IDI Travel Log no. 1: 13 Amazing Things To Do in Bali

Welcome to the IDI Travel Log: our newest series on Inside IDI.  This segment is dedicated to all things hospitality, including industry leaders and their must-do lists, swoon-worthy design-driven destination features and everything in between.  Hope you enjoy!

It ranks on almost every list in the world by every major (and minor) travel publication as a bucket list vacation destination, visited by everyone from the rich and famous to student backpackers.  And me.  Earlier this year, I visited Bali with my bestie and I totally get the hype.  We were fortunate to have our long time high school friend, the now General Manager of both the AYANA Resort & Spa and Rimba Jimbaran Hotel, Clive Edwards, as our host for our amazing nine day vacation.  Equal parts beautiful and spiritual, Clive's take on what sets Bali apart from other sought out destinations is "the Balinese people's inherent desire to engender a deep sense of comfort to their guests, which stems from their [overall] balanced approach to life."  This plus "a culture of animalism, Hinduism and local traditions" mixed with a hospitality environment "focused on innovation and organizational excellence" creates experiences in Bali unmatched in other parts of the world.

Clive's rise to the top at one of the most prestigious top tier hotel groups in Bali is no real surprise.  A true people person, an incredible eye for detail and a very strong work ethic affords him that special je ne sais quoi needed to lead two major high-end properties on the other side of the globe from where he grew up, in a language a far cry from his native English.  His connection to hospitality runs deep from his early years in the business at the Sandals Resort in Jamaica.  It is here that he understood that the behind the scenes machine of people and services is where his future was and that hospitality was his calling.  

So what does the GM of the AYANA and Rimba properties suggest you do in Bali on your next visit?  See below for his beautiful, well-rounded and sometimes macabre must-do list from the eyes of Clive: 

Clive Edwards, General Manager - The AYANA Resort & Spa, The Villas at AYANA and Rimba Jimbaran Hotel

"Many destinations offer beautiful scenery but none offer the variety of Bali with its unique art, culture and natural and legendary hospitality." Read on for his 13 must-do's:

1. Dinner at Kampoeng Bali

"All elements of a traditional Balinese Village surrounded by rice paddies, lakes, Umbul Umbuls (flags used as decorations for rituals) and Pindengan (Bali's compass like wind chime used as a scarecrow in rice paddies).  Observe a traditional procession followed by the Theatrical Kecak Dance, all while you feast from live cooking stations on a cornucopia of food from the Indonesian archipelago including Babi Guling (suckling pig)." Photo credit: AYANA

2. Drinks at the Rock Bar

"Designed by the famous Japanese firm, SPIN, experience stunning views from a bar perched spectacularly on the cliff face of the Jimbaran coastline. Consistently recognized as one of the top 10 bars in the world." Photo cred: AYANA

3. Interacting with monkeys at Monkey Forest

"Picture a scene from Indiana Jones: you don't die but instead are the center of attention of 1000's of Balinese long tailed monkeys observed at very close range. Jewelry is not recommended but if you dare, be prepared for a game of negotiation for bananas!" Photo cred: Ishka Designs

4. Palm Read by Ketut Liyer in Ubud

"The Indonesian High Priest made famous from the book, "Eat, Pray, Love", will foretell your life's purpose.  Or simply be entertained from this hilariously wise man in the eclectic hub of all things spiritual in Bali." Photo cred: Ishka Designs

5. Spa Treatment at the Spa on the Rock

"With 270 degree views of the Indian Ocean, experience true rejuvenation with a Diamond Miracle exfoliation all while feeling the energy of the Indian Ocean, as the waves crash below you." Photo cred: AYANA

6. Dead People in village of Trunyan

"Navigate through hills and narrow paths and across an expansive lake to visit a village where the deceased are placed under banyan trees. View these bodies in their various forms of decomposition. There is no smell, rats or flies. They say if you smell them your spirit is compromised. My spirit is clean as I only smelt fresh air." Photo cred: Getty Images

7. Island Hopping: Flores and Susumba Islands

"Nature untouched: snorkel and collect your lobster the size of an American football from the ocean's floor a stones throw from the shore.  The Blue Lagoon pales in comparison to this paradise personified." Photo cred: travel2next.com

8. Lunch at Sari Organik, Ubud

"Farm to table never looked so good and felt more real. Located in the middle of Ubud's rice fields, Sari Organik serves up organic foods using ingredients from their own organic farm and purchased from local organic wholesalers. Create your own vegetable dish right from the garden and enjoy the amazing views and sounds of the rice paddies and surrounding villages." Photo cred: Ishka Designs

8. Lunch at Sari Organik, Ubud

Video source: the shaky hand of Ishka Designs. 

9. Rafting on the Ayung River, Ubud

"The longest river in Bali at 75km.  You will discover hidden waterfalls, swim in the pristine water and feel the thrills of this enchanting river.  Six flags meets the Garden of Eden." Photo cred: tripadvisor.com

10. Ngaben ceremony

"This cremation ceremony is done majestically and artistically, attracting all to observe.  You will enjoy the loud, rhythmic sounds of chanting and the sight of hundreds of people dressed in batik sarongs and kebaya.  The procession includes a "bade" - a sarcophagus resembling the buffalo.  The funeral ritual is performed to send the deceased to the next life.  The Balinese believe that ngaben is an important ceremony, as mortality is not the end of life but the beginning so the death of loved ones must be accompanied by prayer, sincerity and joy to set them free from their worldly ties." Photo cred: balebali.com

11. Kite Flying Competition

"This is serious in Bali, like football in Brazil or cricket in the Caribbean.  Kites are transported by trucks and measure 4 meters in length.  Competition is fierce among neighboring villages, which light up the sky way into the evening." Photo source: bali-indonesia.com

12. Fish Market Tour

"Bali's largest and busiest fish market has long been a favorite destination for locals, tourists, chefs and seafood restaurateurs.  Get ready to experience an active local market with an aromatic cocktail of salt and fresh water fish." Photo cred: lottienevin.com

13. Tanah Lot Temple Visit

"Tanah Lot is a hindu temple with stunning natural beauty.  It stands on a solid volcanic rock in the ocean along the coastline.  The views at sunset are the best.  Warning: be careful of the python guarding the mouth of the temple!" Photo cred: Putu Bali Tour Guide.

We hope Clive's list has more than wetted your appetite for a Bali vacation...I know I want to go back!  For more on Bali, read our next FEATURE on the Villas at Ayana and what Clive has to say about the impact of culturally specific design on your vacation experience.

One,

Anishka for IDI