If you’ve ever been to Bali, then you’ve heard the mysterious rumors circling the island. If you have yet to visit this gorgeous holiday destination and are unaware of the famous curse, then let me enlighten you. Legend has it that centuries ago, a young prince and princess were madly in love and engaged to be married. However, after taking their relationship to the “next level” and becoming intimate, the prince jilted the princess and she was left broken hearted. In her misery she jinxed the island, cursing all future couples who visited Bali to breakup shortly after their trip.
Countless couples have visited the island, only to break up in the weeks or months that followed. Now that’s an unfortunate reputation to have attached to one of the most popular lover’s destinations in the world. The truth is, it is a well-documented phenomenon but is it fact, fiction, or superstition?
Now, the myth is not unanimously upheld and, indeed, there are many variations – some claim that only unchaste couples will suffer, some argue that the curse affects only couples that travel alone, while some even say that the curse lives and breathes in Tanah Lot Temple and that under no circumstances should couples visit this site. These are some of the most popular myths, but there are many more.
So what happens if you’ve already booked your flights and are getting ready to visit Bali with your significant other? Fear not! We have 5 tips that will ensure that you’ll emerge from your romantic holiday unscathed and still in a relationship.
1. Bring a friend
Not exactly the sexiest option of the lot, but probably the most bulletproof. Think about it, better to have a third wheel for a week than to ride a lonely unicycle for the rest of your life. Your friend can also serve a double purpose – on the one hand, he or she will act as a buffer between your couple and the curse since you won’t be traveling alone, and, on the other, should you and your significant other have a blow-out fight during your trip, well, your friend can mediate! An all around win-win situation for everyone.
2. Make time for daily romantic activities
When visiting a world renowned destination like Bali, sometimes couples get caught up in all the hype and forget to spend time with one another on their quest to tick off all the important sites – UNESCO rice fields? Check. Monkey Forest? Check. Uluwatu temple? Check. Romantic one on one time? Ah, crap. Just because you’re in a romantic setting doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve managed to go from a simmering va va voom to a scorching voulez vous coucher avec moi in the romance department, if you know what I mean.
If you’re looking to step up the love, here is a list of simple yet exquisitely romantic activities that you and your partner can do together: from horseback riding and taking long walks on the beach, to watching the sun set on the beach and booking a relaxing couple’s massage, the list really is endless. More inspirations here 😉
3. Couple’s meditation
Many people think that stress goes away during vacation, but that’s a common misconception. In some cases, the free time afforded to you by your time off can leave your mind with ample time to wander, overthinking and overanalyzing things that you usually wouldn’t. This, coupled with the fact that you’re probably spending inordinate amounts of time with your significant other on this holiday can spell the way to a sensory overload. An effective way of clearing your mind if you’re feeling overwhelmed is to try meditation. An hour of meditation a day is beneficial not only to your physical and mental health, it can also be a great bonding activity with your special someone. As contradictory a statement as this may seem, spending this quality time together with your bodies and minds in sync will connect you on a new plane and bring you closer together both emotionally and mentally.
4. Have a sense of humor
If you’re aware of the curse before your travels begin this might stress out one or both of you. If you truly believe that you are open to the negative consequences of this curse, it may become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The best way to deal with this situation, especially if you are superstitious, is to laugh about it! Humor will take the pressure out of even the tensest situations. And we all know that laughing makes you live longer. By taking the ‘threat’ of this curse lightly and being open-minded with your partner, you already have all the tools at your disposal to beat the beast and come home a stronger couple than when you left.
5. GET MARRIED!
That’s right, you read me. What better way to stick it to the mystical forces and casually rub your love in their face than to get married on the very island that doomed your relationship to failure? Guys and gals, get on your knees, pop that special question to your significant other, and ensure that this Bali holiday is one that you’ll never forget. Plus, you’re already in the perfect location for a beautiful and quick wedding – Bali is constantly ranked as one of the most popular wedding destinations. And, if you really are looking to tie the knot, the island is brimming with beautifully romantic settings for your perfect day.
And, unlike Vegas, whatever happens in Bali will definitely come back with you.
Enjoy your dream holiday!
