covered by me. Thus, he looked for a "warung" for our lunch. "Warung" is like a carenderia with cheaper food. After a 15-minute drive, we found one. He ordered for his food charged to him and mine charged to mine. I was amazed that my lunch meal, a big chicken leg and one scoop of rice was only IDR38,000 or P128.54 or US$2.15.
Comparing my lunch the other day in a restaurant for also a chicken leg with rice was IDR138,000 or P464.94 or US$7.80. With that, I ordered for a take-our for my dinner the same set of meal at IDR38,000. So, I saved IDR200,000 or P673.82 or US$11.30.
Destination No. 8: Sanur Beach
It was a long drive from where we took our lunch in a warung and reached here at 2:51 P.M. I can see a lot of people mostly families having a beach swim.
The picturesque Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is completely free to enter and open to the public. There are no entrance fees or tickets required to access the sand or the scenic beachfront boardwalk.
The beachfront boardwalk
This is a tranquil, family-friendly coastal stretch in southeast Bali located about a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is known as "Sunrise Beach", where it features shallow waters, colorful traditional fishing boats, and a flat 5-kilometer paved promenade ideal for walking and cycling.
Boat operators at the other side of the beach
The kite flying zone at the beach
Some also rent kites for kite flying
This local kite flying operator helps his female client fly a kite
The other side of the beach
Exploring the other side of the beach
