Text and photos by Jamie Ysrael Zaldivar
From being stuck in the desserts of Las Vegas to traveling the world over to retreat to the mountains of Bali, this young mom and her son started the new normal with a life-changing journey.
People have called the pandemic “the Great Reset,” an opportunity to change how we shape our future.
My six-year-old son and I had just been stranded for five months in Las Vegas because of the extensive quarantine measures in Manila last year. But coming home to Manila in August 2020 didn’t provide any relief. I was always on my feet, handling crisis communications, meeting the parent deadlines of online schooling and trying to keep up with the changing demands of living in the new normal.
When we were allowed to move to Bali temporarily, I didn’t hesitate, even with the knowledge that traveling would be more challenging. In addition to PCR tests, there were new entry and insurance requirements, health protocols and checkpoints, but we understood that all these “inconveniences” kept us safe.
Upon our arrival, we learned that from being just another vacation destination, Bali has transformed itself into a private refuge — a hidden paradise from all that is happening worldwide. While borders were (mostly) still closed, stranded tourists, expats who’ve chosen to stay and businesses that were slowly reopening kept the island alive. With fewer establishments open and many tourist spots closed, business owners and residents found new ways to thrive.
A journey to one’s self
Canggu became our new home on the island. Before the pandemic, the once laid- back surf town flourished with hip, unique hotels, Instagrammable restaurants and crowded beach clubs. To curb the spread of COVID-19, the government implemented restrictions on the island. Clubs toned down their parties, healthy scenic cafes were the new go-tos and hostels offered more intimate activities such as meditation and inner discovery workshops.
I reveled at the relaxing pace of Bali life, spending my time journaling, practicing yoga and taking walks by the beach. On Wednesdays, I watched thought-provoking films at the Guru Canggu hostel in Berawa. On Saturdays, I soaked up the sun with cocktails on hand at the epic pool of Alternative Beach. Some days, I was just happy sipping Bali coffee while staring at the rice fields — a stark contrast to my previous always on- the-go routine.
In Canggu, I discovered “breathwork,” which are breathing techniques to improve your physical, mental and spiritual well- being. I took the challenge of submerging myself for two-minutes in ice-cold water while using my breath to control my body from freezing. For a person previously diagnosed with anxiety during the pandemic, the experience was transformational. I never thought I was that strong.
Unique adventures in nature
On weekends, I took my son for outdoor adventures. Being locked down in a small condo for weeks, he had plenty of pent-up energy to release.
From Canggu, we took a one-hour drive to the Leke Leke Waterfall in Tabanan. We endured a two-kilometer slippery hike down from the main road before the stunning view of the waterfall awaited us. But it was our unique stay at the Bubble hotel, a semi- transparent private dome set in the middle of the jungle that proved to be the highlight.
We were the only people in the area, and there were no establishments in sight. With weak signals and limited electricity, we spent the weekend swimming in the river, hiking and stargazing. The serenity of the place was calming. For the first time, I had a chance to be still with my thoughts. You could only hear the sounds of chirping birds, the flowing river and the squeals of a delighted boy at the sight of creatures he had dug from the ground.
We spent the next few weekends in Central Bali, trading the usual tour routes for unique experiences. Gianyar is home to an impressive range of wildlife from Indonesia, the rest of Asia and Africa, conserved at the Bali Safari. The park kept both adults and kids busy with animal shows, water play areas, a petting zoo and special activities such as dinner in front of the lions’ den or a jeep ride to the animals’ natural habitats. But what we enjoyed the most is our stay at the Safari’s Mara River Lodge. With partly-glass covered rooms, we woke up to views of live Zebras grazing and Rhinos on their morning jog in front of our room!
Our last stop in the area is Tanah Gajah, a five-acre luxury artistic resort. We started the tour with afternoon tea and a swim in one of its massive pools. Then, our guide led us to an open rice field where a giant hot-air-balloon was waiting for us. My son clung tightly to me as we ascended, but I told him it was just like the movie UP. At 50 meters from the ground, the balloon gave us 360-degree views. Looking at the beautiful rice fields and mountains of Gianyar while the sky turned pink to orange at sunset was breathtaking. Our Bali nature trips were a refreshing break from our city life, which also provided encouragement at a difficult time.
A discovery of others
The relaxing pace of Canggu and our adventure trips were memorable, but the most impactful part of my Bali trip was meeting people. I made friends from across the globe, from Jakarta to Egypt, from Australia to Latvia, from China to Belgium, who were also on their personal journeys. The island never made me feel lonely; there was always a gathering to go to, whether it’s sunset drinks at Finns beach club, a road trip to Uluwatu, or a beach day in Nusa Dua. What glued us together is the understanding that we were facing similar challenges as we navigate uncertainties. We formed a community of people who retreated to the island and supported each other’s rediscovery of the self and life.
I left Bali a different person. As the world resets, it is good to take a trip not just to a new place but to take a journey inward. We can stop to breathe for a moment, energize our minds and discover our strength. Then, we can face the new world with a fresher perspective and a renewed confidence in the future.
At the end of the journey, I found myself in Singapore, the Lion City which is to be our home for the foreseeable future. And while I’m sure to take on new challenges as I head back into the salt mines, I bring with me the memories and wisdom of Bali as I navigate this urban jungle of my choosing. With that, I take a deep breath, leave my anxieties behind and move forward.
