I haven’t had the best time in Bali to be honest. The over-tourism, congestion, traffic, unsanitary conditions, amount of bugs and unexpected unpleasantness has been more than any other place I have visited. However, one thing that always brightens my day, and stay, is the vegetation. Botanical Bali, how beautiful the flowers are, bringing joy …
Oh how I love markets, and seek them out where ever I travel to. I had been unable to locate a truly local one until this moment in my Bali trip. What a treat it is to explore this covered space to the fullest. Here at the interesting & fun Sindhu Market in Sanur Bali, …
Now onto my third coastal destination while visiting this Indonesian island this year. Previously I have explored the Seminyak and Canggu areas. The beautiful golden sand beaches in Sanur Bali are surprisingly busy, mostly with locals enjoying the sea. Sindhu Beach This is a gorgeous gold sand beach just south of Segara & Sanur. Here …
A lover of both of these forms of public art, I look for, and document it where ever I travel. Excited was I, when discovering a steady stream, as I travelled my way around four different parts of the island. The amazing street art & graffiti in Bali has been a fun discovery. Ubud My …
Exploring further up the coast of the island, I have arrived at another diverse area of coastline. Always happiest with my toes in the sand, I was interested to see what this location offered. I found the beautiful black sand beaches at Canggu Bali to be full of life. Canggu Beach At the town is …
One of the reasons I travel, one of the biggest reasons, is to experience, see and learn about different cultures around the world. Bali has been a disappointment in that regard. I fear, after speaking with older locals as well, that much of the precious culture is gone. What little remains is not easy to …
I adore beaches, they heal me, give me strength and bring me insurmountable amounts of tranquility. Everywhere I travel, I will be beach bound at some point. The first coastal area I explored on the island gave me a taste of what is available. Here are my best & worst beaches near Seminyak Bali. Petitenget …
I didn’t have the best time in Ubud to be honest. Its just not my vibe. Waayyy too touristy for me, missing just about all of its authenticity and generally not pleasant. If you are headed that way though, here are 4 free things to do in Ubud Bali that might be of interest. Campuhan …
Oh monkeys. 🐵 We all know what happened last time I encountered them in Thailand. One might think I had learned a lesson or two. It appears not to be the case. Having fun at the Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud edition, was another learning experience. At least this time, I was not robbed. 😂 The …
I was in complete shock when I arrived into town. It is very clear, that the infrastructure of this once quaint village, has in no way kept up with the growing population and popularity of this part of Bali. Walking the streets & being safe in Ubud is a real challenge and not one I …
One of the things I did not want to miss, on this first trip to Ubud, was to explore the majestic rice patties that I have seen so many pictures of on social media. There is one specifically that is within walking distance of the town. Walking thru the Kajeng rice fields in Ubud is …
I was lucky to have arrived in Ubud in time to see a most holy and mystical event. That of the creation, procession and cremation ceremony of the eldest son of the late king of Bali, Tjokorda Bagus Santaka. Being here during this time has cast a spell of magic into the air. My witness …
Facing another long travel day, I gathered my wits and dove straight in. This one was a doozy, with a nine hour, middle of the night layover. Yuck. Travel day Osaka to Bali on Scoot via SIN was upon me. Lets go. This is a loooong door to door post. Osaka Airport KIX Having to …
When I was initially deciding what countries to visit on this first taste of Asia, and I arrived at planning April, I knew it had to be Japan. If there is one thing I have heard over and over in my life, it is to experience spring here. Seeing the beautiful Sakura cherry blossoms in …
A long time ago, I read ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ by Arthur Golden. It is an historical fiction novel, perhaps my favourite genre, and moved me so deeply. I never thought I would ever have the opportunity to see a geisha in person. Whilst visiting Kyoto, I did. The exquisite geisha & maiko of Gion …
A must for me while travelling to a new destination is always to visit a market. Having been in Osaka and seeing all that was available there, I was curious as to what I could find here. The bountiful Nishiki market in Kyoto was even better! Brief History As early as the year 782, fish …
Wanting to see what old Kyoto, and old Japan might have looked like, I researched areas to visit within the city, that might offer me a glimpse into the past. What I discovered were a few spots I might find what I was searching for. I explored the beautiful Gion District in Kyoto one day, …
On my first full day in Kyoto, and the only one that was forecast to be sunny, I decided exploring the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine would be a good plan. I had done very little research, but knew that the earlier I arrived, the less crowds I would encounter. Social Media I have seen pictures, …
Who doesn’t love a castle? There was no way I was going to miss having a look at my first ever Japanese castle. Occupying 15 acres right in the middle of the city and complete with moats and turrets this was a splendid way to spend a morning. Want to find out what to see …
Of the little research and photo’s that I had looked at before arriving in Osaka, I knew there was one place I was going to visit for certain. Generally, I don’t like touristy places, can’t stand the crowds and oftentimes find them over-hyped. But this, I needed to see. The magic of Dotonbori Osaka by …