Bali Travels

Bali Wedding Tour

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What is Bali?
Land of mystical beauty and cultural wisdom. Fascinating Hindu enclave of Muslim Indonesia. Inspiration of Art. Repository of beauty and spirit.

We, Dia and Farley, welcome you to partake a slice of the mystical eden as we exchange marriage vows on the 23rd of April this year. Friends- allow us to share with you three special days. Your presence is our gift.

-Farley and Dia-

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Three days are all we ask. Three days which forever will be in our hearts and yours

April 23- Day 1

departure from Nusa Dua: 7AM

Wedding: 8AM, St Joseph Church, Denpasar
Reception Lunch: 11am, Gang Salya No. 2, Pantai Mengiat, Nusa Dua

departure from Nusa Dua: 4:30PM

Afternoon Tour: Pura Tanah Lot, Tabanan
Reception Dinner: 6:30pm, Dewi Sinta Restaurant, Tanah Lot, Tabanan

April 24- Day 2

departure from Nusa Dua: 8AM

Morning tour

Silver jewelry making and shopping at Celuk
Traditional crafts and souvenir shopping at Sukawati Art Market

Lunch

Cliff-side restaurant overlooking the caldera lake of Batur at
Kintamani

departure from Kintamani: 1PM

Afternoon tour

Ubud Tegalalang rice terraces
Ubud galleries, palace
Uluwatu sunset
Nusa Dua dinner: Mai Mai

April 24- Day 3

Taman Ayun
Bedugul

Botanical Garden
Ulun Danu

Lunch
Kuta
Kuta Beach
Plaza Mall
Sunset at Discovery Mall

Extra days
Besakih mother temple
Goa Gajah
Klungkung Kertagosa courthouse
Denpasar

Others:
Balinese Ceremony
Balinese Food

Balinese Culture: Ceremonies

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A land of the thousand temples, Bali celebrates life. The unmistakeable spirit of their traditions are everywhere. The sights, sounds and colors of Bali are what we would like to share.

Melasti rites

penjor banners

pejang umbrellas

Kutuh beach, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia

April 23 - Day 1: Denpasar and Nusa Dua

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Denpasar
The wedding shall be in St. Joseph Parish in Jl. Kepundung No. 2, Denpasar (tel. +62 361 222729). The small church is itself a popular tourist destination because of its quaint architectural style. Blending Balinese style with Christian motif, the building features a Bale kulkul, the traditional four-poster pavillion found in Hindu temples. Instead of Hindu reliefs, the carvings are Christian icons denoting strong acculturation between Hindu and Christian in this island.

Nusa Dua
Dinner: Tanah Lot

The MOST POPULAR temple destination in all of Bali is probably Pura Tanah Lot. Literally meaning the temple of land (tanah) and sea (lot), it is as romantic in vision as in sound. The temple sits on a rocky islet that has been whipped and whittled into shape by the the elements of rain, sea and wind for centuries. As one of the directional temples of Bali that is a site of frequent pilgrimage by the Balinese, it also offers one of the most beautiful sunset spectacles overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Dinner follows shortly after sunset, at the nearby Restaurant Dewi Sinta.

ceremony at Tanah Lot

sunset

April 24 - Day 2 Morning: Celuk, Sukawati, Kintamani

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The day starts early at 8AM, departing from Nusa Dua. First stop is Celuk, some 40 minutes away. An artisan village where about 80% of the people work in gold and silver smith shops, it is here that the famed Balinese filigree jewelry is made. The group will be guided to Anom, a reputable store with reasonable prices and high artistic quality. Haggle aggressively. Aim for a discount of 60-70%.

Next stop is the traditional art market of Sukawati. Famed all throughout Bali as the marketplace for wholesellers and retailers, this is the trading place of the locals. Souvenirs from wood carvings to T-shirts, textiles from ikat to batik, fresh produce from spices to flowers and everything in between are in this discount market. And don’t forget to buy some native sweet jajan- these candies can be perfect for souvenir gifts back home.

flowers (bunga)

tali (kite)

ikat blankets

By about 11:30AM, the group shall leave Sukawati for the mountain resort of Kintamani. About 1,000 meters above sea level, this cool town sits on the rim of an active volcano. Buffet will be served in a restaurant overlooking scenic Lake Batur flanked by the mountains of Batur, Abang and Agung, the highest and holiest peak of Bali.

Lake Batur, Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia

Warning:

Street sellers touting souvenirs are common all throughout the island. They may literally chase you despite your polite “no”. They can be annoying. Just be firm and ignore them.

April 24 - Day 2 Afternoon: Ubud, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua

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By 1:30PM, the group shall depart to Ubud known as the artistic heart of Bali. A photographic stop shall be made first in the fabulous Tegalalang rice terraces. As in most Asian cultures, the cultivation of rice is a deeply embedded tradition in Bali. What makes Tegalalang special is that the rows and rows of rice terraces are carved in the hilly acreage right at the roadside. The grand spectacle cannot be more easier to the foot than it is to the eyes.

Upon reaching the central Ubud, the group are free to explore the generously cool climate of a town 600 meters above sea level. It is here in Ubud that artists from around the globe set up shops, boutiques and workshops while experiencing rustic Balinese life. From artworks like paintings, sculptures and photographs, real originals are displayed in sleek galleries besides stalls showing the cheaper art reproductions. While the town is no longer the quiet reserve that it used to be, Ubud still boasts of a cool climate, being 600 meters above sea level. Start at the Ubud Market. Browse through boundless displays of wood carvings, batik shirts, sarongs and souvenirs.

for sale at a souvenir shop Ι Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Visit the centuries-old Ubud Palace where the royal family still live. Tourist are graciously welcomed inside the courtyard although the interiors remain exclusively private. Another alternative is the Ubud monkey forest but beware of the naughty monkeys who may snatch trinkets off unwary visitors. Or relax in the numerous cafes and coffee shops peperring the main streets. Try the traditional ice sundae called es kacang.

Ubud is 33 km from Kuta and 10 km from Denpasar.

Ubud Palace, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

At 4:00PM, the group shall depart for the famous temple of Uluwatu. As one of Bali's eight kayangan jagat or directional temples, it guards Bali from evil spirits from the southwest. Pura Uluwatu is perched on a steep limestone cliff overlooking the world famous surf break of the Bukit peninsula. It is one of two most famous temples with picturesque sunset views in Bali, the other being Pura Tanah Lot.

Pura Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Bali Indonesia

There are two cliffside promontories flanking the Uluwatu temple. Both the northside and southside walkways offer spectacular views of the sunset over the Indian Ocean. At the center is the holy temple that is quite ancient. Founded in the 10^th century, the temple is a sanctuary of both people and a population of teeming monkeys. Like the primates in Ubud, they can be are serious pests so heed the warning and remove your jewelry, caps, eyeglasses and any valuable objects. Hold on to your camera and bags tightly. They are notorious in swiping earrings off your ears or enterprisingly opening velcro-latched pouchues.

Uluwatu sunset

By 6:30, the group shall head back to Nusa Dua. Dining selections abound in Jln Pantai Mengiat. Recommended is Mai Mai Restaurant, which has a relaxed homey atmosphere and traditional Balinese dance entertainment. The $2-4 choices are a steal. And don’t forget to try the complimentary arak or coconut wine. Try the life of an epicure for once!

Mai Mai restaurant offers classical dance entertainment

April 25 - Day 3: Taman Ayun, Bedugul, and Kuta

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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 ºC. 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.

Food, Glorious Food

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Visiting Bali cannot be complete without indulging in food. There are several must haves in Bali. Over the course of the visit, you will be offered a tour of gustatory favorites that make Indonesia special. Watch out for these specialties.

a. babi guling. A spicy version of roasted pig, it is unique in the country primarily because it will only be in Bali that pork can be displayed in abandon anywhere. Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim nation so Bali’s status as a Hindu enclave makes their cuisine unique. The Balinese roast pig is known for their spices and the traditional way it is served. Unlike the Philippine lechon which is displayed whole on the table, the babi guling is often chopped up and samplings of portions- the crispy skin, the succulent meat, delectable entrails, spicy vegetable mix- are given to the diner.

b. bebek betutu. This is duck betutu, a spicy delicacy that is famous in Bali. A favorite among gourmets, the meat is succulent and flavored with exotic taste and aroma.
c. ayam Taliwang. A delicacy of Lombok, the island east of Bali, it is native chicken that is traditionally rolled in chili and grilled. If unattuned to hotness, ask for a toned-down version.
d. masakan Padang. Arguably the most unique serving style in Southeast Asia is that Padang cuisine in Sumatra. There are no menus for all the cooked dishes, often spicy, are placed in individual portions. Piled on top of each other like a pyramid, the bowls boast the gamut of Muslim halal dishes, from fish to vegetables to meat. Be conscious of the etiquette: you will pay only for what you eat. Please set aside bowls that you have touched so that they may not be offered to the next table. A popular restaurant is Minang Saiyo in Jln Bypass Ngurah Rai.

the famous Masakan Padang buffet

Minang Saiyo

e. kodok. Have an adventurous streak? Try frog legs, a Balinese delicacy. Tasting like chicken, frog legs can either be stewed or deep-fried.

f. salak. This is called snakefruit because of the reptilian peel that is brittle and easy to remove. Its flesh is sweet but has a piquant, tangy aftertaste.

the exotic fruit salak

g. jajan. The collective name for Indonesian native sweet delicacies jajan or dodol. These candied delights are ideal gifts for friends and relatives, as a way to share the joy of travel. From caramelized coconut to peanut treats, they are available in supermarkets or open stalls all over Bali.

h. lombok. What is a trip to Indonesia without chili? Generically called Lombok or cabe, these peppers give a load of hotness to any food.

fresh chili and tomatoes in Sukawati market

i. street food. Jagung (corn) and kacang (peanuts) on the street are cheap, delicious and perfect for everyone.

Sukawati Art Market, Bali, Indonesia

A "warung", or small store in Indonesia, is a typical street display in Southeast Asia. It is called "sari-sari" or miscellany in the Philippines.

Sukawati Art Market, Bali, Indonesi

Es campur should be close to our hearts and stomach. In the Philippines, it is enjoyed during the hot summer months. We call it halo-halo.

Bali Arts Festival, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Extra Days: Besakih mother temple, Goa Gajah and Klungkung Kertagosa

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Besakih is the mother temple of the Balinese and is the oldest (first mentioned in 15th century scripts). It is situated some 900meters into the 3,000m Gunung Agung volcano, the highest peak of Bali which last erupted in 1964. Incredible though that the temple complex still stands.

Besakih, Karengasem, Bali, Indonesia

Goa Gajah in Ubud literally means Elephant Cave. It is an unusual 14th century temple which has holy fountains where Buddhist and Hindus meditated in the past.

Goa Gajah, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Klungkung Kertagosa courthouse; stop by at the town center where they have quaint antiques. The best/cheapest buys of Balinese cloths and sarungs are in the local textile market here.

Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia

Denpasar

A visit to the Museum of Bali in the capital city of Denpasar is a ready way to learn culture and life in Bali. Located in Jl Mayor Wisnu, the museum boasts of large collections of Balinese artifacts from prehistoric times to the early 20^th century, showcased in four buildings featuring traditional temple and palace architecture.

Denpasar wood panels

In Denpasar, heavily carved pierce and cut wood panels are cheap, probably around $5-8 but the teak ones are twice as expensive.

Mainly a city for business and commerce, Denpasar is typical of a bustling capital albeit with less tourists. Unlike popular destinations like Kuta or Nusa Dua, Denpasar is dominated by locals so shopping can be cheaper, especially in local markets like the Pasar Badung and the numerous artisan shops selling gold jewelry, handicrafts, textiles and the famous intricate wood carvings.