Billy Law’s Bali

Eat, Play, Love in Bali

I blame old age. I get agitated by humans when I’m in crowded places. Yes, humans! And my tolerance level is getting shorter every day and That’s why I’ve never had the urge to go to Bali.

All the travel stories I’ve heard about Kuta Beach, a popular spot among the international backpackers, describe a congested and rowdy place. But after much cajoling from my better half, who is headed to Bali for a work conference, I (along with my future 87 year old mother-in-law) finally brave Bali for the first time, hoping to find my own inner-peace on this spiritual island.

With a population of 4.22 million and approximately seven humans every square meter (in comparison Sydney has about 3.8/m2, ), this “dens-city” doesn’t leave much room to swing a cat.

Having said that, there’s still plenty of peace and quiet that can be found.

Juxtaposition between Two Islands

We choose to spend our first few nights at the more family-friendly corner of Bali – Nusa Dua (meaning two islands) is only 15 minutes drive from Denpasar airport. Nusa Dua is an enclave of exclusive international 5-star resorts sprawled along the pristine Geger Beach. There aren’t many waves for the surf riders, which makes Geger Beach an idyllic spot for swimming, kayaking and relaxing on the sunbed lounge with a cocktail.

If budget allows, one can seriously go all out for the ultimate luxurious indulgence at The Mulia. This newly built resort was voted as one of the best new hotels in the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Hot List Hotel. Our Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa isn’t too shabby either; this iconic 30-year-old hotel is rich in Balinese architectural traditions at every corner you turn; from the grand Candi Bentar (traditional split gate) at the entrance of the hotel to the Balinese style amphitheatre within the complex.

Since my better half is spending time with the conference group during the first leg of our trip, I’m left to hang out with my future-mother-in-law at the hotel. That can be easily mistaken by curious eyes as “the young-ish Asian toy-boy with the older Caucasian lady”. I don’t blame them as we get to do some cool stuff together – like kicking off our shoes and dipping our toes in soft sand while enjoying a candle-lit dinner by the beach with a mesmerising sunset as our backdrop. We also get to witness a highly choreographed Balinese Kecak Dance accompanied by a scrumptious buffet dinner at the Budaya Cultural Theatre inside the hotel, which saves us a trip to Uluwatu Temple to watch it.