TRANQUILITY IN BALI

Bali, known as the ‘Island of Gods’ is popular for its rugged coastlines, volcanic hillsides, sandy beaches and lush greenery, which never disappoints to keep up to its reputation. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a spiritual retreat, a solo trip to unwind or a shopping spree, Bali has them all.

Bali was inhabited around 2000 BC by the Austronesian people who migrated originally from Southeast Asia and Oceania. Culturally and linguistically, the Balinese are closely related to the people of the Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia, the Philippines and Oceania. Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian, Chinese and particularly the Hindu culture beginning around 1 AD.

Unlike most of the Muslim majority Indonesia, about 84% of Bali’s population adheres to Balinese Hinduism. It has its roots in Indian Hinduism and Buddhism, which arrived from Java. Stories from the Mahabharatha Epic have been traced in Indonesian islands from the 1st century. However, the versions mirrors those found in Southeast Indian peninsular region (today’s Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh). Apart from the majority Balinese Hindus, there also exists Chinese immigrants whose traditions have been melded with that of the locals.

When we speak of this island, we automatically start to visualize sandy beaches, crystal blue seas, but that’s just not it. On the contrary, there is another area called ‘Ubud’, with temples, holistic centers, local markets and an expanse of green canopies all over the place.

At first, I did not expect that sort of an environment, until I saw it with my eyes. Though it was just a 5 day sojourn, it was worth it all. Who wouldn’t want to feel like a millionaire in a place where the monetary value is very low. An American dollar in exchange was 14,000 Rupiah and each time we had to pay the bills, it was such a tedious task to calculate several times.

Though it’s been almost six years since my visit, the breathtaking scenery has still been etched in my memory like a carving on the rock that remains forever. From Singapore to the province of Denpasar, the flying time was around 150 minutes. We had a safe landing made by Jet Star Airways, in Nghura Rai International Airport, in Denpasar, Bali

AERIAL VIEW OF THE ISLAND

The city is filled with friendly locals and the concierge services were excellent , the staff did not sulk even though we had checked-in the middle of the night. The hotel was located in Legian, which was in the heart of Bali.

MOUNT KINTAMANI

On our first day, we had the opportunity to get a glimpse of Mount Kintamani, one of the active volcanoes that had erupted a few months before. The hilltop restaurant gave an amazing view of the volcano and beyond the side walls of the restaurant was a deep valley. There were a couple of Lake temples where people took a bath in the holy waters.

Modesty is expected before one could enter the temple. It was mandatory to wrap around a skirt. The fusion of art was very evident as it seemed to have influences from Sri Lankan and South Indian architecture.The second day was even more exciting as we were taken to Pura Luhur, a temple at the edge of a cliff, which was called Uluwatu. The place reminded me so much like that of the Great Wall, but on a cliff top.

ULUWATU CLIFF TOP

Uluwatu is home to the best surf breaks in Bali and has some of the most exclusive restaurants on the island. The view of the large azury crystal like water body went beyond my sight as it didn’t have a boundary. The only thing that differentiated the horizon and the sea was a faint line. This was one of the most picturesque landscapes I have seen until now. The next place of visit was ‘Tanah Lot’, it is the temple located in the middle of the sea.

SUNSET AT TANAH LOT

There is a large evened rock that connects people from the land area to the sea with well equipped safety measures. Beneath the rock lies a semi-circle like cavity, which is the most sought after location by photographers. Either dawn or dusk, the ball of fire can be captured in the hollow cavity, and only once in a blue moon can one have a ‘carpe diem’ moment of getting the perfect shot.

MY COOL AFRICAN BRAID

The third day was the most awaited in the itinerary, the main reason why everyone loves to come to this place. We went to the beach at ‘Kuta’, it was the Shangri-la, I always imagined in my mind. It was the main spot for water activities. A lady, walked towards me and requested to braid my hair. Seldom did I notice that she created a masterpiece, which I refused to remove until I left back to Singapore.

The same night in Nusa Dua, on the white sands of ‘Jimbaran’ beach, we feasted at the sea view restaurant, energized by Barong dance performances, dimly lit with a bunch of musicians playing Country melodies and other pieces of music from the Mediterranean.

TRADITIONAL BALINESE DANCE .

The last two days were completely in a different environment. There were transitions in the setting as we moved from a sunny side of the island to a chilly forest area and thirdly, to the lush green terrace farming areas. The Ulun Danu Bratan Lake was so soothing to my mind which was surrounded by roadside restaurants serving local Javanese food.

ULUN DANU BERATAN TEMPLE

Bali isn’t Bali without its Rice Paradise. An expanse of emerald green fields awaited us in the interiors of ‘Jatiluwih’ and ‘Teggallalang’. The hand crafted rice fields are an architectural marvel themselves, that has been embedded in the culture for the past two millenniums. There could be no better way to connect with the roots.

RICE TERRACE AT TEGGALLALANG

JATILUWIH RICE FIELD

To speak of food, Bali offered a fusion of Chinese, Malaysian, Thai and Indonesian cuisine that had noodles served with sauce and a variety of flavored rice , freshly harvested.

TRADITIONAL JAVANESE FOOD

On the way we had a glimpse of petite boutiques, each one so discreet, unique and elegant. The area was buzzing with tourists on the suburbs, but towards the centre, it was an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy beach city. That very night we ventured into ‘Ubud’, a large thriving forest area, famous for its spas, gushing streams, monkey forests and traditional handicrafts and music.

The resort had offered free shuttle services to the market place area and we returned, walking down the forest alleways. There were a chain of dimly lit souvenir boutiques, exclusively for shopping traditional hand crafted Balinese goods. This was where I bought a few CDs that played tranqulizing Balinese music.

Even after several years, now in India, when I listen to the piece of music, a series of pleasant nostalgia emerge in front of my eyes and gives me chills.

WARUNG PULAU KELAPA ( HALAL RESTAURANT, DOWNTOWN UBUD)

To sum it up, it was a feeling of home, the people warmly welcomed us with a smile. Unfortunately, I had to leave my utopia as our journey ended there.

To describe Bali in a few words, I would say: “Imagine lush green vegetation, endless rice terraces, black and white beaches, world class surfing and spas, ancient culture, volcanic mountains and countless temples”.

It is a place for travelers, yogis and those who would want to enjoy the serenity with their loved ones. It is a memory that is to be cherished forever, as it was always , “Tranquility in Bali”.