I remember during me and Kix's university years, we always dreamt of going to Bali. I dunno what was the reason, but the exoticness and the mystical characters of the island really made us fell in love with Bali (yes, even by dreaming huhu). So we made a promise, that one day when we are already working, we will step our foot on the legendary island of Bali.
In May last year (yeah I have been postponing this post for the longest time), me, Lenny and Muddy finally got the opportunity to go the the island of Bali. Kix was supposed to join our trip, he already even got the ticket! Unfortunately due to his work commitment, he had to excused himself from the trip. Must be really frustrating for him, but I'm sure his work commitment is worth it as well. Kan?
From the trip, all I can say that I really LOVE Bali. Kinda obsessed with Bali actually! Here are the description of the places that we went, from my observation:
1. Ubud: Lovely small town. She has this really calm and serene atmosphere, but at the same time buzzing with arts and culture! No wonder it is considered as the cultural heart of Bali. Countless arts, woodworks and stoneworks boutiques. The number of these boutiques are so amazing for such a small town! Balinese dances are performed at various venues (we went to watch at Ubud Palace). Amazing movement of the Legong dances and following the chaotic but enchanting sound of the Balinese Gamelan. te teng teng! The surrounding landscapes around Ubud are so unique, parallel hills and valleys with river stream deep down below. One of a kind! Ubud is also the place that we managed to catch a traditional Balinese funeral taking place, very fiery and lively!
2. Kintamani: A small village located on the rim of the Mount Batur caldera. Absolutely breathtaking view! That was the first time ever for me to be in front of an active volcano.
3. Kuta - Legian - Seminyak: The epicenter of tourism in Bali. Long wide beaches and famous for beginner to amateur surfers. Loads and loads of boutiques, hotels and resorts. Very commercial, but still have the characteristics of traditional Bali, though much much less compared to Ubud.
4. Tanah Lot: A unique temple on a small rocky island by the sea. The island can only be reached by foot when on low tide. Very famous for sunset (though we did not experienced it at all, too little time). Have this black- moonscape rock formations.
5. Uluwatu: Another unique temple, perched on a very very steep cliff 100 meters above the sea. Very famous for the sunset and the Kecak Dance performance. The whole setting of the dance, with the backdrop of the sunset is so mystical. And the sounds that the dancers made during performance is really catchy, surely to keep on playing in your heads after a few hours. Kecak-chak-chak-chak!
There are loads of lovely Bali pictures (500+ to be exact), but here are the pictures taken by me that I think best describes Bali. Enjoy!
Breakfast in Ulun Ubud Resort
Ulun Ubud Resort on the hillside
Pura Tirta Empul holy springs..
One of typical Balinese temple stoneworks
Beautiful rice terraces in Tegallalang..
Lively Balinese funeral..
Traditional Balinese costumes..
Spa session in an Ubud hotel..
Floating flowers that gives a relaxing mood to the spa..
Graceful Legong dancers at Ubud Palace..
Ubud Palace gates' used as the backdrop for Legong dances
One of Ubud's deep valleys and river streams..
Pura Tanah Lot..
Kecak Dance at Pura Luhur Uluwatu..
Southern Bali view from the flight back to KLIA..
