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I Explored The Island Of Gods
Harmony, enchantment, movement and beauty.
Known as the land of the Gods for its spiritual essence and breathtaking landscapes, I set foot on this wondrous island, immersed in this beautiful culture.
Washed with beauty and grace, here I share my time in Bali, Indonesia!
Places We Explored
Tukad Cepung
This place is a gem of a waterfall hidden within a cave.
Now you gotta be prepared because it's quite the hike. I am a noob at hiking but good thing is that you can catch a break at the cafes on your way down.
If you do come here, please pack some slippers because walking on the rocks was so painful. I was so fascinated by the shrines everywhere and i even got excited just seeing water filling up the coconut, it was pretty cool.
After a bit of exploring, it got pretty busy and so we headed off to our next destination.
Kehen Temple
This was my first time ever going to a Hindu temple and I was in awe by everything about it. The intricate stone carvings, traditional Balinese architecture and just the sacredness of it all.
Growing up, I never really got to explore other cultures or religions and so each time I do, I feel like Aladdin exploring a whole new world. The view was amazing and I experienced a sense of presence and calm that I will never ever forget.
Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran village is known for its well-preserved traditional Balinese homes. These homes follow the concept of Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy for which roughly translates to the three causes of well-being.
These three are harmony with God, harmony among people and harmony with nature or the environment. Soon after, we got some food. I ordered Bebek Goreng for the first time and it was so freaking good!
GWK Cultural Park
GWK cultural park showcases Indonesian art, culture and Hindu mythology with one of the tallest statures in the world, that depicts the Hindu God Vishnu riding on the mythical bird Garuda.
This park features amazing cultural performances and exhibitions with breathtaking views. Seeing this in person was just unbelievable and the detailing in the statue was immaculate. After this, we watched traditional Balinese dancing and it was fascinating to see.
Padang Padang Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches in Uluwatu. The beach is tucked away between large cliffs, creating a secluded and intimate atmosphere especially when you walk through the entrance.
The sand is a powdery glow and the waters are crystal-clear. At this point, I was feeling a bit tired and so we bought some coconut and rested for the next hour.
Uluwatu Temple
This is one of Bali's six key temples that is perched on a steep cliff, with stunning views of the ocean. Due to its location, the temple helps protect the island from any evil spirits.
As we explored the temple grounds, we came across a few monkeys so make sure to not wear any visible jewelry, hide your valuables and avoid making eye contact.
As the sun begins to set, we made our way to the amphitheater to watch the Kecak and fire dance. This is a traditional Balinese performance that is accompanied with a choir of 70 men and tells the story of Ramayana.
Additional Mentions:
While our Bali adventure was packed with unforgettable experiences, there were a few hidden gems and charming spots that deserve a mention:
Ayung Dawata Water Rafting: A fun adventure down the Ayung River surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Prior Cafe: Indulge in a chill ambiance with dishes that perfectly blend local flavors with international influences. Our favourite was the Wagyu Beef Rendang.
Potato Head Beach Club: Lounge in style at this iconic beachfront destination, while soaking up the relaxing atmosphere.
Merah Putih: Delight in Indonesian cuisine served in a contemporary setting. The interior design was so lush!
Waroeng Bernadette: Savor authentic Balinese dishes in a charming eatery, known for its warm hospitality and homely vibes. Definitely going back for the Sop Buntut Iga.
Kanvaz Patisserie by Vincent Nigita: Treat your taste buds to pastries and desserts crafted with precision and artistry. It was too beautiful to eat but i still enjoyed it!
Shout outs to Yoyo!
I want to take a moment to give a massive thanks to Yoyo, our bali driver and guide for making this trip special and memorable!
If you're in need of any tours from the eyes of a true local, he's the one!
You can get into contact and follow his instagram here: @yoyobalidriver_
Terimah Kasi, Bali, Indonesia! we'll be here again soon!
Love,
Clarity.