The one problem with people asking me about Bali? Putting it into words. When I sat down to write this, I knew I was going to have to come up with more than just “wow”. When Philippine Airlines and the Balinese Tourist Board invited me out to Bali and the Gili Islands, I jumped at the chance. I’d heard many good things, but I had no idea what kind of paradise I was in for. Despite it being mid-season when there’s a tendency for it to rain, we didn’t see a single drop. I got 8 nights of bliss. Here’s how it went.
I was travelling with some other UK travel agents, so we all met at Heathrow Airport for our flight out. We landed quite late (about 10 p.m.), but the prompt minibus transfer to our hotel was a sign of things to come- the service here is impeccable. Nusa Dua is the South Balinese peninsula known for its dazzling beaches, lush rainforests and luxury hotels. We stayed in the Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa- definitely what it says on the tin.
The Laguna sits right on Nusa Dua beach overlooking the Java Sea. Inside, it’s marbles, Balinese woods and contemporary chic. Outside, it’s landscaped gardens, 7 pools (lagoon, saltwater, sand-floored and kiddie), plus the stand-out feature- the beach.
It was total paradise. White sands, blue waters, sunbeds and intimate thatched or cabana loungers. Even the bar overlooks the lagoon. The agenda was 100% R&R, although we did go into the Bali Collection, which is basically your downtown. A lovely selection of shops, bars, restaurants and al fresco terraces. The whole of Nusa Dua is a gated community, you won’t find any rowdiness and the security checks are really tight.
I could’ve stayed in Nusa Dua forever, but after 2 nights, it was onto even more beauty. Our private minibus to Ubud took about 45 minutes. Whoever had the idea to build a hotel with 2 infinity pools overlooking a rainforest was onto something.
Ubud is the jungle-set region where Julia Roberts filmed Eat, Pray, Love. You’re wrapped by lush rainforests and rice paddies here. Sunset rays shine through the Talah Lot Temple which feels like something out of a movie. This iconic pilgrimage site used to be land-based. Corrosion isn’t always a good thing, but something about the island setting, pouring light and an immense sense of stillness does make it feel quite spiritual. Ubud’s temples are world-famous, including the Royal Family Temple of Taman Ayun.
A few words on the Maya Ubud Resort & Spa. Overlooking lush rainforests and completely serene, this hotel is perfection for couples, families or solo travellers looking for top-class everything (in the world’s most beautiful setting). This resort is set in 24 acres of riverside jungle, the villas have private plunge pools and there’s free yoga and rice-field treks. Ubud Palace is 10 minutes by car, as is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which we visited. It was adorable to see baby monkeys here, although they are cheeky. One of them grabbed someone’s paper bag (with her bikini in it) and just ran off with it! The forest also has a beautiful temple towards the exit.
Some of my group chose a cycling trip, but I was too tempted by the poolside lounging. I did, however, brave the Plataran jungle trek. Definitely a “trek”, but with so much wildlife and nature, it was so worth it. In the evening, we went into Ubud town centre for some cocktails and dinner. There’s loads of choice along the main strip and if you’re there in the day, tons of local crafts, textiles and markets. There’s also the beautifully carved Goa Gajah “Elephant Cave” and the hilltop Blanco Renaissance Museum.
We reached Lombok Island by ferry speedboat- get the top deck if you can. Our first destination was the western region of Senggigi, known for its beaches, sweeping views and lively town centre.
Our hotel was right on Mangsit Beach with Mount Agung as the backdrop. It was really stunning. I wound up having a villa with a private pool all to myself, so no complaints there. The area has lovely shrines, but our itinerary took us on an incredible bamboo rainforest trek to open waterfalls. Local village women were our guides, and I’ve got to say, they’ve got more stamina than any man I’ve ever met! I got an insight into Sasak village life, plus a cracking night in the town’s Happy Cafe. From lounging poolside overlooking the sea to the Michael Jackson and George Michael acts in the evening, this was a really fabulous few days. Like everywhere, the fish and seafood were fresh, there’s everything from steak to pasta, and you’ll never have a disappointing meal.
Lombok is also home to Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and stunning craters, plus it’s the gateway to the idyllic Gili Islands, which was our next stop.
The Gili Islands are a triplet set of isles just off the coast of Lombok. We visited the smallest first (Gili Meno), then the largest (Gili T). These islands are a literal piece of heaven. Think powder-sand beaches, lapping waters, thatched beach shacks and a little something for everyone. Coral reefs here are beautiful, there are turtles and the snorkelling is brilliant.
Gili Meno is super laid-back and ideal for couples or families- it’s actually nicknamed “The Honeymoon Island”. Public transport in Gili is horse and cart only, so you really get that removed feel. Bear in mind though that there’s a big difference between Gili Meno and the party-centric Gili T. I still enjoyed Gili T, but it’s got more of a backpacker vibe. You’ll find fun stuff like beach-screened movies and open cooking station restaurants, but Gili T is definitely less secluded. Unless you’re on T to party, you go to the Gili Islands to switch off (which is precisely what I did). The sun, sea and sand wasn’t quite as stunning as Nusa Dua, but I was sad to leave, overall.
I’d sum Bali up as amazing. The people were some of the kindest and friendliest I’ve ever met and the beaches were some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Whether it was jungle-facing pools, bamboo trekking or those sunset-bathed temples, everything about Bali and the Gili Islands was breathtaking. You can check out our Lombok, Gilli Islands and Beach Holiday featured on our which is a similar itinerary to what I did, or check out our recommended Bali Multi Centre Holidays for more ideas.. or give me a call.
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
Greek island hopping sorted to perfection. Anna listened to everything I wanted and came up with a detailed plan which exceeded all my expectations. Every island on my to do list and with a choice of hotels. Thank you Anna.
We’ve recently booked a multi-centre holiday to Croatia for later this year through eShores and in particular Hannah. Hannah has been extremely helpful, very approachable, prompt with communications and very informative as regards choices and suggestions for places to stay. We’ve bee extremely happy with the service provided by Hannah and eShores and are very…
Flawless communication with Chris. He’s really easy to talk to, his listening skills are incredible. He delivered the holiday I wanted within a few hours.
Contacted eShores after finding them on internet. Emily was very helpful and knowledgeable. She prepared a schedule and called back with the details and alternatives. Very friendly and professional service; if the holiday is half as good we will be delighted.
Everyone I have spoken to at eShores has been really friendly and helpful. Chris was very knowledgable, gave good advice and put together an itinerary that suits us perfectly and at a great price! The booking and payment system has been really easy so far.
All great
This is my first holiday booking experience with EShores and I can only say that the service from Emma, has been exemplary. From my first enquiry to the booking of our next holiday it has been handled professionally and the email responses are answered very quickly. There have been a number of doubts about our…
Our consultant Megan took into account all of our requirements and budget. She took time to find the best hotels for us and checked out transport links. Overall very good service
Very helpful although I was very indecisive will definitely book with e shore again
Thank you to the wonderful Anna at EShores for assisting in us booking a marvellous trip to South America.
Very helpful team. Sorted our holiday without any problems.
Best service
I have been booking holidays with Chris Eaves for quite a few years. He is always very professional and has great knowledge. His advice has proven invaluable many times and he has an uncanny ability to find flights that others can’t find. I would wholeheartedly recommend both Chris as an individual and his company that…
My experience with Eshores was excellent, from initial email with ideas to quick phone call to ask follow up questions on what we required, the quotation was sent through within 48 hours. It was full of information on flights trains and hotels with links. One more quick phone call and it was all explained and…
This is the 4th holiday booked with Emma . As always very efficient patient and knowledgeable - getting the holiday to fit our needs and budget ! This year Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand - fabulous ! Looking forward to Barbados and St Lucia next yr !
Anna, was extremely patient with me as I had to get things in order here before finally deciding when we were going and how how long. Also adaptable in terms of the changes we made. Now it's finally paid for we are looking forward to our Vietnamese trip.
Excellent service from eShores and Kelly in particular. She listended to what we wanted and delivered. It took the stress out of a complicated plan and we highly recommend them.
Fifth time of using Eshores. Never been let down when not travelling to just one destination it is very comforting to know everthing is in hand. Wont use anyone else
Michelle, who was our consultant was very attentive very thorough and gave us a number of options to look at. I feel confident that this trip of a lifetime will go to plan. Michelle consistently came back to us with updates as when required and she did what she said she was going to do.…
The lady was really helpful and informative. She responded to our enquiry very quickly and provided us with a detailed quotation, including everything we asked for.
Go back