Back but Tired
September 28, 2009 
Ive been away for the Aidilfitri celebration hence no updates! But now Im back so let’s continue my blog about Bali, shall we?
Being a Hindu country, Bali stands out in a Muslim dominated Indonesia and this makes it interesting and unique to tourists / visitors. Having rent a car we had the opportunity to explore more of this island. We got to see such stunning hidden beauties of the waterfall, lakes, the mountains / volcanoes, the breathtaking view of the sea and its coastline as you drive uphill, the lush green villages as you drive into the road where you’ll see the rich padi fields. Its a beauty one after another that you can never get bored admiring it again and again.
Bali has much to offer to those who visit her from her ancient cultures and traditions, ancient rituals, colourful holy festivals, architectures, woodwork and more …oh and of course, for me, F-O-O-D !! ^_^ Let me share with you more of Bali, C’est parti !!
My apologies for the poor quality of this shot but I did try my best to use the macro shot option and I could never get it as clear as it should be. Bad close up, I know, but I thought I show everyone what can be seen in these offering baskets
It is called ‘Canang Sari’ made of palm or coconut leaves containing little bit of food, petals, shreds of pandan leaves and an incense. Canang is the name given to the small square of the basket decorated with the colorful flowers and Sari means essence. It is very much like an art form associated with every ritual in Bali. The Balinese believes in the forces of the sprits living in our world and their devout offerings not only appeases the spirits but also to thank the Creator, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa for what they receive in their lives. You can find the Canang Sari offered in Temples, Family Temples, cross roads, sidewalks, alleys, houses, shops, sacred statues and anywhere which the Balinese believe is sacred. All this is done by devout devotees to ensure that balance is maintained in the universe, Tri Hita Karana – Parahyangan – Pawongan – Palemahan which means God – Human – Nature.
Staying at guesthouses in Bali is one of the reasonably priced accomodation. In Ubud, I just love how each accomodations are designed / decorated for the guests. Such beautiful landscape all around for those to see. The fish ponds, the family temple, the paths, the swimming pool. Its amazing how big the land is too! The above is Melati Cottages and the one below is Sari Bamboo guesthouse, both at Jl.Penestenan Ubud. My favorite has to be Sari Bamboo because the owner are very friendly and welcoming, breakfast is simple but delicious. Melati Cottages is ok, service and breakfast are average but their room rates are ridiculously steep compare to Sari Bamboo. Another favorite accomodation that I like to stay but unfortunately it was full is Dana Sari which overlooks the rice padi field located at Jl. Hanoman. The owner’s wife is also very welcoming, friendly and hospitable. I remember staying there when I had that gallbladder problem. Despite the pain I enjoyed sitting in the balcony overlooking the rice padi field, feeling the breeze. Breakfast is always served when we’re awake and its very simple with Balinese coffee or tea. Its these type of down to earth accomodation that makes one’s stay memorable.
These are photos of Dana Sari accomodation taken in last April 2009, which I thought I share with you here too 
Dana Sari Guesthouse
Jl. Hanoman
The balcony where I sat most of the mornings and sometimes afternoons and evenings too when its much more cooler.
The lady in blue is the owner’s wife. We had a lovely conversation when we met exchanging informations about our countries, our culture, our languages and our history.
A Bale Benggong
A Balinese gazebo which you can find almost anywhere at a residence or at a guesthouse / hotels. If I had one of these at home, I’d probably spend more time in here than inside the house providing its not too hot with no skeeters and no pongy smells 
Well Im off to do some other things now or I’ll never get my cute lil tush off this seat and do nothing productive 
See ya!
Hello Tima!
How are you doing?
After having such a long vacation, you might have been
a bit tired, though, I envy you so much!
“Canang Sari ” looks and means so interesting for me.
Also those pictures of the guesthouse you stayed are
so lovely. I’d like to visit Bali and stay that guesthouse surrounded beautiful nature and talk with such a kind owner someday!
Thanks a lot sharing all of them.
Have a beautiful day!
MOKO
Hello there Moko, its good to see you back again. I am fine and how are you? Im glad you enjoyed looking at the photos and hope one day you will go to Bali with your family. It is worth visiting once and eventually more than once when you are enraptured by this island
I hope you’re enjoying your autumn-y season out there. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Love, Tima
“cute lil tush” huh?
After reading your post and seeing these photos, I’d love to visit Bali. But lately there’s this horrible news from Bali of a Japanese tourist being kidnapped, allegedly raped, and killed by a guy disguised as a cop. I know some Japanese can be such easy targets, but what would you do if a guy came and said he’s a cop and told you that you had to go with him because you were involved in some drug-related criminal activity or whatever? I would probably ask for his ID or something, but it’s just so wrong and terrible, isn’t it. I hope the killer gets caught soon. I so digressed, didn’t I?
That is horrible news I couldn’t believe it when I read that ..seriously when did this happen? if that happened to me yes i would seriously ask for an ID before I follow them ..that is wrong and terrible and its these sort of people that just completely taints the reputation of their own country and people. I do hope the murderer does get caught SOON because he does not deserve to live freely and victimised innocent tourists. I hope someday you will be able to visit this island despite what you have heard. There will always be some rotten eggs to spoil.
No worries, its worth digressing about
Hope you’re enjoying your weekend so far!
There are bad things that happen everywhere in the world, Ai. Try not to worry so much. Daijoubo desu. The odds of you being targeted are beyond low, they’re infintesimal. Though caution is a virtue worth remembering. Hopefully, Kira-chan picks the wrong person next time and doesn’t walk away from it. It does look so pretty there. Didn’t you say you owned property out there though, or an I thinking of somewhere else. And how big is indonesia? I read a little about an earthquake out that way and was worried about you. I hope this post finds you safe and sound, and no worse for wear. You are so spoiled, from my perspective. I’m a little jealous you get to always see such beautiful scenery.
Hey you! Long time no ’see’ ..any new updates?!!!! I agree its worth to be cautious which I always am when im travelling though especially with over-friendly people ..I get too cautious and wary of them. One cant help feeling that way right? Its somewhere else hehehe if we had a property in Bali, man!! that would be awesome but its a dream for my husband and i for now ..
Thank you for worrying about me, I appreciate it
I am safe and sound. The earthquake was in Padang – Sumatra however I did feel the tremor only this time it was obviously quite strong for me not to realise that an earthquake is triggered again somewhere in Indonesia. It was a scary feeling as I quickly got up and changed just in case ..it doesnt hurt to be cautious, right? Me spoiled? naaaa 
Im just blessed ..blessed to be given this opportunity to travel when I can.
Hope all is well for you and your family out there, enjoy the rest of the weekend!