When you go on holiday to Bali, or if you’ve gone before, you’ll know that the scenery and landscape is absolutely gorgeous. It can feel like an absolute crime to miss it because you’ve chosen only one or two resorts. Here at Turquoise, we offer something a little different to ensure you get more out of Bali and that is a sightseeing transfer. These transfers basically turn what could be a rather standard drive or flight into an experience – a cultural day out. You can see these in our brochure and our website – they’re called ‘On the Road’.
Our transfers in Bali generally take our clients from Ubud, for example from The Samaya Ubud, Uma Ubud, and Ubud Hanging Gardens, to one of the many lovely beaches in Bali. The itineraries naturally differ depending on where your beach destination is, of course.
If you’re heading to Sanur, you’ll enjoy extended tours through the regions of Ubud, Tegallalang and South Bali. To start, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Monkey Forest and PuriSarenAgung – the royal family here ruled Ubud from the late nineteenth century until 1917. Next head through the lovely green region of Tegallalang, full of rice fields and coconut trees, to the holy spring of TirtaEmpul, with a large shrine to the God Indra and pools that are believed to have curative powers. Then, head up the hill behind the temple to the presidential guest house, built by the late President Soekamo. Afterwards, continue to visit GunungKawi Temple, Bali’s largest ancient monument, which has ten rock-cut candi (shrines), which are memorials cut out of the rock face in imitation of statues, standing in seven meter high sheltered niches cut directly into the sheer cliff. Moving on from there, you’ll travel to Goa Gajah, Elephant Cave in English, with history dating back to the 11th century. The impressively carved entrance depicts entangled leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves, and demonic human shapes. The drive then continues into South Bali, where you will see fine woodcarvings in Mas, silver works in Celuk, and batik work in Tohpati. Arrive back at your hotel in Sanur and relax!
Jimbaran and Uluwatu are also very popular beach destinations for travellers to Bali. The itinerary follows a similar route through Ubud as above, and actually only differs after Tohpati. Uluwatu Temple is the last stop, and is the only different aspect, but is an incredible place to visit; it’s perched on top of a sheer cliff that plunges straight into the Indian Ocean 250 feet below. Built in the 11th century, this is one of the grandest and oldest temples in Bali, and a perfect place for watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean before returning to the hotel for the evening.
If Seminyak is your next destination, you’ll go through Ubud up until Goa Gajah. At that point, you’ll head west, and be able to visit Taman Ayun, which was founded by a raja of Mengwi, I GustiAgungAnom, in the seventeenth century. It is surrounded by a moat which gives the impression of a garden sanctuary in the middle of a pond, while the shrines themselves have beautifully carved doors. Lastly, head to Tanah Lot Temple, which is one of the holiest temples in Bali, located atop a huge rock and surrounded by the sea. There you’ll also be able to watch an incredible sunset before checking in at your hotel for the rest of your stay.
The best thing about all of these transfers is that you can add them on to your trip for less than £100! At just £30-£38 per person, these are additions that can really add that extra something to your journey and make a normal transfer into a fantastic day.
