Can I start by being honest here? I think monkeys are the most unpredictable animal on the planet, and should not be trusted. I am slightly scared scared of them (don’t be fooled by the cover photo above), but that doesn’t usually deter me from visiting a place that has monkeys. Is it okay to be scared and fascinated at the same time…especially of a creature that won’t likely harm me? We had previously visited Monkey Forest, Ubud back in 2012, and couldn’t help but "walking down memory lane" with a revisit last summer. There’s something magical about Monkey Forest, and it keeps drawing me back, despite the fear I have with its main attraction. Magic I tell you. The particular day we re-visited was in late June, and at the height of ... Read More
Glamping Bali with Sandat Tents
If I had to put one thing, and one thing only, on a bucket list for Bali, Indonesia, it would *hands down* be to go glamping again. Yes, you heard me right, glamping in Bali! There is literally nothing finer in life than staying in one of Southeast Asia’s most luxurious tents. Let me tell you, for all those who have sworn off camping altogether: give glamping a go and I promise you’ll change your mind. Like most travelers researching all the tips, tricks, places, views, eats, etc for "the island of the gods," glamping in Bali wasn’t top of my list, or even at all for that matter, because I had no idea it even existed. As I searched for the less ordinary, more unique lodgings for our most recent trip to Bali, I stumbled upon Sandat ... Read More
Bali Cooking Class
I've always wanted to join a cooking class. You'd think after visiting 20-something countries including Italy, Thailand, and Japan, we would have snuck a few in there, but alas, we failed to (shame). Because of this, we made it a point to schedule in a cooking class during our time in Bali, and for $27 USD we couldn't pass one up. Derik and I spent 30 days in Indonesian paradise last July, and found ourselves gravitating to Ubud on the days we didn't have anything planned. I'm not sure if it was the cheap villas, the cultural experience, or the mind-blowing food, but Ubud was love at first sight in 2012, and better yet in 2015. After reading a few reviews online, and our good friend Melanie (who, crazy enough, was on our tour through New ... Read More
Revisiting the Grand Mirage
One of the most unique things Derik and I have experienced in our travels, was the opportunity to revisit a place we absolutely loved a few years prior. As we were making plans to leave New Zealand last year and looking forward to our travels through Bali, Singapore, and Europe, Grand Mirage All-Inclusive Resort invited us to stay a few days while we were visiting Bali. We had an amazing time at the Grand Mirage in 2012 (how's that for a dated post), and wouldn't dream of declining such a wonderful and welcome invite! The Grand Mirage recently had undergone some management changes, and I was curious how those changes effected our stay, and if we would even notice the difference. Thankfully for us, it was just as we remembered, and we ... Read More
A Romantic Stay at The Gangsa Private Villas
Relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of life, is sometimes the best gift you can give yourself. Add a little romance and significant other to that equation and you have the perfect couples' getaway. There's nothing more refreshing than a few days relaxing in a private villa…just you, your loved one, the sun and a fruity drink or two. The Gangsa Private Villas Review The Gangsa is one of three private villa resorts owned by Kayumanis, a team of professionals committed to offering some of the most sought after villa retreats in Bali — which I can attest to being true the second we stepped into The Gangsa's grounds. Although the area of Sanur doesn't exactly scream luxury, Kayumanis has done a fantastic job creating an oasis out ... Read More
A Luxurious Getaway at Samabe
Derik and I absolutely adore Bali. We visited way back in August of 2012 (where has the time gone?!?), and knew from the second we boarded the plane back home that we were going to return. Luckily for us, after we decided to leave New Zealand, a few marketing opportunities came up in Bali, and it became the perfect 30-day stopover before heading up to Europe. After initially landing in Bali, we needed a place to relax and unwind from the stress of moving, and Samabe , a Bali all inclusive resort turned out to be exactly what the doctor ordered. Samabe Bali Suites and Villas Review I remember initially looking at Samabe's website and thinking, "Are you kidding me? This place is absolute paradise!" It's new, it's clean, it's private…and ... Read More
[Bali] the ubud experience
On one of our last days in Bali we decided to take the couple hour trip up to Ubud...the cultural center of the island. In Ubud a person could find fine arts, scenery, temples, and shopping... all good. We hired a taxi driver for the day, who ended up being this pretty rad guy who drives people around for a living. What blew my mind was that he only charged $50 dollars a day...and we had him from 8am-7pm. It's crazy to think that $50 dollars a day can provide for his family of a wife and three children as well as himself. He was very gracious and went everywhere we wanted, even offering suggestions. The first place on our list to visit was the Bali Zoo. We had heard that the zoo offered special 'animal encounters' and thought it would be ... Read More
[Bali] late night cruisin’
Wednesday night, after our lovely and adventurous 'water day,' we headed out yet again on the ocean. This time in style, on a banana yellow yacht. The day was perfect: not to hot,not to cold. To make it even better, we met up with Harriet (my good friend that teaches in South Africa with me here in Korea...well for 5 more days. :( ) and her bestie Engela and they joined us on the cruise! Overall, we had a blast on the cruise. Probably because 80% of it was joking and laughing with our friends. To be honest, I dont think we'd do it again if we go back to Bali, but it was a fun thing to do once! ... Read More
[Bali] water adventure day
On the Wednesday of our vacation we had booked a steal-of-a-deal online for a water adventure day. According to what the online brochure said, we'd be jet-skiing, banana boating, fly fishing (no it's a ride, not actual fishing), snorkeling, making a trip to turtle island, and of course, the most exciting adventure of all...parasailing. We woke up bright and early on Wednesday and headed down the beach to begin our adventure. When we arrived, we were greeted by a young man just waking up from sleeping in a bed of lifejackets (what?!). We must have come even before they were open, so we sat around and watched them prepare for the day. The plus side to being the first ones there is that we got to do everything first! No lines, no other ... Read More