Keith: Wendy, I know that you have been coming to Bali for nearly 30 years now but tell me when did you first visit Bali and what keeps you coming back?
Wendy: I first visited Bali in 1986 on the advice of friends who had called in on their way from Europe. Bali had never appealed to me, but they advised me to stay outside the resort areas and see the beauty of the ‘real Bali’.
Bali was very different then and I really had no idea what to expect when I first arrived but I quickly fell in love with the colours, sounds and the light that Bali offers.
I went right around Bali on my first trip, but fell in love with Ubud, the artistic centre of Bali. In those days the Monkey Forest Road wasn’t paved or lit, and the lights in Ubud used to go out from time to time. “Toast’ was a very optimistic description of what came at breakfast time.
Even then, there were nice places to stay as well as the cheaper ‘homestay’ options. But today Bali is a very different place. There are beautiful international resort hotel options, rainforest retreats and smaller budget options.
WENDY: I do. Bali is the perfect place for an Artist because of the lush tropical colours and there are amazingly decorative architectural features all around you like carvings, gilded doors, and amazing tropical flowers are found everywhere. The Balinese people put so much effort into the smallest detail of design in their buildings, gardens, streets and living spaces. Everything is so decorative down to the smallest detail in statues, carvings and designs. I can spend hours sketching a door way or a carved table top.
WENDY: Well I would recommend you try and see and do things the average visitor wouldn’t do or know about. Here’s my advice:
1) Don't stay at a fancy resort. They are the same all over the world. Try and find a smaller place, preferably locally owned. These are so much more interesting and also have beautiful gardens, pools and resting areas. The money you spend here goes back to the locals and not some big multinational company. Small hotels in a bungalows environment with a pool cost about AUD $70 a night for two with breakfast.
2) Stay away from the beach resort area of Kuta and Legian and Sanur. Semyakai is a better choise but it is still a continuation of Kuta and Legian though more trendy at the moment. I have only driven through there and had lunch there.
I love Ubud. It a little more laid back then the beach resorts although it is getting busier. There is a cafe society there, so its a little bit hip and groovy. The surrounding countryside is beautiful with rice fields and ravines.
3) Sample the local food. Its fresh, light and cheap. Try Satay dishes, ayam goring and fried chicken, which is more delicious than it sounds and the old favourite, Mie Goreng.
If you would prefer more of a fine dining experience there are a number of places around Ubud. However for a real treat, get a driver to take you down to La Lucciola. Not only the food is exceptional but the waiters are extremely handsome.
4) Drink lemon water to refresh yourself during the day and later in the day you might like to drink Bintang, the local beer. Wine is expensive in Bali.
5) Renting a car is not a good option Bali. The traffic is very heavy so I would recommend you hire a driver to take you where you want to go. Walk out onto the street and you will have your choice of drivers. Make sure the one you choose has a comfortable vehicle. If you prefer, you can go to the tourist desk of your hotel and get them to organise a driver for you, although it will be more expensive. Its relative cheap to hire a driver for the day who will pick you up, drop you off and take you to where ever you want to go.
There are small tourist offices everywhere in Ubud, that organise trips to other parts of Bali every day. I recommend a lesser known trip to Jati Luwih to see the most amazing rice fields. You could take in Pura Luhur Batukaru while you are there. It is a temple in a lovely garden up one of Bali’s volcanoes. It is not a short trip, but the way goes gently up flower lined roads.
KEITH: Now the last time we caught up you told me about getting involved with a group of Balinese Sketchers. What was that all about?
WENDY: Yes, I did. Well I like to do things that are a bit different when on holidays and I always try to catch with the local Urban Sketchers when I am away.
KEITH: What are Urban Sketchers?
WENDY: Urban Sketchers are local artists who go out sketching from life in most cities around the world. They usually go out sketching together on a fairly regular basis. I am an Urban Sketcher right here at home , so it is a great way to meet people and see the local area. I meet up with a group of Bali Urban Sketchers in Denpasar and we sketched at the Museum of Bali. I found a beautiful carved split gate and spent the morning sketching it. You can find more details at http://www.urbansketchers.org/
KEITH: So what’s the best time of year to go to Bali?
WENDY: I avoid the rainy season which is between October and April , however many Australians go in the Christmas holidays and say it mainly only rains at night. Bali is just below the equator so the temperature remains pretty consistent all year around.
KEITH: Any final gems of knowledge you want to share with us?
WENDY: Well, yes you can buy an Indonesian SIM card at the Airport to avoid costly overseas phone charges. There are ATMs everywhere but watch out for bank charges. You will find ATMs and money changers at Denpasar Airport and go to the traditional dancing in Ubud that night.
Keith Goodman is a Travel Writer that reviews travel locations exclusively for Cheng's Travel.
Wendy Shortland is a recognised Australian artist who has her own studio in Newtown, Sydney. You can find out more about Wendy's latest works at www.wendyshortland.com Or you can follow her on her blog at www.quirkyartist.wordpress.com
Cheng's Travel currently has a number of Bali travel options available why not call them on (03) 9014 1197 to discuss your travel options.
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