Day 1 : 

8.30 AM and I reached a small auditorium where the very famous Balinese Barong dance was showcased. Barong is a lion-like creature and character in the mythology of Bali, Indonesia. He is the king of the spirits, leader of the hosts of good, and enemy of Rangda, the demon queen and mother of all spirit guarders in the mythological traditions of Bali. 

Instrumentalists with traditional Balinese instruments supporting the dance

Barong dance

Barong Dance

The battle between Barong and Rangda is featured in the Barong dance to represent the eternal battle between good and evil.That beautiful dance was a good start to my trip.

Barong dance

Myself posing

From there I was taken to Ubud market area and I did a hell lot of shopping and also been to a tiny painting home where artists displayed their work in detail.Must say , Balinese are damn good artists.There were around 1000 paint work describing every tradition and culture about the country.

Paintings

 

Paintings displayed

  It was time to head towards Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant cave. Various theories suggest the origin of the name, such as back in time the Petanu River was originally called ‘Lwa Gajah’, meaning the ‘River Gajah’, before it came to be called Petanu River. Other sources state that the ‘Gajah’ or elephant aspect came from the stone figure inside the cave depicting the Hindu lord Ganesh, who is characterised by an elephant’s head. Ancient inscriptions also allude to the name Antakunjarapada, which roughly translates to ‘elephant’s border’. The cave’s entrance shows a menacing giant face with its wide open mouth as the door. Various motifs depicting the forest and animals are carved out of the outer rock face. The giant face was considered to be that of an elephant’s. s with any temple in Bali, women during their periods are forbidden entrance and wearing a sarong and waist sash is a must. These are available for rent at the entrance.

Goa Gajah temple area

Goa Gajah temple area

Goa Gajah temple entrance

Goa Gajah temple area

 Upon reaching the base you will come across a large ‘wantilan’ meeting hall and an assortment of large old stone carvings, some restored to their former full glory. The pool, excavated in 1954, features five out of supposedly seven statues depicting Hindu angels holding vases that act as waterspouts. Various structures reveal Hindu influences dating back to the 10th century, and some relics feature elements of Buddhism dating even earlier to the 8th century. The cave is shallow; inside are three stone idols each wrapped in red, yellow and black cloths. Black soot lines the cave’s walls as result from the current-day incense burning. Several indentations show where meditating priests once sat. The northern side of the complex is dominantly Buddhist while south across the river it’s mostly Shivaite. The complex contains both Hindu and Buddhist imagery, as the cave contains lingam and yoni, symbol of Shiva, and the image of Ganesha, while by the river there are carved images of stupas and chattra, imagery of Buddhism. The complex also contains 7 statues of women (out of which 1 is destroyed due to earthquake) holding water pitchers that depicts seven holy rivers of India; Ganga, Saraswathi, Yamuna, Godavari, Sindhu, Kaveri and Narmada.

Offerings

Lord Ganesha

Trimurti Idols

I had to rent the sarong and after visiting this marvellous temple,we moved to Tirtha Empul temple. For over a thousand years, Balinese Hindu worshipers have been drawn to Pura Tirta Empul (Holy Water Temple), whose sacred springs are said to have been created by The God Indra and possess curative properties. This tradition still continues almost unchanged, and today, aside from worshipers, tourists from all over the world also come to this place to marvel at its beauty, and bathe in its refreshing blessed water. The Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple is located in the village of Manukaya, near the town ofTampaksiring, not far from Ubud, in the Gianyar Regency, the cultural heart of Bali. Tirta Empul is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of water. An inscription dates the founding of a temple at the site to 926 AD. In the Balinese language, Tirta Empul loosely translated means water gushing from the earth, which for this reason Tirta Empul is regarded as a holy spring. 

Tirtha Empul

Tirtha Empul

Tirtha Empul

Tirtha Empul pond

The Tirta Empul Temple includes shrines to Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, as well as one for Indra and Mount Batur. It is considered one of the five or six most holy temples in all of Bali and is considered one of the most holy water source in Bali. The Jaba Tengah is the most famous part of Tirta Empul temple. This section contains the two purification pools. The water in the pools is believed to have magical powers and local Balinese come here to purify themselves under the 30 water spouts that feed the pools. Behind the purification pools is the final section of Tirta Empul holy water temple, the Jeroan. The Jeroan, or ‘inner courtyard’ is overlooked by most of the tourists who visit Tirta Empul.

Tirtha Empul holy water complex

Holy Spring

Temple Complex

 It’s a nice place to visit and relax after the hustle and bustle of the purification pools. I liked visiting Tirta Empul water temple. This is definitely one of the busiest temples that I have visited in Bali. As you exit Tirta Empul water temple you pass through the final section, the large koi pool. This section of the temple is walled off on all four sides from the rest of the complex, which gives it a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Fat koi swim lazily in the pond waiting for their next meal from the tourists.It was interesting to see what an active temple is like, to see people praying and bathing under the waterspouts.It was 2.30 PM and it was time to say bye to this beautiful temple and head out to Kintamani tour by 2.30 PM. Kintamani is a highland area in the north of East Bali. Kintamani volcano is a popular tourist attraction in the central highlands of Bali. Located in Banli, Kintamani Volcano is the island’s only district that doesn’t have a shoreline. Surrounded by the captivating Batur range, the volcano and range are known collectively as Mount Batur. An active volcano, Kintamani’s main attraction (aside from the volcano itself) is its magnificent views of the 13m² caldera lake. A visit to Kintamani Volcano is a rare opportunity to experience one of Bali’s last remaining active volcanos up close.That was a spectacular view , rather a very close vies to the gigantic volcano remains.I was too hungry and thirsty too ! There was just one hotel where I didn’t find exciting to try food .So, managed with few local oranges which were sold on the road side.

Mt Batur

Kintamani tour

Volcano dried up.

It was 2.30 PM and from there I reached a small coffee plantation area where the Balinese traditional coffee varieties were available with the locals literally showing tourists the way they were processed from the scratch.

Luwak

Coffee making process

Coffee beans from Luwak poop !

Tasting time

Shopped

Yes, I have to mention about the world’s costliest coffee, the Luwak coffee or civet coffee, is coffee that includes partially digested coffee cherries, eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. Fermentation occurs as the cherries pass through a civet's intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected. Producers of the coffee beans argue that the process may improve coffee through two mechanisms, selection and digestion. Selection occurs as the civets choose which cherries to eat – i.e. those that are most ripe and flawless. Digestive mechanisms may improve the flavor profile of the coffee beans that have been eaten. The civet eats the cherries for the fleshy pulp, then in the digestive tract, fermentation occurs. The civet's protease enzymes seep into the beans, making shorter peptides and more free amino acids. Coffee berries are eaten by a civet for their fruit pulp. After spending about a day and a half in the civet's digestive tract the beans are then defecated in clumps, having kept their shape and still covered with some of the fleshy berry's inner layers.Despite being in contact with feces and pathogenic organisms, the beans contain negligible amounts of the enteric (pathogenic) organisms associated with feces. Moreover, the "cherry" or endocarp surrounding the bean is not completely digested by the luwak, and after being collected, the farmer performs thorough washing and removes the endocarp.The final roasting of the beans would, additionally, eliminate any remaining bacteria.Sumatra is the world's largest regional producer of kopi luwak. The price of farmed (considered low-grade by connoisseurs) kopi luwak in large Indonesian supermarkets is from US$100 per kilogram (five times the price of a high quality local arabica coffee).I had the privilege to taste Luwak coffee and various other coffee and tea varieties ! It was tiring but a day filled with excitement and fun.Nasi Goreng was up for the dinner and good night day 1.

Day 2 :

Fresh morning and a 2 hr drive to Ulundanu temple . The weather was too cold almost foggy and the view of the temple was a dream come true.My mind was dancing with joy ! Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, or Pura Bratan, is a major Shaivite water temple on Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex is located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. Water temples serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association.Built in 1633, this temple is used for offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Devi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali. The 11-storey pelinggih meru in the complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Buddha's statue is also enshrined in this temple. This temple is also called as Bali temple on the lake because it looks like floating when the Bratan river water rises. Lake Bratan is known as the Lake of Holy Mountain due to the fertility of this area. Located 1200 m above sea level, it has a cold tropical climate. I spent just over an hour and took my time walking around the grounds, took some photos and enjoyed a couple of peaceful areas i found. I could have been quicker than that too but the complex was so gorgeous that made me ramble around a few extra minutes.

Ulundanu

Ulundanu

Ulundanu

Ulundanu

Ulundanu

This structure symbolizes a mountain

Ulundanu

Another one and a half hour drive and I was near git git water fall, one of the best water fall in Bali. From the main carpark, a one kilometre well-signposted cement path passes a ticket booth, and meanders though picturesque jungle, clove plantations and a plethora of stalls with somewhat insistent traders selling mass produced handicrafts. The path is relatively easy to navigate, but includes a large number of stairs which could be difficult for the less mobile. The 35-metre single cascade impressively pounds into a small icy, but rocky pool in which it’s possible to swim. A cooling mist of water spray engulfing the entire area is refreshing on a hot day. Change rooms and toilets are nearby and can be used for 2,000 rupiah per person.As with many natural sites in Bali, this area is considered sacred to local Hindus, and a small temple and holy rock wrapped in poleng cloth and covered in offerings flank the path near the falls.

Git Git Waterfall

Git Git Waterfall

Git Git Waterfall

One hour drive from there and we reached Banjar hot water spring.Entrance had many stalls and after a 5 minute walk, spotted a small pool with hot water showers . Did not dip in but enjoyed the view and surrounding while strolling around the area.

Banjar hot water spring

Banjar hot water spring

Banjar hot water spring

After spending around 45 minutes there, came back to room by 6 PM for an early dinner and also purchased some yummy snacks on the way back ! Must say crackers or chips in Bali is a must try !

Cracker shop

Corn

Crackers

Day 3 :

It was time to enjoy the water sports for half a day ! hurray ! Spent almost 3 hrs with variety of water sports like banana boat, jet skiing, para sailing,kayaking etc.Had a lip smacking noodles soup in a near by restaurant and rested for a while.

Water sport

By 2.30 PM we left to Tanah Lot. Tanah Lot is located in Tabanan, only around 30 km away from Denpasar. The temple is located some 300 meters offshore. The history of Tanah Lot temple was believed to date back to the 16th century, by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a respected religious figure in Bali.Dang Hyang Nirartha was said to be the one who created a three-temple system in Balinese villages. Setting the site plan that the temple built in the northern area of the village would be for Brahma, middle area for Vishnu and the southern side for Shiva. While traveling along the southern coast of Bali, he saw the little rock-island and decided to spend the night. The rock was known as Gili Beo, which means a bird-shaped rock, located in Beraban village. He then felt an enlightenment, that this was a holy place to build a shrine. The leader of Beraban was angry and order people to banish Nirartha from Gili Beo.

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot

In Balinese mythology, Dang Hyang Nirartha was known as a man of mighty supernatural power. So he move the whole rock island to the sea, build a temple and named it Tanah Lot. The whole Beraban village were astounded and later join to follow his believes. Tanah Lot temple was built to worship Bhatara Segara, or the sea God. To protect the temple, with his mighty power, he created poisonous snake from his sash. The sea snake is believed to be living at the base of this rocky island, to guard the temple from evil intruders.Today, as one of the most photographed sea temple in Bali, you will find many art shops offering local handicrafts besides other signature local products at the entrance to get to Tanah Lot.

Sun set

Inside the temple area, you can just walk around and explore its photogenic surrounding. Although famous for its sunset view, you may also want to try coming at really early in the morning, so that there will be less crowd and higher chance to have a serene image of the temple.Spent almost 3 hrs and the the sunset view was just amazing. Reached room by 6 PM and shopped tons of clothes till 8.30 PM.

Day 4 :

Half of day 4 was full of leisure and so I decided to see some temples near my hotel.After visiting two of those just walked around the streets and shopped again.Yes again ! Things are so cheap in Indonesia.It was time to leave Bali with happy memories and thanks to my guide KT who helped me learn so much about the culture and tradition there.I have mentioned them below . You may find them exciting too ! Promised myself to visit Indonesia again.

Some interesting facts as said by my guide . I have also tried to include images for few.

1.Most of the Balinese worship lord Ganapati. They also worship lord Shiva, goddess Lakshmi and few Buddhists worship lord Buddha.

2.Combination of white and clothes can be found in may places which represents Surya or Sun god.

3.Offerings are made to evil spirits outside every house.Not only that the entire house surroundings are cleaned by the residents itself.

4.Fruits,vegetable and meat markets open up at 4.30 AM to 9.00 AM every morning.You cannot find shops anywhere in the road side.These markets are located area wise and women wake up early to buy the same.All purchases are done in that time span only.

5.Every home in the country mainly have temples.The golden designs in the temple are done by the rich people.

6.Balinese are true artists.Pottery,painting,carpentry,stone carving,bamboo art are some of the major forms of art practised.

7.They do not work on Sundays just like India and they work half days on Saturdays.

8.Government buses are almost rare.People use bikes,Petrol prices was 6000 Rp for 1 ltr in stations and in few other places where to get to refill in bottles coseted more than 8000 Rp.

9.Durian, the king of fruit costs 50k for 1.

10.The entrance design in the temples symbolises mountains when they are joined as Balinese worship mountains and believe that gods do reside in mountain.

11.Priests wear white tops and pants with white cap.

12.Beisakh is the mother temple and biggest temple in Bali.

13.Balinese language is totally different from Indonesian language.

14.People mainly consume rice with vegetables.Non vegetarians eat more chicken amd sometimes fish too.

15.Balinese do have domestic dogs too.Rich people have cocks at home which they train for cock fighting for gambling.

16.black and white cloth on trees represent good and bad evil. Every day offerings are made to auspicious trees so that the bad evils remain inside the tree and so not disturb people or city.

17.Balinese majorly prefer love marriages.

Mei Goreng

Happy times

Some rice !

Bali pizza