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Much has been said about Uluwatu over recent days, with a great story in the ‘London Financial Times’ about one of Bali’s exclusive resorts. I decided to take time out today Sunday January 15th, to do a little exploring of the Uluwatu area, what I found was somewhat of a surprise. From the moment you pass the airport, as if heading towards Nusa Dua, you drift into a different environment to that of main stream Bali. Bali is a diamond shaped Island albeit somewhat irregular in its shape. Nestled against the southern tip of this diamond formation is a headland reaching out into the Indian Ocean. Ironically this land formation takes on a similar shape to that of mainstream Bali but is a considerably smaller land mass. The distance from the airport to Uluwatu extends Bali another 10km or so further south, from east to west it’s perhaps, at its widest point, another 10km approx. As you pass the airport, traversing final approach, if you’re matched with an arrival then a plane will appear from above the bushes pass over the road as if to grab you like an eagle would its prey, for this stretch of land is narrow as it leaves mainstream Bali passing the runway entering the out skirts of Nusa Dua. Nusa Dua is a very different arrangement to that of the rest of Bali as it is home to many 5 star luxury hotels, outdoor shopping areas with an abundance of restaurants. Nusa Dua reminded me of Disney’s festival place in Orlando with their many boutique shops and themed restaurants. Nusa Dua is a manicured, secure enclave ideal for conferences and Asean summits. As you bypass Nusa Dua and travel south just a few Kilometers you will begin to realize and experience the contours of the land, it becomes quite hilly, the landscape a little more rugged to that of the general tourist areas around the southern rim of mainstream Bali. The roads which form the main arteries of his idyllic tropical landmass are well made and neatly ordered, even the roads off to the left and the right side that take you to the beaches are of a similar standard to that of the main arteries, making a trip to Uluwatu a pleasant experience. Balangan beach, which we went to first as we ventured south, Balangan is just north of Blue point, was a long stretch of very fine sand forming a pale yellow golden beach. This beach had as a back drop a few, and I have to say was not over populated, surf café’s. The sea was a beautiful turquoise colour whose temperament was conducive to swimming as well as minor surfing. It was a beach that made for a calm revelry for many visiting tourists as they soaked up the sun, swam in the sea and enjoyed the atmosphere that this tropical beach provided. At the far point of the beach a cliff stretches out into the sea which I have assumed is Blue Point. On the top of this cliff looking over the Indian Ocean and no doubt taking the gentle breeze due to its vantage point is a spectacular golf course. Further round Blue Point is a contemporary hotel called Blue Point Bay Hotel. Blue Point Bay Hotel is a cream open styled Balinese hotel which could easily have been styled for any of the world’s exclusive resorts, this hotel was designed and planned to absorb the tropical climate of an equatorial country. The hotel’s entrance hall is open and square, the ceilings were high reaching to a point from the eaves to the ridge following the shape of the roof above and are finished in a beige rattan weave of, I have assumed, bamboo. To the rear of the pleasant shaded lobby, as the gentle breeze wafted throughout this calm relaxed waiting and meeting point, are cream steps down to the terraces below. The steps, as you are reminded that you’re on the edge of a rugged cliff face, took you down to a well manicured terrace which is mixed with grass, stone and an infinity pool. This pool when you look at from above you can easily believe that the pool stretches to the sea below. Sitting alongside the complex is a more rustic area of bars and restaurants, all of which are built on terraces which are formed on the edge of the cliff face, accessible as you step your way down towards the sea’s edge. This area of bars and restaurants seemed to have been claimed by the surfing community, although we did see a wedding party duly taking photos with the Indian Ocean framing the couple’s picture. The Ocean was obliging with a spectacular show of turquoise sea and white surf crashing off shore. The restaurants were reasonable and of course functional, as who needs to lavish furnishings when set in an idyllic setting such as this. Well worth a visit and a very enjoyable day was had. Always use a registered Villa agent when booking a luxury villa holiday in Bali. A registered agency with a registration granted by "Pemerintah Kota Denpasar" (Government, area: Kota, Denpasar) and that they have a "Dinas Perijinan" registration number, furthermore that their registration identifies them as a "Jasa properti" provider (permitted to provide a property service). If it is not on their website then ask to see evidence of their registration. Happy holidays in Bali - if you need advise or some guidance then I can be reached through the comments section. For an example of a licensed operator refer to 'The Villas Bali' For an example of a licensed operator refer to 'The Leading Villas of Bali' For another example of a licensed operator refer to Booking Villas in Bali.COM For another example of a licensed operator refer to Budget Villas in Bali.COM For expert knowledge of the Asian market refer to statura.co.uk For an in-depth review of many Bali experiences refer to http://theleadingvillasofbali.blogspot.com See our video channel
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Uluwatu, Bali, Luxury Villas Bali, Surfing in Bali,
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