Let me tell you why I think you should visit Oahu in the winter ::

#1 :: The rain may keep tourists away from Oahu in the winter…

Maybe. Maybe not. One of the reasons for the beautiful lush green landscape in Oahu in the winter particularly is the rain. But let me tell you :: unlike other destinations the rain won’t interfere with your plans, even in the winter [ho’oilo] which spans from November to about April. That is what is truly remarkable about Oahu. The rain will go away just as fast as it came. There is a saying in Hawaii that goes “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” That is the truth.

Oahu in particular gets about 270 days of sun per year. That leaves about 95 days of overcast skies. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be cold and that also doesn’t mean all the overcast skies come during the winter. It just means that in the winter the sun may not be shining as intensely as in the summer “kau wela.” And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

#2 :: The untouched beauty of nature in Oahu surrounds you everywhere you go!

From the oceans to the mountains Oahu is filled with beautiful nature that will take your breath away. Pictures don’t even do Oahu in the winter justice. You’ll just have to go for yourself to truly understand.

#3 :: The food truck offerings in Oahu are off the chain!

Seriously. I’m not even kidding around about the food trucks. I mean, you probably are thinking I’m not for real right now but you have to try it for yourself when you come to Oahu. The amazing offerings on Oahu’s food trucks are bomb! And if you come in the winter you may not have to struggle with the long lines of tourists.

Oh and you can’t forget the drinks that are so popular. Have you ever had a Mai Tai in Oahu? If you haven’t you need to go and try it because you won’t taste a better one anywhere in the world! Of course there are several others you might like such as Blue Hawaiian, Lava Flow or a Pina Colada. They also make them “virgin” style like I like them. But the drinks in Oahu are not to be missed.

#4 :: You are always “ohana” in Oahu!

“Ohana” means family. Everywhere you go in Oahu you are family. You will be met with smiling faces and friendly people everywhere you go. I mean, what’s not to be happy about living on such a beautiful island especially in the winter when everyone else is shivering? There will be no doubt that you will feel right at home!

 #5 :: Sunsets in Oahu are among the most magnificent in the world!

Incomparable. That’s how I describe the sunsets in Oahu. And in wintertime they are no less beautiful than any other time of year. Breathtakingly beautiful sunsets paint the sky every night. Just amazing.

#6 :: Oahu offers something for everyone!

Where else in the world can you be shopping to your heart’s content in the bustling city in the winter and then 30 minutes later be laying under the island sun on a sandy beach? There are several places I can think of maybe in spring or summer or fall… but winter? Oahu in winter is amazing and somewhere everyone in your family or group can have their way.

#7 :: Romance is not just reserved for summers in Oahu!

Looking for a wedding destination? Oahu in the winter is just as beautiful as ever. You’ll have your choice of amazing resorts in Oahu in the winter when at home the weather is cold and damp.

#8 :: The views in Oahu are just as stunning in the winter!

Picture this :: you open your eyes after a restful night’s sleep and look out your window to see the most magnificent sunrise in the backdrop to a beautiful scene of lush green and crystal blue waters crashing against the rocks. You step out onto your garden and feel the cool morning breeze in your hair as you listen to the waves of the ocean. You look to your left and take in the breathtaking views of the lush hillsides protruding from the vast fields of green. Where are you? You’re in Oahu in the winter! Isn’t it amazing?

We stayed at the Turtle Bay Resort and I highly recommend it. Our condo was located at the expansive resort and the rest of our family stayed in condos throughout as well as the main resort on the beach. It was the perfect location for a family reunion, wedding or for any reason really.

#9 :: Shave ice in Oahu tastes just as good in the winter as it does in summer!

Hawaii is known for its shave ice and I’ve tried to create it at home but for some reason it never comes out as amazing as the shave ice in Oahu. You seriously need to try the shave ice and it’s just as yummy in winter!

#10 :: Every day is casual day in Oahu!

Winter is considered high season in Oahu and when you’re there you will realize why :: the weather is unlike anywhere else in the world during this time of year! And that means there is no need to dress up :: t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, skirts and flip flops are the attire of the day and night. It’s called “Hawaiian Casual.”

Oahu is definitely a destination for you if you are looking to have a great time living the island life in winter. No need for coats or galoshes, you’re coming into the Sun! Bring your flip flops and sunscreen and you’ll be good to go! Enjoy your time in Oahu next winter and you will thank me for the suggestion.

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The post Winter in Oahu :: 10 Reasons Why You Should Go appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Destination weddings are all the rage. People even have bachelor/bachelorette parties or even spring break overseas. However birthdays are usually celebrated at home with friends + family abounding. At least that’s how I’ve always done it. But this year Roydio wanted to celebrate his birthday in Bali.

I can’t blame him :: this one was a Big one for him (I won’t reveal how big just yet). And because we travel so much it seemed only right for him to be able to celebrate this very special day in the destination of his choice.

“It does take  more planning…”

It does take more planning to have a destination birthday especially when that destination is half way around the world. It takes more money, more time, more commitment on everyone’s part.

But if you can pull it off :: oh is it worth it!

Yes, it takes a very long time to get here. Coming from California it took us nearly 24 hours flying time + a few more hours if you count the layover in Hong Kong.

But once you arrive, you’ll have been transported to paradise.

#10 :: You can do as much or as little as you want

Lay on the beach or by the pool, get a massage, or go surfing or diving or hiking. On this vacation I chose to kick back + enjoy the sun, water, food + spa services. I know it wasn’t my birthday but we were in Bali after all… It was fun to also learned how to play Mahjong with the family.

If you choose to stay at a villa that’s a vacation in + of itself. Check out our accommodations.
http://www.villabatujimbar.com

Everything + nothing is available for you in Bali especially if it’s your birthday. 

#9 :: Nearly everything is walking distance

We stayed in Sanur + right outside our gate is the path along the beach that leads to shops, dining, water sports, spas… you name it. If you choose a mountainous spot to call home you may need to get transportation down to where the action is but I recommend you stay near one of the 50+ beach areas in Bali.

#8 :: The water is perfect

The water temperature stays constant at between 81 + 84 degrees year round, perfect for swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing, stand-up-paddleboarding… whatever you can think of doing in the water, it’s available in Bali and on your birthday you should plan to do it all!

#7 :: You have a staff of people waiting for you to need them

This picture is only a fraction of the staff that tended to our family for Roydio’s birthday celebration week here in beautiful Bali. On the day of his birthday the owner of Puri Asia who is standing on my left brought in his niece + nephew to perform for us the traditional Balinese dance as a surprise.

Adi the cook saw to it that all of our meals were served properly + on time. Our breakfasts were over the top. Whatever we asked for they brought + much more.

The chef also hand-carved “Happy Birthday Roydio” in a watermelon + coordinated a full traditional Balinese meal including the famous Babi Guling (suckling pig) + all the trimmings for Roydio’s birthday celebration. The girls (not pictured) made beautiful decorations from flowers from the garden. They brought in beautifully decorated birthday cakes with candles.

Ari, standing to the left of Roydio below is our villa manager who has his hands in every aspect of what we need. He coordinates the entire crew + sees to our transportation needs. He even personally brought my cousin to the clinic when he burned his leg on his motorcycle + made sure that he was treated properly. Two days in a row.

Hadi, standing to the right of Roydio coordinates everything at our villa to be sure our every whim is met all week long. He also arranged for our villa in Ubud, our next destination, which is just as or even more stunning than this villa.

Ubud, our next destination

We chose to continue the birthday celebration at Villa San which Hadi also arranged for us in Ubud and is located in Central Bali. Where our villa in Sanur was more of a traditional style, this villa was more modern + absolutely stunning. The entire family came with us so we filled every bedroom. The staff continued to be top-notch + we had an amazing stay here.

The staff Bali is there to cook for you, clean for you, make your bed for you, serve you, take you where you want to go. They were incredible! Service is a the number one priority + it’s all yours in Bali.

#6 :: Get pampered every day

Bali is known for their massages + mani-pedi’s so whenever I’m there I love to indulge. We chose The Nest Boutique Spa (pictured above is the pic from their website) which is a more upscale place because they could accommodate everyone in the family at the same time + it was within walking distance to our villa. Plus it was truly luxurious. When in Bali what better way is there to celebrate your birthday than to be pampered?
https://www.thenestboutiquespa.com/spa-menu

They have a whole array of massages from their traditional Balinese to hot stones to candle burning to sand compress to deep tissue. You name it, they have it.

My favorite spa service is a cream bath. No, they don’t bathe you in cream. It’s actually a one-hour scalp, shoulder, arms + back massage wherein they use a hair conditioning cream made of natural ingredients (my favorite is avocado). Then they rinse, blow-dry + style your hair. Traditionally the cream bath was intended to prevent hair loss but it has gotten so popular that everyone gets them. I sure do!

To give you an example of the cost, I paid $30 USD altogether for the mani, pedi + cream bath + I was there for almost 3 hours. There are even cheaper places where you can get the same services but maybe aren’t as fancy + you pay half that price. One place I can recommend is Johnny Andrean (the largest salon network in Indonesia) in the Discovery Shopping Mall in Kuta Beach. 
https://www.gotomalls.com/stores/129/johnny-andrean-salon

Also an ultra popular service is Reflexology. This massage basically consists of a foot + leg massage but oh my goodness. You have to be able to take a strong hand because it can be painful. Too painful for me. But Roydio loves it + always goes for that one.

Later in the week I went back for their microdermabrasion facial which was amazing. They also have a plethora of other spa services. And they recently opened a second location right on the beach. I highly recommend them. 

In Ubud Roydio went to the barber for a shave + a haircut for $5 USD. What do you think of his transformation?

Getting spa services is definitely something I suggest you try when you vist Bali.

#5 :: Rich in culture: traditions, art and religion

Known as the “island of the Gods,” Bali is teeming with culture + tradition popular for its many famous temples including Tanah Lot, Saraswati + Uluwatu just to name a few. You can bathe in the Fountain of Youth in Tirtu Empul Temple (for a fee) in Central Bali + visit the world-famous Monkey Forest. Bali is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pakerisan Valley, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces + Taman Ayun Temple as well as one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Borobudur Temple. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Bali.

#4 :: It is affordable

Ok, you have to get there which may not be cheap. But once you arrive you can expect to pay a fraction of what you’re used to paying for lodging + food in this style at home. When I was there in October/November the conversion rate was 18,000 Indonesian Rupiah per 1 US Dollar which is the highest rate I’ve experienced + I’ve been going to Indonesia for at least twenty-four years.

There is a plethora of free or cheap attractions including the temples, museums, palaces, rice terraces, Petulu Village, dolphin watching + an endless number of beautiful beaches. You might even want to take a sunrise hike to Mt. Batur. There is literally no end to what you can do + see for nearly nothing in Bali.

#3 :: The food is absolutely out of this world

The above dishes were some of the meals we ordered at a little local restaurant called Warung Makan Bu Rus that is walking distance to our villa. Everything we ordered is prepared to perfection in the very modest kitchen. But some of the best food I’ve had in Bali.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297701-d7729909-r404083374-Warung_Makan_Bu_Rus-Ubud_Gianyar_Bali.html

Not only is the food amazing but the fruit juices are incredible. Fresh beautiful tropical fruit grows throughout the island so make sure you try some fresh fruit juice. It is fabulous.

These dishes were made in honor of Roydio for his birthday. The traditional Babi Guling with all the trimmings were absolutely delicious.

Balinese dishes are not only colorful but also marvelously flavorful. They grow their special spices + ingredients here so everything is super fresh. Each dish has a delicious taste unlike anything else you may have tried. Whether it is meat or poultry or fish or shellfish or soup or vegetables. You can’t go wrong so try everything. Nothing is genetically modified. They don’t use preservatives. None of their crops are sprayed with chemicals. Everything is fresh. Farm to table. Ocean to table.

But beware that Balinese food tends to be spicy. Good, but spicy. If you’ve never tried it I would recommend you try asking for mild spice before moving on to medium which I myself already consider hot. So be careful. Hot means ridiculously hot in Bali.

#2 :: Beautiful sunrises every morning and stunning sunsets every night

The colors in the Balinese skies whether it be sunrises or sunsets are unmatched to anywhere in the world. And every morning and every night they wish you a happy birthday! What is truly incredible is that you can enjoy a sunrise + sunset all in the same day because Sanur Beach on the east coast is only a 20-minute drive from Kuta Beach on the west coast of Bali.

#1 :: Beautiful and lush surroundings

From luscious landscapes, to cascading waterfalls, to hand-cultivated rice terraces carved into the mountains, to palm-fringed white sand coastal beaches + hidden cliff-guarded shores, to 6600 foot-mountains + active volcanos, to the religious traditions + the abundance temples. Combine all that with the Balinese culture, art + music woven together make Bali the perfect location for your Birthday Destination.

Oh by the way, if you hadn’t guessed already, Roydio turned the Big. Seven. Oh! We are so blessed that our family + friends were able to join us in Bali + that we have all of these amazing memories to look back on.

Tips for Bali ::

1. If you plan to take a taxi make sure it’s Bluebird (light blue cars with a white bird logo) because they are the only reliable taxi service that will use their meters + not over-charge.
2. A lot of places in Bali have banned Uber (or Grab which is also popular in Southeast Asia). Download the app Go-Jek instead. Or just grab a Bluebird.
3. Don’t drink the tap water. The water/ice served at resorts + restaurants is safe to drink because they use bottled water. Don’t drink water/ice from roadside stands. Ever.
4. In roadside stands, don’t be afraid to barter. They expect it. However the shops inside buildings usually have fixed prices.
5. Flowers, cigarettes, cookies, rice + more are used as offerings that locals place three times a day to say thanks to the gods + to show respect. Don’t panic if you see people walking over these offerings, or cars driving over top of them in the streets. The placing of the offering is the sacred thing.
6. Drug smuggling is punishable by death in Bali. Enough said.
7. Consider having your laundry done at a local place rather than your hotel which can cost less than half the price and they are very dependable.
8. Bring a good mosquito repellent. You will need it.
9. You can tip if you want but it’s not expected.

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The post Why Not Have Your Destination Birthday in Bali? appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.