Seminyak Beach - patterns made by tiny beach crabs.
Rice paddy opposite Seminyak Square shopping centre.
I've been rather busy over the festive season and have been planning out my posts on the incredible Balinese Bithday I recently experienced. I've never been to Bali before and there are always so many expectations before you visit highly frequented tourist spots - everyone you meet is telling you about where to go, what to do and what NOT to do.
What I noticed when stepping off the plane? Bali smells like frangipanis. The pungent aroma follows you around, from your hotel to the streets. It lingers on your clothes and on your skin.
My first impressions of Bali were the mix of urban space, rainforest and of locals and tourists whizzing around on motorbikes. The image of an Australian surfer with tanned, leathery skin with his surfboard strapped to the side of his motorbike is firmly imprinted in my mind.
We chose to stay in Seminyak which is a beautiful area of Bali, far removed from the overtly touristy Kuta yet also a bit more "upmarket" with its boutique shops and cluster of beachside resorts.
On the first day we walked the streets of Seminyak, saying hello to street dogs and feeling the humidity tighten our chests. It was just a little hard to breathe after walking all the way from Softel Seminyak to Seminyak Square!
We did make it to the very popular chic beachside bar
Ku De Ta. Upon entering Ku De Ta my plastic bag was removed - I'm hoping for security reasons but it perhaps also didn't go with the decor.
Style & Ambience: A massive tree out the front is lit with colourful lanterns. Upon walking up the steps into KDT, the interiors are dark and woody and opens out to the large courtyard framed by palm trees and a clear view to the beach. Needless to say, it's a big trendy place to be seen.
Drinks: The best way to watch the sunset is with a Sunset Martini. Vodka is married with lychee liqueur, fresh lychees, lemongrass syrup and apple juice - with a stick of lemongrass to swizzle! Cocktails are priced similarly to Australia - expect to pay between $16-$20.
Crowd: Australians were everywhere, girls are all wearing pretty sundresses and boys in designer tees and board shorts. Sunglasses are a necessity.
Tip: Come early to get a table or sun lounge. We arrived around 5.00 pm and we hovered by the bar, before perching on the sundeck. A lovely Australian couple chatted to us and offered us a seat at the table. We swapped Bali stories - like the fact my mum had visited before I was born! And they recommended must see locations like Ubud and Tanah Lot. I love meeting other travellers as well as locals whilst overseas... It adds to the allure of a place.
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