Sweet and Spicy Adventures: Indonesia (specifically Bali and the Gili Islands)

Posted by: Katie

Travel time: August 2010

THE TOP FOUR RECOMMENDATIONS by me FOR THE ADVENTUROUS GUY & THIER MORE LAID BACK GAL IN BALI AND THE GILI ISLANDS ARE:

1. The Coconut Hummingbird on Balangan Beach to stay for at least three nights.

View Larger Map- Balagnan is at Point "A"

Highlights:
Intermediate surf break at Balangan Beach within eyesight of the property PERFECT FOR YOUR ACTIVE MAN! -

High Tide Day- View from Coconut Hummingbird

Low Tide Evening

Stunning Balinese designed open-aired huts with a Zen touch ///////////////////

Arrive at night time to be stunned at the beauty of Tiki torches lining the property, and lanterns lighting the interior of the circular thatched huts.

On arrival, they offered to cook us dinner, accompanied by a complimentary Balinese Cocktail.
This is the yard that belongs to your hut- very private.

Tiki Lighting

Gas Lanterns add the warming and peaceful touch near the bamboo shower.

While Tim was surfing, I ran along the beach, stretched, tanned, read, soaked in the sea, and drank some banana smoothies up at the Coconut Banana. And of course - cheered on the little local tike!

See video at end of this page that shows Tim surfing here.

2. Bali's Cultural Center, Ubud for a massage and body scrub.

This is a must. $15 dollars will get you a hour and fifteen minute body scrub and massage that is going to probably be the best one you've ever had. Tim and I got a couples package at a Salon/Spa just off of Monkey Forest Road, near the temple/football pitch. It's down a side street about 50 meters. Just look for the signs out on the main road pointing down the road that list spa/salon services. (Sorry, bad blogging when you misplace the business card for the business, but alas I've marked the spot on the map! ) Been here on both trips, and it's the best i've ever had.

View Katie's Recommended Spa in a larger map

3. Take a boat from Bali to the Gili Islands.

http://www.gilicat.com/

We took the fast boat with Gili Cat (I have also taken the "ferry" over which is great too - much cheaper although 4X the time to get there) to Gili Meno for the first couple of nights and stayed at the Sunset Gecko. Eco-friendly resort, and the best property on any of the three islands. Book ahead as there isn't much space. $45 dollars gets you this front hut with balcony to sea.

http://www.thesunsetgecko.com/

This spot enables you to access some of the best snorkeling ever. Right out your front door.

4. Three day Free Diving Course on Gili Trawangan for the man and a stellar Champagne and Lobster dinner on the white sand beach at Scallywags.

Head over to the bigger island of Trawangan (3 min boat ride) and treat yourselves to the best table setting in the world.

Manta Dive offers a Free Diving Course which will thrill any adventurer. Tim took a three day course for $185 dollars. See video below for more information.