The tour starts at 8AM. From Nusa Dua, the group shall head to the temple and water gardens of Taman Ayun in Mengwi. Built in the 1600s, the temple is nestled in 3 different levels. The inner courtyard itself has a moat of water separating it from the exterior garden. Pavilions and canopied shades invite the visitors to take a breath and relax in leisure.
a Balinese Hindu cremation ceremony we passed by going to Bedugul
By 9:40AM, the group shall then head off to the mountains of Bedugul, about one hour and a half away. Being in the highlands region of Bali, Bedugul is relatively cold at 15-20 ยบC. A famous destination is the Temple of Ulun Danu. Sitting on the banks of the languid lake of Bratan, it is the second most important temple in Bali. Also a ‘kayangan jagat’ (directional temples), it is said to protect Bali from evil spirits from the north. The hierarchy of a temple can be observed immediately by the number of tiers the main pagoda has. This one in Ulun Danu has the maximum 11 pagoda tiers or meru, designating it as a place of pilgrimage among the Balinese. Daily, Balinese worshippers can be seen doing their prayers. Near the temple is a dock where boats can take you around the scenic lake of Bratan or usher you into the exclusive resorts across the banks. The ancient Trunyan graves where mummies are laid on the ground, unburied but well-preserved, can also be accessed from here.
Pura Ulun Danu, Bedugul, Bali, Indonesia
By about 11:40, the group shall be led to a buffet meal in a nearby restaurant. Then a restful stopover shall be done in the Bedugul Botanic Gardens. Perpetually cool and refreshing, the gardens can be explored by foot. Picnic areas and canopied spots are ideal for siestas or idyllic getaways.
Bedugul Botanical Garden, Bali, Indonesia
No Bali tour is complete without spending time in Kuta and that is where the groups shall head next by 2PM. The group will be dropped off in the central parking area. Kuta Beach is an immediate destination of choice. Stretching kilometers, the beach is where sunworshippers meet surfers. Stroll by the sand. Have a massage. Kuta is also known for stretches of stalls and shops. From native warungs (small shift stores) to exclusive brand boutiques from all over the world, Kuta is a haven for shoppers. A cool suggestion will be Kuta Plaza. Two hours would barely be enough but it is suggested that before 6PM, the group should already be settling in by the beach front Discovery Mall. Sunset viewing at Kuta Beach is a famous pastime and any photograph here can be a postcard shot. Dinner is recommended in any of the dining holes in the Mall.
the beautiful Kuta beach
By 7PM, the group is expected to head back to Nusa Dua replete with Bali memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment