Bali: From Nemo to “Poop” Coffee
My next destination was the enchanting island of Bali! From sun-soaked beaches to mouthwatering delicacies, let me take you on a journey through my Bali escapade that was nothing short of a sensory delight!
Arriving in Bali
I kicked off my Balinese adventure with a breezy flight from Jakarta to Bali, an island about the size of Delaware, where I taxied to Canggu. Nestled at the Legong Keraton Beach Hotel, right next to the legendary Finns Beach Club, my days were a perfect blend of sun, sand, and scrumptious bites.
Picture this: waking up to a seaside breakfast with the freshest local fruits – an idyllic start to every day!
Tapas, Pizza & Flavor Explosions
I spent my evenings at Milano Italian restaurant enjoying wood-fired pizza, but mostly hung out at the Alma Tapas Bar. At Alma, I enjoyed a variety of wonderful meals including jamon serrano (dry cured ham from Spain), queso Manchego (sheep’s cheese from Spain’s La Mancha region), Croquetas de Jamon (serrano ham croquets with mojo picon sauce), Pulpo a la Gallega (octopus, potatoes, paprika, olive oil, and sea salt), and calamari relleno: a squid stuffed with chorizo, pork belly, apples and onions – a flavor explosion!
Kuta Beach & Smoked Beef Tacos
Moving on to Kuta Beach, I checked into the Grand Istana Rama Hotel. Hard shell smoked beef tacos at Luber were a highlight, along with evenings filled with live music at the hotel restaurant.
Indonesian and international delicacies added a flavorful touch to my stay, making it an unforgettable experience.
Snorkeling at Padang Bai
For a splash of adventure, I hired a driver and headed to Padang Bai for a snorkeling extravaganza. I dove into the crystal-clear waters, discovering an abundance of fish species and even stumbled upon the elusive “Nemo” fish, hiding among the vibrant anemones.
It was a mesmerizing aquatic spectacle!
Crispy Duck in Ubud
No trip to Bali is complete without a visit to the yogi-haven of Ubud! Bebek Joni stole my heart with its traditional Balinese crispy duck. Surrounded by picturesque rice fields, the restaurant offered a perfect blend of delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.
A Glimpse Into Balinese Tradition
During the ride back to Kuta, we were forced to stop the car and wait. I ventured out to discover a funeral procession taking place.
It was a rare and unique view into the soul of the Balinese people and tradition, as women paraded with baskets of various contents, and men carried a multi-tiered contraption made of bamboo, paper, silk, flowers, and many colorful objects.
A Coffee Tasting Adventure
Caffeine lovers, this one’s for you! At the national Pondok Sari Luwak Coffee Reserve, I indulged in a coffee tasting extravaganza.
The coffee reserve, which embodies the Tri Hita Karana philosophy in spirit through sustainable farming practices (a UNESCO World Heritage Site entry), offers many different coffees. From traditional Balinese coffee to vanilla, coconut, turmeric, avocado, ginseng, chocolate, and ginger coffees, to pandanus, ginger, lemongrass, mangosteen, and rosella teas; I tried them all.
I ended with a cup of the uniquely famous Civet or “Poop” coffee (made from beans that have been digested by a civet cat). A civet is a kind of weasel that consumes coffee cherries.
The enzymes in the animal reduce the acidity of the beans, producing a high quality, rare, and very expensive coffee; my taste buds were treated to a symphony of flavors.
Rice Fields & Bali Sunsets
Energized by the caffeine rush, I hiked through the adjacent elevated rice fields, before ending my day the same way I ended every day in Bali, with magical sunset views on the beach.
From culinary delights to underwater wonders, this island paradise is a feast for the senses. Stay tuned for more travel tales and epicurean adventures. Until next time, keep exploring and savoring the world!
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