NUSA- DUA — I’ve always wanted to go to Bali. But having never been there, I had to base my expectations on notions mostly nurtured by Europeans. “Paradise,” “most romantic place on earth,” and “heaven” are just some of the superlatives often used, thus making my thirst to see the place almost painful.
Luckily, I was invited to attend a wedding in Nusa Dua. I was to room with a friend at the Ayodya Resort, previously the Bali Hilton International. We looked forward to a weekend of utmost luxury and fanciful shopping delight.
Nusa Dua is about 45 minutes away from the airport. When we arrived at the hotel, I gasped at its magnificent structure, rich with Balinese culture and intricate wooden carvings in every corner. Locals playing soothing, traditional musical instruments at the lobby reminded me of a relaxing spa.
Because the resort is palatial in size and structure, I wasn’t able to see half of what it had to showcase. Normally I would be limited to my suite, the vehicle, restaurants and boutiques. Thank goodness one of my best friends, Rosette, lives in Indonesia and knows the best places in Bali.
The first boutique she recommended is called Biasa, known for its loom-state cotton apparel, combined with feather-light muslin and chiffon. Its pieces give the wearer a natural, clean and contemporary sophistication.
What I love is its versatility where one piece of clothing is multi-functional. A top may be worn as a skirt with all the proper draping and attachments. Shades of light blue, pale brown and cream are featured in Biasa’s summery creations.
After spending three hours in one store alone, Rosette took us to an Indonesian restaurant called Ibu Oka, where a huge pig is stuffed with all kinds of herbs and spices before being roasted.
Being a lechon lover, this dish was not to be missed. Even if I were to gain one pound from each plate, I could honestly say it is worth it.
What’s more, one dish costs only RP40,000 or the equivalent of P200.
To experience Balinese nightlife, we headed over to Kudeta, which made me feel like I was in St. Tropez, because we were the only ones with black hair, while every one else was blonde. From its entrance to the garden and down to the toilet, this place oozed class, fun and comfort. Food and service were excellent, even if the restaurant and bar were packed.
The following day, shopping continued at Makassi, known for all things fun and rainbow-colored. Zipper earrings, inflatable bags, and cartoon-inspired purses blew a hole in our wallets while we hoarded cute things to take back to nieces and nephews back in Manila.
At the end of the trip we ended up with double the weight of our luggage.
If you’re looking for a romantic and quiet getaway, Nusa Dua is perfect for you. But if you’re a party person, shopaholic and night owl, Semanyak or Kuta offers clean and inexpensive boutique hotels you may love.
Best time to visit is April or May when the weather is cool.
Would I want to go back? For shopping, yes. But proudly, I have to say that out of all the beaches that I have ever been to, nothing still beats the shores of our very own Boracay.