Bali: Afternoon @ the Pasifika

After bidding Ray goodbye at the Benoa Cruise Terminal, we met up with Dewa “Bali Driver,” whose services we had used in 2017. During that overnight stop, we’d gone further afield, taking in many of the “must-see’s” … including the amazing rice terraces.

This afternoon, we decided to stay close to Benoa where Regatta was docked. Not sure where I first heard about Museum Pasifika — located in tourist-centric Nusa Dua — but that was our destination.

This art museum bills itself as the #1 attraction in Bali. I think that claim might be a little high-reaching … as the new manager of the museum admitted during her chat with Mui while he waited for me to finish up my rounds. She is trying to make the claim reality, however, by changing their social media profile and also by seeking to make contact with cruise lines in order to offer tours and special events.

The museum has a fairly small collection — some 600+ pieces of artwork from the Asia Pacific Region … including one piece by Henri Matisse and several by Paul Gauguin. I took my time wandering through the inter-connected galleries … enjoying the colorful art. Having the place to myself during most of my visit was a bonus.

I found the museum definitely worth visiting … except that it was like a sauna inside and sweat was pouring out of every pore. In discussing this with the manager, she explained that as hot and humid as Bali is, they do not use A/C … so as not to “shock” the art on exhibit.

We wrapped up our day with massages at the Royal Orchid Spa … excellent treatments … at a fraction of what they charge at the Aquamar Spa on the ship.

Dewa was all set to take us somewhere for dinner after we left the spa, but we begged off. It was 7:30p and the heat had taken its toll. Besides, with another day in Bali, it seemed best to return to Regatta to re-energize ourselves for tomorrow’s outing.Read more