What does “Bali high” mean? Bali high is not a high school, a mountainous region or a certain state of intoxication that you get from an illegal substance. Bali high is actually “Bali Hai” (or Bali H’ai), a show tune from the musical South Pacific. You know, like “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” or “Some Enchanted Evening”… remember those?
Since the explosion of tourism on Bali, countless establishments and products have jumped on the bandwagon and christened themselves with the name Bali Hai. It’ a rolling paper (a bit of obvious branding) and the name of an Indonesian beer company, for example. The words do contain a sort of mystical appeal and there’s that nice double meaning, aurally if not in written form.
But let’s make a new definition of Bali high, though I’m sure we won’t be the first to do so. Let’s have it mean the blissful feeling of being on one of the world’s most beautiful islands – a feeling only Bali can produce. Never mind the party scene, let’s say that Bali high is something you get away from the hustle and bustle. Sure, Kuta is fun for a certain brand of tourist, but sometimes you want to kick back in peace and quiet, among calming nature and in front of a scenic ocean. This Bali high can be found on the Bukit peninsula.
From the Huffington Post:
You can spend all day here, at least while it’s lowish tide, relaxing in the natural pools and watching the amazing surfers offshore. There’s plenty of food to buy, so no need to bring anything along.
More hidden beaches line the Bukit, but you’ll have to follow the surfers or ask locals how to find them. We spent the rest of our day at Padang Padang, which was also accessed by a stunning staircase. If the main beach is crowded, head right. There are hardly any people to be found and the sand is even better.
And for surfing, the Bukit can’t be beat. Come and experience the real Bali high!
Dreamland beach, Bukit peninsula. Pic: Kalyan Neelamraju (Flickr CC)
Since the explosion of tourism on Bali, countless establishments and products have jumped on the bandwagon and christened themselves with the name Bali Hai. It’ a rolling paper (a bit of obvious branding) and the name of an Indonesian beer company, for example. The words do contain a sort of mystical appeal and there’s that nice double meaning, aurally if not in written form.
But let’s make a new definition of Bali high, though I’m sure we won’t be the first to do so. Let’s have it mean the blissful feeling of being on one of the world’s most beautiful islands – a feeling only Bali can produce. Never mind the party scene, let’s say that Bali high is something you get away from the hustle and bustle. Sure, Kuta is fun for a certain brand of tourist, but sometimes you want to kick back in peace and quiet, among calming nature and in front of a scenic ocean. This Bali high can be found on the Bukit peninsula.
From the Huffington Post:
You can spend all day here, at least while it’s lowish tide, relaxing in the natural pools and watching the amazing surfers offshore. There’s plenty of food to buy, so no need to bring anything along.
More hidden beaches line the Bukit, but you’ll have to follow the surfers or ask locals how to find them. We spent the rest of our day at Padang Padang, which was also accessed by a stunning staircase. If the main beach is crowded, head right. There are hardly any people to be found and the sand is even better.
And for surfing, the Bukit can’t be beat. Come and experience the real Bali high!!!
Dreamland beach, Bukit peninsula. Pic: Kalyan Neelamraju (Flickr CC)
