Bali Exploring Bali
The Secret Beach – Pasir Putih
If you have been a regular on the Baliblog forum then you will have noticed of late there have been some inquiries and great answers regarding the best beaches on the island. The general consensus is that pasir putih, or secret beach, near to Candi Dasa is the favourite amongst readers. The pristine beach at Pasir Putih is an idyllic place to relax, soak up a bit of sun and swim in the clean and clear waters. I went to this ‘secret spot’ the same year Lonely Planet listed it in their Bali guidebook as the best beach in Bali. That was in 2004 and, although I haven’t returned there since, I can imagine it is now looking more like Kuta Beach on a bad day. Back in 2004 there was only a ramshackle warung and a couple of Javanese tourists from a nearby hotel. Like most beautiful stretches of yet-to-be-discovered beaches, once the word gets out, then it is a fee-for-all as far as the locals marking out their territory to build a warung and not long after that, no doubt, you would find a Mcdonalds or some other foreign enterprise despoiling the beauty of the area.
Date: August 3rd, 2008 |
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Waka Namnya Ubud Resort: Penestanan, Ubud
Bali’s major arts and culture centre, Ubud has developed a large tourism industry and is located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the island’s central foothills. The town sits centrally among a group of villages - Padang Tegal and Nyuhkuning are to the south, Peliatan and Kutuh are to the east, Campuhan, Penestenan and Sayan are to the west and Sanggingan and Kedewatan are to the north-west. There is an abundance of accommodation to suit any budget, but if you can afford to lash out a few extra bucks then there are some great value-for-money resort villas in the area. Slightly out of town is Penestenan, you will find the Waka Namya Resort and Spa - a luxury Balinese architecture with a beautiful spa treatment available for every guest staying there.
Date: July 26th, 2008 |
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In Search of Prasasti Blanjong
I had heard about it from Balinese friends, read up about it, and finally, went in search of it. The stone pillar of Prasasti Blanjong is one of the oldest man-made objects in Bali dating back to 913AD, and it is the written language on the pillar that I was most keen to observe even though I knew I wouldn’t understand it. After reasonable research I was able to find out the language used on the pillar is most likely old Javanese (kawi), and it tells the story of a king …
Date: July 20th, 2008 |
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Snakes in Bali
I have often been asked the question by first-timers to Bali as to the prevalence of things that slither and bite, crawl and bite, or even look downright ferocious. Great news – there are snakes in Bali and only a few of the species are poisonous, in fact about six species. That’s not many compared to Australia or other parts of the world. You will often see on your travels some of the locals offering to let you have a photo taken with their pet 20 foot Python or allow you to play with their pet hairy spider that just happens to be the size of a dinner plate whilst some grinning local snaps away with a polaroid camera. Staying calm in these kind of situations for the normal person is somewhat impossible and generally entails a shriek or a loud scream from the holder of the said animal and of course invoking all manner of laughter from the locals. In general these ‘pets’ are pretty cool and are used to being manhandled and mauled by some freaked-out tourist. But, what will you do if confronted out in the countryside by an inconsiderate snake (according to you) that has crossed your path?.
Date: July 14th, 2008 |
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Royal Cremation: Ubud
There is one thing that I encourage all visitors to Bali to do is witness a cremation. Culturally and spiritually inspirational, Balinese cremations are a colourful and, depending on the caste level, an extravaganza to rival any funeral in the world. Naturally, over the decades I have seen many but I was fortunate in the late 80’s to see preparations and then the whole funeral procession and subsequent cremation of a person of Brahma lineage. Respect for and worship of God and ancestors is the basis of the Balinese religion. The combination of Hindu elements makes the whole process a moving experience and one that is not to be missed.
Date: June 20th, 2008 |
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The Rudana Museum: Peliatan, Ubud
Ubud is, without a doubt, the cultural heart of Bali and it is here you will find some of the best art galleries and museums on the island. Getting from one museum to another or gallery is as easy as taking a walk, or if you prefer, hiring a taxi. For the energetic and healthy person try hiring a pushbike and take in the cool and fresh mountain air. One of the villages that make up the Ubud area is Peliatan and it is here you will find the Rudana Museum. First established in 1995, the fine arts museum’s aim is to provide an outstanding collection of paintings for the public to see and enjoy. The museum houses a beautiful collection of artwork covering the social history of the nation. There are three floors of spell-binding artwork to explore and enjoy.
Date: July 27th, 2008 |
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6 Crazy Things to Do in Bali
There are numerous adventure companies in Bali offering a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities. A few I have already experienced and I am looking forward to completing my list of crazy and adventurous things to do. There are the mundane and less adventurous activities like going surfing at night or getting lost in the Bali Barat National Park [been there, done that and wouldn’t recommend it to anybody!] or even diving alone off any of the reefs around the island. However, there are those activities that will give you a buzz and get the heart pumping.
Date: July 24th, 2008 |
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The Valley at Kekeran
There are countless spectacular rice-terrace views on the island of Bali and the most visited being Jataluwih in central Bali. Others would be at Sidemen, Ubud and Belimbing to name a few. Of course, we all have our favourite view and rave endlessly to our friends about it. Wherever you travel across Bali you will see endless patchwork verdant green ricefields and each one a photographers delight depending on the time of day and the light situation. On the road north of Pupuan I came across a great view. As you enter the Kapbupaten of Buleleng along the main Antosari to Mayong road there is a small village, Kekeran. Just off o the side of the road you will notice a small one table warung, hastily put together with a few old planks and sheets of iron roofing. It is owned by a cheery fellow, Nyoman. His wife is quick to sell you freshly cut Papaya, Mango, and Watermelon and the most delicious Krupuk Pisang, or sliced and fried banana. But it is the view from the mountain road that is the attraction.
Date: July 19th, 2008 |
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Seven Gems of Bali
Pretty much over the decades I have seen and explored Bali to the max. On my travels there are those places that have re-visited and been disappointed mainly because of the ‘overkill’, due to the mass tourism that exists now on the island, where tourists and travellers alike are being charged ridiculous prices for entry fees and then getting hassled non-stop by persistent hawkers. And, there are those beautiful, quiet places that were gems to find and these were generally off the so-called tourist track and now, as I am led to believe, are also being included on tour itineraries. So, I decided to put together a few gems that maybe some of you have already seen, but if you haven’t, then it will give you something to look forward to on your next sojourn.
Date: July 10th, 2008 |
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Ecotourism in Bali
More and more people are becoming environmentally conscious and, as they travel, are also aware of their carbon footprint. But it is not only this that we have to take into consideration. Ecotourism is an excellent alternative to the mass tourism that exists now in Bali and therefore we should look to utilising the resources of the locals when we choose where to travel on the island, what to see and do so that the profits are fed back into the community and not into some big bosses back pocket. This can be done in several ways. Use locally owned tour operators, or better still, those independent drivers who one often sees on the streets offering day-trips around Bali. Another is to stay in the not-so-fancy hotels but instead staying in reasonable accommodation owned by the Balinese themselves.
Date: June 5th, 2008 |
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