Welcome to the second and final instalment from my duo of Bali blogs, reminiscing the incredible Indonesian adventure I recently went on.

If you’re reading this and haven’t read the Bali Edit Pt I yet, then go check this out first. Things will make way more sense! If you’ve alreday read Pt I, then thank you! – and keep reading…

Day Three, continued…
Okay, so where was I? Ahh yes, we’d just left the Tegalalang Rice Paddies… Still high on the incredible day we were having, and all snuggled up in the back of the car under my new shabby-chic quilt (the air con in our car was fresh as an igloo), we set off chasing waterfalls.

45 minutes drive from Tegalalang was the little art village of Tegenungan Kemenuh in Gianyar, where the gorgeous natural Tegenungan Waterfall was located. After walking through the arty market stalls and signature Bali street shops selling dreamcatchers, tie-dye and fresh coconuts, an isolated waterfall of this size is probably the last thing you’d expect to find nestled deep into the jungle. The hot humid heat was almost unbearable, so to strip off for dip when we reached the bottom of the 3,832,076 steps down was an absolute treat. Swimming in the freshwater pool under the waterfall was incredible. Admittedly, it was also a little dicey at times because of all the stones and rocks, but totally worth it. The pics we took here are super hazy because of all the moist mist in the air, coupled with the humidity of the day. My camera lens kept steaming up! But the magic of the experience was catptured all the same. The climb back to the top was a fun one for me – that work-out burn on my legs was amazing, although I’m not sure Laysha shared the same opinion. Don’t forget, at the time I was training for the Rottnest half marathon, so any bit of excersise I could get in was a bonus. At the top, we munched freshly picked mangoes, drank baby coconuts and counted my insect bites (16), sat in a charming little cafe nestled at the top of the cliff face, as we tried to dry off for the final leg of our adventure…

The Batuan Temple was unlike any temple I have visited before. And I think it’s fair to say I’ve seen a fair few over the years as I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a lot of countries – around 25 at the last count – and always try to get in a bit of culture anywhere I go. Located in Batuan Village, Gianyar Regency, the Batuan Temple is a Hindu temple and has been used as an altar to worship the Gods for some 1,000 years. Walking around the perfectly manicured lawns and beautifully restored buildings, we must have spent about two hours getting lost among the ancient sculptures, hidden gardens and tranquil atmosphere. The grounds were just sensational, with trees as old as time adorned with frangipanis, and long, stretching ponds full of Koi and turtles. It was one of the most beautiful temples I have ever had the honour of visiting – and possibly the best sarong I’ve ever been given to wear.

That evening, we selected Latin America-inspired Barbacoa from our long list of recommendations to visit, snuggling back into a comfy booth as we enjoyed delicious servings of Charcoal grilled Australian-Grain Feed Rib Eye Beef with green chimichurri and 8hr wood-fired local Suckling Pig, Crackle and green chimichurri, washed down with delicious fruity bellinis. Even though we were full to the brim, we’d heard the desserts were to die for, and so had Toblerone ice cream prepared at our table which, with the addition of some liquid nitrogen was incredibly theatrical – and the perfect end to my favourite day in Bali.

Day Four
The next day I promised myself I would get up and run, run, run as aside from the million stairs we’d climbed the previous day (my calves were a little tight, so it totally counted as exercise), I’d done very little to intentionally work out. I decided on an early morning beach run, so jumped out of bed with a purpose, and Laysha being the adorable beauty that she is, decided to come along to find herself a little spot at the W where she could relax, drink coffee, read the papers and basically ensure I wasn’t kidnapped, murdered or sold into the sex trade during my morning jog. With tunes in my ears and the fresh ocean breeze, it was a bloody good run. No kidnapping. Why I bothered wearing a tank though I have no idea. Within the first five minutes of running, I’d shed the Lorna Jane and about 5,843 litres of sweat, opting for a sports bra and shorts. It was a good session, and 45 minutes later I was sipping on my second juice back the The W and smelling like I’d just ran 45 minutes in Balianese heat. Finishing up, we headed for brekkie at Mofo Kitchen – which, even with drinks and coffees, cost considerably less than our juices at The W. Insect bite count: 21.

After a few hours R&R by the pool at the villa, we enjoyed flower baths, vino and FaceTime with my lil feathered man, before getting ready for pre-sunset cocktails. We’d initially made reservations at Rock Bar, but changed it up at last minute to head to Potato Head for drinks with the plan to move on to Motel Mexicola for margaritas and delicious Mexican food whilst wearing ridiculous Sombreros and shaking our maracas at boys. However, settling ourselves down on the loungers at Potato Head to watch the sunset, one cocktail quickly turned into a full menu of cocktails, mojitos and champagne… and we never did make it to Mexico.

Day Five
Feeling ever-so-slightly dusty the next morning, we headed down to brekkie at the chic Cafe Kim Soo for some ahh-may-zing smashed avo, lattes and juices. We found this place quite accidentally whilst pottering hap-hazardly along the streets of Seminyak in search for the ‘perfect’ brekkie as our hungover heads screamed ‘caffeine!’ An extension to Kim Soo – a divine homeware/living store located right next door, Cafe Kim Soo was a delightful little find, with marble top French tables, vintage wooden chairs and delicious plush cushions and homewares taken from next door. The fresh aroma of coffee coupled with the beautiful food instantly sorted us out, as we browsed the homewares, desperately wishing again and again that our baggage allowance could account for 1,238 kgs worth of all the marble, statues and ceramic treasures we coveted in there!

On our way back to the villa, we opted for massages and manis before lazing by the pool some more and giggling about the night before. Boys? Maybe. Gossip? Definitely. Sharesies? Maybe another time.

After reluctantly packing so we could have the next morning free to chill some more, we cranked up the Spotify again and set to hair and make-up for our final afternoon/night on the Balianese tiles. On our very first day, we made reservations at The W for an ocean view bed, to enjoy late afternoon and sunset cocktails for our final balmy Balianese night. And it was gorgeous. We ordered the majority of cocktails on the menu, swam around the pools, lazed in the sunshine, counted my insect bites (28), ate way too much pizza and giggled manically about things only a 23-year friendship could appreciate. About 50,000,000 rupiah later we skipped off back to the villa arm in arm (supporting one another both emotionally and physically) for one last dip in the pool before bed. A whole morning of sunshine and swimming awaited us before we’d have to bid fairwell to our palace in favor of the airport before lunch…

Bali was just incredible – it only serves to further reinforce to me just how lucky I am to live where I do. I can’t wait to go back there again and again… and collect some more insect bites, which btw totalled at 32. And that was with repellent.

But, as with all holidays, this one had to end. And as we flew in over the west coast of Australia, I couldn’t help but smile. Well, how can you be sad returning from holiday when you already live in paradise?

Okay, so who’s up for a Bali trip next week??

Thanks to the guys at Popcherry for styling some of the cute pieces I wore on this trip. I wore my Kyd Floral Jumpsuit for evening cocktails at Potato Head – and was complimented on it twice that evening! Definitely excited to wear this again to some Perthy Sunday sessions and sundowners this summer! 

FEATURED: Popcherry Kyd Floral Jumpsuit – $89.99
PHOTOGRAPHED BY: Katie Rebekah Osborne, Laysha Alick