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Published: October 20th 2011
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For those of you who have been reading our blogs and knew our itinerary, you will all know that we have
been to Malaysia BUT I'm going to return to this fabulous country as we are actually going back for a another couple of weeks. In the meantime our jet-setting (well mainly a combo of driving and flying) took us to Singapore and Bali, Indonesia.
Singapore was the official end of our overlanding trip, most of our group were either off in different directions so our time in the city was limited. I have been to Singapore many times and it doesn't seem to change. It is so well organised, clean and everything you would want from a modern city. What it makes up in cleanliness and order, to me it always seems it lacks just a little in character.
Being brought up by a war history mad father I loved picturing Singapore before WWII. A hustling, bustling city full of hundreds of different races. A manic, sweaty place it would be exotic and smelly at the same time. In one area would be the Chinese with their incense and red lucky charms, on another the colonial English with
their white linen suits and Singapore Slings and finally, Little India complete with curry spices and bright saris.
The Singapore of today however is a slightly tamer version of this, yes you do have Chinatown, Little India and great old British institutions such as Raffles and the Tanglin Club but it has been sterilised. As the millions keep pouring in and the skyscrapers continue to rise much of the old Singapore can now only be read about in novels. Please Singapore, don't
lose all your charm!
We finally bid farewell to Singapore as we left our overlanding trip and family behind and set off on an adventure on our own. Well to a certain degree - it was actually time for a little luxury and down time with my sister in Bali. I had heard that she had purchased a lovely villa, I had heard that Bali was friendly and I had heard via some novel that it was very spiritual. And we're pleased to say all of the above was true.
Even though Bali is like a mini Australia if you head to the packed resorts of Kuta and Legian, the rest is definitely its own
place. The people smile and say hello, the green paddy fields are lush and welcoming and the temples are serene and relaxing.
We were thoroughly spoilt by my big sister and were treated to gorgeous meals and sightseeing days. First culture stop was to the awe inspiring temple of Tanah Lot, perched on a rock by the sea. As we watched the sun set behind it and were blessed with spring water, a frangipani and a dollop of rice on our foreheads - it felt magical.
Second lot of culture vulturing was to the south of the island to visit Uluwatu temple with its cheeky monkeys. Another awesome temple perched on a high cliff face, the views were breathtaking but the monkeys stole the show. "Please remove all sunglasses, hats and jewellery" said the sign, "Please take off your sunglasses, they will take them" said our local friend Putu, as he picked up a big stick. Sure enough with five minutes of being there we heard the shrieks from a forlorn tourist who had just had her sunglasses pinched. As she sulked and pointed at the monkey with the glasses, I couldn't help but laugh and urge the
monkey under my breath, "Put them on, put the sunglasses on" - and guess what, he did. He made my day! And continued to taunt the poor woman.
Unbeknownst to me Bali is predominantly Hindu. Here I was thinking Bali, being part of Indonesia, would surely be a Muslim country. But no, it is full of temples and ceremonies. Everyday the shrines were filled with more offerings than any spirit could shake a stick at. Cigarettes, fruit, lollies and biscuits, what a life the spirits lead. Despite the peace loving, spirit loving nature of the place, it was interesting to see that Bali is still suffering the effects of the previous bombings by militant Islamic groups (security checks, car checking and bag searching are everywhere) but most people seem to get on peacefully and all are desperate to keep the tourists coming.
Our travels around the island were limited thanks to only having five days there but we did manage to get to Ubud. No we didn't see Julia Roberts or any hot latino type man, but it was still a lovely place. Green palms and the scent of incense and oils filled the town as we stuffed
our faces with the local speciality - Babi Gouling - suckling pig. Not very yoga/spiritual like of us I know, but who can turn down melt in the mouth pork anyway?
Alas our time in Bali then came to and end. We came, we ate, we drank and we were very merry. This travelling thing is great at times...why did we leave it so long to start?
Bali and Sally, thanks for having us, it was great. And I am so coming back to see you very soon! Keep those Bintangs coming.
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Mumbo
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Bali!
Can't wait to visit - love it already!!xx Soon now - not wishing your trip away - we will welcome you on our Island!! Mumboxx