Bali Trip -Part 2

As I told in part-1 we had a busy, early day planned next day. Therefore, after packing our bags for next day and chitchatting for some time we slept around 3 at night. We had kind of a sleepless night before (AirAsia is not comfortable to sleep ☹) so we were super tired. Still the two girls who are high on life wanted to experience more than sleeping, hence we planned to go to the nearby beach for sunrise. Alarm rang at 5am, we both looked at each other and went back to sleep. 😊

Day started at 7am, after getting ready and having a gorgeous breakfast (I stuffed myself with Fruits, best option for vegetarians) we started for river rafting. We had booked the Rafting package well in advance and the Driver was already at hotel lobby to pick us up on dot 8am.

The drive from Kuta to Ubud was long, so we cached on some sleep before entering scenic Ubud village. Ubud is the cultural center of Bali, you will see so many temples and fields around. The famous Bali silver work and the Bali Batik art work is done here mostly. We happened to witness a Balinese wedding happening in one of the temple, and their attires were extravagant and stunning. 

Once we reached near Ayung river, where we were going to do our much-awaited white water river rafting, we could see many agencies for rafting. On reaching our agency’s base camp, we were welcomed with some kiwi drink which was refreshing after such long drive. After filling the form and wearing our safety jacket and helmet we started the walk towards the starting point, which was climbing down 200 steps. Our instructor this time was Shakuni (If you know Hindu Mythology, I can see the grin on your face 😊) and now I was scared if we will come back from the rafting 😉 Along with us on boat was an Indian couple from Australia who were also on vacation in Bali.

Filled with enthusiasm we followed all the instructions which Shakuni a.k.a Dodo mentioned. Forward= front to back row movement, backward = back to front row movement, hold on= stop rowing and hold the boat sit tight, Jiga-jiga= Hump on your place don’t row. I had done river Rafting in Kali river a decade ago, but this was again a new experience and fun. 

River seemed to have less water and was not so deep, but the flow of water was fast. There were many ups and downs which was bringing the thrill of rafting. The banks of the river were scenic, it was not land but mountains covered with trees mostly. On our rafting journey we came across many waterfalls, and got down at few too. There was some beautiful carving which was done alongside the river on mountains which was breathtaking (looked like the mythological story depiction).

The whole rafting was for 2 hours with a break for 10-15 minutes. But it was so much fun that we didn’t realize how the 2 hours passed by. Alongside the river there are many locals selling coconut water and some snacks, do ask your instructor to stop by whenever you feel the need of refreshments. To sum up the river rafting was so much fun, I didn’t want it to end.

Once done we again climbed 300 steps to come up towards the base-camp. Quick tip, don’t wear flipflops or runners, where water sandals or stay barefoot. And do apply a lot of sunscreen, I was horribly tanned at the end of rafting even though I didn’t feel much of sun.

They had showers and changing room in base-camp which was basic but clean. We changed and got ready for our next stop. After having lunch (which was part of this package, and the only lunch in Bali which I really ate) we started for Bali Swing Park, which was just 5 mins away.

Bali Swing Park is an Instagram’s paradise, one of the hottest Instagram location, which we two gave in for 😝. All the people standing there in ques are waiting for one perfect shot in the surreal backdrop of clear sky and greenery. This place has many swings varying from 10 mt to 75 mt height, so fun for all range of adventure freaks. It also has many cute nests and a boat and a helicopter where people take pictures. The entry fee of $35 also includes unlimited beverages and Lunch buffet. But we were short on time, we didn’t eat or drink anything here except for a coffee at end. We two took lots and lots of pictures and videos and boomerang and kept ogling at them in amazement 😊 We saw so many Instagram enthusiast here, who have rented dressed to get a perfect shot as they have seen in their reference pics. Ladies had the reference Insta pic open, which they were showing to the photographer and were asking to make them look the same 😜

My personal favorite was the tallest swing, it was trilling. On the first push it felt as if I was thrown in the sky and will land somewhere in Jungle. I felt like I am really flying over the jungles. And after the first 3-4 seconds of shouting in excitement I was totally calm and was enjoying the wind and nature as a bird 😊 After taking tons of pictures and losing my favorite Blue shades (do be careful with your belongings all the time) we left Bali swing Park.

Due to lack of time we gave skip to Taman Ayun Temple and saw it only from outside. And our next stop was Tanah lot temple. Tanah lot is also a famous temple among tourists for seeing the sunset and its unique off shore setting makes it very pictures. It is the temple of sea god and believed to be protected by a big sea snake. By the time we reached here sun was about to set, so we quickly made our way to the temple. There was a park kind of setting along the seashore where please were sitting and enjoying the view and from there one can proceed to the temple gate. To our disappointment the temple was close that day due to high-tide as it was full moon day. We saw the temple from outside and took few pictures and then walked back to our car.

We wanted to end the day at much hyped beach club “Potato head”. Few friends who have visited this place before had very nice things to say about it. Almost an hour-long drive and we reached to this place. They have the Hotel and the beach club (which consists of 3 restaurants) in the same compound. The architecture of the club is unique and striking. Outside they have a dump art of torn flipflops which is interesting. And the whole passage from there till the restaurant has wooden window frames throughout the wall, fascinating again. We wanted to sit near the pool, but the poolside beds need to be pre-booked and is given on first come first serve basis, as we reached there by 8pm thus no poolside beds were available. 

We sat inside the restaurants and decided to go to the pool after eating something because we were starving. Later we took our drinks and went to the pool as poolside bar was closed after 9pm. Water temperature was perfect, and we spent good 1 hour or more enjoying the pool and the view of sea.

Around 11pm we left for our hotel, and like smart girls in Bali we booked cab via Go-jek and didn’t entertain the Taxis waiting outside as they don’t get ready to go by meter at night. Eventful day came to an end and next day we had few places to cover which we were really looking forward too.