January 4, 2025
Our firm was closed for five days from Christmas Day 2024. Airfare during the festive season was quite expensive, but with our KrisFlyer miles and a small amount of $$$, we managed to book a flight to Bali.
What makes this destination so special? People from all over the world choose to spend this festive season in Bali. But why?
Spending Christmas in Bali was a an experience, quite different from how other countries celebrate during this festive season. We arrived at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport around 9 PM on Christmas Eve. Upon arrival, we had the option to complete immigration clearance or apply for a visa online. This service is available for ASEAN passport holders and other eligible countries. At the airport, there’s a QR code displayed near the automated lanes, which you can scan to access the online form to complete your visa or immigration clearance. If you have any questions or need assistance, there are staff available to guide you through the process. Once we finished, we were able to enter through the automated lanes.
However, it took quite a long time to collect our luggage, as they mentioned that each bag was thoroughly screened. After exiting the airport, we were greeted by a large number of drivers and guides waiting for their respective visitors. It was interesting to see the scene at the airport, with so many people from around the world choosing to spend this special season in Bali. I wondered, would I be proud that we were among them?
Our pre-arranged pick-up service was waiting for us, though calling a Grab or Gojek is also an option but you have to find a place where the pick up is allowed. It took nearly an hour to reach our hotel, Puri Saron Hotel in Seminyak. On the way, it began to rain—or perhaps it was already raining on that side of Bali.
My initial impression of Bali during this visit wasn’t positive. I wondered why we chose to spend such a special day here. We had booked a suite for four nights, costing us S$800. While smaller rooms were available for about S$500 with breakfast included, we opted for the suite because of its spaciousness and view to the beach and pool. Our hotel was beachfront, and we could hear the ocean waves at night. From the balcony, we had a partial view of the beach, though it was obscured by trees.
On our first night, I went to the beach at around 11 PM. The rain had just stopped, and the area was eerily quiet. I expected a lively beachside scene with people relaxing, drinking, and enjoying music, but it felt more like a ghost town. The beach was littered with rubbish washed ashore by the waves. It left me questioning how we would enjoy our time in Bali.
Later that night, around 2 AM, it rained again. This time, it wasn’t just rain—it felt like a storm. The sound of the rain and wind was so intense that I was scared the water from the beach might surge and wash us away.
What makes this destination so special? People from all over the world choose to spend this festive season in Bali. But why?
Spending Christmas in Bali was a an experience, quite different from how other countries celebrate during this festive season. We arrived at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport around 9 PM on Christmas Eve. Upon arrival, we had the option to complete immigration clearance or apply for a visa online. This service is available for ASEAN passport holders and other eligible countries. At the airport, there’s a QR code displayed near the automated lanes, which you can scan to access the online form to complete your visa or immigration clearance. If you have any questions or need assistance, there are staff available to guide you through the process. Once we finished, we were able to enter through the automated lanes.
However, it took quite a long time to collect our luggage, as they mentioned that each bag was thoroughly screened. After exiting the airport, we were greeted by a large number of drivers and guides waiting for their respective visitors. It was interesting to see the scene at the airport, with so many people from around the world choosing to spend this special season in Bali. I wondered, would I be proud that we were among them?
Our pre-arranged pick-up service was waiting for us, though calling a Grab or Gojek is also an option but you have to find a place where the pick up is allowed. It took nearly an hour to reach our hotel, Puri Saron Hotel in Seminyak. On the way, it began to rain—or perhaps it was already raining on that side of Bali.
My initial impression of Bali during this visit wasn’t positive. I wondered why we chose to spend such a special day here. We had booked a suite for four nights, costing us S$800. While smaller rooms were available for about S$500 with breakfast included, we opted for the suite because of its spaciousness and view to the beach and pool. Our hotel was beachfront, and we could hear the ocean waves at night. From the balcony, we had a partial view of the beach, though it was obscured by trees.
On our first night, I went to the beach at around 11 PM. The rain had just stopped, and the area was eerily quiet. I expected a lively beachside scene with people relaxing, drinking, and enjoying music, but it felt more like a ghost town. The beach was littered with rubbish washed ashore by the waves. It left me questioning how we would enjoy our time in Bali.
Later that night, around 2 AM, it rained again. This time, it wasn’t just rain—it felt like a storm. The sound of the rain and wind was so intense that I was scared the water from the beach might surge and wash us away.
Christmas Morning (25th December)
We woke up around 9 AM and headed for breakfast at the hotel. There was a variety of food available. I found several dishes to my liking, but my husband wasn’t as pleased with the selection. The breakfast spread included a drink station with options like pineapple, apple, mango, or orange juice (two choices each day), as well as water and milk. There were cereals and yougurt, a salad and fruit bar, and a main section with hot meals like rice, noodles, breads, pastries, and a selection of local dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and various Asian meat and fish dishes.
We woke up around 9 AM and headed for breakfast at the hotel. There was a variety of food available. I found several dishes to my liking, but my husband wasn’t as pleased with the selection. The breakfast spread included a drink station with options like pineapple, apple, mango, or orange juice (two choices each day), as well as water and milk. There were cereals and yougurt, a salad and fruit bar, and a main section with hot meals like rice, noodles, breads, pastries, and a selection of local dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and various Asian meat and fish dishes.
A Relaxing Day at the Beach
After breakfast, I wondered how to spend our first full day. My initial plan was to relax, watch some K-dramas, and swim. However, the pool looked dirty from the rain and fallen leaves. Thankfully, the rain had just stopped, and the pool was being cleaned. I decided to take a walk along the beach first before heading back for a swim.
I wore a swim top under my shirt and strolled toward Seminyak Square. The beach wasn’t ideal for swimming—it seemed better suited for surfing. The waves were unpredictable, and the water alternated between barely covering my ankles to rushing further up the shore. Still, walking along the beach was incredibly relaxing.
After breakfast, I wondered how to spend our first full day. My initial plan was to relax, watch some K-dramas, and swim. However, the pool looked dirty from the rain and fallen leaves. Thankfully, the rain had just stopped, and the pool was being cleaned. I decided to take a walk along the beach first before heading back for a swim.
I wore a swim top under my shirt and strolled toward Seminyak Square. The beach wasn’t ideal for swimming—it seemed better suited for surfing. The waves were unpredictable, and the water alternated between barely covering my ankles to rushing further up the shore. Still, walking along the beach was incredibly relaxing.
The weather shifted as I walked—it started raining but only lasted about 20 minutes. Luckily, I had a waterproof windbreaker, and the rain was light enough that I dried quickly afterward.
While walking along the beach, I came across a few small streams or rivers flowing into the ocean. These seemed to have been formed by rainwater runoff or natural freshwater sources from inland areas. “Although the streams looked shallow, and I saw some people crossing them, I wasn’t familiar with the area and worried there might be deeper sections where I could lose my footing. To be safe, I used the small bridges nearby to cross instead. It was a cautious but worthwhile decision, as the streams added a unique charm to the beach walk.”
After nearly two hours of walking, I reached Petitenget Beach. I noticed a gateway to a temple and realized I had arrived at Pura Petitenget, a Hindu temple. Across from the two split gates of the temple, there was an open-air building with chairs for viewers, where a traditional dance was taking place. The performance was mesmerizing, but I couldn’t stay long or enter the temple itself because I wasn’t dressed appropriately and didn’t have a sarong. I snapped a few photos and moved on.
Continuing my walk, I passed small shops, convenience stores, and local eateries. I came across a seafood restaurant named Shrimpis and thought it might be a good option for an early dinner. I also saw a massage and hair salon offering incredibly affordable services. I made a mental note to visit it on our last day.
Continuing my walk, I passed small shops, convenience stores, and local eateries. I came across a seafood restaurant named Shrimpis and thought it might be a good option for an early dinner. I also saw a massage and hair salon offering incredibly affordable services. I made a mental note to visit it on our last day.
Eventually, I reached Seminyak Square, which was just 200 meters away from where I stood.
Seminyak Square is a popular shopping and dining hub located on Jalan Kayu Aya, often called “Eat Street,” in the vibrant heart of Seminyak, Bali. Designed to cater to both locals and tourists, it offers a mix of retail shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a key destination for leisure and entertainment in the area.
When I visited Seminyak Square, a local band was performing, adding a lively and entertaining vibe to the atmosphere. Tourists seemed to enjoy the performance immensely, as the band played many of the songs they requested, creating a fun and engaging experience for everyone present.
Seminyak Square is a popular shopping and dining hub located on Jalan Kayu Aya, often called “Eat Street,” in the vibrant heart of Seminyak, Bali. Designed to cater to both locals and tourists, it offers a mix of retail shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a key destination for leisure and entertainment in the area.
When I visited Seminyak Square, a local band was performing, adding a lively and entertaining vibe to the atmosphere. Tourists seemed to enjoy the performance immensely, as the band played many of the songs they requested, creating a fun and engaging experience for everyone present.
At Seminyak Square, I couldn’t resist the gelato and, being a fan of pistachio, I treated myself to three scoops. I savored the gelato while enjoying the local band’s performance. Most of the songs were ones the tourists had requested, adding to the fun and lively atmosphere.
As I was enjoying myself, I realized I really needed to use the restroom. At the time, I didn’t know there were clean sitting toilets nearby; I thought most of the restrooms would be squat toilets. I decided to walk back to the hotel, but as I exited the square towards the beach, I noticed a toilet but very rusty inside. Passing by the receptionist for the gym, I saw another restroom sign on the left. Initially, I thought it might be locked or for members only.
Luckily, it was opened, and I found a clean restroom with a shower. I took the opportunity to wash the sand off my feet from the beach. After freshening up, I called my husband to join me and bring a change of clothes.
As I was enjoying myself, I realized I really needed to use the restroom. At the time, I didn’t know there were clean sitting toilets nearby; I thought most of the restrooms would be squat toilets. I decided to walk back to the hotel, but as I exited the square towards the beach, I noticed a toilet but very rusty inside. Passing by the receptionist for the gym, I saw another restroom sign on the left. Initially, I thought it might be locked or for members only.
Luckily, it was opened, and I found a clean restroom with a shower. I took the opportunity to wash the sand off my feet from the beach. After freshening up, I called my husband to join me and bring a change of clothes.
Seminyak Square is also known for its clean and well-maintained facilities, including a gym and a swimming pool with showers and toilets. For a unique experience, visitors can enjoy the “Lounge in the Sky,” which offers elevated views and a distinctive dining atmosphere.
Feeling recharged, I wandered around the area, checking out the mart and finding a reflexology service. While waiting for my husband, I treated myself to a foot massage that lasted an hour for 150,000 IDR (US$10). My husband arrived shortly after, and once I had changed, we explored further looking for H&M. We then discovered a mall adjacent to the square, complete with more clean toilets.
Feeling recharged, I wandered around the area, checking out the mart and finding a reflexology service. While waiting for my husband, I treated myself to a foot massage that lasted an hour for 150,000 IDR (US$10). My husband arrived shortly after, and once I had changed, we explored further looking for H&M. We then discovered a mall adjacent to the square, complete with more clean toilets.
Next to Seminyak Square is Seminyak Village, a modern two-story shopping mall spanning 60,000 square feet. It blends international brands with local boutiques, showcasing Bali’s rich culture and traditions. I did not find anything to buy though.
We then walked just 10 minutes to Shrimpis for an early dinner. The “eat all you can” shrimp special was a great deal at 350,000 IDR (about US$25) per person. Along with the shrimp, there were sides of corn, bread, and salad, all of which you could refill as much as you wanted for 90 minutes. We refilled the shrimp three times in an hour before our stomachs couldn’t handle any more. We enjoyed the meal. To help with digestion, we decided to walk back to the hotel along the beach.
The beach was a completely different scene in the evening. The crowd had gathered, enjoying the ocean with drinks and culinary delights. There were even some fireworks along the way and live bands playing. It was Christmas, and the atmosphere was festive. When we reached the front of our hotel, we were surprised to find that seating was charged at 200,000 IDR per seat. The night ended around 11 p.m., and thankfully, it didn’t rain, allowing everyone to enjoy a Christmas evening in Bali.
More of our Bali escapades will be shared in Part 2. I would be sharing as well the interesting places to visit in Bali.
Updated on January 4, 2025
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