MANILA, Philippines - Because of my husband’s active Intellectual Property Law practice and his position as Rotary Past District Governor, I was in Bali twice in a period of about three months over two separate weekends. In spite of the sweltering heat, (Indonesia being closer to the equator than the Philippines), and the disappointing quality of beaches (e.g., Boracay’s White Beach is, for me, still several notches higher), I found the trips highly fulfilling and entertaining. Here are the reasons why:
•Bali is clean — By way of example and contributing to a visitor’s first (and lasting) impression, in using the airport toilets, one would readily know that people in charge of Bali tourism mean business. The names and photos of airport personnel in charge of the lavatories’ cleanliness are posted, ensuring that airport officials can easily pinpoint who is amiss in his/her duties in case there are any complaints.
•There is an abundance of temples to visit — A place where people are deeply religious and meditative, Bali is said to have at least 20,000 temples. These places of worship give that unique character to Bali that I have never seen in any other top tourist place in the world. Travelers marvel at the impressive architecture and get to understand why the predominantly Hindu population is very humble, honest, simple, kind, patient, serene and hospitable.
•Music and dance fill the air — It is said that every Bali child is taught how to play the native gamelan instrument and every Balinese girl is obliged to learn traditional Balinese dances. Just like the temples, Bali dances remind visitors of the deep-seated spirituality of the people. The audience is mesmerized by the attractive costumes, heavy maskara-like makeup and the way knees, elbows and shoulders are angled, and the fingers are gracefully flicked to the beat of gongs and drums. We were very happy to experience a Rama and Sita Dance performance which made me do a research on the Ramayana story I learned way back in high school and had already forgotten.
•Bali food is awesome and has a distinct flavor — For those who travel to satisfy their gustatory cravings, there are so many great wonderful restaurants to choose from. As suggested by our Indonesian friends Gov. Al and wife Marina Purwa, and together with Gov. Francis Rivera, his wife Peth and Gov. Tato Dimayuga, we ate roasted duck and suckling pig in an Ubud restaurant where we were treated like kings and queens. My gourmand husband relished Balinese dishes we tasted for the very first time in our lives.
•Art abounds — One of the many things that really impressed me about Bali is the abundance of remarkable artworks. Even in the hotels where we were billeted, like the Grand Hyatt (where President Barak Obama stayed during his last visit) and the Ayodya Hotel, guests would see amazing pieces of artwork at every turn. The fine artisanal pieces displayed at the Museum Pacifika will forever be etched in my memory. Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, has an unending display of impressive paintings, woodcarvings and fine ceramics. Even if we did not plan to shop for another home display, my husband was not able to resist buying a Rama and Sita sculpture and throw pillowcases with distinctly Balinese designs. My UP Law classmate and Copylandia owner Badette Guico who is more patient when it comes to scouting for good artworks shared with me that she bought a wooden Buddha sculpture at only P1,500 and several paintings at only P200 each.
•Shopping is fantastic — A Filipino tourist-shopper will find heaven in Bali. First, the prices are cheap. Second, the quality of fabrics is fit for Philippine weather. And third, there is a vast array of things to choose from. My husband bought several Batik polo shirts while I bought one simple but elegant Bali dress at the Discovery Shopping Mall to be worn at Indonesian-themed parties. At the Bali Brasco Factory Outlet, I found numerous tube dresses and other summer/beach apparel that cannot be found in Boracay; and, at the popular Krishna, I got bangles for my lady officemates, shirts and shorts for the two kids, and a calachuchi clip to accessorize my hair in imitation of our beautiful hotel staff.
•Nature is at its best — Everywhere we went, we got awed by the beauty and splendor of nature. Birds sing, flowers are abloom and coconut and palm trees sway amid the backdrop of green lush mountains and blue skies; rice terraces that remind you of Banaue, quiet lakes, gurgling waterfalls and crystal-clear springs give you that rejuvenating feel. Nature lovers will not run out of things to do: Mountain climbing, bike trekking, white water rafting, scuba diving and merely lazing on the Kuta Beach will reinvigorate a tired body and spirit. For the more adventurous and brave, there are stunning views that can be seen at a mountain-top monkey sanctuary.
•Bali spas are absolutely splendid — At Nusa Dua, the most exclusive village of them all with first-rate spas, one can have a top to toe makeover in its massage cum wellness centers. My husband and I together with Gov. and Mrs. Jun and Zeny Farcon had a soothing foot massage, drinking beer and eating peanuts, while updating each other on the stories of our lives. My husband went even further the following day and let his feet be massaged by thousands of tiny fishes (I would have died giggling from being tickled, so I did not even dare.)
•Nightlife is incomparable — In spite of the seemingly conservative values and laid-back lifestyle of the Balinese, foreign travelers looking for worthwhile entertainment will not be disappointed. Hotels have their own Indonesian bands, while the bigger and more popular night spots like the Hard Rock Café would sometimes feature fantastic imported bands from the Philippines. Although my traveler friends highly recommended the posh and vibrant Ku De Ta where people go to be seen, and the loud discotheques where there is non-stop dancing, we chose the tamer Potato Head where we lay on lounge beds fronting an infinity pool while savoring the best cheeses and cocktail drinks one could ever have and repeated to ourselves, “Ahh, this is life…”
I still get a Bali high every time I remember Bali and its numerous offerings. I am quite sure that the lovely actress, Julia Roberts, years after she shot Eat, Pray, Love in this paradise island, also feels the same.
(E-mail author at dotgancayco@ymail.com or text 0927-5000833.)