INDONESIA - Bali

15:28 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

Bali is arguably the most popular island holiday destination in Indonesia. Like many other newly wed couples, I too have chosen Bali as my honeymoon destination back in 2009.

The first temple that I visited in Bali is Pura Luhur Uluwatu. This cliff top temple is one of Bali’s nine key directional temples. It is famous for its sunset view.

The temple has lots of monkeys. And you have to beware of them because they are adept at snatching visitor’s belongings, including cameras and eye glasses.

I was there to watch a Balinese Dance Performance that evening.

It was a bit crowded but still a nice experience to watch the Kecak Ramayana and Fire Dance.

A blurry picture of the dance.

On the next day, we began our tour visiting gold and silver shop.

Followed by a painting factory visit.

Then, it’s the coffee plantation where we were shown how the coffee is processed.

The most notable thing in the coffee plantation is being able to taste a cup of Kopi Luwak, one of the most expensive coffee in the world.

Kopi Luwak is a type of coffee that includes part-digested coffee cherries eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet (see the glass containing Kopi Luwak). It has a strong flavour. I am not a coffee drinker so I can’t really tell whether it’s good.

During noon, we were transferred to hillside area of Bali.

Behind us is Mount Batur and lake, an active volcano in Bali.

Had our lunch here. It was windy and relax to look at the mountains.

After lunch, we visited Tirta Empul.

It is one of the most important temples on Bali because of its holy water that is used for purification.

Locals lining up to bath in the holy water. The purification bathing rituals is only meant for Hindus.

Like any Balinese temple, I have to rent a sarong to wrap around my waist. Women menstruating are prohibited to enter the sacred sites.

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) is an archeological complex. It was initially built as a site for meditation, dating back to 11th century.

Stone relics in the temple courtyard.

An ancient bathing pool can be seen in the courtyard.

This is the entrance of the cave. The cave is shallow and you can enter it to have a look. There are some stone idols and meditation space found inside the cave.

This morning, we had an expedition to Turtle Island. We travelled there by glass bottom boat. Turtle Island is a small island nearby Tanjong Benoa, Nusa Dua. We saw some really big turtles there.

On the Turtle Island, you can also see other animals (hawks, monkeys, bats and snakes), and even take photos with them.

My beau braved himself to take photos with bats and…

…. a snake, python actually.

After that, I went to Ubud which is located in the cool mountain area. This district is famous for its terraced rice paddies.

Spent some time drinking tea and enjoying the view here before heading to the next attraction, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or Pura Bratan is a major water temple in Bali. It is located on the shore of Lake Bratan.

Built in 1633, this temple is used for offering ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess, Dewi Danu.

Next, it’s the Taman Ayun temple.

Climbing up a tower in Taman Ayun Temple compound.

This is the view seen from above. Taman Ayun, literal translates as ‘beautiful garden’ is one of the most attractive temples of Bali.

Decorative painted eggs.

Taman Ayun Temple was built in 1634 by Raja of Mengwi.

Towering tiers from the temple shrines make up most of the profile of Taman Ayun. This is where the deified ancestors of Raja Mengwi and important gods of other temples are honoured.

Last but not least, we went to visit Tanah Lot. This temple is the most famous temple of Bali due to its unique offshore setting and sun set backdrop.

The ancient Hindu shrine perched on top of an outcrop amidst constant crashing waves.

On the last day, I went for some shopping at the Ubud Art Market.

You can find lots of hand craft goods here which are perfect as souveniours.

Bajra Sandhi Monument is a monument dedicated to the struggles of Bali people throughout history, built in 1987. It is located in front of the Bali Governer’s Office in Denpasar.