Indonesia - Bali

 


In October 2023, I had the opportunity to finally explore Bali for the first time. Initially planned as a trip for the Bali New Year in March 2020, my journey was delayed for more than three years due to the impact of Covid. The past few years have presented numerous challenges for many, so it was truly rejuvenating to embark on this leisurely escape and immerse ourselves in the beauty of Bali.

We dedicated seven days for Bali and of which four days to exploring the enchanting town of Ubud, immersing ourselves in the island's natural beauty and spiritual essence. Here we were at Ubud Palace.
We opted for an off-the-beaten-path experience, and visit this Pengempu Waterfall instead of the more touristy options. We found ourselves in a secluded paradise, with no other visitors in sight. I had my skimpy dip too.

 


Our visit to Pura Tirta Empul was an unforgettable experience as we could participate in the sacred purification ritual, allowing the holy water to cleanse and rejuvenate our spirits. The presence of a local ritual instrumental music also added to the ambiance, captivating our senses and drawing us deeper into the moment.

We arrived during the peak hour, so joined a crowd of enthusiastic tourists and immersed ourselves in the sacred ritual for 1.5 hour. The wait had enriched the reverence.
The complex up on the hill is the current Presidential Palace of Indonesia, highlighting the cultural and spiritual importance of the temple.

Procedure: 1. fold hands and meditate; 2. cup the hands and drink some water; 3. put the head to the spout and use the hands to draw water backward. Repeat this three times.
I came out afresh and hope I will be back on a path of tranquillity and serenity after returning to Hong Kong. 

 


Another prominent temple in Bali is Pura Ulun Danu, known for its breathtaking location on the shores of Lake Bratan. This temple stands as a picturesque and serene landmark.
Bali is really an island of beliefs and legends instead of history. According to local folklore, this area was once a fertile rice field. Then a water deity urged the local villagers to construct a temple as an offering and a place of worship to honor her contribution to the fertile land.

The split gate symbolizes the division between the outer world and the inner spiritual realm. It marks the transition from the profane to the sacred space and serves as a visual and symbolic boundary. And here I am enter the spiritual world.
I feel grateful to have Edmund, a devoted practitioner of Buddhism, accompanying me on this journey, as it allows me to experience a deeper connection with spirituality, slow down the pace of life and meditate through out the journey.

The holiest center of the temple.
Some ritual.

Instead of the monkey forest near the Ubud center, we opted for a local Sangeh Monkey Forest.
The monkeys here are friendlier.

 


Tegalanlang Rice Terrace at Ubud is listed in the UNESCO historic site.
Its construction and maintenance  require extensive community efforts. Balinese farmers work together to manage the irrigation system, maintain the terraces, and ensure a successful rice harvest. The layered terraces create stunning vistas, especially during the planting and harvesting seasons when the fields transform into vibrant shades of green.

We walked along the Sweet Orange Walk Trail at Ubud center for a scenic view of rice paddies.
Rice is the primary staple food for the Balinese people. The famous one is fried rice (nasi goreng).

 


We are staying at Hotel Tjampuhan which holds a rich history and is considered one of the iconic landmarks in Ubud. The Tjampuhan established in 1928 is the second-oldest hotel in Bali. It initially served as the royal guesthouse of the Ubud Palace, built under the instruction of the King. Currently it is still owned by the royal family.

The name "Tjampuhan" derives from the Balinese language, meaning the "confluence of two rivers." The hotel is aptly located in a picturesque river valley, where a stream flows down from the surrounding hills and joins the Tjampuhan River. 
The gentle sounds of flowing water and abundant greenery creat a serene environment. We had a delightful experience to meditate and perform the sun salutation and moon salutation amidst the embrace of nature's beauty.

We had a pleasure stay at the top floor of the upper-left villa in this picture. The property itself serves as a living testament to the Balinese architecture and cultural heritage. You can look at the detail of the monkey carving on the wall and the frogs along the edge of the pool. Exquisite!

We had a visit of Museum Puri Lukisan, the oldest art museum in Bali.
We strolled along the Oos and Tukad Tjampuhan rivers, and I had a skimpy dip in this natural surrounding.

Ubud King Palace
Ubud City Center market.

 


We also embarked on a Mount Batur sun rise tour. Which means we left the hotel at 1:30am in preparation for the sun rise, arrived the base of the mountain at 3:00am and began the 2 hours journey hiking up 1,717 metres.

The darkness adds an element of mystery to the journey, with the beam of the headlamp illuminating the path ahead. I could feel the coolness of the night air as we gradually ascent the mountain.
Here is the first ray of dawn on Oct 5th which paints the horizon with hues of orange against the silhouette of Mount Batur. The sight is truly mesmerizing and makes the effort of the hike worthwhile.

The initial stages of the hike was on a well-maintained pavement. But the second half is on a rugged and challenging volcanic ashy rocks, creating a more demanding and physically engaging exercise.
Elements in this picture: Indonesia flag, Mount Batur, Lake Batur, the sun rise, and the sense of accomplishment for completing the physical challenge of hiking up the mountain from the middle of the night.

We also explored a few spots to view the sun set. Among which is Tanah Lot, an iconic sea temple located on the southwest coast of Bali. It is one of the island's most popular tourist attractions for sun set.

The temple stands tall on a large rock formation that appears to float in the Indian Ocean, especially during high tide. 
Our hearts beat was in harmony with the rhythm of the slow descent of the sun. The world seems to have stopped.

I only packed two pairs of shoes with me. This shark shoes are too comfortable and their gentle squishiness provided exceptional support for my heels. Thanks Taobao.
At this Batu Belig Beach, I had slept one whole day for a good natural tan and witnessed 3 sun sets. It was a really good opportunity to power off from any stress.

At last, the sun had set.
We walked back to our hotel at Jl Batu Belig, a centre of foreign community in Bali. 

 


We visited the Subak Bali Argo Coffee plantation, where we learned about the fascinating process behind Luwak coffee, often referred to as the "most expensive coffee in the world."
Dinner at Blanco Renaissance Museum on a rooftop terrance which provides a serene and inspiring environment for us to immerse in the world of Balinese arts.

This is a Luwak. The Luwak consumes coffee cherries and, through a natural enzymatic process, the beans are partially fermented in its digestive system. These beans are then carefully collected from the Luwak's droppings, thoroughly cleaned, and processed to produce the highly sought-after coffee.
Due to its limited production and unique production process, Luwak coffee commands a higher price. The Luwak coffee does have a distinct and robust flavour. Here I also tried coconut coffee, avocado coffee, and tea with Balinese ingredients like lemongrass, cinnamon, and cloves and more.

We also sampled artisanal chocolates made from the plantation's own cacao pods. We also learned the process of making chocolate from the cacao beans, the fermentation, drying and roasting processes that the beans undergo to develop their distinctive flavors. Educational.
Bali's tropical climate provides a good conditions for cultivating durians. It is definitely fresh and tasty to enjoy this King of Fruit from the source. And trying it at Angkringan Laksmi, just off-the-road location, added to the charm of the local experience.

Murni's Warung is a beloved restaurant located in the heart of Ubud. We can enjoy the meal while overlooking the breathtaking views of the Campuhan Valley.
It really offers fabulous food at local prices. Its diverse menu showcases a fusion of Indonesian, Asian, and international cuisine. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, with the diverse textures and spices dancing on my taste buds. Thanks for the delicacy.

This is the van that drove us around various places in Bali for IDR 600k a day, including Martana, pictured here, to drive us around Bali. His whatsapp is +62 822 3777 759five. Thank you for the trip.
It was Edmund's birthday on the trip. Thank you for the 15 years of friendship, a travelling partner for numerous location, and a good supporter for all the ups and downs I experienced in life. 

 

The Afterthought. It was the novel "Eat Pray Love" that drew me to Bali. Throughout life, I have encountered ups and downs, and the novel was about escaping from the past and embracing the uncertainties of the future. I long for the day when I can escape the career world and search for deeper meaning in life. I envision approaching that goal, but the path is full of obstacles, like the Covid and economic turmoil we are experiencing. I was also considering whether Bali could be a potential retirement destination for me, but this experience suggested otherwise. Yet it was a good escape and I open myself for love in the close future.

   

 

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