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Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia

May 31, 2019 by David Herd

Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia

Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia

Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia, is the dream for many, isn’t it? Imagine sunning yourself on a white sandy beach, mocktail in hand, without a care in the world. Bali and its affordability have made it increasingly popular in recent years; with travellers discovering that living a life of luxury on the island doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Do the research

Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia

Just make sure you do the right research and preparation before you go and you’ll be all set!

Tread across luxurious sandy beaches

Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia 

The beaches in Bali are numerous, and each have their own little traits that make them oh-so-unique. If you’re staying on the south of the island, the white sand coasts of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur may be exactly the kind of paradise you’ve been looking for. On the other hand, the hidden shores of Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Bingin, buried among cliffs, provide the tranquility that certain holidaymakers crave. If white sandy beaches aren’t your cup of tea, the northern and western shorelines offer black sands – dark and delicious, with their very own coves where you’re sure not to be disturbed. Exploring the gorgeous beaches will leave your friends and family full of envy and your social media profiles looking incredibly ‘goals’ worthy!

Explore culture beyond your wildest dreams

Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia 

Not everyone wants to laze their days away on the beach – if you’re driven wild by the thrill of exploring a new place, there are more than enough attractions available to give you a real taste of what Bali has to offer. If royalty and history tickle your fancy, then a visit to Ubud Palace is an absolute must – a taste of spirituality mixed with hundreds of years’ worth of history. With thousands of temples on the island you could spend your time hopping from one to the next – each one is fascinating, and different from the one that came before it. If you time your trip right, you might find yourself on the island during one of their major festivals, allowing you to see the island in a whole new light. There are a number of different attractions and monuments you can immerse yourself in, especially if you’re a first time visitor with a craving for everything.

Taste of the local cuisine

Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia

Balinese food is renowned across the world – and for good reason. The island has a number of locations that offer cooking classes to give you a true culinary experience. It’s all well and good being able to taste the food, but being able to show off to your relatives upon your return is even better! If you do just want to have a taste, then the options are numerous and the flavours tantalizing – indulge in traditional bites such as Babi Guling and Nasi Ayam, if you think your taste buds can handle it.

Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia

Luxury getaway Bali Indonesia

If you want to know even more about Bali, check out some of my photos of this wonderful island.

 Istanbul                   Budapest                     London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe Hungarian Parliament Building (2)   The Walkie Talkie (5)   

Mostar                Dubrobnik              Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837  IMG_7425 Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city   

         Saigon                      Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam   Main Square (3)    Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

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Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Bali Indonesia luxury home

June 17, 2014 by David Herd

Albert Mantello’s beautiful home

Bali Indonesia luxury home

Bali Indonesia luxury home staying at the beautiful waterfront home owned by Albert Mantello who was an ex North Melbourne Aussie Rules footballer & North Melbourne football club president Allen Aylett, who was another famous footballer was there as well, plus Ron Joseph, a well know North Melbourne supporter and a players agent.

The Mantellos bought a long-term lease on a beach front property in the now fashionable Semanyak region and built a grand villa called Atas Ombak. It sleeps 10, boasts a pool, private beach, 5000 square metres of land and 25 staff including five cooks and its yours for $US1250-$US2000 a night depending on the season.

Villa Atas Ombak, Indonesian for “Villa On Top of The Waves”, is directly located on the beach only a few kilometres north of Legian. Featuring breathtaking views of Bali’s famous sunsets, the Villa encompasses an acre and a half of garden area, with over 100 meters of beach frontage. It also includes a large swimming pool, a main building with three bedrooms, a large entertainment pavilion that functions as an open-air living room, and two separate Ocean rooms. Located far enough away from the tourist crowds to ensure total privacy, this villa is still close enough to offer easy access to Bali’s favourite shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Bali Indonesia luxury home

Bali Indonesia luxury home

What a fantastic setting for a Balinese massage, this is the way to live in Bali.

Bali Indonesia friends, lunch is served

Bali Indonesia luxury home

I was invited by my friend Ross Ansell who was a good friend of Alberts. Ross is at the head of the table, Albert is on the left. A huge bonus was Ettore who was the editor for a Melbourne Soccer magazine. He flew two models to Bali for a photo shoot. I really had a great time in Bali with friends both old & new.

Naturally I had to get among the action

Bali Indonesia luxury home

Of course I had to hover around the photo shoots to see if I could pick up any tips. 🙂

Some of Albert’s many staff

Bali Indonesia luxury home

There were cooks, gardeners, carpenters, security, you name it, in Bali Albert had them all.

The Melbourne crew

Bali Indonesia luxury home

Ron Joseph and Alan Aylett, North Melbourne fanatics.

Ettore & Ross Ansell on the plane to Bali

Bali Indonesia luxury home

Two very nice Melbourne guys.

Cocktail time at Albert’s home

Bali Indonesia luxury home

Two gorgeous Melbourne girls, what about that magnificent black dress?

Sadly Albert passed away September 29 2021

Bali Indonesia luxury home

Albert Mantello passed away at the ripe old age of 87. I’ll never forget a fabulous holiday we had in 1997 at Alberts beautiful home you see above, RIP Albert. 

The photo was taken at my home on the Gold Coast featuring Albert & Paul Lynch.

 One of the many horse statues

Bali Indonesia luxury home

There are many of these similar statues on or near roundabouts in Bali, this on is close to Kuta beach

Kupu Kupu Barong Villas And Tree Spa

Bali Indonesia luxury home

This is a wonderful hotel in the mountains at Ubud

Kapu Kapu Barong

Bali Indonesia friends luxury home

A beautiful setting with views to die for.

Street market in Ubud

Bali Indonesia luxury home

As you can imagine everything here is rather inexpensive.

Great Bali golf hole

Bali Indonesia luxury home

I can’t remember if I hit the green or not, probably not. 🙂

Hotel Serai on the coast

Bali Indonesia luxury home

I think this Serai hotel may have changed its name. It was on the eastern shore of Bali at Candidasa, however while I was looking for it on Agoda I found this beautiful hotel The Rama Candidasa Resort.

My room was beside the pool

Bali Indonesia luxury home

There is so much more to Bali than Kuta beach or Legian, there are some wonderful luxury resorts scattered along the coastline. So if you want to escape from the maddening crowds check out The Rama Candidasa Resort.

Reunion lunch at Lynch’s in Domain Rd South Yarra.

Bali Indonesia luxury home

A short time after my Bali Indonesia friends adventure we gathered at the famous Lynch’s restaurant in Melbourne. I’m on the left beside Ross Ansell, then Albert Mantello & Paul Lynch the restaurant owner, not sure who the lady was, and finally Ettore on the right. Sadly this famous restaurant now does not exist after the retirement of founder Paul Lynch in December 2007.

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It would be 11 long years before I returned to Bali in 2008, and there is no way I had the same fun as I had at Albert’s beautiful home in 1997 with a fascinating group of people.

Samaya Hotel at Seminyak.

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

There are many 5 star hotels in Bali Indonesia, the Samaya hotel is in a great location right on the beach.    

Thanks for visiting my Bali Indonesia luxury home photo blog. 

Luxury getaway Bali.

     Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Click on the photo below for a another flashback.

 

Here is my post on Angkor Wat in Cambodia

 

Have a look at this wonderful Italian seaside village

 


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

August 25, 2013 by David Herd

Magnificent rice terraces

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise, but personally I prefer Thailand as the best Asian destination for a number of reasons. For me there are too many Australians holidaying in Bali and being an Australian myself I really don’t want to mix with my countrymen when I am on vacation. I first visited this lovely island 40 years ago when it was calm and peaceful, now it is so busy all year round with tourists from all over the world. However as I said initially it is a great location for surfers as opposed to Thailand and many other Asian countries which don’t have large waves crashing on the shore.

Gathering for the sunset

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

On the beach in front of Ku Da Ta the crowd eagerly awaits the sunset.

Beautiful Balinese sunset

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

One of the best places in the world to watch the sunset.

Ku De Ta

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

A famous restaurant where people gather for the sunset.

Here I am with little Ben from London

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

This was July 2008.

Ben & Michelle

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

We met online while discussing a house swap. I invited them to join me in Bali before coming to Australia to stay in my guest wing.

Traditional dancers

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

Gorgeous girls in traditional Balinese dress.

Bali has a fascinating culture.

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

Total concentration here.

Pura Tanah Lot Bali Indonesia

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

 Tanah Lot means “Land Sea” in the Balinese language. Located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th-century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island’s beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

Beautiful Balinese Villa.

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

A beautiful Balinese villa.

Balinese boat on Sanur beach.

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

A great boat on Sanur beach.

The age old question

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN THIS? Definitely not. 🙂

 Dining at Ku De Ta in Seminyak.

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

One of the best places to dine and watch the fabulous sunsets is Ku De Ta on the beach at Seminyak. The photo above shows me David Herd & my friend Ken Grant, an American who now lives and works in Bali.

Ken’s Villa

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

Here is where I stayed, Ken and his family came to my home in Australia for Xmas.

Beautifully decorated

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

The whole villa was just beautifully decorated.

Jimbaram Bay

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

The most popular beach dining location in Bali.

Samaya Hotel at Seminyak.

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

There are many 5 star hotels in Bali Indonesia, the Samaya hotel is in a great location right on the beach.    

Beautiful grounds

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

A great place to relax & watch the sunsets.

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

A kite surfer at Sanur beach.

Farewell from Kuta Beach

Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise

 Thanks for visiting my Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise photo blog.

Luxury getaway Bali.

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Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

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Chiang Mai with Tone        9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)   191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

Click on Here is my last trip to Bali Indonesia in 1997.

 

Please check out my post on Angkor Wat

 

Here are some cheap restaurants in Pattaya Thailand

 

Counter only started June 16 2020

This gallery contains 2 photos