
The Bali detour that led to an unexpected surprise
I had never really considered visiting Indonesia until my son suggested taking a short detour in Bali while on our way to Darwin in Australia.
Little did I know that this suggestion would lead to a delightful and eye-opening experience.
From the moment my family and I landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport, I felt an uncanny sense of familiarity, as if I were in my own homeland. Perhaps it was the shared linguistic roots and cultural similarities with Malaysia, or maybe it was the warm hospitality and genuine smiles that greeted us at every corner.
The airport itself was unexpectedly spacious and beautifully designed, a reflection of Bali's global appeal as an international tourist destination. As we exited the place, we found ourselves amid a sea of travellers from around the world.
The writer (left) at one of the temples she and her family visited.
On our way to the hotel, we passed rows of rustic, centuries-old buildings that echoed the island's deep-rooted Hindu culture. Many of these structures were adorned with intricate carvings and statues, embodying the spiritual essence of Balinese tradition.
We kicked off our trip with the help of a friendly local driver-cum-tour guide, who took us to explore Bali's iconic and Instagram-worthy attractions.
Our first stop was the Art Village, where we witnessed the meticulous process of creating traditional Bali batik. From wax-resist dyeing techniques to the final hand-painted masterpieces, the artistry was fascinating. I couldn't resist buying a few beautifully designed batik scarves and skirts as souvenirs.
The village also showcased stunning paintings and artworks reflecting Balinese life, mythology, and nature.
At the Art Village, visitors can see the process of creating traditional Indonesian batik.
Next, we visited the Batuan Temple, a must-see historical landmark dating back to the 11th century. This sacred Hindu temple is renowned for its elaborate stone carvings, guardian statues, and time-worn architecture.
Visitors are encouraged to don traditional sarongs before entering, which adds to the immersive cultural experience. The temple exudes a spiritual tranquillity, and every detail, from the ornate gates to the symbolic offering tells a story of devotion and heritage.
Our guide then brought us to the Jambe Asli Agrotourism for a unique tea and coffee tasting session, including the famed luwak coffee. Here, we saw civet cats, known locally as luwaks that are part of the unique coffee-making process.
We were treated to various coffee and tea flavours, and we watched an elderly lady expertly grinding coffee beans with a traditional stone grinder. It was a charming glimpse into local life, and we left with some aromatic purchases and happy memories.
The Batuan Temple is a must-see historical landmark in Bali that dates back to the 11th century.
After a delicious lunch at a restaurant serving local fare, we took a scenic two-hour drive to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubud.
This stunning site is one of Bali's natural gems. The cascading padi fields, set in lush green valleys, were absolutely breathtaking. The steep terraces, especially after the morning rain, added a sense of adventure to our walk.
Many visitors, particularly young couples and families, were enjoying the famous jungle swing photo services. While we didn't try it due to time constraints, we were amazed at how the locals have transformed traditional farming land into a tourism enterprise.
The highlight of our trip was the surprise birthday dinner arranged for me at the beachfront of The Samaya Seminyak Bali Hotel. Dining under the stars, with the waves gently lapping nearby and the soft glow of candlelight around us, was an unforgettable moment; it was an exquisite end to our Bali escape.
Although it was a short and whirlwind trip, Bali left a lasting impression on me. It was my first visit to Indonesia, a country so near yet once felt so far to me. The holiday turned out to be one filled with warmth, culture, creativity, and natural beauty.
I now understand why Bali holds a special place in the hearts of so many travellers around the world.
The views expressed are entirely the writer's own.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Sarawak anticipates return of direct flights to Pontianak
Sarawak is eager for the resumption of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak, boosting tourism and regional connections. State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said this follows the reinstatement of international status for West Kalimantan's Supadio Airport, serving Pontianak. The route was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the airport's temporary downgrade to domestic status. "The return of this important air route marks a major milestone in reconnecting Sarawak and West Kalimantan," Lee said in a statement on Thursday (July 24). "It is a vital step toward strengthening people-to-people ties, economic collaboration, and regional mobility between Sarawak and West Kalimantan,' he added. AirAsia is set to announce the resumption of its flights to Pontianak this weekend. Lee said his ministry had consistently engaged with Indonesian authorities to restore air connectivity. Last September, he led a delegation to Pontianak and Singkawang and formally requested the resumption of direct Kuching-Pontianak flights. He expressed appreciation to former Indonesian Consul General in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono, for initiating and supporting the dialogue. "This route is not only important to us in Sarawak, but it has also been highly requested by the people of Pontianak. "Reestablishing air connectivity fosters mutual understanding, shared development, and closer bilateral relations between our regions," Lee said. He added that the renewed connectivity would stimulate cross-border trade, tourism, and small business activities. "This will open new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, travel agencies, transport operators, and border communities who rely on the flow of people and goods between Sarawak and Kalimantan. "Reviving this route also has the potential to boost our tourism sector, as West Kalimantan visitors can once again access Sarawak's ecotourism destinations, medical services, and cultural attractions directly via Kuching." Looking ahead, Lee said the state government is keen to explore new routes to other cities in Kalimantan, aligning with the relocation of Indonesia's capital to Nusantara. "The development of Nusantara opens up fresh possibilities for economic integration and transport collaboration. "We look forward to working closely with our counterparts across the border to expand this momentum," he said.


Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Kuching-Pontianak direct flights resume, more Kalimantan routes under study, says S'wak Transport Minister
Lee says his ministry has been in ongoing engagement with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the reinstatement of the route. KUCHING (July 24): Direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak have officially resumed following the reinstatement of Supadio Airport in Pontianak as an international airport, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. The route, now operated by AirAsia, had been suspended since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary reclassification of Supadio Airport to domestic status. 'The return of this important air route marks a major milestone in reconnecting Sarawak and West Kalimantan after several years of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary downgrade of Supadio Airport to domestic status,' he said in a statement today. Lee said his ministry has been in ongoing engagement with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the reinstatement of the route. He also revealed that in September 2024, he led a working visit to Pontianak and Singkawang in West Kalimantan, during which a formal request was made to resume direct flights between the two regions. He acknowledged the vital role played by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, especially Consul General Raden Sigit Witjaksono, whose support and coordination were instrumental in restoring the route. 'The return of this air route represents more than just the resumption of a convenient travel option. 'It is a meaningful step toward strengthening regional mobility, economic collaboration, and people-to-people ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan,' said Lee. According to Lee, the demand for the route had come from both sides of the border, with many in Pontianak also calling for its return. Restoring the air link, he added, would help foster mutual understanding, promote shared development, and deepen bilateral relations. The renewed connection is expected to boost cross-border trade and tourism while benefiting local businesses, travel operators, and communities who rely on regular movement between the two regions. 'The route also opens direct access for West Kalimantan residents to visit Sarawak for ecotourism, medical services, and cultural experiences,' he said. Looking ahead, Lee said Sarawak is considering the establishment of additional air routes with Kalimantan, which currently has six cities with airports. He added that Indonesia's ongoing development of its new capital city, Nusantara, presents new opportunities for economic integration and transport cooperation between the two regions. Following that, Lee thus expressed the Sarawak government's readiness to consider new routes and increased frequencies as part of its broader commitment to regional connectivity and collaboration. 'We are open to exploring increased flight frequencies and new air routes connecting Sarawak with other parts of Kalimantan. 'The development of Nusantara opens up fresh possibilities for economic integration and transport collaboration. 'We look forward to working closely with our counterparts across the border to expand this momentum,' said Lee. direct flights indonesia kalimantan Kuching Lee Kim Shin Pontianak


Rakyat Post
11 hours ago
- Rakyat Post
Batik Air To Launch Direct Flights Between Kuala Lumpur And Palembang
Subscribe to our FREE Batik Air is excited to announce the upcoming launch of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Palembang, marking another milestone in the airline's continued expansion across Indonesia. Scheduled to commence on 12 September 2025, the new service will further strengthen air connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia, while enhancing Kuala Lumpur International Airport's role as a key gateway for Umrah and international travel. This new route brings Palembang, the South Sumatra's capital and one of Indonesia's most historically significant cities into Batik Air's growing network, which already includes Jakarta, Bali, Batam, Surabaya, Medan, Lombok and Pekanbaru. The Kuala Lumpur–Palembang service will be operated with Batik Air B737-800 aircraft, offering both Economy and Business Class cabins. Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, said Indonesia continues to be one of the strongest markets, and the airline is pleased to bring Palembang into its expanding network. 'This new route reflects our ongoing efforts to connect more cities across the archipelago directly to Kuala Lumpur, offering travellers greater flexibility, convenience, and access to global destinations. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is developing into a leading hub for Umrah and international travel, and we're proud to support this growth by adding more strategic gateways like Palembang to our network,' he added. Palembang is among the oldest cities in Southeast Asia, with a rich heritage tracing back to the Srivijaya Empire. Set along the iconic Musi River, the city is renowned for its historic Ampera Bridge, charming floating markets, traditional songket weaving, and culinary specialities such as pempek, a beloved South Sumatran fishcake. While steeped in cultural heritage, Palembang is also an emerging industrial and economic centre, making it a dual-purpose destination for both leisure and business travellers. For Malaysian and international passengers flying through KLIA, the new route offers an exciting opportunity to explore a lesser-known Indonesian gem. Meanwhile, travellers from Palembang and surrounding areas now have a convenient and comfortable option to reach Kuala Lumpur and beyond. With KLIA already serving as Batik Air's primary Umrah hub, this route adds a valuable connection for Indonesian Muslims embarking on pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. In 2024, Batik Air carried over 120,000 Umrah-bound passengers including from across Indonesia, a number expected to increase further with new direct services like this. With each new route, Batik Air continues to bridge communities, cultures, and countries, bringing Southeast Asia closer together and elevating Kuala Lumpur's standing as a key regional aviation hub. For more information and to plan your next journey, download Batik Air mobile app or visit Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.