Healing trip to Bali

Back in July, I had a block of annual leave. I wasn't sure what I was going to do, and where I wanted to go but I knew I wanted to be somewhere. All I had in mind was, "somewhere I could breathe".

Bali was the place of choice, which I decided on the very day itself. Plane ticket, accommodation and all. It was the first time I did something so crazy, and while it was all kinda impromptu, I had a grand reason as to why it had to be on that particular date and that particular flight. I think I didn't sleep that night because I stayed up all night just preparing, and packing, and praying to God that everything will go according to plan. 

There were many hiccups along the way, to be honest, like I made it to the airport when the check-in counter were already closed and there were no empty seats when I checked, but the staff were such sweethearts and I made it for the flight thanks to them, with one of the last seats left. My adrenaline was running high, and I was so nervous but it became so surreal to me that I'm really going to Bali when I was making my way to the gate. I remember thinking, "I can't believe I'm doing this" but I'm so glad I did. 

Have you ever been in a situation where you know you want to do something special for someone but you don't know if it's something plausible? You know it's a little crazy to attempt, and realistically, you shouldn't, but something inside you just keeps telling you, "just do it, and regret later." 

I knew I wanted to surprise someone on that flight to Bali, so what I had in my carry-on bag were everything that I've prepared that were meant for that particular someone. And as much as my rational brain tells me no, a whole other side of me believes that it will be okay at the end of the day. I sacrificed sleep and my sanity that night just to make it for this flight, hence the eye bags. 

Alhamdulillah, the surprise was worthwhile at the end of the day. The most amazing thing was, it was intended to be a surprise but somehow I was the one who was surprised instead because I was presented a little Panda to keep me company throughout my trip. 

"How did you know I was going to be on your flight?"

"I just had a feeling you might be. And I'm glad you were, because I brought Cik Panda with me. Otherwise, I will have to lug this big Panda back home, haha." 

I arrived in Bali without my checked-in luggage because it didn't make it onboard with me, for some reason. The staff at the baggage counter told me that it will arrive in the next flight, and they will have it sent to my villa the next day. I understood that these things happen, just that everything I needed was in my checked-in bag. It's a little unfortunate, but it wasn't anyone's fault so I just counted my blessings and were happy that at least I arrived here safely and all important documents, money and credit cards are on my person. I still can survive with what I have. So I wasn't too worried.

By the time I made it to the villa, I forgot everything that I was feeling at that point. I was just so happy to be breathing a different air, and it's a choice that I made for myself. I will never forget the hospitable service I've received from the staff in this villa, they have made the experience extra special. I'm so thankful for them, and were so well taken care of during the duration of the days I was there. 

The villa is called Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort. I know I could've booked a cheaper villa via AirBnb but I insisted on this, because it checked everything that I had in mind- An ocean view, a private pool, a jacuzzi, a bath tub, away from the city and close to a beach. I wanted it to be like waking up to paradise, and it was nothing short of that. It was breathtaking, in every sense of the word.

This was the first meal I had in Bali upon arrival. I was starving, and tired from the flight so I just decided to order room service since it's a little late to travel on my own and the villa was a little out of the way. I just wanted to settle down with a nice meal, and watch some tv before it's time to call it a day and rest for the night. 

Of course I ordered Nasi Goreng, and it was great! The service staff asked me where I'd like to have my meal and I said, "Here, right in front of the tv" even though there was a proper dining table. Haha. And he gladly laid out my meal right there. We had a little chat, and he was so nice and courteous. 

Woke up to this view the next day, with Cik Panda. The morning breeze was otherworldly, and I took the opportunity to open the connecting door to the private pool to breathe a little fresh air. It's the calmest I've felt in a long time.

I called the hotel that morning to make reservations for dinner that evening, because the Jumana restaurant has quite a reputation when I was searching for a nice place to dine, according to Google. I was quite surprised because it's situated right where I was staying so I had to give it a try. 

To my surprise, it truly was the most beautiful place to enjoy a nice sunset BBQ dinner. I was so pleasantly surprised by the amazing view of Melasti Beach and how windy it was, which absolutely enhances the whole vacation vibes. 

The best thing was that, the food did not disappoint and the service rendered was once again so pleasant, and I will never forget how thankful I am for that joyful lady who were so attentive throughout the whole evening. It truly was one of the best meals I've had in my life, the view was everything.

heureux trente-cinquième.

The next day was all about exploring Canggu. This is my second time in Bali, but there's a lot of things I haven't done before so exploring Canggu was new to me. It was about 45 minutes away from Ungasan, Uluwatu area and traffic made the journey a lot longer than it was supposed to be. All is fine after a bit of lunch, which was at Warung Bumi, which is such a great place to start the day with good Balinese food. 

I was excited to see what Love Anchor was all about, and wanted to find nice, cheap souvenirs there but it's honestly just an overhyped hipster market. It's still a pretty place to look at, though there isn't much to find. Still, it was something to check off the list of things to do in Bali so I was glad to be there in person to check out what it's all about.

There was a beach in the vicinity, just a walking distance away from Love Anchor market, and that was the next destination. The beach was called Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu. To me, it was the highlight of the day because I particularly enjoyed the live band, they played amazing songs and sounded great as well. Time seemed to fly by so quickly and soon, the sun was setting. 

The sunset was incredible. I live for moments like these. It makes me feel so thankful to be alive. I think sunsets are one of my favourite things in the world. And I love the sunsets in Bali, it's on another level. 

Alhamdulillah for beautiful moments like this.

Hello buddy.

Bali has a lot of wonderful cafes all around, and Kynd Community was one of the places that I knew I definitely had to check out. I'm absolutely in love with how pink the whole aesthetics were and their acai bowls were famous so I had to try it out. 

I can see why it's hyped up, everything about this cafe is so aesthetically pleasing. The acai bowl wasn't just pretty to look at, it tasted amazing as well. I added an extra peanut butter topping because I love my acai bowls with a touch of peanut butter. I must say that their milkshares are an honourable mention too, so good! 

Day 4 of Bali was more about taking it slow, and finally going for a massage. I've seen this place on Tiktok and had a hard time finding the exact location because that Tiktoker absolutely wanted to gatekeep this place. I even went to the extent of DM-ing him on Instagram, but was ignored, of course. Haha. After doing a little bit of research myself, I managed to find the location. 

This place is called Senses Spa, and it's located in La Joya Resort. 

It has that Oneeighty Day Club feels, which is also a trending location in Bali. It's definitely in one of my must go-to places the next time I come back here. 

I was so in awe of the idea of getting a massage, with the sound of the sea breeze and feeling the wind on my skin. So I messaged the spa when I arrived in Bali, and asked if they had a slot during the time I was here. Thankfully, they did! They also sent me the price list of the services they had, and honestly, their prices were worthwhile and very reasonable for the kind of quality they offer.

And again, THAT view.

This is how the massage room looks like. It's in these little huts, and you get to enjoy the sea breeze while getting your body massaged by these polite Balinese masseurs. (Please always remember to tip generously, they honestly deserve it for the kind of service rendered.) My masseur was so sweet, I've been struggling with eczema on my legs lately and she was kind enough to firstly, not judge my skin, and secondly, to offer some advice of what kind of food to eat, and what to avoid because her son has eczema too.

This is some really good iced latte from the poolside bar.

Found another quaint little warung for lunch that day, and I particularly enjoyed the fact that all these were less than SGD 10? And it was so filling and the portions were generous. I remember the smiles from the owner of the warung, and how she was multi-tasking between taking care of the shop, while taking care of her young children at the back too. 

Ending the day with another episode of sunset watching at Melasti Beach, which is the nearest beach to the villa I stayed in, but only managed to visit it on the second last day.

So happy that I secured a subload ticket on a full flight back to Singapore, even though I booked it at the very last minute. Bali has been fun. And I'm slowly learning how to be okay with travelling on my own, and doing things for the sake of my happiness and mental health. Although I probably wouldn't do something this impromptu anytime soon, I do want to have more trips whenever I can find the time. 

The sunsets, the views, and all the memories that I have that are only mine to keep and not to be shared, I want to remember all these forever. Bali has been good to my soul, and it was so special. And here's to many more days like these.

Love, 

Ashhy