After an exciting week in Ubud, we make our way through the lushness of Bali to our next destination, Legian Beach. Along the way we experience the splendours of Tanah Lot, one of the most famous and beautiful temples in Bali. Tanah Lot is actually on an island that is connected by a land bridge at low tide! If the timing and tides are in our favour, we may be lucky enough to be able to walk out to the temple to be blessed by the resident Hindu priests.
On a clear evening the sunsets over Tanah Lot are amazing, while nearby cliffs create an opportunity for a stunning and memorable group photo. Sunset cocktails prepared in rather large coconuts have been known to be served!
The shopping is also renowned at Tanah Lot, inspiring one of the past "Babes" to rename it "Shop A Lot" in recognition of the many bargains to be had at this perennial stop.
Our ocean-front days at Legian Beach include more free time to allow everyone to set their own pace and priorities, while truly enjoying this island paradise!
Our days are spent swimming, taking long walks on the beach, enjoying world class spa treatments, reading and of course, the favourite past-time of all...shopping. There really is nothing in Bali that you cannot buy. The whole island is like one big craft, furnishing and accessory market while they are constantly re-inventing themselves to match or lead global trends or to tantalize your imagination! Shopping in Bali deserves it's own separate blog, so stay tuned for more tales of shopping treasures, adventures and highlights!
One of the highlights of our second week in Bali is the trip to Uluwatu to see the Kecak Dance. Uluwatu is another beautiful temple perched high above the ocean on the southern-most tip of Bali. After touring the temple grounds we are treated to an amazing and much heralded dance performance.
The Kecak Dance is performed primarily by men, who sway and chant while sitting on the ground as a few colourfully outfitted dancers enact the story. This sunset performance unfolds in a natural amphitheatre high above the ocean, as the sky delights us with its palate of hues beyond. The setting and view are breathtaking while the photo opportunities would delight even the most jaded traveller.
Speaking of sunsets, some of my most wonderful memories of Bali are of sitting on the beach enjoying a glass of wine or a cold Bintang, and watching Balinese life as the sun sets. 
At twilight, the beach is usually bustling with locals and children who have come out to play soccer as surfers from around the world take in their last wave before darkness sets in.
At twilight, the beach is usually bustling with locals and children who have come out to play soccer as surfers from around the world take in their last wave before darkness sets in.As Bali is close to the equator, the sun rises and sets at almost the same time year-round.
The sun typically rises at 600AM and sets by 615PM. Sunset is a very peaceful time at the beach with everyone patiently waiting to see if it is going to be better than the night before, while opportunities abound to engage local beach hawkers for some "sunset" pricing!
Our group dinners while in Legian allow me to share my many years of grueling research and experimentation in identifying the 'best of the best' for dining out in Bali. 
It has been a tough job, but it was a challenge that I was prepared to take on for the benefit of "the Babes". The result of my years of dedicated culinary adventures is that the biggest challenge remains narrowing down the choices, as the vast selection of delectable food from around the world is definitely one of the highlights of Bali. "All-Inclusive" remains off-side in Bali, as all it would do would be to limit your choice and the opportunity to dine exquisitely and inexpensively around the island.
It has been a tough job, but it was a challenge that I was prepared to take on for the benefit of "the Babes". The result of my years of dedicated culinary adventures is that the biggest challenge remains narrowing down the choices, as the vast selection of delectable food from around the world is definitely one of the highlights of Bali. "All-Inclusive" remains off-side in Bali, as all it would do would be to limit your choice and the opportunity to dine exquisitely and inexpensively around the island. 
There is a limitless selection of wonderful restaurants to choose from in and around Legian. Whatever your fancy...Thai, Italian, Indonesian, Indian, vegetarian, Swiss, Australian, fusion, Chinese or even steak...I will be able to recommend the best choice for your dining pleasure .Of course, as is the case throughout Bali, the prices in the restaurants are so low as to be almost embarassing, as the prices for a great meal are often smaller than the tip you would leave at home! You will of course be pleasantly surprised...more money for the spa and shopping!
All too soon, our stay in Bali winds to an end, with great memories, experiences, new friendships and a deeper understanding of the people and culture of this fabled island. I am always honoured to be able to share this time, and my favourite place in the world, with a diverse collection of amazing women.
We share lots of laughs and many special moments and "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences as we explore (and shop!) together. I know that all of the "Babes" come away with a better understanding of the uniqueness of the people, culture and spirituality of Bali, while also creating bonds and friendships to last a lifetime. As we prepare to move to our next destination, there is the inevitable challenge of compiling the shopping list, creating the "goods to follow" declaration, and then trying to squeeze the past 12 days of supporting the local economy into our suitcases! Can you say "excess luggage"????
Our last emotional duty is saying goodbye to the man in the centre of this photo, "Nick" (Anak Agung Gede Oka), who is my tour guide (and an honourary member of my family) in Bali. 
I have personally known Nick for 17 years and couldn't imagine doing these groups without his friendship, knowledge, good humour and guidance. You will know why he is such an important part of "Babes in Bali" as we bid him a heartfelt farewell.
For more information on the 'Babes in Bali' tours, please contact Cathy Gotfried (Head Babe) at 403 278 4084 or erawantravel@telus.net. My next departure is March 26, 2009 and there are still a couple of opportunities to join me on this adventure.
I have personally known Nick for 17 years and couldn't imagine doing these groups without his friendship, knowledge, good humour and guidance. You will know why he is such an important part of "Babes in Bali" as we bid him a heartfelt farewell.For more information on the 'Babes in Bali' tours, please contact Cathy Gotfried (Head Babe) at 403 278 4084 or erawantravel@telus.net. My next departure is March 26, 2009 and there are still a couple of opportunities to join me on this adventure.
