Bali and a peaceful honeymoon.

Bali is one of Indonesia's more than 17,000 islands, with three main tourist areas: Kuta, Nusa Pedia, and Ubud. It is also Indonesia's most famous tourist island and consistently ranks among the top 10 ideal destinations in the world. According to statistics, 80% of tourists who visit Indonesia do so to explore Bali. The word "paradise" is the most common description when referring to Bali because of its captivating beauty, its endless stretches of turquoise beaches, its time-worn gates and temples, and above all, its fresh, vibrant atmosphere that still offers moments of tranquility.

Kuta is vibrant.

Our journey began in Kuta – considered the most vibrant city in Bali, with a plethora of restaurants, bars, and pubs open all night long. Kuta felt somewhat familiar to us, a blend of the vibrancy of Saigon and the boundless energy of Da Nang. The streets of Kuta were teeming with tourists from all over the world, dressed in bright, eye-catching outfits, their laughter echoing throughout the old town. In Kuta, our main activities were swimming and going to bars. The beach stretched as far as the eye could see, its water crystal clear. Small bars lined the beach, where you could sit down, enjoy a local fruit-flavored beer, and socialize with the incredibly friendly vendors, always with a smile on their faces.

The bar and club scene in Kuta is incredibly diverse. My wife and I strolled along the bustling main street, drawn in by the array of colorful local bars, and finally settled on one with a very free-spirited decor. Stepping inside, we realized Bali is so thoughtful that it has three distinct music zones: one for popular EDM, another for trendy hip-hop, and a separate area for those who prefer blues and jazz. Every taste and preference is catered to in Bali.

Regarding food, ignoring warnings about the "difficult" food in Bali, my wife and I enthusiastically enjoyed the local cuisine and were very satisfied. When in Bali, don't miss Babi Guiling – roasted suckling pig. The pig is marinated in fragrant herbs, roasted until the skin is crispy but the meat inside remains tender, juicy, and flavorful, served with a special sauce, rice, and vegetables. Also, don't forget to try chicken satay (grilled chicken skewers), nasi goreng (Indonesian-style fried rice), and lawar hot pot. There are many local restaurants in Bali, so any cute, clean establishment is a good choice for easy-going tourists like us.

Ubud and days of slow, peaceful living.

Leaving the modern and bustling city of Kuta, my wife and I headed north to Ubud, a small, ancient town nestled amidst endless mountains and terraced rice fields. On the way from Kuta to Ubud, we visited the Balinese Pura Tanah Lot, a temple with some of the most unique architecture in Bali. Located about 45 minutes by car from Kuta, Tanah Lot sits atop a large rock, surrounded by clear blue seawater, almost completely isolated from the mainland. According to Indonesian legend, the temple is protected by the serpent god Basuki and holds immense religious significance for the local people. We arrived at Tanah Lot early in the morning, as the first rays of sunlight began to illuminate the ancient temple, the stream connecting the mainland to the temple crystal clear and gently rippling. The marks of time immemorial have given Tanah Lot a majestic, serene, and mystical beauty.

Upon arriving in Ubud, the pristine scent of the ancient forest and the crispness of the air immediately captivated us. Most resorts in Ubud are surrounded by lush greenery, offering tourists a feeling of closeness to nature. This small town, known as the heart of Bali, boasts many fascinating places such as the Pura Tirta Empul temple, famous for its healing springs, the ancient Ubud Royal Palace, and the golden, undulating Tegallalang rice terraces. But above all the famous landmarks, what deeply moved me and made me fall in love with Bali was the peaceful and natural atmosphere of Ubud, as natural as breathing.

The afternoon we arrived in Ubud, without prior arrangement, my wife and I both tucked our phones deep into our pockets, holding hands tightly, and strolled leisurely through the small, cobblestone streets and charming souvenir shops. That day, we didn't visit any historical sites or check in at any famous bird's nests, but we felt a profound sense of peace and a true connection between our souls. The city of Ubud, with its winding streets, the gentle scent of incense emanating from the ancient temples, the rustling of the lush green forests surrounding us, and the bright, friendly smiles of the locals, left us feeling lighthearted.

My husband and I slowly breathed in the ancient yet radiant atmosphere, captivated by every little corner of Ubud, occasionally stopping to sample local specialties and buy some exquisitely crafted wooden souvenirs. Then we randomly chose a local restaurant that looked very appealing – and that's where we got the best Indonesian cheesecake and home-style rice we've ever eaten. The more we enjoyed the scenery of Ubud, the more we understood why Liz in "Eat, Pray, Love" had to come here to find love. Because Ubud is imbued with an emotion that is both pristine and intense, powerful yet gentle. Ubud makes those who haven't found love yet want to be, and those already in a relationship vow to be forever in love with their partner. Perhaps that's why Ubud, or Bali in general, has never been absent from the list of perfect honeymoon destinations.

Although we had traveled together many times before getting married, our honeymoon was perhaps the most emotionally fulfilling trip we've ever taken. Immersed in the romantic and pristine atmosphere of Bali, we felt more peaceful, more secure, and more eager to share, understand, and love each other. And I will always remember how gently Ubud welcomed us, the young couple, embracing us both and singing joyful songs of a blossoming happy life.

Additional information

Schedule:There are direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Bali, but if you're traveling from Hanoi, you'll have to make a connecting flight. A round-trip ticket costs approximately 4,000,000 VND or more.

Time:Bali is at its best between April and July. During this time, Bali is beautiful, the weather is pleasant, there is no rain, no intense sun, and it's not too hot, so activities and exploration are not affected by rain.

Cuisine:The food in Bali is relatively easy to eat for most tourists. Must-try dishes when visiting Bali include Babi Guiling, Chicken Satay, Nasi Goreng, and Lawar.

Accommodation:Bali has many beautiful and affordable resorts and homestays. You should book in advance through online booking sites to choose resorts with swimming pools, free breakfast, and comfortable spaces for only 800,000 - 1,000,000 VND per night.

Skin:Bali has a tropical climate, hot year-round like Ho Chi Minh City, so you only need to bring practical, comfortable summer clothes. Don't forget to bring long skirts and long pants because all temples and shrines in Bali strictly prohibit wearing short or revealing clothing. You can buy sarongs – a traditional Indonesian wrap skirt – when visiting temples and shrines.

MoveYou should hire a taxi with an English-speaking driver for convenient transportation between distant points. In Kuta or Ubud, renting a motorbike is a good option for exploring and stopping at your favorite spots.

Language:Most people in Bali can speak basic English, so communication is not difficult.

Money:The exchange rate is approximately 1 rupiah (IDR) to 1,700 VND. It is advisable to exchange money at a bank to avoid the risks commonly encountered at private money exchange points.

Estimated cost:Approximately 25 million VND for 2 people for a 5-day, 4-night trip.

Lyn My