10 things to do in Bali

Bali, a popular tourist destination especially after the 1980s, it is one of Indonesia's island, a well known one. And in the Bali Island, the tourism industries are mainly focused on the south of the island where it has the highest population among other Bali towns. Although most Indonesians are Muslims (more than 80% of them), most Balinese are practising Balinese Hinduism. Bali is well known for its art, culture, architecture, agriculture and more. Its breath taking surrounding, the sea, the forest and the mountains, I see why this place attracts so many of us, wanting to pay a visit.
I have been to Bali twice and I still want to go back and see more! Without further ado, here are 10 things you can do when you're in Bali.

1. Kintamani Day Tour 
   
   This is a great way to explore the other side of Bali, Kintamani located at the north-east of Bali, it's a highland away from the beach. The tour will provide you transportation with a English speaking driver. In this tour, you can explore the local villages, temples and witness their handicrafts skills like silver jewellery making and wood carving. On top of that you will be able to visit one of the famous "Bali instagram picture", the Tegalalang rice terrace. You can also enjoy your balinese lunch while admiring the active volcano (Batur Mount) across from your table like we did. Don't forget to taste some traditional Bali 'luwak' coffee, it's their speciality. For more info: click here                                                                                              
2. Bali Safari and Marine Park
   
   Pay a visit when you have the extra time. They have a great variety of healthy animals in this park including white tigers, orang utans, komodo dragons, piranhas and so on. They offer safari ride among the animals' habitats, animal shows (birds and elephants are the popular ones), pictures with the selected animals ( I was lucky enough to be there when there's a white tiger cub!), night safari and dine in a restaurant called Tsavo Lion, it is a restaurant with full length glass panel separate you and the lions, you can dine and observe the lions safely.
   
   If you feel like having the experience, you can also stay at their safari themed hotel huts. For more info: click here
3. Temple Visit 
   
   Balinese ancient temples are one of the popular tourist attractions. There are a lot of them around Bali and each one of them are unique, one of a kind. But the most visited ones are Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Goa Gajah, Ulun Danu Beratan and Besakih Temple. If you have to choose one, I would recommend Tanah Lot. It is the most popular and uniquely located on a big rock by the shore with constant crashing waves. It definitely is the great spot for your postcard shot. As the temples are a sacred place, the proper attire to enter is to wear a sarong waist cloth/ sash. No need to worry if you don't have one, they will be available around the entrance of temples for rentals or for sold.
4. Local Art Markets
   
   
   For those art lovers out there, this will be a treat for you but for those who are not so much of an art fan, they are quite an eye opening experience. Bali art markets offer all sorts of artworks and handicrafts they are famous for. The markets are open air style, filled with small kiosks packed with lots of local made products from batiks to paintings to wood carvings to knick knacks. Once you have your mind on something you wanted, make sure you practice your haggling/ bargaining skills for a better deal. Don't be shy. The popular markets are the Ubud Art Market and Kuta Art Market.   
5. Beaches 
   
   
   
   
   Relax by the beach and enjoy the moment. I would recommend the Nusa Dua Beach and Seminyak Beach. The popular Kuta Beach is to be avoided because it's dirty, too crowded and you will be harass by the locals constantly who try to sell you beverages, fake sunglasses, knick knacks, massage services and the list goes on. Reminder: please keep the rubbish with you and help to keep the environment clean. Also, don't forget to put your sunscreen on.
6. Waterbom Bali
   
   Rated as the #3 best water parks in the world and #1 in Asia, if you like rides, you should dedicate a day in the Waterbom. They have all sorts of rides cater to adults and children, perfect for families. Not into rides? Don't worry, there are more than just rides in the park, they also have retail outlets, fish spas, reflexology centre, hair braiding services, restaurants, food stalls and an in pool bar! For more info: click here 
7. Beach Clubs
   
   A lifestyle destination, it is a great place to hang out if you prefer a more private area. I would recommend Ku De Ta Bali and Potato Head Beach Club both located in Seminyak. Surround yourself with great music, great layout of the club facing the beach with a cocktail or a sandwich in your hand. Want a more private and secluded beach club? check out the beautiful Karma Beach Bali. 
   
   For more info:click here or click here
8. Reflexology Like Thailand, Bali has their own style. There are a lot of them reflexology centres around. I went for the one in my hotel and it sure was relaxing, best treat for my body.
9. Balinese Food 
   
   
   
   
   A cuisine that is so underrated. They are available almost everywhere. Don't be afraid to walk into their little stalls or kiosks to try their food. They might not look fancy but trust me you will be surprise at how good the food taste and the price will be much cheaper than your hotel meals. Some of the local dishes name are Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Balinese Satay (skewered meat with bamboo stick or lemon grass stick), Babi Guling (spit roasted pig), Nasi Campur (rice served with few local dishes) and Es Campur (shaved ice with fruits, jellies and coconut milk).
10. Night Life 
    
    Don't know what to do after the sun goes down? Put on your party shoes and head to some of these night clubs or bars for a dance. Most of the clubs and bars are spread among Legian and Kuta. Here are the popular ones, Sky Garden Lounge and The Bounty. If night clubs are too much, you can head to one of the rooftop lounges available for a drink. Here are some of them, Sky Garden Rooftop Lounge, Luna Bar and Tao Rooftop Bar. 

There you go, my list of 10 things to do when you visit the beautiful Bali. Remember, when you visit a place, it's always wise to help keeping the environment clean, respect the culture and most important of all, have an open mind and absorb as much as you can! Happy Travel!

Love,
Carol

Making my own breadcrumbs

I started to make my own breadcrumbs and I made it a habit of mine now. In France, their ready made breadcrumbs in the shops are not the usual breadcrumbs texture I used to use when I was in Australia. They are dryer and finer, very cous-cous liked shape, it is just not the same.

They are great with fish but not ideal for making burgers, meat-loafs, meatballs, etc (in my opinion). 
Since, we will have baguette at least once a week (they are so yummy and fresh here) and we usually can't finish them, the idea of making my own breadcrumbs popped up!

So here's how I make them, it's just 3 simple steps.

1.  Cut the baguette to thin slices and put them into the food processor. Blend them to your ideal texture.
   
2. Spread your breadcrumbs evenly on a baking tray (lined with baking paper) and bake in a preheated oven at 150C for about 10-15 minutes.                                                                         
   
   
3. Your breadcrumbs are ready! I bought a glass jar from Ikea to store them.
   
   

Instead of throwing stale bread and buying ready made breadcrumbs, why don't just spare 20 minutes of our time and make our own?
p.s. My husband actually asked what brand of breadcrumbs I used for the first time because he likes it very much.

Love,
Carol