Goway BDM Gives Update on the Appeal of Bali
Aubrey Schmidt, Goway’s BDM for Central Canada, recently spent some time in Bali getting up to speed with the Indonesian island’s many highlights.
What cities and destinations did you visit in Bali?
We flew into Denpasar and the adventure began. It was a whirlwind 9-day tour covering a lot of ground. Our first night was on the beautiful coast staying in the lively Seminyak. Our fabulous ICS tour leader and driver took the reins from there the next morning and we were off. The list of cities we visited included Manggis, Ubud, Kintamani, Tampaksiring, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Mengwi, and Uluwatu.
What was your highlight and why?
The highlight for me has to be Bali’s diversity. By that, I mean it offers something for everyone! It has beaches, it has culture, it has culinary experiences, it has adventure, and it has a history. The list of highlights goes on and on.
What was your favourite property and why?
My favourite property was the Maya Ubud Resort & Spa in Ubud. It offers location, location, location! This place is God’s country as Ubud is an interior town set in the beautiful countryside of Bali. Picture yourself in a stunning rainforest having a soak in an infinity pool situated alongside a small river. It is the definition of tranquility. There was a small one-hole “golf course,” an awesome gym, and a beautiful yoga studio. The rooms were spacious and the dining options were more than sufficient. If you’re OK with being away from the ocean, you have to consider this hotel.
What are some interesting excursions or itineraries that you would recommend?
It goes without saying that visiting the many temples of Bali is a must. Some notable ones include the Besakih Temple, the Batukaru Temple, the Taman Ayun Temple, and the most breathtaking of all, the Uluwatu Temple. Next up would be the UNECSO-listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih. And don’t forget the volcanoes and of course, the famous Monkey Forest.
What’s your top tip for agents selling in Bali?
My top tip has to be (as funny as this sounds) to start by considering Bali as a viable option for your clients—full stop. So many agents see this destination as being unaffordable due to the distance from North America. The opposite couldn’t be truer. It is a great option for clients on a budget. Just because it’s on the other side of the globe doesn’t make it expensive. Check out some of Goway’s specials in Bali and you’ll be surprised at just how affordable a vacation here is. We have packages cheaper than going to Mexico and your clients will have way more bragging rights coming home from a trip to Bali than a trip to Mexico. The bottom line is that you have to plant the seed and put the destination on your client’s radar. That’s the starting point. Then let our destination experts help you close the sale from there. Easy!