Penuktukan…more than a little bit of bliss in Bali

I am sure you have all heard the Bali naysayers…"It's too crowded and too touristy!" or "It is over-run by noisy, drunk teenagers!" or "You just can't find a quiet spot any more!" I too have made those claims and in certain parts of Bali, those comments are unfortunately, all too true.  But locations of absolute beauty, peace and tranquility…where the villagers and townsfolk are welcoming, warm and genuine, can still be discovered.  Some of you may remember a previous visit where I was Perfectly placed in Payogan, a small village in the Ubud region, a place where the true nature of Bali is permitted to shine.  Well, I have found another…the village of Penuktukan in the northern region of Tejakula!

Wonderfully positioned on the north coast of Bali, Penuktukan is most certainly, one of the quietest and most beautiful parts of the island. If you enjoy shopping, hoards of tourists, heaving shopping strips, loud bars and a myriad restaurants and cafes, Penuktukan is not the place for you.  Conversely, if it is cool crystal clear waters, snorkelling or diving, local food markets, lush vegetation, engaging village walks and rolling hills that you seek, you will find it here in abundance.

The countryside is undoubtedly noteworthy and restful but it is what is under the gently lapping waters that is truly stunning! A mere 15 meters gentle paddle from shore puts you in a world  of coral forests and swarms of rainbow coloured and curious fish.  Sea life is in abundance here and it is certainly within easy reach for both the novice and experienced alike.

Private villas and dive centres are sparsely dotted along this part of the coast but it was at The Villas Tejakula right on the waters edge, that I found rest for my bones. Displaying a fine appreciation for detail and an architectural simplicity and style that sits well with their surrounds, The Villas Tejakula are beautifully appointed and positioned...the perfect place to escape the hurley burley that seems to define the Bali of the south coast, and of course, the perfect location for this evenings tipple.

As the sun sinks behind the Penuktukan pandanas, I have settled into a wonderfully refreshing Arak concoction made with the very best El Massaya arak, lime juice, local wild bee honey and iced water. Does it get much better?