Birds, Bites & a Bit of Bali Magic (plus… a cockatoo’s blessing)
Day 16 aboard the Oceania Nautica, and Bali just delivered one of those evenings you wish you could bottle up and relive forever.
Our afternoon began at the Bali Bird Sanctuary, a joyful, feathery experience that brought us up close and personal with some of the island's most beautiful winged residents. Parrots flaunted their vivid plumage, peacocks strutted with undeniable elegance, toucans perched gracefully with their vibrant beaks, flamingos balanced on one leg with serene poise, and the elusive Bali Starling—a local celebrity with dramatic blue eyeliner that would make any fashionista jealous—graced us with her presence.
But the true star of the day? A very cheeky cockatoo who decided that my shoulder was the perfect perch. Just as I was marveling at its bright feathers and playful nature, it left me with an unexpected gift—yep, it peed right on me! The staff assured me that it’s good luck, so I’m choosing to embrace it as a tropical blessing. After all, who wouldn’t want a little Balinese good fortune?
After my feathered encounter, we were treated to a traditional Balinese dinner under the stars. Imagine long tables draped in linens, surrounded by lush greenery, and lit by the warm glow of lanterns. The dishes were laid out beautifully—grilled satay, spiced duck wrapped in banana leaves, and coconut rice that was so perfectly cooked, it nearly brought me to tears. Every bite was a burst of flavor, each dish a story of Balinese tradition and love for food.
As if the evening couldn’t get any more enchanting, we were then led to a small temple courtyard where the soft glow of candles flickered against stone walls. There, Balinese dancers performed with elegance and grace—gold headdresses catching the light, silk sarongs swaying with every step. Their hand and eye movements were mesmerizing, each gesture a poetic expression that spoke volumes without a single word.
Bali, on this 16th day of our journey, you gave us beauty, belly laughs, and a little birdie blessing I’ll never forget. Here’s to capturing more moments like these as we sail on.
