Short stop in Bali

Three highlights of our short stay in the Indonesian province of Bali: a visit to a model, lived-in village;  a bicycle trip through ricefields, and rural kampongs (villages); and a tour by car to various sites around Bali.

Penglipuran in the Bengli region is very much a human museum. It attempts to display an ancient Balinese culture while availing itself of funds secured from tourism to continuously ‘improve’ its community.

It is a treat to visit especially in low season without hords of tourists.

The challenge for the village is that many of the traditional ways, based on a certain ancient philosophy (Tri-Mandala)  that emphasizes connection with the land, have been largely compromised. 

Positioning and purpose of buildings has shifted to accommodate tourism as has the use of concrete, stone and tile rather than traditionial materials such as bamboo and mud bricks.

Bike tour

It is always great to go the slow way, off-road. With traffic congestion in Bali being a major problem even more so.

Cockfighting is a national pass-time in the Bali villages that goes back far into the island’s past. Some is sanctioned as part of religious ceremony and to raise funds for community works; others are illegal but quite often ignored by the authorities. Gambling addiction is a problem.

Family compounds, needless to say, are private but our guide has permission to take us into one to demonstrate a typical lay-out: bedroom building, kitchen, a temple/pray area etc.

This home grows some coffee so has its resident Asian Palm civet. The civet coffee (kopi luwak) beans are partially digested by the civet before passing through his/her/they body. This coffee is highly valued and expensive!

Our third main activity is a day tour hosted be a great driver, Made, see below for contact info.

Some of the highlights of our day included:

Ulun Danu Baratan Hindu Temple 17th century

Next up: A trek to Banymala Waterfalls in northern Bali.

It becomes increasingly rainy as we stop for lunch overlooking the Jatiluwih terraced ricefields.

The restaurant affords a spectacular view of these famous ricefields as well as a glimpse of the restaurant owner’s private compound behind.

Temple areas are expected to be at least as elaborate as the other structures otherwise there will be trouble to pay with the gods!

Next stop: 17th century  Taman Ayung Temples, a World Heritage site.

The second largest Hindu temple in Bali, the grounds are part of the province’s water management/irrigation system known as Subak that provides water for its paddy fields.

Unfortunately our last stop was cancelled due to me being under the weather: the Uluwatu Temple and its traditional dance show in the southern tip of the island. Next time.

However a truly great day with our guide  Donald Made (goes by Made) whats app: +62 877-4697-7515. Highly recommend!

Despite its downside of over tourism and traffic congestion the province still holds a lot of charm.