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Tag Archives: Lovina Beach

Bali, Indonesia: Hotel Nirwana and Lovina Beach’s Charm

18 March 202222 September 2024

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Although I enjoyed my stay at the Aditya Beach Resort, I wanted to be closer to the town’s center, to interact with the locals and try a restaurant or two.  I found a room at the Nirwana Water Garden Hotel, located on the main strip, which was the perfect location for exploring this charming little village.

As soon as I walked onto the resort, I could see a restaurant on the right, the registration desk in front of me and the pool and bungalows to my left.  The property is beautifully decorated and I was thrilled to  spend a couple of nights here.

56 Hotel Pool, Nirwana, 1.5.13

I checked into my room where I was greeted by the neighborhood rabbit that lives on the grounds.  I stored my belongings and was ready to find a restaurant for dinner and a couple of beers.  I passed the pool and was tempted to take a swim, but I was more excited to explore Lovina and walk the beach.

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Slowly wandering the streets to take it all in, I admired the colorful artistry of the statues, wood carvings and offering pedestals.  It is not uncommon to see monkey-like figures as well as images of elephants which represent the gods of the Hindu.  Most of the artwork is connected to Bali’s strong religious beliefs, which has a large influence on its culture.

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The craftsmanship of the Balinese woodwork is exquisite and detailed.  The three-dimensional carpentry usually tells a story of human enlightenment or the conflict between good and evil.  The displayed artwork invoked a sense of spirituality, regardless of one’s beliefs.

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As dusk began to fall over the town, the music grew louder from the local bars.  I met up with a couple of vendors, purchased a few necklaces and started looking for a place to enjoy dinner. I stopped halfway from my hotel when I noticed the Kakatua Bar & Restaurant, an open air eatery with patio seating.

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I took a seat closest to the street and ordered a nice, cold Bintang beer.  After looking through the menu, I selected the red snapper as my main course and watched tourists fill the empty seats surrounding me.  At first glance, I thought that the name of the restaurant was named after the Indonesian city of Krakatoa, but my server explained that the Kakatua are the resident cockatoos.

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It took awhile for my food to arrive, but it gave me some time to people watch, catch up on my journal and eavesdrop on the table beside me.  The red snapper was worth the wait and I enjoyed listening to an Australian guitarist sing James Taylor tunes. It was finally sinking in that I was actually in Bali.  The past few days have been so busy that I hadn’t appreciated the fact that I had finally arrived in paradise.

I savored every last bite of my meal and after a second beer, I began making the walk back to the hotel.  I looked forward to a peaceful night’s sleep, drifting off with a smile on my face, thankful for the opportunity to explore such an amazing place.

Do you have a fun story about traveling to a place that seems so unbelievable you can hardly believe it?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my spectacular trip to Bali!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Dolphin Watching at Lovina Beach

Tickets vary from $15 to $18 and the boats seat up to five or six.  If you are staying in Lovina Beach, there is a kiosk on the main street, heading towards the beach on the right hand side.  If you are staying in South Bali (Kuta, Jimbaran, etc.), contact the concierge for tickets.

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:

Kakatua Bar and Restaurant
Jalan Binarea
Lovina Beach Bali

Open 7 days a week and moderately priced; no website;  Free WIFI service…just ask for the password.

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

58 130105, D7 Pool at Nirwana, 1.5.13Beautiful Pool at Nirwana Water Garden

57 Statues at Nirwana, Lovina Beach

Cute Little Images at Nirwana Water Garden

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Zigiz, A Club in Lovina Beach

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Bintang Indonesian Beer

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The Journey to North Bali

25 February 202222 September 2024

D3 Temple in South Bali

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.

D3 Balinese Woodwork at Market

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.D3 Typical Balinese Mask

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.

D3 Cremation Ceremony

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.

D3 Incredible View of Bali

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.

31 130101, D3 Season for Durian Fruit

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.D3 Ulun Danu Temple, Bali

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.

33 D3 Bakso Ayam, aka Chicken Noodle Soup

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.

D3 Pier at Baratan Lake, Bali

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.

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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!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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

6 - D3 Balinese Rain Forest

Forest on the Way to North Bali

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Bali, Indonesia: Landscapes, Lewaks and Lovina Beach

18 February 202222 September 2024

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Another beautiful day in Bali and I was meeting up with my friend Wayan and his family to hike Sekumpul Waterfalls.  The weather was calling for rain showers, so we decided to leave the house early to miss as much of the rain as possible.  We entered the park and paid our admission in preparation for the hour-long hike to the base of its falls.

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Making our descent down the switchbacks, we noticed the magnificent view of the rice terraces opposite the trail.  Situated on the side of the hill, the layered crops grew among the staggered rows of palm trees.  Our hike took us further into the depths of the valley as a fog began to blanket our path.  Soon we could hear the faint sound of the magnificent waterfalls in the distance.

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About halfway into the hike, a small detour led us to a café for a moment of rest and refreshments.  Along the path I noticed a sign for Kopi Luwak coffee and I was curious to try Bali’s famous coffee.  The island’s exotic coffee is unique in that it requires the assistance of the cute little luwak for processing.

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The luwak, also known as the Asian palm civet, is a cute little cat-like animal from Indonesia that loves to eat coffee beans.  The food passes through its digestive system and the partially digested remains are collected to complete the coffee making process.  According to the Balinese, the combination of fermentation and chemicals from the luwak’s digestion is what gives the coffee its unique flavor.  It is the most expensive coffee in the world where in the United States one can expect to pay $100 to $600 per pound.  A cup of the Kopi Luwak was only $5 US at this cute little cafe.

44 130104, A Waterfall worth the hike

Piping hot, I sipped on the Kopi Luwak with a little cream and sugar.  I really liked the smooth taste and enjoyed that it was prepared perfectly and not at all bitter.  After our coffee break, we gathered our belongings and continued our trek down the steep slope.  The path led to the river below which we needed to cross over to reach the bottom of the falls.  With the water reaching up to our knees, we carefully managed to find our foothold on the slippery rocks and made our way to the other side.

43 130104, Amazing Waterfall in Singeraja

The sound of the falls grew louder and soon we could see the water crashing down upon the rocks.  The children giggled as the thick mist tickled their faces and drenched their clothes.  There was a small pool where we took a moment to swim beneath the falls and enjoyed the roaring sound of the water tumbling down the cliffs.

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Already wet, a torrential rain moved in, taking  us by surprise.  We needed to begin making the journey back to our car before the water began to rise.  Giving one last look towards the waterfall, we were overwhelmed by the surreal view in which the falls seemed to appear out of nowhere.  This moment was worth every challenging step of our hike.

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The rain did not let up and there was some flooding on the streets as we drove back to the hotel.  Saying goodbye to Wayan and his family, I checked into the Lovina Water Garden Hotel and waited out the storm before taking a stroll around the property.  I moved hotels to be closer to the little town of Lovina Beach with its row of restaurants and shops.  It remained overcast but it was a beautiful part of Bali that was not crowded and overrun with tourists.

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I took an afternoon walk to the beach, watching the locals pass by on their mopeds, sometimes three or four on one bike.  Vendors were selling beautiful coral necklaces and children were playing in the streets.

I arrived at the beach where I noticed a tall, worn monument where people were congregating on its steps.    The column in the center displayed a large dolphin at the top while there were four dolphins that surrounded the base of the pedestal. Lovina Beach is known for its large pods of dolphins and cruises transport passengers in the early morning and evenings to watch them frolicking around the sea.

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Taking a closer look at the sculpture, it seemed as though the salt air had taken its toll on these figures.  I wondered how long these dolphins had been standing here gazing out into the ocean.  I thought about all of the people that had passed by the beach or sat at the base of its pedestal.

I thoroughly enjoyed the laid-back, charming beach town of Lovina and preferred it to the late-night crowds of Kuta.  I wished I could have spent more time in this area, but tomorrow we will be leaving for Kuta for a couple of days before flying back to the states.  What I love most about the north end of Bali is the solitude and natural beauty that inspires me to explore the world less traveled.

Has there been a country that has inspired you to veer off the beaten path?  One that has led you to explore parts of the country that you might have otherwise missed?  I would love to hear about it!  Let me know by leaving your experience in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my Bali adventure!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sekumpul Waterfalls
Tejakula, Lemukih, Sawan, Sudaji
Kabupaten, Buleleng, Bali, 81171  Indonesia

  • Admission Fee:  20,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
  • Potential Transportation Costs:  There may be an additional cost to travel from southern Bali to the north.  Drivers are a great investment and most of them also know the area so well that they double as guides.
  • Hours:  Daily, open 24 hours
  • Amenities:  Food and Drink Stalls, Gazebo, Trekking Guide
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the waterfalls while taking the path to the base of the falls.  Meet the lewak on the property!
  • Length of the Tour:  Minimum of 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend at the base of the falls
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes and if you plan on exploring the base of the waterfall, water shoes are also recommended.   The trek can be slippery, so be aware of the conditions of the trail. My driver took me to the entrance and was my guide for the hike and I paid the nominal fee.  I also learned that there is another trailhead which starts across from the Lemukh Village registration sign for those that do not want to pay the approximate $1.50 fee.

Where to Stay:

Nirwana Water Garden Hotel
Jalan Binaria, Anturan, Kec. Buleleng
Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152 Indonesia

Where to Eat:

Seyu Japanese Restaurant
Jalan Binaria, Anturan, Kec. Buleleng
Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152 Indonesia
Telephone:  +62 362 41050

The restaurant is located in Jalan Binaria (Dolphin Statue Road) only a half a minute walk from the Dolphin Statue towards Angsoka hotel.  Free wifi, they deliver as well as offer free transportation in the Lovina area.

I ordered a Bintang, Bali’s local beer and quite a few pieces of sushi and the spicy tuna roll.  The fish was amazingly fresh!   For dessert, I ordered the banana split and it tasted just like home.

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
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Exploring Bali: Singaraja and Lovina Beach

22 January 202222 September 2024

21 130101, D4 Sunrise at Lovina Beach

Early morning sunrise on Lovina Beach, Bali

Just as I had predicted, I had a great night’s sleep at the Aditya Beach Resort on Lovina Beach in Bali.  Waking up early, I wanted to walk along the beach at dawn while the weather was still brisk and invigorating.  Besides the lonely fisherman and a couple of tourists, I had the beach all to myself.  I walked the short length of the coast where rowboats had been pushed up along the sand next to piles of seaweed and debris and birds were searching for their morning breakfast.

Dolphin Tour Going out

Dolphin Cruise Excursion at Lovina Beach, Bali

On my way back to the hotel, the beach began to liven up with activity.  A group of sightseers were stepping into a boat for a dolphin cruise and joggers slipped past the stray dogs.

Lovina is known for its large school of dolphins and early morning cruises are a popular excursion for tourists during season.   Watching the boat drift into the horizon, I met the hotel security guard, Ajit, who stopped by to say good morning.  Having met him at check in last night, he offered to take me around to the local sites.  Since he knows my friend Wayan, I took him up on his offer.

+7- Hindu Offering

Hindu Offerings, Bali, Indonesia

I strolled back to my room to prepare for the day and noticed several pedestals that contained pieces of fruit, flower petals and burning incense.  These are the offerings that the Balinese offer up to their gods throughout the day and are visible on the side of the road, sitting on small roadside shrines or near the large temples throughout the island.

10 Buddhist Temple

Buddhist Monestary in Northern Bali

Ajit returned on his motorcycle and I told him that I would like to visit the Buddhist Monastery.  He also suggested a nearby waterfall and the hot springs, so we had a full day ahead of us.

The atmosphere of the monastery is one of reverence and solitude.  Although the island is predominantly Hindu, there are two active places of worship for Buddhists in Bali as well.

11 Fountain at Buddhist Temple

Beautiful Fountains at the Monastery

The spectacular views of the coast from the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery went on for miles.  The tropical trees met up with the beaches of Lovina for a beautiful backdrop. The paintings and sculptures within the monastery were unusually lifelike and three dimensional.

Lily ponds and fountains gave the monastery a religious sense of calm. Protecting their surroundings, the monkey gods took a stand to ward off evil spirits.  The soothing sound of water and gentle rustle of leaves from the wind were comforting as I searched for koi fish under the lily pads.

12 Steps in Buddhist Temple

The Buddhist Eightfold Path of Enlightenment

The Eight-Fold Path is the final teaching of the Buddhist Four Noble Truths.  A stairway at the monastery representing the steps of these teachings are said to lead to spiritual enlightenment and the end of suffering.

The Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery is an exceptionally well maintained temple and open to the public as a place of worship.   The grounds are exquisitely manicured and the views out towards the sea from atop of the temple are magnificent.  Signs throughout the property strongly communicate that this is not a tourist attraction but rather a temple and should be treated with reverence and respect.  Proper attire is required and courtesy must be given to those who visit.

20_DSC1333

Northern Bali Waterfall

Enjoying a peaceful morning at the temple, I was ready for our next excursion, a hike to one of north Bali’s most treacherous waterfalls.  Ajit explained that the falls is a local favorite and is not open to tourists.  He guaranteed that this hike would be a challenge but the view would be well worth the trek.

The concrete path was manageable at the start but became narrow as we closed in on the falls.  The course quickly changed as the mist produced a muddy trail we were cautiously trying to avoid.    Eventually the pathway disappeared and we resorted to rock hopping amidst the rushing water between the stones.

Waterfall, North Bali

I was close to giving up and turning back when I noticed the shrines appear on the side of the hill.  The water coming from the cascades was so strong and powerful that I was frightened I may lose my footing.

We sat for a few moments on a couple of large rocks so I could catch my breath.  The mist from the falls felt so cool on my face, dampening my hair and clothes.  I decided that I was ready to take a few more steps and as I rounded the corner, I was able to see the highlight of my hike, the larger of the two falls.

I wished I could have enjoyed the view for a while longer, but working to keep myself upright was draining my energy and I was ready to find security back on dry land. The hike back was not as difficult and it seemed as though we reached the entrance in half of the time it took to reach the falls.

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Visiting the hot springs could not have been more appropriate after a long hike.  Set among the hillside there are three pools of water to enjoy a moment of rest and relaxation.  The first pool at the top is the hottest while the bottom is the coolest of the three.  I was looking forward to soaking in the springs.

15 130101, Air Panas 2

Air Panas was built by the Japanese hundreds of years ago and is said to be therapeutic for those suffering from rheumatic disease.  A steady rush of water from the mouths of mythical creatures adds to the fascinating environment of the springs.

I enjoyed the resort for a couple of hours and visited the snack bar before leaving for the hotel.

Balinese Dancers

The Aditya Hotel was hosting an event that consisted of a four course meal and a program which included two young girls performing the Balinese dance of Legong.   Known as one of the most popular forms of Indonesian entertainment, the dance consists of intense facial expression, body movements, and intricate finger work accompanied by Gamelan music.

The unique music and vibrant performance were entrancing.  Although I was exhausted, I felt satisfied that I had accomplished so much physically, religiously and culturally in one day.  I reflected back from the start of my journey and could not have been more pleased.  I am ready to do it all over again tomorrow!

Have you visited northern Bali in your travels?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my fun day in northern Bali!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery
Banjar Tegeha Buleleng Buleleng
Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia

Banjar Air Panas – Hot Springs
Jalan Banjar, Buleleng,
Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia

Where to Stay: 

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

Where to Eat:

Banjar Air Panas – Snack Shop
Jalan Banjar, Buleleng,
Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia

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

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

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A photo of the Dalai Lama that was given to the monastery during his visit 

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Exploring the beautiful grounds of the monastery

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Buddhist Statues

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An Overview of Blog Posts from 2015

29 December 201522 July 2024

What a great year for travel!  Here are some of my adventure blogs for 2015:

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL: 

Bermuda

Hamilton, Bermuda

Grand Cayman:  Stingray City,  Afternoon Drive on Grand Cayman,  and Hell

Stingrays at Stingray City

Honduras:  Untouched Beauty, Underwater Photographs

Gorgeous Honduras Beaches

EUROPE: 

Wine Tasting in Tuscany

+0927 Table cloth for Wine Tasting

Wine Event at Fattoria il Poggio

UNITED STATES:

United States:  Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

United States, California:  San Francisco Downtown

San Francisco Chinatown

United States, California:  San Francisco Golden Gate

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

United States:  Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

United States, Michigan;  Holland, Michigan

Tulips in Holland, Michigan

 

United States:  Ohio

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati:  Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cleveland:  The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland:  Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus:  Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

 

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Hiking the Rim Trail

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

I hope you enjoyed this recap of my blog posts and travels for 2015.  Stay tuned for more adventures to come in 2016!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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