In case you missed it over on Facebook – the hubster and I have booked a holiday in Bali!
I have a birthday looming. You know, one of those birthday with a zero on the end? And for some funny reason I really wanted to do something special. I think I’ve got to the stage where experiences (with loved ones) are more important to me than things.
My birthday is in January – which I really don’t like – mainly because it’s peak summer holiday season here in Australia – and therefore, incredibly expensive to go anywhere. So it would be fair to say I’ve actually only gone away on holiday for my birthday, maybe once in my whole life (a week on Coochiemudlo Island for my 40th).
Initially, I thought I would be happy to go anytime during 2017, the year I turn 50.
But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to be somewhere amazing on the big day itself.
So we started exploring the options – and as could be expected, were horrified at the prices.
For example, a trip to Hawaii really appealed – and just imagine, then I could joke about it being Hawaii Five-0 (only others of my generation will get the reference to an old TV show of this name)!
My hopes were slowly fading – and then we hit upon Bali!
So why did I choose a holiday in Bali?
- The price was right. We can spend a week at a resort in Bali, for less than half of what it would cost in Hawaii.
- We’ve never been to Bali before.
- It seems like a really chilled destination. As in, if we want to get out and explore, we can. Or if we want to just loaf around the pool with cocktails, we wouldn’t feel we were missing out – it’s cheap enough we could always go back. So there’s no pressure to pack as much as possible into a week. I like no pressure!
- At the same time, there seems to be plenty to do and see, should we so choose.
- It’s one of the closest overseas holiday destinations, so hopefully we won’t be troubled by jetlag.
- I’ve heard lots of awesome things about it!
- It’s a bit different – for us, anyway. Most of our overseas holidays to date have involved cruising – so this will be something new.
- I’m told there’s good shopping, and plenty of bargains to be had!
- And, it’s a chance to get a glimpse of another culture.
I’m a bit worried about Bali belly. I’ve had traveller’s tummy before (in the Philippines) and it is really not pleasant, so you can bet I will do everything possible to avoid another dose. Thankfully my actual birthday is right at the start of our holiday so I should be fine for that 🙂 .
It’s true, going on a holiday to Bali was not my first choice of birthday treat – but now I can’t wait!
I’d love to hear from you if you’ve already been there – what reasons would you give, to choose a holiday in Bali?
Raychael Case says
Bali is so close to Perth but oddly enough just doesn’t appeal to me. Not sure why. Possibly too touristy. We celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary on Saturday and I’ve booked flights to Singapore in May. It was the only time the planets aligned and we could travel as well as find someone to fly to Perth to stay with our three girls.
I’m hoping the trip goes well and it is the start of more trips to come. Just not sure Bali will make the list. You will have to let me know how you find it.
Janet Camilleri says
It never appealed to me really either Raychael but suddenly it was like the stars aligned! Enjoy Singapore – it’s very hot and humid. Must sees include the Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove …
Julia says
Woohoo! Great choice. I’m sure you’ll love it x
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks sweetie – me too!
Denise Vermillion says
I just booked my trip to Bali for next October, so I’ll be interested to hear what you do and what you think! I’m a January baby too, but for us here in San Diego, it’s usually rainy and cool. So we’ve been escaping to Kauai for the past three years. Interestingly, we met up there with a lady I met through her blog, and now she and I and our husbands are great friends. I love the blogging world!
Janet Camilleri says
Me too Denise! No doubt I will be posting about our Bali trip here on the blog.
Lana says
Bali’s on my bucket list, should be an amazing trip, and a great way to celebrate your 50th birthday.
Janet Camilleri says
No doubt I will share all about it when I get back!
Kathy Marris says
You will love Bali. We stayed at Tanah Lot near the famous temple this time, but last time we stayed in Seminyak. I enjoyed both holidays. Make sure you do a day trip out to Ubud and also to Uluwatu to the monkey temple. I did get Bali belly on my recent visit from a rooftop bar in a resort in Legian. So you need to be careful of what you eat and drink. I think in my case it was the ice in the cocktails.
Janet Camilleri says
Ubud and Uluwatu – got it! Thanks Kathy!
Libby Boyle says
I love Bali. I first went in the early 1980s, but didn’t return until last year when my sister, my friend and I went on a yoga retreat in Ubud. If you search my blog for Bali, three posts will come up about our holiday. My suggestions would be visit a temple, venture away from the tourist areas, hire a driver and head to the countryside, have a spa treatment … Many spa treatments ( They are soooo cheap.), relax. Oh, and shop, barter, shopping is fun in Bali.
Janet Camilleri says
Off to check out your blog posts Libby!
Claire says
I love Bali! We are going for the 5th time in 2 weeks time! We’re from the UK and have only lived in oz for 4 years and have done extensive travelling in that time but Bali is so cheap to get there and cheap to live as well. It’s a whole different culture and the people are so friendly. There are many temples to see. Away from the tourist areas are open rice fields and forests.
I hope you love it as much as I do!
Janet Camilleri says
I hope so too Claire!!!
Lydia C Lee says
It’s so great. We stayed in Jimbaran for the first time this year – I loved the sleepy feel. We’d stay Uluwatu next time…usually it’s Seminyak but too many Aussies! 😉 can give you restaurants if you let me know where you’re staying…
Janet Camilleri says
Ooo yes please Lydia – we will be staying in Nusa Dua x