Saturday, March 16, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Bali, Indonesia

Where in the World Are We?

Bali is on the eastern end of Indonesia in the South Pacific Ocean.

BENOA, BALI, INDONESIA
ISLAND OF THE GODS, LAND OF A THOUSAND TEMPLES OR THE WORLD’S LAST PARADISE

As exaggerated as these monikers may sound, they do not do justice to the actual reality of the island. Bali is as good
as everyone says – verdant mountains with terraced rice fields in one direction, black sand beaches in another, and
captivating people that will leave even the most seasoned traveler humbled.

If you’re looking for a Garden of Eden that does have everything, Bali ticks all the boxes. The island’s rich and diverse culture sets Bali apart from Indonesia’s (many) other tropical paradises. The country’s estimated 10,000 Buddhist-Hindu temples, with their daily offerings of lotus flowers and fruit, are a testament to the gentleness of the islander’s belief.

Then there is the vibrant arts and crafts scene, notably in Ubud, which is in the center of the island but is prolific everywhere. Ideal souvenirs to bring back range from gorgeous silver jewelry to intricate wood carvings. Additionally, do try to see a
traditional dance, if possible, particularly if accompanied by local gamelan music.

No one could mention Bali without mentioning the food. Dishes range from elaborate meals to street food bites, but
all are, without exception, ambrosia. Do not miss out on tasting a succulent chicken satay, betutu (apparently the King’s
favorite meal), and sambal matah. But whatever you decide to discover, you can be assured of a taste sensation that
will remain with you long after you have returned home.

TANJUNG BENOA CULTURAL VILLAGE
Visit the famous cultural village to immerse yourself in Balinese traditions and culture. It is located near Benoa Beach in Bali, giving you a unique glimpse of local life. You can explore traditional Balinese architecture, visit spiritual temples, and observe cultural ceremonies. The village showcases the Island’s rich heritage and art forms, including dance and music. For those seeking a deeper connection with the culture of Bali, a visit to Tanjung Benoa Cultural Village is a unique and enriching experience.

SIGHTS

Museum Pasifika
Nusa Dua Beach
Tanjung Benoa Beach
Caow Eng Bio Chinese Temple
Bumbu Bali Cooking School
Pura Dalem Ning Lan Taman Beji Temple

Today’s Excursion – Life on the Edge of Ubud

We explored the rich cultural heritage, traditions, religion, and daily life of the Balinese people during this scenic and informative,
half-day sightseeing excursion.
Benoa, Countryside Drive, Balinese House Compound
We drove to the small village of Batuan and visited the Balinese House Compound. We strolled through shaded Balinese countryside pathways leading up to one of the traditional Balinese house compounds; a typical building utilized as a local settlement.

Balinese House Tour, Bedulu, Countryside Drive, Elephant Cave
Our guide explained how the Balinese live communally and harmoniously. The Balinese home is often viewed as a living organism. Much like a human being, it has a head (the ancestral shrine), arms (the sleeping quarters and living room), and legs and feet (the kitchen and rice granaries). This walking tour offers a unique insight into conventional Balinese life.

We drove through the Bedulu countryside en route to a stop at the Elephant Cave, an ancient Hindu monastery. This monastery was built in the early 11th century during the reign of one of the most famous Balinese kings, Udayana, who ruled with his Javanese queen. After Udayana died, his famous children, Airlangga, Marakatta, and Anak Wungsu, restored the hermitage.

Guided Cave Tour, Return Drive, Benoa
We toured the Elephant Cave, which was used by Buddhist and Hindu monks, the kings and their descendants, and likely as a place of retreat and meditation. The cave was discovered in 1923, but archaeologists excavated the rest of the compound, including the bathing area, statues of the water spout, and other statues, in 1954.

TONIGHT’S LOCAL SHOW – THE KECAK MONKEY DANCE

The Kecak (pronounced ‘kechak’) is one of Bali’s most exotic and moving events. In it, a large group of performers acts both physically and vocally as a single organism. It is simultaneously sacred and profane—both a group meditation and populist entertainment—designed to awaken the sense of harmony between humans and nature.

There are tourist versions of the Kecak and the real thing, such as this. It is very rarely performed aboard ships. This group, from the highland village of Teges, is renowned throughout the island. None of the 20 children and most of the adults in this group of 70 performers have ever been aboard a cruise ship before. This experience is not to be missed, as it conjures you into the heart of the Balinese way of feeling and being.