AFTER a couple of nights living on the verdant ridges of Ubud, Bali’s cultural and art center, I was back on the sandy side of the island destination. This time I am on the busier side of island’s coastline—the Legian beach. Nothing could be more satisfying than this when you’re in an island paradise like Bali. The beach boy is happy.
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| Back on this side of the island after 15 years! |
It’s been 15 years since I walked this side of Bali. The first visit to the place was spent walking along this beach. I can’t remember which hotel I stayed in, but what I can recall is a bungee jumping tower somewhere along this coast and it was pretty popular that it gathers crowds of locals and tourists day and night.
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| The busier coastline of Bali. Surfers |
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| Right across your doorstep, you can swim, sunbathe or surf. |
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| Interesting spot to hang out in front of the hotel. |
I’m back where in the spot where my memories of Bali all started. This time, though, I am staying in a modern edifice with the beach at its doorstep.
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| FuramaXclusive's frontyard |
If location is your top priority, stay at FuramaXclusive Ocean Beach. Just 15 minutes drive north from Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Airport, you’re at this modern, white washed hotel strategically located between the idyllic palm-fringed Legian Beach and the chic resort destination of Seminyak.
Previously known as Ocean Bali Hotel by Outrigger, the Ocean Beach resort hotel is the largest all-suite resort in the prime area with direct beachfront access. Cross the hotel’s main door and within a few steps, you’ll have the sand between your toes.
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| The seaside resort's coolest feature- aquarium like pool seen from the hotel lobby |
How much more of the very best of Bali do you want to experience? This Legian beachfront resort is surrounded by upscale lifestyle, entertainment and dining spots, each varying in its offerings. Choose your wild.
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| Modern & sleek. Rooms are like a stack of white boxes |
But FuramaXclusive Ocean Beach understands that in order to keep ahead of the crowds in an area offering some of the best restaurants and bars in Bali, they need to offer fantastic food, great cocktails, fresh, appealing menus that includes Mediterranean, Asian and European cuisine, and world-class service.
For this, they have The Deck, located one floor above sea level, and offer its diners the chance to enjoy either the al fresco dining experience or the cooler air-conditioned section with a stylishly designed interior.
All day dining happens at The Deck Café, the casual beachside bistro. Overlooking Legian's blue ocean, it reflects the more casual characteristics of the Bali beach life as well as echoing an international appeal.
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| This view for breakfast. Invigorating! |
While taking a break from dipping, tanning and surfing, what comes to mind? Shopping! Right at the street corner is the famous JalanArjuna aka the Double 6 Road, one of the very popular shopping areas for the tourists. It intersects with Jalan Raya Seminyak and JalanLegian, avenues lined with more shops.
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| Jalan Arjuna aka the Double 6 Road (it's Double 8 actually, but I don't why it's pronouced as 'double 6'), a popular road for shopping, is just around the corner. |
At the end of the day, it’s always good to come home to the sound of the waves and a comfortable bed to lie on. At FuramaXclusive Ocean Beach accommodation and amenities have been designed for travellers who want space and comfort at its incredible location.
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| The pool sen from the cafe |
The all-suite beachfront resort features 115 stylish and spacious rooms ranging from a studio, to a two-bedroom suite and a three-bedroom penthouse. Designed with contemporary elements of the beach and ocean, the floor to ceiling windows and doors that let in natural light open to capture cool island breezes.
My seaside living was in a Studio Suite spacious and comfortable at 35 square meters. Like all rooms of this type, it’s on the ground floor with windows facing the pool or the courtyard. My suite location makes it easier to reach the beach?
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| The view of the courtyard seen from my first floor studio. |
FuramaXclusive Ocean Beach is at Seminyak, Bali, Jiarrjuna, 88X Legian, Kuta, Bali Visit their website at http://furamaxclusive.com/oceanbeach/
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For more photos about this story & other travel & lifestyle stories, visithttp://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/ and http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on November 12, 2015.
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