Majestic Bali

Over the weekend of 4-6 November, Cebu Pacific flew 20 journalists from Manila to Bali in Indonesia for a taste of the rich culture, beautiful scenery, and delicious food of what has been called the "island of the gods."

The trip was a partnership with Aneka Kartika Tours & Travel Services, an Indonesian inbound tour operator, and several businesses.

Bali is a four-hour flight from Manila. The beach districts Kuta and Seminyak beach districts are popular for recreational and entertainment amenities, while the cultural hub of Ubud boasts the Batuan Temple, Ubud Water Palace, Ubud Square, the Hindu temple Tanah Lot, and the royal shrine Taman Ayun.

Our first stop was the Adhi Jaya Hotel near Kuta Beach as well as hot spots such as Waterbom Bali, and the Discovery Shopping Mall.

Filipino reporters spent their first night at The Royal Pita Maha, a luxury resort owned by the Ubud royal family.

The resort offers a view of the Ayung River, seen from villas with a private pool.

Taman Dedari, a new tourist destination in Ubud, is located in the resort district. A restaurant in the park is open for lunch and dinner with Balinese, Indonesian, and Western cuisines.
The Ayung River likewise offers a breathtaking view of the sunset.

The Samaya Ubud, meanwhile, is a contemporary Balinese boutique villa resort in Sayan Village, 15 minutes north of Ubud. There are luxury villas with one, two, or three bedrooms. Surrounded by terraced rice fields and jungle, the hotel offers guests a memorable Balinese experience.

The Samaya Ubud's Scene Restaurant on the top floor affords a view of the hillside and lush rice fields, while the Swept Away restaurant offers visitors a close view of a river.

The Petitenget and Seminyak beaches are just steps away from Samaya Seminyak. At this beachfront resort, guests can choose a villa either along the beach or at the Royal Courtyard across the road.

The Breeze, the restaurant on the beachfront, also offers spectacular sunset views.

Kuta has its own beachfront resort, the Patra Bali Resort and Villas, a 5-star hotel that often hosts government officials and an elite clientele.

With more countries relaxing travel restrictions, Cebu Pacific increased its Manila-Bali flights from five to seven times a week starting in October.

CEB flight 5J279 departs Manila at 3:45 a.m. and arrives in Bali at 7:50 a.m. Its return flight, 5J 280, departs Bali at 8:35 a.m. and arrives in Manila at 12:45 p.m.