Chasing the sunset through emerald rice fields, virgin beaches and temple-crowned cliffs makes Bali just as alluring
Whether you are in Bali for its verdant rice terraces, monster waves or rollicking nightlife, you have to take a moment to celebrate its kaleidoscopic sunsets. While it is true that a beautiful sunset can be found no matter where you are in the world, the ones in Bali come with a dash of magic.
One of the most popular sunset destinations on the tiny island in the Indonesian archipelago is Tanah Lot, the temple of Varuna (the sea god), set amongst the thundering horses of the sea. It was here that I had a moment of peace and clarity while watching the sky turn pastel hues of dusky rose and dark lilac, as the sun began its daily descent. The ancient Hindu shrine is perched on top of an outcrop that’s only accessible during low tide. The rocky causeway and the cave at the base of the temple are home to the legendary ‘guardian’ sea snakes that live around the Tirta Pabersihan fountain, a natural spout of fresh ‘holy’ water.
- Garuda Indonesia has introduced the first direct non-stop flight from Mumbai to Bali, currently operating Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flying from other Indian cities means a layover in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. On arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Indians have a free visa for a 30-day stay in Indonesia with no extension. May to October is the best time to visit the island.
There’s something familiar about a priest, dressed in all white, sprinkling water over me and handing me a fragrant frangipani as a blessing, and yet, the setting is exotic enough for me to be enchanted. As pinks merge into purple in the sky, the area around the temple is overrun with tourists. Leaving the crowd behind, I climb the cliff overlooking the temple. I walk past stalls, selling everything from art and batik dresses to weasel coffee, to the cliff-top restaurants. With an XXL-sized tender coconut, I take in the unparalleled view of the tiered pagodas of the sea temple, framed by the dramatic sunset. There is a moment just before the evening light fades away when Tanah Lot resembles a life-sized floating bonsai garden.
Bali is the only Hindu island in the predominantly Muslim country of over 17,000 islands. With more temples per square kilometre than any other place in the world, it has earned the moniker ‘Island of a Thousand Temples’. But more than temples, Bali has boomed as the leading destination for sun worshippers, scuba enthusiasts and surfers. Think cool ocean breeze, salty hair and sun-kissed skin. Whether your idea of the perfect beach life includes sunset cocktails, postcard-perfect hidden bays, world-class surfing or a never-ending line-up of watersports, Bali is blessed with the most versatile beaches.
At the heart of Bali’s ocean-front action is Seminyak beach. The five-kilometre stretch of powdery white sand is dotted with bars, restaurants and shopping, just footsteps from the waves. On the southern coast, Gunung Payung and Melasti beach are epitomes of hidden tropical paradises, with calm cove-like waters rolling off a bright white bay, framed by dramatic rock formations and not a soul in sight.
If you are in the mood for love, head to beaches like Jimbaran and Karma, where restaurants serve sunset dinners on the sand and night-time films are shown under the stars. There’s also Padang Padang Beach, where Julia Robert’s character falls head over heels for her Brazilian hunk (played by Javier Bardem) in Eat, Pray, Love. Nusa Dua’s impeccably clean beachfront and calm waters are perfect for a family day out. There’s enough watersports, family restaurants and even a shopping complex to keep everyone happy.
Rice fields
For a change of pace, I head inland towards the cultural heart of Bali — Ubud. The undulating hills in the region are alive with art, yoga, meditation, healing, adventure and world-class food. Not to mention the sacred Ayung River, which is known for its good vibes and healing properties. I was spoilt for choice when it came to things to do. My pick — start the day with a trek up Mount Batur, stretch and exhale at The Yoga Barn, buy souvenirs at the Ubud Art Market and take a cycle ride around the lush Tegalalang rice fields just before sunset.