Things I did in Bali

I am currently reliving my trip to Bali in 2015 by writing a story of two lonely Australians who meet on their solo Balinese adventure. Bali is a popular destination especially for Australian's because it is close and 'so cheap'. I was never interested in going for the cheap beer and nightlife though - not my thing. So when Townsville started direct flights in 2015, I wasn't keen. Until I actually looked at what was in Bali and realised it was a lot more than beach and beer!

So here is my top 5 Bali experiences.

1. Elephant Safari - Taro

This was the most beautiful park I've ever been to. It is lush, tropical and green. Simply breathtaking. And there are beautiful Sumatran elephants! These playful creatures give cuddles with their trunks, take you for a ride through the jungle, and also have various circus talents. You can stay at the park, which I think would be gorgeous, but a day trip includes a delicious buffet lunch and plenty of time to enjoy yourself. The gift shop is amazing.

In my novel, Mia has booked this tour and Aiden asks if he can join her. They have a great time cuddling elephants and enjoying the talent show.

2. Devdan Treasure of the Archipelago 

I love the theatre. I've been to Broadway, West End, and Las Vegas, but this dance show is the most sensational stage performance I have ever seen. The dancers are amazingly talented, there's a bit of magic and acrobatics, but the choreography is unlike anything I have ever seen. If you love dance shows, this one cannot be missed! I'd honestly go back to Bali just to see this show.

I wasn't going to have Mia and Aiden see it...but then I changed my mind. How could I not when it's the best show I've ever seen?

3. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

This was my biggest selling point for visiting Bali - trekking to the top of a volcano! And I love volcanoes. I wasn't too keen on the time of it. The driver picked me up from Kuta at 2 a.m. for the two hour drive to the base of the mountain. Then there was a two hour hike to the top, which became more strenuous the closer we got to the top. I swear the guide basically dragged me, and I'm a fit person! But it is one hundred percent worth it when you get to the top. I'm glad I did it in summer because it was quite cool up there. And I got to see a real volcano crater! The header on my homepage is an image of the sunrise from atop Mount Batur.

Mia and Aiden meet the morning they happen to be on this tour together and enjoy the day getting to know each other as they complete the trek, relax in the hot springs, and visit a coffee plantation.

4. Dolphin Interaction

This is something I signed up for while I was in Bali because who wouldn't want to go hug a dolphin? We were taken to a pontoon out in the ocean where we got to sit in the water to interact with the dolphins. We got hugs and kisses and then they showed off with jumps and flips. Afterwards, we got to see some other creatures. There was a pool with stingrays that was almost open at the time I visited and we were allowed to get in with them too. Everyone refused...except me and two fellow Aussies! Does that say something? I mean, they'd had their barbs removed. But they sure were slimy!

Mia and Aiden will do this towards the end of their trip, and it'll be Mia's first dip in the ocean for a very long time. She needs to face her fears, after all.

5. Spa Treatments

If there is one thing worth being cheap, it is a spa treatment! I had two in Bali - one at a five star resort with a yoga session which was simply amazing. I had a foot spa and a beautiful jade stone massage. I gave that woman a huge tip. Then I did the spa airport departure too where I had a red wine bath with rose petals. When you do a conversion, spa treatments are about half the price they are in Australia.

Mia will do both of these. She'll need a relaxing massage and a red wine bath to make her feel better as she leaves Aiden behind in Bali...