"Back from Paradise" Bali by cadzand

Bali Travel Guide: 7,014 reviews and 14,827 photos

As a child - I must have been some 7 years old, which is a loooooong time ago :-(( I received a picture book of Bali, as a birthday present.
It opened a brand new and unknown world to me. The beautifully couloured pictures showed the all-day live of the Balinese, the many temples and their ceremonies, the rice-terraces. These colourful and exotic images fascinated me so much, I always would have visited this paradise. Impossible ! At that time, Bali was almost at the end of the world and travelling there was impossible for my low budget. Almost no one could afford those high airfares then. Times have changed since. There are no "ends of the world" any more and travelling around has become much more affordable.
So, last october I took the opportunity to go and visit the paradise of the Gods. Follow me on my tour, while I'll try to give you my impressions of heaven......

Bali map (thx Norali)

I hope the Bali map makes it more comfortable finding your way through the different tips I added below. As Bali isn't that huge, I stayed in Sanur in the SE and made day-trips starting from there.

1. The eastern Bali mystic, which is dominated by the presence of towering Mount Agung, Bali's most sacred and highest vulcano.
It went via Batubulan,Celuk, Gianyar over Klungkung, Bangli, the traditionnal Penglipuran village, to the Besakih Temple Complex, the most important temple to the Balinese Hindu population of Bali.

2. The magic northern Bali, getting inland to the most scenic area of Pupuan and Antosari, passing through the florid fields, descending to the north coast and Lovina Beach. To continue this 230 km road winding up the mountain, where a striking panorama is revealed. Passing by Lake Buyan and Tamblingan, Bedugul and Lake Bratan with the floating temple of Ulun Danu and its local flower- and fruit market.

3. The beauty of Kintamani goes by Batubulan, Celuk, Mas, arts center Ubud , the Holy Spring of Tampaksiring and further north with a view on the beautiful Lake Batur and active Mount Batur volcano.

4. The unforgettable sunset of Tanah Lot. After visiting the Mengwi Taman Ayun Temple, and watching the in the wild living monkeys in the holey monkey forest of Alas Kedaton, there was the mangificent sunset at the spectacular Tanah Lot temple, built on the top of a rock in the Indian Ocean.

5. And if all this isn't enough for you, there is the Bali's handcrafted souvenirs shopper's paradise through the villages of Batubulan (stone carving), Celuk (gold and silver), Mas (woodcarving) and Ubud, famous for its painting galeries.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Much more than beaches and surfing

Last visit to Bali: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Dec 7, 2004
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Reviews (54)

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Comments (31)

Pawtuxet Aug 6, 2007 at 9:26 AM Report Abuse

So much color, fun, and good food. Looks like you had a wonderful trip. I have a friend who named her daughter Bali...she lived on a sailing boat in islands for 7 yrs. Amazing.
hojasdehierba Nov 8, 2006 at 2:48 PM Report Abuse

Good page! I have liked your photos very much. Thanks for sharing.
Myndo May 1, 2006 at 6:15 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page with well written tips and wonderful fotos! Cute intro pic. As for the tanning tip- well, I can do what I want, but I never tan. I would be the prey of every streetvendor. LOL
Goldenboy Apr 26, 2006 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

Great, you capture the smile!
dfactor Mar 13, 2006 at 1:36 AM Report Abuse

Hi there, was in Bali last Jan. Totally enjoyed it there. Missed out a couple of places there. Will definitely have to go back there....
Jewels Dec 6, 2005 at 6:49 PM Report Abuse

The floating temples look very pretty and peaceful. The gruesome paintings in the Kerta Gosa.... brrrrrr... sends shivers down my spine. Would love to go to Bali one day.
VeronicaG Nov 22, 2005 at 11:52 AM Report Abuse

Bali looks divine--great pictures!
sue_stone Aug 7, 2005 at 2:15 PM Report Abuse

Really interesting page on this beautiful island!! Thanks for bringing back good memories.
starship May 22, 2005 at 2:21 PM Report Abuse

Excellent page with so much good advice--great photos too! You covered so much in your page!
FletteMette Mar 19, 2005 at 1:18 PM Report Abuse

Great page, looking forward to seeing Bali for myself - only two days to go!:o)