There’s a certain mystique about Bali that behoves a compulsive traveller like me to explore! I hadn’t done it earlier because there’s no direct flight from London to Bali and I didn’t fancy the journey time of at least 17 hours, including a stop at Doha.
However, being in Hong Kong I was able to join a 5-day guided tour to Bali with Wing On Travel, a renowned local travel agency. The flight time from Hong Kong is only about 5 hours though it’s not without its challenges! The departure time was at the ungodly hour of 02.15 and I had to be at the airport by 23.15 the night before! Saying that, this small inconvenience was well rewarded by a really enjoyable trip!
Bali is like a beguiling but slightly awkward teenager on the eve of adulthood, full of naive charms and some rough edges.
From the sublimely beautiful setting of ancient temples to the chaotic traffic on narrow roads with motorcycles weaving in and out, Bali was a visual experience, a cultural feast!
Fairfield by Marriott Kuta Sunset Road
This hotel was our base for the stay in Bali. It’s a standard 4* hotel – spacious, comfortable and quiet. What impressed me most was the ready smile sported by all the staff!
We were allocated our rooms on arrival at the hotel around 8.30. After a quick breakfast I had the whole morning to rest before setting out lunch at 13.00 and outing afterwards
Temples Galore!
It’s a misconception that Indonesia is a “Muslim country”. It’s in fact a multi faith country with 6 recognised religions. It has the world’s largest Muslim population simply because Indonesia is the 4th most populous country and 87% are muslims.
During my trip to Bali, I visited 5 Balinese Hindu temples and saw only 1 mosque (from a distance). The setting for each temple was enchanting beyond words! Although visitors cannot go inside the temples, those wearing shorts, males and females, have to wear a sarong on entering the grounds. Those with long hair are also required to have it tied back, as it’s believed that flowing long hair is associated with evil spirits.
The oldest temples were constructed in 913 AD, but all have been rebuilt over the years
Uluwatuq Temple (烏魯瓦圖寺)
This temple is perched on top of a steep cliff which has somehow acquired the alias of “Lovers’ Cliff”. The seascape around was rather spectacular, more so than the temple itself
Luhur Tanah Lot (魯胡爾海神廟)
Tanah Lot is a rock on which Pura Tanah Lot (Tanah Lot temple) was built. The rock has been shaped by the tides over hundreds of years. This is one of the oldest temple in Bali, an ancient pilgrimage temple as well as a popular tourist destination.
Despite people milling around, the views conveyed a calming and even spiritual vibe.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (水神廟)
This is my favourite temple! Viewed from the shores of Lake Beratan, this temple, which dates back to 1633, stands majestically on the water. With pink clouds drifting across the twilight sky in the background, it’s the sort of images that inspires poetry!
No wonder that “The Bratan Water Temple on the Lake” appears on the Indonesian 50,000 Rupiah Banknote. How could I avoid ending up with copious photos of the mesmerising views!
More sublime views of Lake Bratan at dusk
The grounds of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple were equally captivating
Tirta Empul Temple (聖泉廟)
Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple famous for its holy spring water. While the locals and visitors alike dipped in the water, I enjoyed the more serene setting of the walled area with a large pool filled with koi fish.
Taman Ayun Temple (孟威皇廟)
This 17th century temple is a UNESCO heritage site. The large pond at the entrance promised eye-feasting views which did not disappoint
Munduk Plateau Scenic Area
We were driven along the road with panoramic views of the Twin Lakes, Buyan and Tamblingan. Then we stopped at “Wanagiri Hidden Hill” (aka Wanagiri Heaven). It’s not a large area with bamboo platforms for photos. Apparently it’s a must-visit spot for photos on a swing, nest, and other bamboo frames against the background of the two lakes!
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Also on the plateau are Tegallalang Rice Terraces where there’re more swings and other props for photos against the backdrop of the rice terraces. Many girls queued up to get on the swing with hired floaty costumes for that ubiquitous photo – at the cost of £30!
I was happy just having a cool drink at this restaurant as a spectator
Tegenungan Waterfall
For me, Tegenungan Waterfall is not particularly spectacular. It’s however a nice stop to have a couple of photos and a cold drink in the many shady cafes, watching others trotting down the steps to the waterfall and back again!
Penglipuran Village
This is Bali’s original traditional village which had become a tourist destination. We were also shown inside a typical homestead with its own front, middle and back garden.
Some rather special venues for lunch and dinner on this trip!
Jimbaran Beach – Seafood BBQ dinner on the beach at sunset
Nyonya’s Secret
This pretty building houses a lovely restaurant serving Nyonya dishes – the blending of Chinese ingredients with various distinct spices and cooking techniques used by the Malay/Indonesian community.
Ngiring Ngewedang Restaurant on the Munduk Plateau Scenic Area
This restaurant has a magnificent wrap-around view of the mountains
Grand Puncak Sari Restaurant
This viewing restaurant at Kintamani overlooks Mount Batur – the second largest volcano in Bali.
Bale Udang Mang Engking Restaurant
The setting of Bale Udang Mang Engking is exquisite. The main restaurant is a round bamboo structure with a thatched roof. It’s surrounded by small floating huts with thatched roofs and seating for small private parties around a pond.
To conclude this lengthy post let me show off my latest fridge magnet (no. 194!) and add my personal touch!
