East Bali’s dramatic allure

Rediscover Bali’s unhurried past on the lap of luxury in Klungkung, where rice fields, wild waves, black sand beaches and enthralling traditions beckon, writes Angela Goh

Ocean Front suites, with plunge pool or jacuzzi at the balcony, offer the best views and “rhythms” of the sea. The Jacuzzi Suite I am in is on the third floor with a panoramic view of the beach club and dramatic beachscape augmented by the rips and curls of thundering surfs.

Be entranced by the sound and fury from the indulgent comforts of the jacuzzi or restful recliner at the balcony.

Inside, chic, contemporary decor in subdued tones of bronze, white and grey accentuated with minimalist flair and clean lines, lend calmness for quiet repose.

The see-through bathroom boasts separate bathtub and shower, while the spacious lounge area offers ample table and workspace.

The Jivva Beach Club is a hive of youthful beats enveloped in soulful Balinese touches. The set up fuses colourful beach club vibe with Balinese-Asian accents (handmade thatch roof by local artisans and

Ocean front Jacuzzi suite. The hall of justice, Kerta Gosa in

Klungkung.

The spa consists of villas where treatments are conducted. SCOOT flies to Bali from Singapore twice daily with connecting flights to Kuala Lumpur. Scoot-Thru is a complimentary service offering seamless flight connection and checkthrough luggage (for Scoot, Singapore Airlines and SilkAir) at Singapore Changi Airport. Details at www.flyscoot.com

For information about travel in Indonesia visit www.indonesia.travel Peranakan floor tiles). On the food front, it delivers praise-worthy Balinese dishes such as the signature Bebek Betutu or roast duck.

All-day dining Bumbu restaurant serves a hearty and flavoursome Pindang Menyat Nyat Jimbaran — slow cooked pindang fish in traditional herbs with rice, vegetables and tomato-based sambal paste. It goes well with spicy sambal mata (chopped chilli, shallots, lemongrass and lime mix).

Chill out at two pools at the garden and beachside but I much prefer to be soothed by skilled hands in a traditional Balinese massage at Tirta Spa.

EAST BALI ATTRACTIONS

Twenty minutes away from the resort in Klungkung city is Kerta Gosa, the ancient hall of justice, whose ceiling feature intricate murals depicting various forms of punishment meted out to the guilty. Klungkung was once the foremost of the nine kingdoms of Bali until 1908.

A more recent attraction is Taman Nusa Cultural Park, a 15-minute drive from Klungkung. The theme park displays houses of different architectural styles from around Indonesia and offers cultural immersion activities such as batik painting and angklung playing.

Many escape the touristy main island of Bali for the laid-back charm of Nusa Lembongan, lying just across the sea from the resort. The small island is a 30-minute boat ride from Sanur harbour but it may as well be a world away. It retains the rural, relaxed vibe of the time before the world discovered Bali.

Nusa Lembongan can be visited on a day trip to snorkel in marine life-rich waters, slow paddle through mangrove jungle or visit seaweed farms.

The calm, clear waters of Dream Beach are just metres away from the ferocious waves thrashing against steep cliffs, creating froth and foam called Devil’s Tears.

Such are the dramatic sights and sounds of East Bali. Pantai Lepang, Jl. Subak Lepang No. 16,

Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia

+ 62 366 543 7988

reservations@ wyndhamjivvabali.com

www.wyndhamjivvabali.

com

214 rooms and suites with pools or jacuzzi, as well as eight pool villas.

Bumbu Restaurant offers all-day international cuisine. Lounge in Jivva Beach Club. Enjoy cocktails at Senja Poolside Bar.

Walk amid quiet villages and rice fields. Explore nearby Klungkung town, Kerta Gosa and its museum, and Taman Nusa Cultural Park. Day trips to Nusa Lembongan for snorkelling, visiting Dream Beach, Devil’s Tears, Panorama Point, seaweed farms.

The dramatic seascape underlined with a striking black sand beach. World-class Keramas Surf Break is 10 minutes away from the resort. Tirta Spa has an atmospheric garden setting. Quiet, quaint village backdrop. On-site 24hour clinic with in-house doctor.

A self-contained resort and far from the touristy parts of Bali, which can be a boon for some.