Below the Equator, Before Being Moved. (7-Day Bali Trip with Bestie)
A very popular saying about Bali: "First-class hotels, second-class beaches, third-class attractions." This is why I had delayed going to Bali—prejudice before even arriving. Yet this island south of the equator still beckoned me to explore. And when I got there, I realized that others' words and biases cannot replace your own preferences and thinking. On every island trip, I have a habit: no itinerary planning, no thinking. It was the same for Guam and just the same for Bali. A vacation should feel like a vacation~~~
—MagicRabbit— Based in Hangzhou, media professional. A makeup artist who can't do special effects isn't a good traveler. I insist on "life is short, seize the day." Gear: Sony a7r2 (lenses: FE1.8/55; FE4/24-70); 5D2 (Sigma 1.4/50)
Left: An Daxia (photographer and writer, based in Switzerland) Right: Me~~~ We met on a trip. I love how An captures me in her lens; she always catches the side of me that no one else sees. We're the same age, and after that trip to Switzerland, a whole year passed. The Bali trip brought our hearts even closer. They say travel is the best way to test friendship; the unpredictability of travel becomes something you have to face together. Being together day and night, blending lifestyles, and looking out for each other. I still remember that day when I accompanied An for diving. I got seasick, vomiting so much I couldn't even lift my camera. An, who had also thrown up several times and done two dives, was on the speedboat patting my back, gently, over and over again. At that moment, it was the greatest support for me.
——Good friends are like stars.——you don't always see them, but they're always there. When An and I saw this saying, we were having a candlelit dinner at the villa. The hotel had prepared it especially for our girls' trip, and it spoke straight to our hearts.
At 5:30 in the morning at bustling Pudong Airport, I met An. A whole year had passed. But when we walked toward each other, it felt like we were friends who met often—no strangeness at all. Finding a great travel companion for an unknown journey is almost as hard as finding a caring husband to spend your life with. So on the first leg from Shanghai to Hong Kong, through customs and security, An and I talked nonstop about everything new that had happened in the past year. "Zoom," and suddenly we landed in Hong Kong—no drowsiness from waking up early at all.
We dolled up a bit at Hong Kong Airport and seamlessly boarded the second flight. Many people were sleeping on the plane, but An and I watched the "farce" starring Moonlight together. After watching it, we were completely baffled—honestly couldn't understand the director's world. It was really one of those movies you struggle to finish, with a full bladder throughout. It felt like another instant, and the plane started descending. I opened the window shade, and the sky outside was getting more and more beautiful. We had crossed the equator.
After clearing customs and getting our luggage, among a sea of local men holding signs, we instantly spotted our driver. Our driver was the "Bali Wallace Chung"—having Wallace Chung pick us up felt utterly awesome. Because of the unique design of Bali's airport, as soon as we exited, a wave of heat hit us. Luckily, nighttime in Bali was still cool.
After eating airplane food all day, we had to reward our stomachs. This restaurant was run by a Chinese owner, famous for its congee and seafood. So An and I went all out and ordered a full spread—like we were going to starve for the next week. I recommend you try avocado chocolate juice, crab, and various congees. Honestly, every dish was delicious. In Bali, your Chinese stomach can find liberation.
After eating our fill, "Wallace Chung" took us back to the hotel to rest. The first night's resort was supposed to be a good deal, so we didn't expect much. But it completely exceeded our expectations. The hotel was not only big, with great landscaping and a large pool, but it also had a beach and nice rooms. A big surprise. The Inaya Putri Bali resort is located on the coast of Nusa Dua, a 15-minute walk from Bali Collection. The public areas were beautifully designed, the hotel had its own small market, and the service was so warm it made our hearts bloom. Strolling along the hotel beach at dusk, we saw groups of muscular guys—dazzling. The room design was standard but classy, making it the best value for money. The price was about 820 RMB per night—a great deal for a resort hotel.
We thought the hotel at night was stunning enough, but when we woke up in the morning, we found that dawn and dusk were even more beautiful. After a day of flying, An and I fell asleep almost instantly. Good night, Bali.
Slept dreamlessly. I usually have trouble sleeping the first night of a trip, but this time I fell asleep instantly and didn't even change position all night. Guess Bali and I are a good match. I vaguely remember chatting with An before I lost consciousness. I walked to the balcony, took a deep breath of the fresh island air. All work worries, daily trifles, and pointless people—all cast aside. After getting ready, we headed out for breakfast in the sunshine.
At ten o'clock, our private driver Budi appeared in the hotel lobby on time to take us to Uluwatu Temple (the "Lover's Cliff"). On the way, the driver told us that inside Uluwatu, there are many mischievous monkeys—very bold, they snatch visitors' hats, glasses, and fruit-decorated sandals. An glanced at me and laughed out loud. Because I had all three: hat, glasses, and fruit sandals. So I was nervous the whole way, afraid the monkeys would snatch my gear. But in reality, we only saw one lazy monkey near the exit, clutching a water bottle. Talk about luck.
Entering Uluwatu, visitors wearing shorts or skirts had to tie on a colorful sarong. Since I was wearing a white shirt, it matched perfectly. Many travel guides say Uluwatu is boring, but I thought the scenery was great—the various blues of the sea, the greens of the trees, and the bright flowers created a beautiful picture.
An and I clicked away while looking for good spots to frame shots. We ducked into a grove, and the sunlight filtering through the branches fell on our faces. Clicking the shutter randomly, the photos came out really atmospheric. So many girls ask how to take good pictures—sometimes it's just about finding the right feeling. Two people carrying two heavy cameras, but because we're used to it, we felt like strongmen. The sun grew fiercer as noon approached, so we retreated.
We were still full from breakfast, so we headed straight for paragliding. Paragliding is a relatively new activity in Bali, and we were among the first to try it. Since I had already skydived and tried paragliding in Queenstown, I wasn't nervous, just excited. An was a bit nervous, but once in the air, she relaxed and enjoyed the feeling of the blue sky, white clouds, and wind brushing past her ears. The 20-minute experience let us circle above the coastline several times. Seeing the sea from a bird's-eye view was amazing. After the experience, Budi drove us back to the hotel. One advantage of a private driver is having air conditioning on the way back.
Back at the hotel, we rested a bit, changed clothes, and waited for sunset. We strolled down to the hotel beach. There were staff setting up a candlelit dinner, young guys lounging in beanbags enjoying the sea breeze, and people clicking shutters on the shore. The light was perfect. An and I got into the groove, taking photos in various natural poses. Maybe our laughing and photo-taking attracted the attention of the handsome guys in the beanbags—they kept glancing at us. Eventually, one of them came over. A cliché pickup line, but since he was good-looking, An and I just smiled at each other. The Singaporean guy even downloaded WeChat to ask for our contact info, followed by invitations to dinner in Chinese and English.
We politely declined the young guys' invitation and strolled to a restaurant near the hotel. But inside, we were thrilled. At our age ("aunty" age), to have 20-year-old boys hitting on us—we couldn't help feeling secretly pleased. But at this stage in life, so-called love at first sight or a fling is just a story. We walk carefully through life; the greatest luck is being able to do what we love. And those passionate feelings remain in the deepest memories. Walking along the street, asking for directions, we'd always end up hearing "I love you." Or being asked if we were single, or directly hit on. That day, it felt like we had been confessed to a hundred times. We concluded that Balinese men are even more "flirty" than Parisian men. Of course, their warmth and frankness are enviable. We passed a restaurant that caught our eye and walked in.
We ordered the famous Indonesian fried rice—tasteless. Over the following days, An and I concluded that Balinese people really don't know how to cook. Luckily, the atmosphere and setting were nice, and the prices weren't high. The live singer even dedicated a Chinese song "Love You for Ten Thousand Years" to us. After dinner, we walked back along the same road. The breeze was pleasant as we crossed the beach back to the hotel. Day one in Bali was full of the scent of spring and hormones. Good night, girls.
Today was simple: during the day, An and I had a scheduled couple-photo shoot (bestie bridal shoot), and in the evening, we had a candlelit dinner together in the villa. Why a bestie photo shoot? Because although we're both good at photographing each other, we rarely have photos together. So we decided to be photographed properly! In the morning, the hotel picked us up and took us to the store. We chose outfits, had makeup done, and then set off for the shoot. Even though the weather was hot, the photographer and makeup artist were super attentive—holding umbrellas, touching up makeup, everything. Both the photographer and makeup artist were from Sichuan, very funny, so the atmosphere was great. Here's a sneak peek; the final photos need some retouching. After the shoot, we were a bit tired, so we went back to the hotel to rest and wait for the romantic dinner.
Villa de Daun is tucked away in the bustling Kuta area, giving a sense of seclusion in the city. It offers a quiet and private stay while also being close to the action—perfect for couples or friends who want peace but not isolation. The hotel's butler service puts guests first without being intrusive. Each villa is an independent unit with living room, bedroom, bathroom, and pool—everything you need. The most thoughtful touch was the villa doorplate with our names on it—so sweet. Waking up naturally in the morning, having breakfast in the room—this is how a vacation should be. The room rate was 2655 RMB per night—luxurious yet affordable.
We could request the time for the honeymoon dinner. Before dinner, we enjoyed the spa, which perfectly relieved the day's fatigue. After the spa, we strolled slowly back to the room. Surprise! Candles were lit at the entrance. Pushing open the door, we saw the pool covered in flower petals, and dinner was already set by the poolside. We gasped—neither of us had ever felt so romantic in our lives. After snapping a ton of photos, we sat under the stars, enjoying the food and chatting about everything under the sun. Two girls always have so much to talk about, but at this age, there are fewer and fewer people you can speak your heart to. We were honest with each other, sharing little secrets and big joys and sorrows.
I'm always the one who falls asleep first. An would turn off the lights, close the door, and carefully climb into bed. Good night, friend—brightest star.
Early the next morning, the butler delivered breakfast to our room on schedule. Watching two men busy in the kitchen was quite a sight! This kind of treatment probably doesn't happen many times in a lifetime. We ordered one Indonesian breakfast and one Japanese breakfast. The breakfast sparkled in the morning sunlight, and our appetites soared.
After breakfast, the diving company staff came to pick us up. I'm afraid of the sea—I'd rather go to the sky than go into the water. But sometimes, we need to face what we fear. However, before leaving, I unfortunately burned myself and couldn't go into the sea. An was a first-time diver, so I decided to accompany her to the dive site. At the dive shop, the staff had An fill out forms and gave detailed instructions on diving techniques and hand signals. After everyone gathered, we all boarded a van to the coast. The foreign guests in our group were clearly experienced divers. So with some anxiety, we boarded the boat.
Lembongan Island, here we come! But—as soon as I got on the boat, I started feeling dizzy! An tried to distract me by taking photos, but I had the expression of a shipwreck victim being rescued. The foreign friends on board gave me the least rocky seat, which touched me deeply. I tried to suppress my churning stomach. By the time we reached the first dive site, I could barely lift my camera. With sheer willpower, I snapped a few random shots of An. But little did I know, the boat rocking while moving was nothing compared to when they went diving and the boat stopped—that was the worst.
Every second was torture. What I'm most proud of is that I had to stay at the stern to feel best, but there was no shade and the sun was blazing. Despite being unable to move, I mustered the willpower to reapply sunscreen. On the other side, a foreign guy who was snorkeling came up quickly, feeling unwell. So there we were, one on each side, both miserable. After a while, a local staff member asked if we wanted to eat. No way I could eat. So the guy happily ate his sandwich. Finally, my stomach couldn't take it anymore and I started throwing up. My first time throwing up—not from drinking, but from seasickness. It was embarrassing, especially with a handsome foreign guy nearby—until I turned around and saw him throwing up too.
Time felt frozen, each minute dragging. Finally, they surfaced from the first dive. But we got the bad news: there was a second dive. At that moment, I really felt "life is not worth living." The foreign friends suggested to the staff that they should take me back, but we were far from shore, and a round trip would ruin the schedule. Everyone taught me how to reduce seasickness, and the instructors put ice packs on my neck. I said I could hold on. Meanwhile, An, after the rocking, had thrown up three times. When the second dive site came, An insisted on going down, and I insisted on suffering on the boat.
Finally, they came back up. An excitedly told me she saw manta rays, then threw up again. That's the charm of the sea—it signals danger while also tempting you to explore its wonders. Life is the same: the more dangerous, the more alluring. Funny thing was, the entire boat of foreigners knew that Chinese girls fear the sun, love taking photos, and have low stamina. But I salvaged my dignity by sticking it out to the end despite vomiting. I think it was the care and kindness from everyone that helped me hang on. On that boat, there were no borders, only love. And An patted my back, gently and slowly, which helped me fall asleep on the return trip despite my misery. When we landed, I felt "saved," as if I had returned to Earth. Only later did I learn that we had encountered rare big waves! From the burn to the big waves, it really was a bad luck streak for a Virgo! Now, when I recall that feeling, it's still vivid. I don't know if I have the courage to go into the sea again. But I think I will—humans are always curious about the unknown. But I must remind everyone: if you get seasick, take motion sickness medicine in advance. And of course, you probably won't be as unlucky as me to encounter such rare big waves. When I got back, I joked with a friend: "How did Pi and Robinson survive on the sea?" My friend said, "If you drift for ten days or two weeks, you'll get used to it." So true!
After bidding farewell to the friendly foreigners and instructors, An and I returned to the hotel to rest. After sunset, I finally felt better. Women's strong shopping desire can overcome anything, so An and I headed to the bar street in Kuta for some shopping. We scored a dress from a local Bali brand and an "I Love Bali" small cloth bag. They look ordinary but photograph well. I recommend buying them—about 10 RMB.
The bar street was really lively, gathering people from all over the world. Kuta is truly the cultural melting pot of Bali. A foreign guy even followed us into a store, but he just wanted to express his liking and chat. Sometimes I think we Chinese are very reserved—we don't easily express affection, preferring time to prove everything. But life is unpredictable, so I think we should sometimes express ourselves honestly.
Good night, Kuta. Tonight, I felt like I was sleeping on a boat.
Woke up naturally to amazing happiness—though my head was still a bit dizzy. But waking up to sunshine and breakfast, not piles of work and worries—dizziness is nothing. An and I found the most comfortable spots in the yard, ate breakfast, and reviewed our experiences from the day before. Many things seem unbearable at the moment, like you can't go on. But once they pass, they become just anecdotes to laugh about. So if you're going through something bad, hang in there. Everything will get better.
After breakfast, An and I changed into the clothes we bought in Kuta last night—cool, comfortable, and pretty. An regretted not buying more! Women! Even though the sun was already hot, we decided to explore Kuta Street in the daytime. The shop owners liked sitting on the steps in front of their shops, chatting in twos and threes or gazing at the sky. We strolled and took photos—we absolutely loved this lazy street scene. If I had time, I'd love to sit by the roadside and chat with them for a bit. After retiring at 35, I'm definitely going to go wander, not just travel.
At 12 noon we checked out, and our driver Budi arrived on time to take us to the black sand beach in the southeast to join the "Dance with Dolphins" activity. This activity isn't about chasing dolphins at sea; it's at a center on the black sand beach where you can play with, feed, and kiss the dolphins. These dolphins were rescued from injury; once they recover, they'll go back to the sea. I highly recommend this activity—not only close interaction with dolphins, but also the fantastic scenery there. It can be arranged on the day you travel from the southern beaches to Ubud, as it's on the way.
While waiting to play with the dolphins, An and I took photos on the black sand beach. With such great scenery, you can just press the shutter mindlessly. Just be careful of the strong afternoon sun—exposure. Sunset is the best time for photos.
I really wanted to join this activity, but I was afraid of getting the burn wound wet. So the night before, I bought large waterproof bandages at a pharmacy in Kuta. During the entire 45-minute water activity, not a drop of water entered. We swam, fed, hugged, and kissed the dolphins—they are so cute! And incredibly smart. In our group, there was an auntie who couldn't swim and was too scared of the dolphins to get close. So one particularly willful dolphin refused to get close to her no matter what the trainer did. Approach the world with sincerity, and you'll receive sincerity in return.
After the activity, the driver took us to the hotel. Tonight's hotel is in Ubud, built by royalty. Because we booked early, An and I successfully got Villa 104 with an amazing view. We kept exclaiming "OMG!" "Oh my god!" "Heavens!" as we checked in.
The Royal Pita Maha hotel was built by royalty, so its luxury goes without saying. The hotel itself is a paradise. Once you're here, you don't need to go anywhere—you could stay inside for three days without getting bored. The room design exudes nobility and uniqueness—the door uses a wooden bolt, giving you complete privacy. Couples could easily spend all day cooped up here. The price was 2780 RMB per night—totally worth it! Even as two besties, we found it incredibly romantic.
Good night, paradise.
Have you ever woken up in the morning and for a moment not known where you were? The mosquito net drapes the bed; sunlight seeps through the curtain cracks, flickering. The pool glitters in the sunlight as if stars have fallen into it. Time is out of order. At the first meeting of eyes, you're already lost. Before being moved, what was I doing? I forgot. Humans are born alone. If a spiritual connection comes and your heart wanders, trying or not trying leads to the same result. I saw An's sleeping face and remembered how we were up late last night uploading endless photos, complaining about the slow internet, while chatting about emotional topics. We are always emotional animals, just with a bit of reason left.
After freshening up, we went for breakfast. Every breakfast in Bali was something to look forward to. If the previous two days were sweet and serene, today's breakfast felt like eating in a fairyland. I ended up sitting cross-legged, completely relaxed. After breakfast, we returned to the room and changed into Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing). Our goal today was to take Hanfu photos, thanks to the hotel's ethereal setting. I'm not a Hanfu enthusiast; I just think it looks nice. So I didn't care about formal steps—short hair can wear Hanfu too, as long as you're happy. I hadn't done proper makeup in a long time because I'm lazy—semi-permanent eyebrows and eyelash extensions mean I can go out almost right after waking up. I can't deny the guy inside me.
An and I wandered through the hotel. This hotel is naturally fairy-like—every corner is a photo spot. No exaggeration: you could wander the hotel for three days or lie in the room for three days, and it could cover the entire vacation. Hanfu was still new here; many young guys shyly asked for photos. Eventually, we came to a pool that we thought was a decorative pool. But a hotel staff member said it was a swimming pool. Without hesitation, we jumped in—felt like instantly time-traveling. I have no classical vibe and I'm not a lady, but I can be a playful 'out of control' rabbit for the camera.
After the photos, our driver arrived at noon to take us to play ATV/quad bikes. The one-hour drive crossed Ubud's hilly terrain. Upon arrival, we had lunch, which was surprisingly delicious. Seeing the previous group come back covered in mud, my inner Virgo was shocked. After eating, the instructor led us out. At first, since the handlebars were heavy, we couldn't control the direction. But soon we grew bolder and could charge ahead wildly. However, when we encountered mud pits, I would never speed through—I'd crawl over. That Virgo thing never goes away. The instructor took us on relatively flat terrain to get used to the vehicle. Along the way, we passed villages, and kids waved enthusiastically. Then we drove on a more thrilling track on our own—it was exciting.
After the ATV activity, the driver took us back to the hotel. I fell asleep on the way because we had played so hard. Tonight was the honeymoon dinner. After showering, the butler had already set up candles and dinner. Over the sunset, we chatted and finished dinner. Originally, we wanted to go to Ubud center, but seeing the unbelievably romantic pool, we decided to go in instead. We lounged by the pool, gazing at the starry sky. Life is about this.
Good night, before being moved.
I remember last time in Guam, a week's vacation became a bit bland by the fifth day. But today, waking up naturally and packing up with An after breakfast, I felt that time in Bali had flown by so fast that on the day we had to leave, we felt there were still so many things left undone.
At noon we checked out, and our driver arrived on time to take us to Ubud town. The must-eat in Ubud town is Pundi-Pundi's grilled ribs—definitely our best lunch choice. Smelling the aroma of grilled ribs at the doorway made our mouths water. One portion of grilled ribs paired with avocado juice—it deserves the title of Bali's top 1 food. An and I devoured a huge rack of ribs, leaving only bones! I strongly recommend everyone to eat this!
Ubud town felt very much like Chiang Mai—super leisurely and quaint. We could walk down Monkey Forest Road three times without getting tired. The shop windows were nicely designed for photos, and we never lacked props or composition. When tired, we sat at Starbucks and had an extra-large Frappuccino, feeling wonderfully happy. Near Starbucks, there was a woven bag shop—super cute, perfect with island outfits. A bit expensive, about 150 RMB, but you could bargain a little—though not too much or the owner wouldn't sell. Honestly, I absolutely love Ubud. I think I could stay a night in Ubud town, stroll at night, and grab a drink at a small bar—that would be amazing.
After leaving Ubud, the driver took us to Carrefour. Here we could buy souvenirs for family and friends, cheaper than in other shops. Of course, I bought a bunch of snacks. And the super-famous Bali limited edition blue Pepsi.
The last stop of the trip: a spa. It not only relaxed the travel fatigue but also allowed me (Virgo) to shower and wash my hair before boarding—perfect. Otherwise, sweating all day would be frustrating. The spa girl was very skilled; she almost put me to sleep several times. I even learned a few moves, haha. On the plane, I slept comfortably. An said I slept all the way back to Shanghai, even through the transfer.
The Bali trip ended successfully. A wonderful vacation. Don't be misled by that famous saying, because I think I'll come back again. One week is simply not enough! Humans are condemned to be free; only in dreams can you abandon all ties, follow the absent presence, and reach desire. We are born alone. If a spiritual connection comes and your heart is already distracted, why not explore to the bottom and see what else you cannot lose? Goodbye, Bali. Below the equator, before being moved.
