Any Indonesians out there? Selamat pagi!

Or are you one of the gods in Bali? Om swastiastu!

Regardless if you’re a god or a boring human being (like yours truly), Bali, Indonesia is one heavenly place that is a must-visit. It’s called the “Island of the Gods” for a reason.

Not only does it have one of the best beaches around, it’s also an island home to scenic volcano views and mountainous peaks and terrain. Most of all, the rich Bali heritage and culture has been preserved for hundreds of years.

Godlike smartphone cameras

Just to backtrack, the HUAWEI P60 Pro was first launched in China last March 2023 followed by a global rollout this May.

The specific camera hardware goes like this:

• 48MP main (wide) camera, f/1.4-4.0 Dual Variable aperture system
• 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle (UWA) rear camera
• 48MP f/2.1 telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom
• 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle (UWA) front camera

Even though it’s unfortunate that their exclusive partnership with Leica has ended, the phone’s XMAGE imaging system is still one of the best in the smartphone market today.

Can’t wait to see how the “godlike” cameras of the HUAWEI P60 Pro perform? Well, I’m gonna let all the 60 photo sets speak for themselves — with a little bit of trivia and commentary in-between.

Pop on the top

Admit it or not, most of us hate the idea of waking up early before the sun even shines. But it would be a big missed opportunity to skip the early morning ride towards the peak of an active volcano called Gunung Batur (or Mount Batur).

After some time, with the right weather and timing, you could end up having ✨ SwEEt anD LoVeLy ✨ shots like this.

Despite the large pack of ATVs, the HUAWEI P60 Pro still clearly captured the detail of the grasses, trees, and the whole mountainous area. More so, how the colors of the sunrise pop with the right amount of HDR evident in the sun along its light rays.

Bear with us. There will be more definitely-in-a-relationship shots like this of my friend together with her Hype Boy.

Tough and rough

After that scenic sunrise, Bali tourists have the option to continue the ATV ride further down the rougher surfaces of the mountain (or volcano).

With the 3.5x telephoto zoom lens of the HUAWEI P60 Pro, my friend and her boyfie were able to take these exhilarating shots of the ATVs like they were shot by a professional camera with a super-fast shutter release.

Even though these are the common sights among the rural parts of most Southeast Asian nations, these luscious forests and rural landscapes are the views that Bali tourists get to enjoy in their visit.

Life lesson: not everything is smooth-sailing. Just by looking at the transition of photos, that felt like a rough and tough ride.

This is where the ultra-wide angle (UWA) camera of the P60 Pro comes in handy. With that super-wide FoV (Field of View), my friend perfectly flexed her look alongside that massive ATV above those rocks (or hardened ash, whatever they may be).

Don’t Mess Up My Temple

If you read that to the tune of EXO’s (Don’t Mess Up My) Tempo, you were absolutely right — just in time for their latest 7th Album comeback release 🤩

Anyhow, Bali being a god-loved island, you will see many temples around. One of which is the very popular Lempuyang Temple.

You can even do a photo-op with your lovey-dovey if you both like it that way 🙄

That’s just one among the many temples in the island. There are also the Temples of Uluwatu, Taman Ayun, Ulun Danu Beratan, Besakih Mother Temple, and many more in the itinerary.

This suddenly reminded me of my Jakarta trip last January 2020 where I also wandered around several temples even in the middle of Indonesia’s city center. This proves how Indonesians value their culture.

Breathtaking Penida-scapade

Another highlight of Bali is none other than the view you will see when you go to the western part of the smaller Penida Island just below the main island of Bali — Nusa Penida to be precise.

If you can’t reach the ever-scenic shooting place featured in the Korean Drama Descendants of the Sun because it’s in the faraway island of Zakynthos in Greece (and requires a European visa for most travelers), Nusa Penida is your next best bet.

Whether it’s the main (wide) and ultra-wide cameras of the HUAWEI P60 Pro, shots look stunning and superb. Not only does it highlight the subjects, but also the full view you see like anyone who sees it IRL.

And as I was writing this, it felt like I teleported to that particular scenery and became part of their escapade.

I’m Gonna Swing…

From the chandelier? Not really. But here at Uma Ceking in Ubud, Bali, there are several swings for any couple to enjoy 👀

Already evident with the heart-shaped swings and seats, it is, indeed, heaven for couples (and haven for the lovelorn souls 🥺).

Tourists from different parts of the globe surely enjoy their lovely surroundings.

If I were here all by myself, I think I still would have enjoyed my alone time just by focusing on these beautiful stacks of Ceking Rice Terraces all noon long.

The Indo Taste

Indonesia is known for their popular fried rice Nasi Goreng, famous instant noodles Mi Goreng, or just several packs and varieties of Sambal that locals put in their rice, meat, or other types of meal.

Even though I love spicy food, the level of Indonesia’s spiciness is just on a whole other level.

Still, it wouldn’t be a complete Bali experience without actually trying their cuisine. These include a special set of nasi putih (white rice), daging (meat), kulit (roasted crispy pork skin), gorengan (batter fried meat), sayur (Balinese vegetables), and even sosis (blood sausage). Lastly, base genep (or Balinese spices) to top that authentic Bali taste.

And oh! The perfect way to fulfill that tropical island experience is by drinking fresh coconut juice.

Cat-puccino

You heard that right! Catpuccino (or “cat poo chino” as how they stylized it) is a real deal in Bali.

The “cat poop coffee” isn’t coming from the usual cats we see since most of us know that cats and coffee are not in good terms.

The coffee actually comes from Asian Palm Civets (also known as musang) — or just civet cats in simpler terms. But because of how they digest coffee cherries and leave the rest of the beans out, harvesters believe their “poo” gives an extra oomph when brewed as coffee.

Even though it looks or sounds disgusting, Kopi Luwak is considered as the most expensive coffee in the world. And with the very thorough and tedious process of actually making it into a by-product, it’s more of the many reasons why this Bali delicacy is a must-try.

Wild and mild

While we’re already on the topic, it’s also not surprising for any tropical country to have a variety of wild and mild animals roaming around.

Whether that may be a civet cat or a domesticated cat, these furries will be harmless as long as they are unharmed and being taken care of.

And can I just mention how fierce this tabby cat looks — the same way my indoor tabby cat looks at me whenever I’m eating.

I don’t support biases among pets but if cats aren’t your thing, these adorable sleeping puppies are enough to fill-up your empty day.

But if you’re more of a thrill-seeker, here’s a Malayan Krait (or Bungarus Candidus) at Tanah Lot — popularly known as the “Holy Snake”.

Built like a chimp-ion

The aforementioned animals aren’t the only thingyou will see when you visit Bali. There’s a specific sanctuary for Bali Monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest.

These long-tailed monkeys aren’t just here to wander. Knowing how intelligent these species are, they can even interact with you like you belong in their tribe.

Taking selfies like a chimp-ion — like how this Balinese macaque held the HUAWEI P60 Pro and took ultra-wide angle (UWA) groufies with the gang.

Using the same type of lens at the back gives us the ethereal vibe of the forest.

And even without the Leica lens optics, HUAWEI was still able to deliver “sun-kissed” shots with flares all around particularly due to its XMAGE imaging system.

Water the odds?

With Bali’s rich heritage, you shouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of water-filled temples, statues, symbolisms, and scriptures anywhere you go.

The abundance of temples will be more than enough for your photo-ops. Just remember to walk with respect and leave the preserved ruins unscathed.

Another must-visit is the Tirta Empul Temple where visitors can bathe in the sacred and holy water to “purify” and “cleanse” themselves.

Want to see and feed these giant Koi fishes? Tirta Gangga is where you have to head next!

Can we just appreciate the prowess of the P60 Pro’s 3.5x telephoto shooter as it was able to achieve the beautiful scenery of the dragon-decorated bridge alongside the majestic-looking swan boat passing by.

Seas the day

How could one skip the swimming and tanning on Bali’s beautiful beaches?

Quality-wise, the consistency is evident all throughout the set — regardless which type of lens you use. Heck, its portrait mode algorithm even looks professionally-shot with that clear distinction between the foreground subject and objects against the slushy water waves.

Even these selfies are testaments that HUAWEI values not just the rear cameras on the P60 Pro, but even the front camera as well.

A split-second movement usually results to blurred shots. But with the fast AF (Auto Focus) of the P60 Pro, it felt like there was a freeze in time — regardless if there is an abundance or absence of light.

Mandatory memento

Any trip would feel incomplete without bringing along some souvenirs before going back home.

Whether it’s the tiny ref magnets, dangling keychains, vibrant surfboards, colorful paintings in huge canvases, wacky-looking Balinese masks (called barong), or just photos of these altogether, these are already enough to keep and relive the Bali moments whenever, wherever.

Even a photo of your hotel’s façade/balcony, or just a super wide-angle #OOTD selfie are enough mementos after all that hectic travel to and from several tourist spots around the town.

And don’t forget your mandatory plane window shots before you head back to reality!

Perfect for pros and non-pros alike

Whether you take it early in the dawn or a little bit late by the dusk, the HUAWEI P60 Pro proves to be a real champ when it comes to taking photos — even without the necessary pro-grade skills and equipment to do so.

Admittedly, neither of them are professionals when it comes to photography. But as I usually say in my camera-specific write-ups, anyone can take professionally-looking snaps as long as they get the right framing and timing.

And with the HUAWEI P60 Pro’s astounding cameras plus excellent XMAGE imaging system and AI algorithm, they were able to shoot not just picture perfect photos, but professional-looking perspectives — at least in my eyes who’s very photography-centric.

Even that one macaque is a proof that regardless of which user is holding the phone, a device equipped with a great set of camera hardware contributes in taking great-looking sequential photos in a second — especially those blurry-free snaps we all desire.

SEE ALSO: HUAWEI P60 Pro review: Picture perfect

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Special thanks to my friend Judai, together with her lovey-dovey boyfie and friends for bringing us (virtually) to Bali through the wonderful cameras of the HUAWEI P60 Pro.