IN a place like Indonesia where the value of our money is P1 to 267 Rupiahs, I did not expect to arrive at an airport that could well be considered a tourist spot in itself. I simply wished that our airport is the same.
Ngurah Rai International Airport, which serves as the main gateway to the tourism icon Bali, is so picturesque from the floor up. The lavish, colorful interior and exterior designs are a combination of modern and traditional Indonesian architecture.
The very spacious concourse area and arrival hall are dotted with intricate designs promoting the Balinese culture. The immigration counters’ exteriors were made of rattan, obviously meant to promote a very famous commodity in Indonesia.
In terms of the processing of arriving passengers, it was such a breeze. All that one has to do is present a Customs declaration QR code and then proceed to the immigration counter where the entire processing is over in just one minute, at least in my case and that of my companions. The code, by the way, had to be filled out upon check-in at the NAIA where, in our case, Cebu Pacific staff helped out.
There is also a Tourist Information Center right inside the arrival area where you can get all your needed information about the many tourist destinations in Bali and other related details.
At the arrival hall, the greeters or welcoming parties wait in an area that looked more like a park, that has concrete benches.
By the way, our profuse thanks to Cebu Pacific for bringing airport journalists from Manila to Bali for them to experience the destination’s rich culture, beautiful sights, and delicious food. Special thanks to the CEB head honcho Lance Gokongwei and his amiable and efficient officers, namely: Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist Roxanne Gochuico; Corp Comm Manager Romina Yasmin Aguirre; external PR Resty Perez and Malou Reyes; CEB spokesperson Carmina Romero and Corp Comm manager Michelle Lim. This was done in partnership with Aneka Kartika Tours & Travel Services and several local businesses which hope to invite more Filipinos to come and explore what each of them has to offer.
With travel restrictions being continuously eased, Cebu Pacific has increased its Manila-Bali, Indonesia service from five times weekly to seven times, wherein its outbound flight leaves Manila at 3:45 a.m. and arrives in Bali at 7:50 a.m. The return flight meanwhile departs Bali at 8:35 a.m. and arrives in Manila at 12:45 p.m.
For those who wish to try Bali for a weekend or a quick getaway, the Adhi Jaya Hotel which is near Kuta Beach, Waterbom Bali, Discovery Shopping Mall, an upscale shopping area, and the nightlife scene offers contemporary interiors that have a touch of Balinese charms.
The Royal Pita Maha where we stayed on our first night features a collection of private pool villas and supporting facilities overlooking the timeless beauty of the Ayung River. Owned by an Ubud Royal family, this luxurious resort is a haven for those who would like to recharge their mind, body, and spirit.
Taman Dedari is a new Tourist Destination in Ubud with the most beautiful view of the Ayung river and the best sunset in Ubud. Open for lunch and dinner, this idyllic restaurant serves Balinese, Indonesian and Western food. The 49 Angels statues as its background views add to the beauty of the surroundings.
The Samaya Ubud is a superbly presented and fully-equipped contemporary Balinese boutique villa resort located just 15 minutes north of Ubud. Situated in the village of Sayan, alongside the Ayung River and surrounded by rice fields and forest, it offers discerning guests a magnificent modern Balinese experience. There is a range of impressive one – two and three bedrooms luxury villas and two restaurants that include a Scene Restaurant situated on the uppermost level complex of the resort overlooking to verdant hillside and rice field.
The deck at Swept Away is a stone’s throw from the river. It is an ideal setting to allow you to slow down, relax and unwind.
The Samaya Seminyak is just a few steps from the famous Seminyak – Petitenget Beach, offering a luxurious beachfront escape with traditional Balinese hospitality and modern comfort. One may choose a villa either at the beachside or a Royal Courtyard setting across the road and can enjoy an exquisite dining experience with a spectacular sunset at the award-winning beachfront restaurant, The Breeze.
By the beach, The Patra Bali Resort and Villas is a vast property in Kuta area, featuring a cozy tropical landscape. This five-star resort is host to the elites and dignitaries and in fact, we were told that the President of Timor Leste was also staying in the same hotel on the same day that we were there.
To ensure that our group stays connected wherever we were in Bali, we used pocket WiFi units provided by Travel Specialist Ventures, in partnership with Air-Roam.
It is notable that anywhere in Bali, people are no longer wearing face masks although according to our guides, there are still COVID cases there. What is nice though is that majority of food-serving establishments are al fresco and the tables are very well-distanced, commodities are cheap and the locals are super friendly.
And of course, the beaches and sunset view are awesome, apart from the picturesque temples and historical sites.
Joke (from Carmina Lopez of Alaminos, Pangasinan)
Sa isang museum…
Tourist: Ito ba ang tinatawag nyong “art”? Ang pangit, nakakasuka! Painting ba ‘to?
Tourist Guide: Hindi po, Sir. Salamin po yan!!!
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