The Allure of Bali
My journey to Bali began long before I met Sami whilst I was living in Malaysia. I was in Malaysia for about 10 years of my adult life, enjoying the strategic location where i could take one flight away and arrive in some exotic locations of Asia. Just a short 3.5-hour flight away, Bali became my haven, its allure irresistible and drawing me back time and time again. Bali was always my go-to destination for quick-fix or just a refresher weekend. Check out amazing flight deals here
Arrival and Pampering Session
Every trip started with a thrill of excitement as the plane touched down. Bali’s warm, fragrant air always greeted me like an old friend. My routine—a delightful mix of indulgence and exploration—became a cherished ritual. The first day was dedicated to pampering myself with two body massages and a luxurious Lulur (scrub) session, followed by foot reflexology and a rejuvenating hair creambath treatment. I’d cap the day with a vibrant party session, either at a club at night or a popular day-club. The island’s rhythm was intoxicating, leaving me feeling reborn and ready to dive back into work with renewed vigor.
Exploring My Sanctuary
Each visit was a new adventure. I’d explore different areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian, always seeking the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. The Hard Rock Hotel Kuta or Courtyard by Marriott Seminyak, became one of my go-to spot. Their vibrant atmosphere and convenient location make every stay enjoyable. I’d usually kick off my trip with a full body massage session with Lulur – a traditional Indonesian body scrub, and indulge in another session of massage later before i left.
The Heavenly Rituals of Creambath - Traditional Indonesian Hair Spa
One of my favorite rituals was the creambath—a heavenly hair treatment. I’d indulge in the avocado cream treatment, paired with a relaxing hand and foot massage, and a manicure and pedicure. This ritual left me feeling completely refreshed, and I always scheduled it the day before my flight, ensuring I returned with a stylish hairdo and perfectly manicured nails.
Culinary Adventures
Food in Bali was an adventure in itself. The first bite of Ayam Tulang Lunak from Malioboro Tulang Lunak was unforgettable. It was the only place where the chicken bones were as soft as the meat. Over time, I discovered more eateries offering this delicacy. Being a lover of spicy food, another favorite was Ayam Penyet with spicy sambal from the roadside stalls. These dishes satisfied my cravings, though I quickly learned to avoid drinks with ice. Alpukat Coklat, a refreshing blend of avocado and chocolate sauce, which i’d have with my meals, and, another favorite of mine is the Wedang Ronde, a unique ginger tea with mochi, nuts, and bread pieces, which was my go-to drink for my nightcap. It is one of the most unique drink ever!
Day Clubs and Nightlife
Day clubs like Finns and Potato Head were perfect for basking in the sun and soaking up the island’s vibrant atmosphere with contemporary music. Although some places like Omnia had closed down, the magic of Bali’s day clubs remained. When night fell, my favorite spot was Mexicola in Seminyak. Any day of the week, it was alive with energy, and I loved dancing the night away to the greatest songs of all time from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.
Navigating the Island
Despite traveling solo, I rarely rented a scooter. Instead, I chose to stay in bustling areas where everything was within reach. If there really was a need, i’d just call a Gojek. My fluency in Indonesian made navigating the island easy and enjoyable.
The Bali Sanctuary
Bali wasn’t just a destination; it was a home away from home for me, a real sanctuary. Every visit of mine is filled with relaxation, culinary delights, and cultural discoveries. Whether seeking serene spa treatments, flavorful local cuisine, or simply a place to unwind, Bali offered it all. The island’s charm rejuvenated my senses, leaving me with cherished memories and an experience I’ll never forget.