Bewitching Bali

Gunung Batur at Kintamani

I was in Bali with the Ex-Cons late January 2008. This was a trip that we had planned since April 2007 due to AirAsia's free tickets promotion. Anyhow, we didn't know that the trip was going to be so strenous. We were treated like regular tourists (some of us were first timers with scheduled tour), didn't know what to expect. We took our programme for granted and didn't do any studying before we went there:p

Our guide, Pak Made (pronounced ma-dei) was very knowledgeable, helpful and I must say very patient with us. He explained everything about Bali's cultures and religion. Its surprising to see Bali people who looked like us but went to pray in the temples, or bringing their canang or offering to the spirits. Everywhere in Bali you can see this kind of custom. Bali is very picturesque and all of us just loved to take pictures instead of really listening to the guide (ha!). Anyway, so much you can learn within 4 days about Hinduism and their culture, by the end of the tour, we had information overload about Bali. Plan your trip well and ask other travellers because some places you can skip (the temples are almost the same).

Some tips to the would be travellers to Bali:

Shopping:

Bargain stalls at Tanah Lot and Tirta Empul is excellent, bring lots of cash, look out for handicrafts like carved boxes, paintings, beaded sandals, figurine, bowls made from cinnamon stick. Please refrain yourself from buying at every stop that the guide bring you as they might be quite expansive.

Must see places in Bali:

Tanah Lot temple (in the sea), Uluwatu temple (hanging from a 70-feet cliff), Kintamani to watch Gunung Batur (active volcano), Bedugul (beautiful lake), Tirta Empul (purifying place for the worshippers), Jimbaran Bay for the sunset, Tanjong Benoa for fish and turtle watching (at a conservatory). Be sure to engage a reliable travel agent.

Extra tips:

Bring drinking water as it can be very hot and dry in bali, wear cool & comfortable clothes.