Bali - Lets explore it.

Author - Ekta Sharma

Bali (Indonesia), one of the popular destinations of Asia. Its also called “The Island of The Gods, a cultural and spiritual journey that needs to be experienced in order to be understood. I was lucky enough to experience some of the most beautiful locations and resorts the island has to offer, beginning from Kutta beaches, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu etc.

1. Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most important landmarks, famed for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops. An ancient Hindu shrine perched on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves; Tanah Lot Temple is simply among Bali’s not-to-be-missed icons.

2. Potato Head

Potato Head Beach Club has gained popularity as one of the most happening venues in Seminyak, joining the array of world-class hotspots that line this upscale, cosmopolitan coastal village. The venue is next door to the W Retreat, and its access from the main Jalan Petitenget road is similar to W’s, with a long and narrow lane that transports you to a world of drinks, dining and partying on its lawn beachfront.

3. Ubud Monkey Temple

The Monkey Forest of Padangtegal represents a sacred Balinese Hindu site. In trying to understand Balinese Hinduism. It is important to keep in mind that Balinese Hinduism is unlike Hinduism practiced in other parts of the world today. Balinese Hinduism combines aspects of Animism, Ancestor Worship, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Indonesia 09 - Bali Ubud Monkey Temple 2.jpg

5. Mother Temple of Besakih

Over a thousand years old, Besakih Temple is known as the "Mother Temple of Bali". Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, at a lofty 1000 metres (3000 feet)Pura Besakih is the paramount Hindu temple on Bali. Located high on the slopes of the volcano Mt. Agung, it has developed over more than a thousand years into a great complex of 22 separate temples, the largest and central being Pura Penataran Agung. The annual cycle of more than 70 rituals, which symbolically link the temples into a whole, culminates in the centenary ceremony called Ekadasa Rudra, last held in 1979. The temple complex, state-supported since the 15th century, has undergone a series of architectural and ritual changes.

6 Rock Bar

A bar build up on the beach. It is a amazing romantic place.

7. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud is famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies involving the subak (traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system), which according to history, was passed down by a revered holy man named Rsi Markandeya in the eighth century. Tegallalang forms the three most splendid terraced landscapes in Ubud's shared region, with the others being in the villages of Pejeng and Campuhan.

Tegallang alone has an outlook that spreads down before you and away to the rice terraces on the slopes across the valley. The high roadside location is cool and breezy and it is a well-known spot for tourists to stop and take photos. Painters and nature lovers also enjoy visiting this spot, and there are numerous art kiosks and cafes near the ledge offering their ware.

8. White Water Rafting

Telaga Waja River is one of the longest river on east Bali start to runs southward Bali from southern slope of Mount Abang. Mount Abang a peak at the south rim of Batur caldera as the nant of tremendous eruption which was probably happened at the same time as other super volcanic eruptions along volcanic belt of archipelago. Telaga Waja River is close to the biggest temple of Bali, the Besakih and cut the foot of the highest mountain of Bali that Mount Agung on the west side. With it’s specific current, clean water, natural views and soft rapid Telaga Waja River has becoming more and more popular among the adventure seekers on Bali to experience the thrill of holidays which combination between culture and nature.

The length of the rafting track in Telaga Waja is about 13km and can be reached about 2 hours. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river with the rapids very challenging even at the finish point we will encounter rapids as high as 5 meters. Despite having rapids level 3-4 this river remains safe for beginner as long as participants comply with all intructions of the guides. At the end of the adventure they offer an Indonesian buffet.

9. Nyepi - “Silence Day''

One should feel lucky to experience a beautiful religious holiday called Nyepi, or “Silence Day,” in which you are not allowed to leave the house or use certain technology for 24 hrs. The day before, a ceremonial parade known as “Ogoh-ogoh” is performed with demonic statues and floats filling the streets which symbolize negativity and bad spirits. The statues are burned at the end of the night to cleanse them of all things “evil”. The next day, Silence Day, is a day of reflection and meditation, to focus on peace within ones self, the streets are empty and at night the sky is filled with thousands of silver shining stars. It was a humble and peaceful experience which I was so glad to be a part of.