WE HAVE all heard the stories of how enchanting and captivating the island of Bali is, but experiencing it first hand makes the myth, much more real. I guess, the saying, “seeing is believing”, holds true immediately after one steps off the plane upon arriving on the island of Bali.
Bali, a part of Indonesia, is on the east side of the island of Java, and west of the island of Lombok, another popular island destination.
It is bordered by the Bali Sea and the Indian Ocean. The island was bigger than I thought, with an area of about 5,632.86 square kilometers. It is said, 80% of the population is Hindu, and the festivals and celebrations are just amazing for those into such cultural events. Bali was a feast for my senses and the tales to tell may be endless, so let me just narrow things down to a few essentials.
When you plan your trip, you may want to read up on some facts, like where exactly you wish to stay on the island. There are the famous areas of Kuta, Sanur, Legian, Seminyak, Nusa Dua or Ubud. Accommodations are plentiful in Bali, but location is key, so I suggest you read up on which part of Bali would interest you more, from the popular touristy beaches of Kuta, to the more serene ones of Seminyak or Legian.
Perhaps, you prefer views of rice fields in the central part called Ubud. Check out these websites for more information, http://www.baliprov.go.id, http://www.balitourismboard.org and http://www.indonesia-tourism.com.
Two of the more common areas to visit in Bali would be the southern part and the central part. South Bali is the most popular area, with the airport within the vicinity of Kuta and resorts stretching all the way to Legian and Seminyak. South of the airport is quieter and a bit more upscale, like the areas of Jimbaran and Nusa Dua. Sanur, which is on the opposite coast, caters to many more long-stay tourists and families.
Central Bali is much more mountainous and is famous for a lot of cultural display, arts and nature. This area was my choice since I felt it would be a better way to see more of the local way of life.
Pray
I would probably recommend visiting a few of the nine major temples in Bali, among them Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple) and Tanah Lot. For many Balinese, the “mother temple” of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung would be the most important of all and sits above the nine. If you have time, rent a car and make your way to these temples: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Pura Ulun Danu Batur, Pura Pasar Agung, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Goa Lawah, Pura Masceti and Pura Luhur Batukaru. For more Balinese temples, try to see the Goa Gajah also known as the elephant cave, then Gunung Kawi, the Tampak Siring or water temple and the Taman Ayun (Royal Palace) in Mengwi if you have time.
If you are a nature lover, check out West Bali National Park and the Botanical Garden in Ubud. Also, in certain parts of the island are rice paddies, which offer great photo opportunities to capture the way of life of the Balinese. Ask your local guide to take you to some small rice paddies in the areas of Tirta Gangga, Bangli and Jatiluwih. Stunning views of both Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung await you as well, so be ready with your camera. The beautiful lake Bratan is worth the trip, especially when you see the temple of Puru Ulun Danu.
Unwind
For leisure and recreation, there are so many activities on hand, like trekking, white water rafting, mountain climbing, eco tours, and all sorts of water sports and marine activities. There will be several brochures in the airport offering such services, or you can check them out online as well. Kids may enjoy the Bali Zoo or the Bali Safari and Nature Park.
Wellness spas and treatment centers are growing in number in Bali, so this can be an option for those weary souls seeking a bit of solace from their hectic lives.
There are several establishments that offer cooking classes, meditation classes, Balinese dance and music classes.
For shoppers, aside from the fact that agriculture is also a major source of income, especially rice, Bali is also famous for wood carvings, stone carvings, painted art and silverware. You will notice this when you drive by several villages typically specializing in a single product, such as stone fountains or wooden furniture. It will certainly be a shopping extravaganza for any shopaholic.
Finally, I always advise anyone going on a trip, to always take note of some important facts that one needs to know about one’s destination, like telephone numbers and hotlines of the police, hospitals, banks, credit card companies, ports, airport, bus stations and the tourist office. There is a feeling of security I normally get, knowing that basic facts were researched before the trip.
Bali has been one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken.
There was a sense of calm that I felt while on the island, and just being among the locals made me feel quite at peace. I can see why novels have been written about it, or even movies as well. It is a captivating island that has truly enchanted me in many, many ways. I hope you will also enjoy the tranquility of Bali!
By Albert Alvarez. Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper
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