Inspiration
Friends of ours that we work with had pointed us in the direction of beachtravellers.com. They raved about their experiences through the company and their trip to Thailand and all of the adventures they experienced. So I checked it out.
The duration of the vacation is 21 days. Booking through beachtravellers.com, the flight is included in the pricing. Departing from Toronto is an extra $265 added to the trip price. The total for 2 travellers is $6910.00. The costs for each day are approx. $20-30 ( depending on various activities, food, etc). To be on the safe side and to minimize ATM fees it would be wise to withdraw in increments and to carry 200-500 dollars to last 7 days. One Canadian dollar is equal to 8900 Indonesia, Rupah.
The trip includes 4 destinations in Bali. Our first destination is Kuta, then we travel to Ubud, Usa Lembongan, Gili Islands (Lombok) ending back in Kuta, Bali.
The first five days are in Kuta, Bali. Here we will learn about Balinese customs and way of life. We will experience majestic beaches, how to surf, how to fire dance and hopefully experience some night life. A significant part of the Bali culture is about spirit and meditation. Some of the best places for yoga and meditation are found here. Yoga in Bali is # 1 on my list of things to do first. "The Yoga Shack" is fully made of bamboo which allows air flow, located between two gardens in Lembongan. It runs classes from 9am-4pm.
I would also love to visit the Banjar Hot Springs. What a relaxing way to begin our dream vacation!
Day 6- 10: We travel to Ubud. This is a little town is located amongst the rice fields of Central Bali. This is where we have the chance to explore. There are art galleries (for my boyfriend; the creative type) and more spas (totally my thing). The gallery that was popular in my research was Museum Neka. The Monkey Forest was also a part of the trip, a lush forest full of monkeys. I also read about Elephant Camps. I cannot leave Ubud without riding a elephant.
Day 11-15: Nusa Lembongan. This is a small island southeast of Bali, a getaway from the hustle and bustle of South Bali. This place is well known for its surfing.This would be a once in a life –time experience. I would definitely not have the opportunity to do this in Ontario or the guts! Odysseys Surf School offers lessons for all levels, including beginners.
Day 16-20: Gili Islands. We travel by boat to the Gili Islands, a small set of islands off the coast of Lombok. Crystal blue waters with vibrant coral reef. Sounds gorgeous.
Here is where we will be professionally trained to scuba dive. The Gili Islands are well known as an inexpensive place to learn how to dive. This is also the place to see and swim with the green turtles. This island also has the 2nd highest mountain in Indonesia; Mount Rinjani, and it also has a volcano. Before the trek to the mountain, I also read suggestions to visit the waterfall; Tiu Kelep.
Day 21: We end where we began. Back in Kuta.
Sadly, this will be our last day in the paradise of Bali. Hopefully with lots learned and happy spirits.
Note: A lot of the reviews of places to see were found on tripadvisor.com. It was clear to see in the reviews that Bali was enjoyed by many.
* Research into the trip was based on beachtraveller.com, airfare details were not included (time of departure, exact prices etc. as it was included in the total price of the trip) *To book (on beachtravellers) separately without air-fare, the trip costs $2262.75 each person. (CAD funds)
*If you wanted to book air-fare separately Expedia Costs were:
As I continued to browse through the pictures and read the personal testimonials from previous 21 day trips to Bali, I knew this was the dream honeymoon for us. The Indonesian cuisine appealed to me. From satay to martabak the food sounds tasty! I LOVE trying new foods. The Balinese culture sounded incredibly unique; a combination of religion, spirituality, tradition and art. The people are said to have reached self-content and are very welcoming. Bali literally lured me in.
The Fine Details
The Fine Details
The time of year we would book would be in March 15-April 5. The reason for this being my birthday.The climate during this time of year in Bali averages around 85 degrees. Although this is considered the rainy period for Bali, it is unpredictable. Some days would rain all day and some just in the morning. Despite the rain, I find it would be a great excuse for a spa day. Readings reviews stated the Green Garden Spa was the spot to indulge. I have never been to a spa before, so I would love to experience it all. "The Royal Touch" costs $70 US which includes everything, massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, body wrap!. YES PLEASE
 |
| Main street in Kuta |
 |
| Mother Temple |
The Itinerary
Many activities are included in the trip:
-Volcano trek, Glass floor boat tour, Surf lessons, Traditional temple visits ( Bali is known as the "island of a thousand temples"), Waterfall trips, Monkey Forest excursion, White water rafting and much much more!
While there were activities included, there is also free time each day to plan your own activities.
While there were activities included, there is also free time each day to plan your own activities.
The trip includes 4 destinations in Bali. Our first destination is Kuta, then we travel to Ubud, Usa Lembongan, Gili Islands (Lombok) ending back in Kuta, Bali.
 |
| The Yoga Shack |
The first five days are in Kuta, Bali. Here we will learn about Balinese customs and way of life. We will experience majestic beaches, how to surf, how to fire dance and hopefully experience some night life. A significant part of the Bali culture is about spirit and meditation. Some of the best places for yoga and meditation are found here. Yoga in Bali is # 1 on my list of things to do first. "The Yoga Shack" is fully made of bamboo which allows air flow, located between two gardens in Lembongan. It runs classes from 9am-4pm. I would also love to visit the Banjar Hot Springs. What a relaxing way to begin our dream vacation!
Day 6- 10: We travel to Ubud. This is a little town is located amongst the rice fields of Central Bali. This is where we have the chance to explore. There are art galleries (for my boyfriend; the creative type) and more spas (totally my thing). The gallery that was popular in my research was Museum Neka. The Monkey Forest was also a part of the trip, a lush forest full of monkeys. I also read about Elephant Camps. I cannot leave Ubud without riding a elephant.
  |
| Elephant Camp |
Day 16-20: Gili Islands. We travel by boat to the Gili Islands, a small set of islands off the coast of Lombok. Crystal blue waters with vibrant coral reef. Sounds gorgeous.
 |
| Mount Rinjani |
Day 21: We end where we began. Back in Kuta.
 |
| Shopping Centre of Kuta |
Sadly, this will be our last day in the paradise of Bali. Hopefully with lots learned and happy spirits.
Note: A lot of the reviews of places to see were found on tripadvisor.com. It was clear to see in the reviews that Bali was enjoyed by many.
* Research into the trip was based on beachtraveller.com, airfare details were not included (time of departure, exact prices etc. as it was included in the total price of the trip) *To book (on beachtravellers) separately without air-fare, the trip costs $2262.75 each person. (CAD funds)
*If you wanted to book air-fare separately Expedia Costs were:
Trip Summary
Toronto to Denpasar
Fri 15/Mar/2013 - Fri 5/Apr/2013
Fri 15/Mar/2013 - Fri 5/Apr/2013
Departure: Arrives on March 16, 2013
Return: Arrives on April 6, 2013
2 Tickets: Return
Traveller 1: AdultC$2,414.26
Traveller 2: AdultC$2,414.26
- Total: C$4,828.52
- All prices quoted in Canadian dollars
