Advertisement
It was a short trip. Five days were not enough to see the whole of Bali. I managed to cover a few important places as quickly as I can, the ones that draws tourist like a magnet. Kuta was just like any cities in the South East Asia but I particularly like the ones like Ubud Terrace Paddy Fields in Tegallalang Village, Ubud Town and Uluwatu(Ulu is Heart, Watu is Stone). Monkey Forest Temple was scary because of the wild macaques that constantly eyeing for your spectacles, anything you are holding for a quick grasp and my shoulder was made a standing block for them to hop on-hop off when one macaque was chased by a fierce one.
The classical Barong Dance in Batubulan Village and the Kechak Dance in Uluwatu are my favorite cultural dance show. Barong Dance performs in the morning whereas the Kechak Dance is in the evening. Barong is the mythical lion-like creature defeating the evil queen Rangda who created havoc in Java Island and Kechak Dance introduces the great Ramayana story, the good over evil with the help of Hanuman.
Batuan Temple, known as Pura Puseh; a classical Balinese Hindu temple comes with elaborate
carvings. One has to wear a sarong to enter the temple.
Tanah Lot, an Island temple, known to be sacred; people throng to visit the island to receive the holy water (spring water) that comes from the rocks in the cave below. It is a beautiful sight when comes sunset, high tide seeping in slowly to fill the surroundings of the temple, making an island altogether. It was worth waiting for. Visitors are not allowed to go up to the temple. It is located at Tabanan, twenty kilometres from Denpasar.
The Turtle Island, a turtle sanctuary cum tourist attraction, situated at Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua Beach is a treat. Rented a glass bottom boat, stopped halfway to feed the fishes with bread, watching boats speed after one another to reach the Island was fun. I saw other animal besides the turtles, an eagle, hornbill, pythons, monitor lizards and chameleons. I carried a 60kg turtle with the help of the caretaker and it was so heavy that can only lifted up to our bended knees.
Mount Batur Volcano in Kintamani District, a mixture of cold wind and the unsettled fine ashes that make the view hazy and gloomy.
We viewed the volcano from the restaurant terrace in the Penelokan Village but the Lake Batur could not be seen. It’s on the other side of the volcano.
Elephant Cave (1022AD) is an ancient discovery by a Dutch in 1923. Built in the 11th century by King Udayana . It seems it was in rubble during the earthquake. There are two statues in the cave, Four Arms Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva in Linga form, the Destroyer. There is a bathing pool (Sapta Gangga) with six maiden statues pouring water into the pool.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a limestone hill carved into huge square boxes with two huge statues, Lord Wisnu (Vishnu) and the Garuda, The Vehicle of Lord Wisnu. They are about 150m high. A Barong Lion is sometime seen walking in the grounds entertaining the visitors. It is situated in the Ungasan Village.
Dreamland Beach is a topless beach; a private land owned by the VVIP that allows the public to use this dream beach, facing the Indian Ocean catches my mind away. It’s a beautiful getaway for the beach lovers.
There are many Balinese arts and crafts for sale, Batiks, Paintings, Wood Crafts and
Silver. I just bought "I love Bali" T-shirt. Not a good shopper.
As for food, Bebek Tutu is my favorite, duck marinated with spices, wrapped in foil, place below the burning coal. It was yummy. Gado Gado is all vegetables in thick peanut sauce, a bit spicy but delightful. Ended with a glass of double scoop taro ice cream was simply memorable.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.228s; Tpl: 0.012s; cc: 24; qc: 95; dbt: 0.183s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.3mb
auspicious
Michelle Duer
Thanks. Yes, so many fish and creatures in the sea whose names I don't know either. I'm really enjoying your blogs and looking forward to more. Couldn't help but laugh about your "I love Bali" t-shirt. :D