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!

More photos of my Bali trip

Why do I like Bali ? Apart from her beauty of landscapes, sunsets and sunrises its the culture and traditions that are still practised widely throughout this mystical island hence giving it that exotic factor, that attracts me alot. The island’s strong Hindu influence can be seen in the religious rituals practised by the people and in the architecture is considered as unique in a nation where Islam is the main religion for the country of Indonesia. I love looking at their craft work on polished stones and wood, it is so intricately carved, shaved and shaped that you feel tempted to buy them. Their furnitures are impeccably well made, well designed that you can hardly see any defects on the carvings ..well thats what I see on some of the furnitures I have seen, touched and sat on.

This is the small offering baskets called ‘Canang Sari’ which you will always see laid on the ground whether its the street, alleys, entrances or other surroundings of an altar/shrines/temples/family temples, a house and business premises. My apologies for the poor quality of the photo. I tried my best using my Macro shot to get the close up

Canang Sari

These offerings are done 3 times a day carried out by devout Balinese to the Creator, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. This is basically a ritual of giving back what has been given to a person by the Creator.  In showing one’s gratitude of what is being offered in our world. The offering is also meant to appease the spirits and hopes to bring good health and prosperity blessed upon one’s family.  This is one of the rituals that is still being practised which is considered a duty and respectful thing to do to maintain a good relationship between human and spirits.

I always try my best not to step on them when I see it on the sidewalks and so forth. I am the sort of person who believes in respecting a society’s culture, traditions and rituals. If I did step on it, not that I fear of upsetting the spirits, I would quickly apologise for my negligence. Yes call me silly but thats a practically the Asian in me so sue me!

The deity statue of Ganesh

The wonderful thing when you rent a car / motorbike you get to travel around the island and find very interesting sights. As we drove en route to Ubud using a much longer route heading towards Amed, we drove with a view of the mother of all Volcanoes in Bali. It was rather bright the sunlight so most of the photos I took didnt come out very nicely but I took a photo of this statue that stood all alone by the bridge ..it may look dry from this photo but trust me it was so windy as I tried to take this photo, slightly eerie (to me)  despite it being daylight.

Altar

Balinese Traditional Altars that you will see WHERE EVER you go and stay.

And that my friends are some of the things that make Bali (to me), BALI!

Yes I am pretty much alive and back from my holidays but I’ve yet to update my blog!

My holidays has been tremendously wonderful and relaxing. Ok I may exagerate a bit there because weather-wise it was not entirely nice in the Philippines where we were based. It was constantly raining, spoiling all plans of having any excursions to Vigan or Baguio or to the Hundred Islands. Although the view of the sea and the sound of the waves crashing the shore is rather lulling but not at night time tho my imagination runs wild when I hear the sound of the waves crashing hard and loud, my own Tsunami system is on constant alert

A change of destination to Bali was what I needed and Bali did not disappoint me at all I love Bali but I was surprise to see the big influx of tourists visiting this island in August ..I never thought it would be its busiest period. Not one hotel nor budget hotels in Kuta nor Legian had rooms available even in Sanur it was all fully booked! Our other destination Ubud was fully booked too ..thats how busy Bali was.

The blue skies, the sun and warmth was very welcoming. What Ms. Tima truly needs!  Best of all I can stuff myself with WHAT I have been missing out on my last trip I love Indonesian food as its similar to Malay food with their sambal and bumbu which we also use in our cooking.

Being able to speak the same language was never a problem for me although there are some differences in words and vocabularies. I like Bali for what the island represents in culture & traditions, what the island has to offer for people who come and visit – the stunning sceneries of the beach, the sea, the mountains, the villages as you drive your car there and her hidden treasures of waterfalls and lakes! I find the Balinese very warm, kind, engaging people, hospitable and helpful especially up north where its far more peaceful and tranquil. (Note to self : Up north in Lovina there is superb German bakery that makes the best yummy Apple Strudle!!!!!!! I’m bloody craving for it as I type this blog! Not good for me during this fasting month!)

Bali boats that awaits for customers to go out to the sea

In Sanur, we happen to catch this procession celebrating an upcoming festival and all these people are waiting to see the procession pass by.

More photos to come in the next blog!

Well I’m off on a 6 weeks break. Be back end of next month.

Take care

Last Easter my husband and I went to Bali. For him this is his trip number god knows what and for me its my second trip to this island. I was a bit wary about going there after my 1st experience but my 2nd trip has now changed my opinion  and to be honest I am absolutely smitten for Bali.  I had an absolutely wonderful time despite having to endure the chronic pain of my gallstone problem “attacking” me when I least expect it. I didnt want to spoil the holiday mood and decided to be a trooper by trying to enjoy the holiday, not complain nor moan or groan !! Well enough with the yakking and on with some photos shall we?

An altar for worshipping and offerings facing the panoramic view of Lake Batur and the mountains.

Mount Batur

A view of a rice padi field in the regency of Gianyar. I cant remember the name of this village but it had lots of stalls selling arts, crafts & materials. Judging from how busy it was, its specifically made for the tourists. No one can resist not stopping by to take photos of this stunning padi fields. This is heading out from the town of Ubud which is famously known as the center of arts and culture.

The tourist bus that stopped by for a rest, hawkers selling their goods at US$1 or more.

One of the stalls selling their arts & crafts together with jewelleries & materials.

Pura Saraswati – Ubud

Beautiful surroundings with a restaurant in its premises too called Lotus Garden.

Surroundings of the restaurant & the temple

Little girls patiently waiting for their dance teacher to arrive for their rehearsals.

Around town in Ubud

Hope you enjoyed viewing some of my selected photos.