From Laid-Back to Energetic, Exploring the Cities of Lovina and Kuta in Bali

1 April 202222 September 2024

It was my last morning in Lovina and I was traveling south to explore the popular tourist city of Kuta. I said goodbye to the beach, joined the Sunarsas as we caravanned our way for a two and a half hour journey.

Passing through the town of Batur, we could see the Ulun Danu Temple with its numerous statues. Dedicated to the goddess of rivers and lakes, Dewi Danu, it is the second most important temple in Bali. Pura Gunung Menak is set in the beautiful region of Kintamani at the base of Mount Batur and is one of Bali’s nine directional temples. The devastating eruption of Mount Batur left the local villagers to rebuild their town yet miraculously its most important shrine survived.

The nine temples on the complex are categorized by each god and its purpose. For example, Pura Taman Sari represents all matters relating to agriculture while Pura Sampian Wangi is dedicated to the making of various crafts. The Balinese Hindus leave offerings at the designated temples and pray for blessings depending on their specific needs. Throughout the temples, there are statues of monkeys, representing Hanuman, a heroic god of Hindu legend. His likeness represents bravery, strength and perseverance, a symbol of loyalty and selflessness.

The spectacular scenic view from the temple overlooks Lake Batur and the mountain. The weather was a bit overcast, but the vantage point from here on a sunny day is nothing less than spectacular.

I was a little disappointed that I could not see the top of Mount Batur because of the clouds. A trek to the top to view the sunrise is a popular excursion for many tourists. We gathered back into the car for the remainder of our drive, deciding to make a stop in the artistic town of Ubud to take in the view of its famous rice terraces in the heart of the city.

The drive seemed to fly by as we entered the town of Ubud. We found a parking spot close to the rice fields and hurriedly walked towards the restaurant where Wayan had made plans to meet some friends for lunch. This little artist community is abundant with Balinese restaurants and we planned to browse the assorted clothing and art shops after our meal.

Having finished my order of delicious bakso soup and a side of rice, the Sunarsas and I walked around the corner to the Tegallalang Rice Terrace. This location was made popular by the film Eat, Pray, Love. I am fascinated by the vivid green layers of rice plants that create a set of stairs on the side of the hill. The local owner of the terraces offered us coconut milk from his trees and encouraged us to buy some of the artwork and souvenirs from the nearby shops.

The view from the street was surreal as we descended a set of stairs taking us closer into the fields. Wayan’s children decided to take the walkway down so that I could take their photos. Having a few minutes for visiting the shops, it was finally time for our departure.

The character and charm of Ubud can be seen in its amazing architecture. Walking back to the car, we strolled through the stone pagodas and sacred buildings. The subdued colors seem to blend in with the earthy surroundings as tourists made their way into boutiques and coffee shops for a moment to relax. I love the laid back atmosphere of Ubud, but I am looking forward to checking out the upbeat crowds of the south before flying back to the United States.

What type of vacation do you prefer? A relaxed, laid back journey or a fast-paced energetic adventure? I would love to hear about your perfect idea of a vacation if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my fabulous trip to Bali! Wishing you many Happy Travels of your own!

What to See and What to Do:

Ulun Danu Baratan Temple
Jalan Bedugul, Singaraja, Candikuning
Baturiti, Kabupaten, Tabanan, Bali, 82191 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 368 2033050

Updated Information since my last visit in January 2015!

Admission Fee: Adult: 50,000 IDR (Indonesian Rupiahs); Children: 25,000 IDR. There is an additional charge for parking: Motorbike (2,000 IDR), Private car (5,000 IDR), Bus (10,000 IDR). There may be additional fees for activities associated with the temple and gardens. At the time of this update, the exchange rate was 15,000 IDR to the US dollar.
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 6PM
Amenities: Access to the temple grounds, lake activities to include fishing, speed boating, traditional Jukung boating and pedal boats. There are additional opportunities to have your photo taken with a local wild animal, shop for gifts and enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the temple and Lake Bratan
Length of Time to Spend Here: Approximately 2 -3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Lake Bratan is about an hour and 30 minutes from the popular tourist areas of south Bali. Bring a change of clothes for participating in the water activities. Dress appropriately for the temple ensuring that your shoulders and knees are covered. Note that some of the areas may be closed to accommodate local prayers or religious ceremonies.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
Amenities: Nearby restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafes.
Scenic View: Spectacular views the terraced rice farms
Length of Time to Spend Here: Less than 1 hour to see the rice fields and additional time set aside for shopping and dining
Tips for Your Visit: The rice terraces are located about 15 minutes outside of Ubud. For a tour guide, contact Ubud Adventures at www.ubudadventures.com or by email at admin@ubudadventures.com for more information.

Where to Stay:

Puri Sebali Resort (affordable)
Jalan Raya Sebali
Banjar Sebali, Desa Keliki
80571, Ubud Indonesia
Telephone: + 62 81 808 889 028

Where to Eat:

Bridges Bali
Campuhan Bridge
Jalan Campuhan
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 970095

Traditional Balinese style food overlooking the Campuhan River.

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for South Bali:

The Edge Hotel in Uluwatu, Bali is amazing for spectacular cliff views.
Rock Bar Bali is the perfect location to watch the sunset over Uluwatu
Ulu Cliff House is a beach club located in Uluwatu that provides incredible views of the coastline
OMNIA Bali’s infinity pool
Gili Trawangan Swings at Ombak Sunset
The Ayana Pool at Ayana Resort
Sea Circus in Seminyak for breakfast
La Brisa Bali located in Canggu is the popular location to watch the sunset
Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud
Tegalalang Rice Fields for the gorgeous scenery and the Love Bali sign
Thomas Beach Uluwatu
Bingin Beach Uluwatu
Motel Mexicola for its colorful exterior
Bambu Indah Hotel in gorgeous Ubud
The Monkey Forest in Ubud
Hidden Hills Villas
Nusa Penida for the cliffside views
La Laguna Bali in Canggu
Mt. Batur for its sunrise (north Bali)
Crate Cafe at Canggu

Artwork in Bali

A Jungle Atmosphere on the Streets

The Journey to North Bali

25 February 202222 September 2024

The smell of coffee brought a smile to my face the morning after New Year’s Eve. Despite staying up late to welcome in the New Year, I had a restful sleep and was excited to make the journey to northern Bali. Before checking into the hotel on Lovina Beach, there would be plenty of time to make a few stops along the way. Wayan and his family wanted to drive around Denpasar to show me the busy city life of the south before reaching the more laid-back region of Singaraja.

Our first stop was in the heart of the island’s capital. First, the family needed to present an offering to their Hindu gods and offer up a prayer. There was a temple close by so, they completed their morning custom and then we visited one of the local shopping plazas to browse for souvenirs. This was the perfect location for purchasing a sarong for visiting the temples and there were so many options and a variety of designs. The children were eagerly excited to help me select the perfect one.

From clothing to temple decorations, the Balinese market offered a wide selection of products, quite similar to our large discount chains in the United States, but much more fun and exciting. Outside the shopping plaza were food carts that lined the street where a quick, healthy meal of meatball soups, noodle dishes or wraps could be purchased.

The Balinese are known for their intrinsic woodwork and take pride in the ornate furnishings they design. From decorating their everyday living space to adorning their family’s home temple, the Balinese artisans are very skilled and in high demand.

Wayan explained that each Hindu family has a small temple in their home to carry out their daily religious ceremonies. The altars are decorated in such detail to include carvings of the gods, with their exquisite artwork and vibrant colors. The shopping centers sell these types of items for their worship space and Wayan wanted to look at the new artwork on display. After purchasing a few bowls to hold their offerings to the gods, we were ready to start our journey north.

Before exiting the city, Wayan pointed out a tower-like structure, beautifully designed with vibrant colors known as a waddhu. Standing alongside the road, it had been created in preparation for a cremation ceremony and I learned that the higher the tower, the more important the person. This ceremony is one of Bali’s oldest customs that dates back to thousands of years.

The Balinese Cremation Ceremony, also known as Ngaben, is a spiritual ritual of the Hindu that is viewed as a celebration. It is believed that if the loved one has completed their purification on earth, they will be united with God. If the purification is incomplete, they will be reborn as someone else, returning to earth and starting the process again in a new life until purification is complete.

The date of the ceremonial rite will be selected by the Hindu priest and the family will make additional arrangements such as making the Lambu (the coffin), selecting the Gamelan musicians for the procession and purchasing the offerings to the gods.

After the service and procession, the priest will ignite the waddhu from the holy fire, burning the body until it has turned to ash. The remains will be scattered into the sea and ceremonial activities will last over the next twelve days in honor of their loved one that has passed.

With a two hour drive ahead of us, we left the city late that afternoon. The traffic began to lessen and the scenery to change in the most dramatic of ways. We traded in our stoplights and highways for mountains and rice fields. It was a quiet, relaxing drive and we made several stops to take some photos and enjoy the countryside.

We had been driving for about twenty minutes when Wayan’s wife, Candra noticed the fruit market on the side of the road. The fruit hanging from the poles is the durian fruit and when I told them I had not tried it before, they were happy to stop.

As soon as we exited the car, the strong smell of kerosene was overwhelming. In addition to its scent, the fruit has a spiky exterior. The durian’s pungent odor is one of its characteristics, but if you can get past it, the flesh is said to have a nutty custard flavor. The market provides free samples, so with a little coaching, I tried it.

I was happy that there were other fruit selections available as well, so I purchased bananas, rambutan and another local favorite, the starfruit.

Our small snack of fruit was enough to tie us over until lunch, and it was time to make another stop. As we pulled into the Ulun Danu Temple, Wayan mentioned that this location is one of the most photographed temples in Bali. He knew that I wanted to see Bali’s dramatic landscapes and the view of the temple surrounded by the misty mountains was magical.

Close to the temple was a small food stand where we could order authentic Balinese food. I tried the Bakso soup made of chicken and noodles in a bone broth and had a small order of spinach chips with a peanut crust. The meal was extremely fresh and satisfying.

Across from the food stand, children and teens were hanging out with their friends on the pier. Some were holding fishing poles while other seemed to be catching up on the latest gossip at school. We sat along the deck and gazed out into the scenic view before continuing our journey towards Singaraja.

Soon after leaving the temple, the sky began to darken. Passing a small group of trees, I noticed a monkey on the side of the road. The children were just as excited to see him so we pulled over for a closer look. He reappeared in the clearing along with a couple of friends and seemed so unafraid of humans.

Pande, Wayan’s oldest son, told me about the temple near their home where several monkeys lived. Wayan and Candra mentioned that it was on our way to the celebration that we would be attending later in the week.

I thought about that monkey the rest of our drive into Lovina Beach and about the fact that he had no fear of people. Candra said that the monkeys are a protected animal on the island and that they find refuge in the many temples.

We arrived at the Aditya Beach Resort where I had made my reservations, checking in around 9. I said goodbye to the Sunarsa family, who would meet back up with me in a couple of days.

My room was perfect and I was so tired that I knew it would be another great night of sleep. As the Indonesians say, Selamat Malam! (Good night!)

Have you visited the island of Bali? Where did you stay and what did you do? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for following my visit to the island of Bali! Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Erlangga 2 Shopping Center
Jalan Nusa Kambangan no. 162
Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Admission Cost: Free, open to the public
Hours: 8AM to 10PM
Amenities: Food court close to venue
Length of Time to Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Best kept secret for souvenirs and local items at inexpensive prices. Some of the best deals on woodwork, sarongs, souvenirs, t-shirts, Bali textiles and artwork.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Jalan Raya Candi Kunung-Bedugul
Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

Where to Stay:

Aditya Beach Resort
Jalan Raya Lovina, Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 362 41059
Email: info@adityalovinabali.com

Where to Eat:

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple – Food Stalls
Jalan Raya Candi Kunung-Bedugul
Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

I cannot get enough of the Bakso soup. I love the spices and it tastes so fresh!!

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint

Forest on the Way to North Bali

Tigang Sasih: A Cultural Experience in Bali

15 January 202222 September 2024

Visiting a friend while on vacation in Bali, I was invited to a Hindu Nelubulanin Ceremony, a religious gathering that takes place when a child reaches the age of three months. According to Hindu beliefs, a child born to a family is considered a god until their three month ceremony which is one of the most rights of passage celebrations of the Hindu faith.

The Sunarsas picked me up at my hotel and we began our journey towards the northwestern side of the island. After a three hour drive and a stop along the way, we arrived in the residential town of Gilimanuk.

We set out early in the morning so that Wayan and his family could present their daily offering at the Monkey Temple. The traffic was light and the scenic drive included views of the ocean as well as statuesque trees that lined the roadway.

Prior to entering the village of Pemuteran, home to the Monkey Temple, there were several other Balinese sanctuaries situated along the coast. Among some of the most dramatic scenery, these places of worship are essential to the every day customs of the Balinese Hindus.

The cliffs behind the Pura Agung Pulaki temple are where the monkeys reside. According to Balinese legend, these monkeys are believed to be descendants of ancient guardians of the temple that once inhabited the island.

The Balinese believe that the reincarnated monkeys continue to provide protection to this magnificent temple. They are known by locals as the “Wong Samar” or “Gamang”.

The Sunarsa family entered the temple, prayed and left their offerings inside. It was hardly fifteen minutes when they emerged and met me outside where the active monkeys filled the sidewalks.

Returning to the vehicle, we noticed over fifty monkeys invading the walkway and curiously exploring the hood of our car and hopping onto the roof. Candra, Wayan’s wife, explained that these macaques are quite familiar with humans but can be aggressive if provoked. As we slowly walked towards the car, the monkeys began to scatter towards the trees and we continued our drive towards the coast.

Within an hour and a half, we arrived at the home where the Nelubulanin Ceremony would be taking place. On the drive over, Wayan explained the purpose of the celebration and its meaning.

According to the Balinese Hindus, until the day of the child’s three month celebration, the baby is a divine creature and is not permitted to touch the ground with his or her feet. They believe that the child is pure and sacred and must stay clean before the ceremony to connect with Mother Earth.

Family and friends will bring trinkets and blessings to the child to ensure that they are prosperous, healthy and have a joyous life. A priest is also in attendance to perform the ceremony and acts as an intermediary with the gods.

Celebrations are not only a part of the Hindu religion but of the Balinese culture. Large gatherings of family members and friends come together to celebrate, memorialize or mourn their loved ones. It is customary that relatives bring a dish for these celebrations and the food that day was an amazing spread of delicious Balinese foods.

The family of the child prepare themselves for the ritual by participating in a purification ritual. The parents also ready the baby by adorning him or her with jewelry such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Many offerings are presented to the high priest in attendance and he prays over the items that have been prepared for the ceremony.

The Hindu priest facilitates the offerings and various rites of the event. He is seated on a platform among the offerings, water and incense. He is in a continual state of prayer that includes chants in the ancient Sanskrit language.

During this time, the family simultaneously presents their offerings to the priest and praying to the Hindu gods. The contributions are strategically placed within a designated square platform representing goodwill and protection towards the child.

The large number of offerings include earthly items that symbolize the state of the child’s future on earth. For example, leaves with inscriptions represent wisdom and intelligence, coins represent wealth and jewelry symbolizes the need for desire.

Fruit and grains of rice and corn represent the child’s future hard work and diligence. The water containing a goldfish symbolizes the pond of life. The climax of the ceremony is when the family places the child in the center of the small objects and watches as the child selects one of these items which will represent how he will live his life.

The child is carried around the symbolic offerings three times which represent birth, life and death. Once the ceremony is completed, the family gathers around to enjoy each other’s company at a wonderful feast which usually includes the suckling pig (babi buling) as well as a wide variety of other Indonesian foods and fruits. It is a joyous time for the family and their friends and lasts throughout the day.

Male Bali Starling

We stayed long enough to eat and enjoy each others company. Before sunset, we began the drive back to Lovina Beach. Nearing the halfway mark of our journey, the family eagerly suggested a stop at the Bali Barat National Park, a sanctuary for the country’s native bird, the Bali Starling. The reserve was established to protect these beautiful birds from extinction as locals trap them to keep them as pets for good luck.

Turning into the park, the entrance was paved and lampposts lined the driveway. The mangrove forest surrounding us is also home to more monkeys and a protected species of cattle. Not far from the conservation is a popular dive site with a coral reef and a variety of unique, interesting salt water fish.

Female Bali Starling

With over 160 varied species of birds at the Bali Barat National Park, it is the Bali Starling that is the most sought after, and is one of the most endangered species of birds in the world. The Bali Starling Recovery Project was created to reintroduce the bird back into the island of Bali.

From the beautiful drive to Gilimanuk, attending the Nelubulanin Ceremony, and visiting the Bali Starling Recovery Project, I was happy to have spent the day in the lives of my Balinese friends. With the Balinese celebrating a variety of ceremonies over the course of a year, it is unusual that an outsider would be invited to participate in the festivities. I felt honored to have experienced the ceremonial celebration. I learned so many wonderful lessons that day. One, the importance of religion and family in the lives of the Indonesians and secondly, their love of sharing their country and values with those that have a respect for their culture.

Have you attended a ceremonial celebration from another culture? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for following my adventures through Bali! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pulaki Temple
Jalan Seririt-Gilimanuk, Banyupoh, Gerokgak
Kabupaten, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 362 92380

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Daily, open 24 hours
Amenities: Public toilet, Beach, Food and Drink Stalls
Scenic View: Beautiful views of the ocean from here and watching the monkeys is extraordinary!
Length of the Tour: Less than 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Dress appropriately for visiting the temple, covering your shoulders and knees. Watch out for the monkeys on the inside and outside of the temple as they are known to steal car keys, sunglasses, etc. Inside there are plenty of cats, which keep to themselves.

Bali Barat National Park
Kantor Pos Gilimanuk
Cekik, 82253, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 365 61060

Admission Fee: To tour the park, the cost is 10,000 Rupiah (IDR) during the weekday and 15,000 Rupiah (IDR) during the weekend. Because certified guides are required to trek through the park, the costs are varied (i.e., 2 hour trek = 150,000 IDR for 1 – 2 persons and 250,000 IDR for three to five persons).
Hours: Daily, open from dawn to dusk (open for overnight camping)
Amenities: Local Guides, Beach, Hiking, Snorkeling, Diving, Animal Reserve, Birding, Food and Drink Stalls
Scenic View: Beautiful views of the ocean from here and visiting the unique animals is fascinating!
Length of the Tour: Varies, depending on the activities you select
Tips for Your Visit: The best time to visit is from August to December which is the end of the dry season and start of the rainy season. I would also suggest going early in the day to watch the sunrise! The birding excursions are the most popular.

Where to Stay:

Nirwana Water Garden
Lovina Beach Street
Lovina Beach Bali

Nirwana Water Garden is located in the heart of Lovina Beach. It is a 45-minute drive to the dive site of Menjangan Island. Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away. The hotel can provide hotel transfers for a fee.

Nirwana Restaurant serves Indonesian specialties, with the option of in-room dining. Guests can enjoy a guided tour to visit the dolphins at Lovina Beach, which can be arranged by the Nirwana’s staff.

Where to Eat:

Warung Ibu Wina
Jalan Mawar , Kalibukbuk, Lovina Beach, Anturan
Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 813 3759 6912

I could not stop thinking about the Makso soup that I had tried on my first day in Bali. The ingredients were light and fresh and the soup was downright delicious. I searched out a warung (a small Indonesian cafe) to find a place where I could find this yummy chicken soup and came across Warung Ibu Wina.

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint

Bali, Indonesia: Amazing Culture, Phenomenal Nature

8 January 202222 September 2024

Rice Fields Heading to Northern Bali

Bali had been on my bucket list for years, so taking advantage of the Christmas holiday season, I decided it was time to make the trip. I wasn’t sure when I would have the opportunity again, so I booked my travel to stay for two weeks starting on New Year’s Eve. I was taking a chance on the weather because the rainy season is between December and January and trying to find a hotel over New Year’s was proving to be a challenge.

Balinese Fishing Boats

At the last minute, all of my travel plans were confirmed and the day of my flight had finally arrived. What an adventure!

It’s New Year’s Eve and the plane was beginning its approach for landing. The view from my window was a picturesque setting, typical of island life. The fishing vessels, shrimp boats and scenic cruises scattered along the shoreline and the weather was a balmy 80 degrees.

A sample of the Indonesian Visa, Immigration

As I exited the plane, I followed the crowd of passengers into the open air terminal. Indonesia requires Americans to purchase a 30-day visa which is available on arrival at the airport. Although the lines were long, the process was quick. Once I passed through customs, I waited at an outside café to meet up with my cruise ship friend, Wayan Sunarsa and his family.

My Waitress at the Snack Bar

Trying to reach Wayan by phone, the lines were busy and the traffic was packed. I later learned that the drive from Singaraja (located in northern Bali) took twice the amount of time to reach the airport because of the New Year’s holiday. While waiting, at the snack bar, I ordered a fruity cocktail to start the celebration and enjoyed some downtime watching the crowded terminal.

The Entrance to the Ngurah Rai Airport of Bali

Located in the Bali’s capital of Denpasar, the Ngurah Rai Airport is adorned with statues representing the island’s Hindu religion. It is conveniently located in the southern part of Bali within minutes of the more popular tourist destinations such as Kuta, Ubud and Jimbaran. The grounds of the airport were well-manicured with beautiful tropical flowers and palm trees and I could not help taking in my paradisal surroundings.

An Indonesian sacrifice at one of the many alters on the island of Bali

The stories I had heard about Bali were legendary. Laid-back and friendly, this extraordinary, Indonesian island offers spectacular scenery, phenomenal food and a fascinating culture. Indonesia is predominantly Muslim except for the island of Bali which is Hindu. Bali is a magnificent paradise where temples suspend from scenic mountainsides and sacrifices line the streets giving thanks to their Hindu gods.

The Sunarsa Family

Most people are familiar with the Bali that is depicted in movies like Eat, Pray, Love. Of course the scenery is breathtaking, but the people of Bali have an exuberant passion for life. In addition to the sites of the island, I wanted to explore their Hindu way of life through religious celebrations, monuments and everyday traditions. I was excited to meet up with the Sunarsas who were happy to show me around South Bali during the New Year’s celebration.

Garuda Statue

We finished dinner, watched the fireworks and enjoyed the festivities along the beach. Although it was late, Wayan and his family wanted to show me Wisnu Park in the nearby town of Ulu Watu. Known for its enormous statue of the Hindu god Garuda, the park is open each day and provides year around entertainment.

We would need to start driving north towards Lovina early in the morning, so we found the Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta and checked in. It was a long day of travel for me and I was exhausted. I fell asleep quickly but not before thinking about the fact that I had just spent New Year’s Eve in Bali! I was so happy to be starting the new year in such a beautiful place. Happy New Year! Or as they say in Bali, Tahun Baru!

Have you visited Bali? I would love to hear about where you stayed, what you ate and which attractions you visited if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my blog post about Bali! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Jalan Raya Uluwatu
Ungasan, Kuta, Selatan, Badung, Bali, Indonesia 80364
Telephone: +62 361 700 808

Admission Fee: Varies depending on entertainment and events
Hours: Daily from 8:00AM to 10:00PM
Amenities: Entertainment venue, shopping, restaurants with spectacular views (Beranda and Jendela Bali, gardens and plaza for entertaining, street theater, Segway rental, cultural performances, wedding venue, photo studio.
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of Bali from the park; dine at one of two restaurants for additional views.
Length of the Tour: Minimum of 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Visit the park’s website for upcoming events and performances.

Where to Stay:

Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Jalan Pantai
Banjar Pande Mas
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 761 869

Where to Eat:

Seafood House Restaurant
Jalan Kartika Plaza
Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Telephone: +62 361 763900

I tried to eat as much seafood as I possibly could while I was in Bali. The fresh food and spices are unlike any other that I have tried. I ordered the fried red snapper and the bakso soup for a filling lunch.

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint

Flight information from Taipai

A perspective of the magnitude of Garuda’s Head

Wisnu, more commonly known as Vishnu is the supreme being of the Hindu religion

The island of Bali as seen from the Airplane