Bali
is renowned for its legendary sunsets, and in the late afternoons a daily
ritual takes place as hundreds of residents and visitors make their way to the
beaches on the west coast to farewell the sun as it sets behind the horizon.
While enjoying a cocktail or an icy cold beer, many people are hoping to see
the much-coveted green flash – a fleeting spot of intense green light an
instant after sunset, caused by light refracting in the atmosphere. This is
best seen when the sun sets over the ocean, when it is absolutely clear all the
way to the horizon, but be warned it will be gone in the blink of an eye, so
don’t blink!
At
the end of the day, however, this isn’t the only sunset phenomenon in Bali.
Visitors also flock to Pura Tanah Lot, one of the island’s most dramatic and
venerated sea temples, dedicated to the sea spirits and founded by Nirartha,
one of the last Majapahit priests to come from Java in the 16th century. The
temple is perched on a craggy wave-lashed rock just at the edge of the frothing
white surf and glistening black shoreline, and is probably the most
photographed sight in Bali. It can only be reached at low tide and the
surrounding rocks are rumoured to be inhabited by sea snakes. The best, albeit
the most crowded, time to visit is in the late afternoon when you can see the
splendid profile of the temple silhouetted against the setting sun.
Likewise,
Pura Luhur Uluwatu, on the southwest tip of the Bukit Peninsula cannot be
missed. This 11th century temple is balanced on the very edge of a narrow rocky
cape, overhanging perpendicular cliffs 70 metres above the crashing breakers of
the Indian Ocean. Its grey volcanic stone, glowing with the radiant colours of
the setting sun, will leave you with a lasting and haunting memory of spiritual
Bali. While here, you may also wish to watch the famous Kecak Dance, which is
performed daily at 6pm. If you get a good seat at the back of the amphitheatre,
you will also get a view of the sunset.
There
are numerous rustic beach bars and rooftop bars as well as stylish upmarket
beachside venues all along Bali’s west coast from Tabanan to Canggu to Seminyak
to Kuta to Jimbaran to Uluwatu, but one of the finest places to catch the
sunset is Sunset Beach Bar & Grill at InterContinental Bali Resort. This casual, alfresco beachfront
bar offers a refreshingly unpretentious, ‘toes-in-sand’ informality, fanned by
ocean breezes and with the best front-row seats to unparalleled 180-degree
sunset views across Jimbaran Bay. With its top-notch service, Sunset Beach Bar & Grill provides a
variety of open-air seating arrangements: sit-up bar stools at the
thatched-roof central bar and serving station, or scattered across the sand
bank, a series of beach-facing tables and chairs, bean bags and private cabanas
– all shaded by mature trees. An
extensive bar menu covers global beer brands, boutique wines, spirits,
non-alcoholic beverages and healthy juices, but the signature here is a vast
selection of innovative sundowners and cocktails. These include a full range of
Mojitos, Daiquiris, Martinis and Margaritas, as well as Sunset Pitchers of
Sangria or Pimm’s – great for sharing with friends along with some light snacks
such as Sunset Beach Bar & Grill’s contemporary seafood bites and
Mediterranean favourites. And who knows,
while watching the sunset, you might even get to see the elusive green flash!
About InterContinental Bali Resort.
Blessed by an endless stretch of white sand beach overlooking the tranquil
waters of Jimbaran Bay, InterContinental Bali Resort features 417 guest rooms
in three unique levels of accommodation. The property embraces a 14 hectares
tropical landscape that is a blend of indigenous flora, gentle waterways and
stone statues reflecting the island’s artistic heritage. There are six swimming
pools, Planet Trekkers children’s resort, a fitness centre and plenty of
recreational activities to keep guests occupied throughout the day. Spa Uluwatu
is a dedicated healing and beauty facility for individual sessions, while the
exclusive Villa Retreats promises indulging spa packages for couples. A superb
choice of restaurant venues makes every dining experience an adventure in
culinary excellence.
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