Giving Bali a Second Chance in Seminyak
Amanda and I knew we needed to get to the island of Java to see Borobudur, which meant traveling back through Bali after leaving the Gili Islands. We took a speed boat this time instead of the slow boat because we found a good deal that also included our transfer from the port in Bali to our hotel. This time we decided to stay in Seminyak, which we heard was an upscale town where a lot of expats live. We searched around and found a resort on a last minute site for a reasonable price. It was by far the nicest place we stayed during our trip, and the first thing we did was spend some time at the pool.
Amanda had heard from a friend about a restaurant in Seminyak called Potato Heads, so we decided to check it out. I’m not really into fancy places, but this was incredible. It was a huge outdoor patio setting that looked out into the ocean. There was a pool and lounging area with beds where you could order drinks and food. There were a few different bar areas, plus normal tables. We ordered drinks and were blown away. I had a Bloody Mary that was served on a little wooden board sushi-style, and it was probably the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had. I ended up ordering a second one too.
Amanda ordered something they called Prohibition Tea, which was a fancy Long Island Iced Tea, and it came with vodka-infused orange slices.
The food was decadent, the drinks were amazing, the scenery was perfection, and while the price was higher than a normal backpacker’s budget, it was the same or even a little cheaper than a nice restaurant in Atlanta.
We spent the next morning relaxing and had lunch at a tea room that advertised tarot card readings. I’m always skeptical of those types of things, but she did say some things to both of us that we don’t know how she would’ve just guessed. It was definitely interesting. After that we just wandered around town and took a walk on the beach at sunset.
Those two days gave us some much needed luxury before our not-so-luxurious time on Java, and I’m glad we gave Bali a second chance because we liked it a lot better than the first time.
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November 7, 2011 @ 2:15 PM
Hi Ali,
Can you share more on the deal you made on the fast boat back to Bali?
Regards,
Farah
November 7, 2011 @ 2:28 PM
We went to a few of the travel/tour offices on Gili Trawangan (they’re all over the place) and asked how much they charge for a fast boat to Bali and found one for around US$35 or $40, after a little haggling, and it included a shuttle from where we got off the boat to our hotel on Bali. The boat took about an hour to an hour and a half, and it was kind of rough, not exactly comfortable. But it was fast! I hope this helps!
November 7, 2011 @ 3:11 PM
Awesome that you went back and had a great time in Seminyak. We also went to Potato Heads but I think we were there too early and not much dancing going on, just eating.
This is where we plan on going for our New Years party time though, and I think its going to be amazing.
Your drinks look yum. Vodka infused orange slices? I’ll take some of those too!
November 7, 2011 @ 4:28 PM
I don’t know if there was really any dancing when we were there either, but it was a really nice lounge sort of atmosphere. The orange slices were awesome, as was my bloody mary! Have fun on New Year’s!
November 8, 2011 @ 8:40 PM
Your drinks looks delicious! Glad Bali showed you a good time the second time around, can’t wait to make it there and I’m for sure going to try a bloody mary!
November 9, 2011 @ 7:45 AM
Thanks Heather! They sure were good drinks!
November 10, 2011 @ 8:34 AM
I may have to go there for the Bloody Mary alone, it is honestly my favorite cocktail!
November 10, 2011 @ 9:49 AM
It was soooo good!!
March 27, 2013 @ 3:31 PM
Hi Ali
I am glad to hear you ended up liking Bali, it is one of my favourite places on earth.
Bali definitely has some of the flaws that comes with mass tourism, but you don’t have to look far to find beauty, not to mention that the Balinese are some of the kindest people you ever come by.
Happy Easter
Stefan
March 28, 2013 @ 10:29 PM
I do still feel like I need to see more of the island. I didn’t spend nearly enough time there and explored so little. Hopefully I’ll get another chance one of these days!