[Travel] Bali Trip 2012-Day 2

Woke up early to start the journey. It was only eight in the morning, but the sun is already shining bright, its like 10am Malaysia time. The sky brightens and night turns dark early in Bali. No time difference than Malaysia though. I shall let the captions do the talking ^__^ Our first destination, traditional Barong and Kris dance at Batubulan village. The play basically potraits a fight between good and bad spirits. Performance are available rarely only during ceremonies. Therefore, the government have allocated places specifically for the convenience of tourists to watch throughout the year.

The group before the show

They are so considerate they even provided all sorts of translations of the play.

Look at the amount of crowd!

After the dance, lunch at ibu oka babi guling, a place famous for its pork.

Nasi pisah, incorporates most of the dishes with vegies, pork roasted skin, intestines and pork soup, costs around 75k. However, the tax in Bali are usually expensive, additional of 21% tax. Most commented the set was so-so, not worth for its price.

Despite the food, we are still anticipating as its the first day. Coconut costs around 20k.

 After lunch, we proceeded to visit the elephant cave (goa gajah). Do not anticipate to see elephants here, the place was only named after its river, sungai gajah. More info here : http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Goa-Gajah-Temple.htm

Clockwise: bathing place to ward off evil spirits; The three Gods, Siva, Vishnu and Krishna; The mighty entrance to the cave.

Spotted a tree with big roots similar to those found in Cambodia.

Statues like this could be seen almost in every roundabout or along the road, signifies the water god etc.

 The third stop, tegalalang rice terrace, where farmers planted rice on a steeping hill, alike teas planted in Cameron, Msia.

Pupa Tirta Empul, famous for its holy water where Hindu Balinese go for purification.

Internal window displays a large water spring.

Sarong wearing is a must for tourists with shorts, as to menutup aurat.

Modern villa on the hill built for President Sukarno's visit.

 Mount Batur semi active volcano. It was estimated the volcanos would erupt in every 100 years. The last eruption was in 2000. So, you guys could re-visit in 2100 again.

Us with our Balinese guide, Kadek. He is able to speak various languages, Bali, Mandarin and English. Definitely hard tofind a local guide (i suppose local understands their history more?) that is so friendly, with a tricky sense of humor, honest and able to fulfill requests if there is a change in your itinerary. and most importantly, affordable! haha! You may visit his site : http://balirentour.com/ FB: http://www.facebook.com/ikadek.suastika?fref=ts Email: kadek@balirentour.com - haohao_84@hotmail.com Comments about him are available there and its viewable how satisfied customers are with his services. He can be contacted directly or via me as he is fast in replying :D

Crispy duck dinner after mount batur. Pros: Magnificent view of the volcano while enjoying dinner. Cons: Price and tax of course (tourists places are all like that la hor??), hygiene, tastes like normal fried duck with its extra crispiness.

Checked in to Sunari Villas Spa Resort  at Lovina well after.  The resort houses an outdoor pool and offers spacious rooms and villas. A traditional Balinese Spa provides massages, body treatments and a hot tub for guests. And the resort is only by the beach. Guests can take a stroll in the morning/evening.

Spacious rooms.

All girls favourite, vanity desk and a large mirror. The mirrors are perpendicular to each other you can even see ur back!

The thing I enjoyed most, an open space shower area.

 

 Free internet access is available in public areas. It also has a bar serving cocktails. If you ask me, this resort is my favourite among all those I've stayed during my trip to Bali.

Next up: Bali Day 3


Adios,
Maymay