Bewitching Bali : Day 2

I woke up alert and ready for another day of adventure. No sense of  grogginess and no hint of my usual morning wwwhhhat?-where-am-I?-uugghh-5-more-minutes-please- lethargy. Instead, I  sprang into action, conscious of where i am  and what to do, stepped into our modern bathroom grinning at my jacuzzi tub like a newly found  best friend . Breakfast was the usual fare, and people watching became a nice morning habit.

Bali Made Tour_  made my Balinese dream holiday possible. Unlike most tour companies that bring Tourists from their given   traps  spots  to another, Bali Made Tour offers personalised itineraries. Which means, you got to decide where you want to go, and what to do while you are with them.  . Our driver and tour guide, Juli Arta, picked us up from the airport and drove us to Uluwatu on the first day. His shy demeanour  and almost child like  honesty made him  a pleasant companion. Plus, he know South Bali like the back of his hand, being born and raised in Denpasaar. He also knows where's the best and most reliable money changer in Bali.

Today's  tour guide and driver ,Nyoman Yasa, is  more open and better conversed in English language. He will gladly explain things about Bali , its people and heritage as you travel to your chosen destinations.

The streets became noticeably less congested as we drove out of Kuta-Seminyak-Sanur area. Helmets are no longer worn by moppet drivers as we drove past local villages and underage drivers became a common sight.

Travelling is Bali is never boring. On the contrary, it is a feast to one's sense. We were constantly wowed by the rich Balinese architecture , the intricate carvings and the  impressive facades of many Balinese homes . Yasa brought us to a typical village and we went inside a Balinese home, the family are very welcoming and they showed us around their humble abode . It was very interesting.

 Typical Balinese kitchen. 

After saying good bye to the gracious family, Yasa  drove us to the UNESCO cultural landscape , Jatiluwih Rice Terraces 

This vast and scenic rice field is a sight to behold. I thought I know a lot about rice, growing up in a farming community back in the Philippines ,but I was still amaze at the sheer height of the rice stalks , which is almost as tall as I am , in this place.

Yasa asked us if we are want to try some local street delicacies , and  FF and I readily said '' Yes!''. He is such a gem during our stay in Bali, he brought us  places that often serve authentic and really cheap local fares. . He sometimes stop at a local eatery and bring us some typical Balinese snacks. FF and I manage to stay fit and healthy during our 10 day holiday. At Jutiluwih, we feasted on a bagful of rice cakes drizzled with grated coconut and syrup. It was delicious.

 We passed by a river filed with many locals. Most Balinese are devoted Hindus and they adhere to many rituals. Water, like in most religious beliefs, have spiritual cleansing properties.

The darkening clouds and the threatening rain did not dampen the beauty of   Puru Ulun Danu Bratan. With a towering mountainous backdrop,  this Hindu temple adrift Lake Bratan, is as picturesque as any postcards can get.

It did not take long before the threatening dark clouds got tired of sulking and started pouring. Although Yasa brought us in an elevated area which ought to show the beautiful expanse of the lake, the fog and the mist hindered us to fully appreciate the view. We end up getting inside a local restaurant instead. A redeeming alternative, I tell you.

Meal and drinks, including banana dessert for three came less than 10 bucks! Cheap and delicious!

 The sun  was once a again up , pouring people with her merry warmth as we get back on to our journey. We stop at a local market and bought some delicious tropical fruits. Some fruits and vegetables are noticeably the same as what I could get back home.


Pura Taman Ayun or the royal temple in Mengwi, offers well maintained garden, beautiful pagoda and  and manicured landscapes. this is another UN world heritage site.

Quiet and with much less tourist compared to other temples in Bali, Mengwi temple is often used for many private and governmental events. Some lavish parties are also held at its vast lawns.

Some parts of the temple however are off limits and close to the general public. Only worshippers and Hindu priest are allowed to step into the inner compound.

The clock is ticking and knowing how fast sun could set in Bali, we rushed up to the last destination of the day. Tenah Lot Temple. The traffic is once again very bad making us and Yasa quite twitchy,

He channeled his inner Michael Schumacher and wiggle his way out of the traffic and manage to reach Tenah Lot before sundown, letting us marvel at the once again romantic sunsets of Bali while sipping fresh coconut juice and Bintang beer. Aaaaaah what a bliss!