After a morning of strolling around Kuta, we headed back to the hotel and arranged for a driver to take us to our next stop – Mick’s Place in Bingin Beach.

(One thing to note: ‘arranging for a driver’, we found, was typically as simple as asking your hotel to assist you in doing so.  The pricing was extremely fair for an on demand chauffeur and so convenient.  I’ll talk more about this in the Ubud part of our trip!)

Bingin Beach is located in the area of Bali that they call “The Bukit”.  The Bukit is is the peninsula that hangs off the bottom of the ‘big’ part of the island of Bali.  Home to the famous Uluwatu Temple as well as many fabulous surfing spots, this area of the island is full of tall cliffs and small beaches.  Our particular destination was located in Pecatu, Bingin Beach.

As our driver navigated us to Mick’s, we anxiously anticipated arriving.  This was our ‘splurge’ of the trip and we had read nothing but incredible reviews before booking.  To say that it exceeded our expectations would be an understatement.

We pulled up the specific directions sent to us from Micks Place (i.e. “Travel along the windy road.  You will come to a boom gate.  If there is an old lady, tell her you are at Mick’s Place.  Then make a left.”) and navigated to the entrance.

Nick, (not Mick) the hotel’s manager, greeted us at the entrance, grabbed our things, and walked us to our room and gave us a quick rundown of the resort and the area.  He then paused for a second, asked us to hang tight, walked away and returned to tell us that a nicer room, The Ocean Bungalow, happened to be open for the night and we should stay there instead (!!!).  Have I mentioned yet how incredible Mick’s Place is?  No?  Okay it’s heaven on earth.

We quickly got into our bathing suits, grabbed a book and set out to enjoy the infinity pool.  Mick’s Place has a total of 5 bungalows that share the common area/pool with an additional 2 bungalows that have their own private space/pool (more on that later).  We spent the entire afternoon lounging poolside and pinching ourselves.  After a while, we ventured down the cliffs to the beach to explore at low tide. The hike up and down the cliff twists and turns through residences, little shops and restaurants.  Definitely not a trek I would try after a few bintangs haha.

That night, we had the staff arrange a driver to take us to the Uluwatu Temple for Sunset. We arrived with enough time to explore this incredible temple situated on the top of a cliff, but also to get a ticket and a seat for the Kecak Fire Dance.  Developed and performed since the 1930’s, the dance is a a way to story tell the tale of Ramayana through dance and chant-like singing.  The cost was minimal and it was definitely a cool cultural experience.

After the performance, we had our driver bring us back to Mick’s Place and we walked up the street to the Cashew Tree.  We ended up sitting with a couple from Germany, also on their honeymoon, and enjoyed an amazing meal together.  (We knew we would be back to the Cashew Tree).

The next day was our self-appointed relaxation day.  We woke up around 6 AM and strolled over to the pool where a variety of french presses were waiting to be taken back to your room.  However, when we glanced up and spotted a full rainbow we decided coffee poolside would do just fine.  (And wondered how in the world we found such a magical place while waiting for our banana pancakes to be delivered!).

Our day of relaxation also included moving into the honeymoon suite at Mick’s Place, promptly dying of jealously of myself, having lunch with my cousin and his family, getting a massage and facial (cliffside) and lounging in our own private pool.  Mick’s Place offers dinner daily and we decided to take advantage since it would sadly be our last night there. 

 

Sitting poolside, the incredible staff brought us one of the freshest and best meals we had in our trip. What an incredible experience.  If you ever make it to Bali, make it to Mick’s Place.

 

The next day, we were up for some last minute exploring of the beach below, a smoothie and then hit the road to Sanur to start the next part of our trip.  Stay tuned for more on The Nusas!

xx,
b&b