"BALI ~ ISLAND PARADISE" Bali by longsanborn

Bali Travel Guide: 6,300 reviews and 15,209 photos

Ulun Danu in Begudul area of Bali - Bali

BRIGHT JEWEL OF INDONESIA

Bali is so postcard-picturesque that you would think you are in a paradise: green rice paddies landscaped and terraced down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the fat white clouds, forests and bright flowers are lush and tropical, and the beaches are kissed and caressed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

I was in Bali in January 1997 together with my sister V and my best friend, JY. It was the first time for all of us to be there and we had a great time. We were there for almost a week and we stayed in Kuta town. We hired a car with a local driver and we drove around the island most of the time.

We returned to Bali again in January 2008, this time with our 2nd sister in tow. So much have changed in Kuta town, especially after the 2 Bali bombings. There were less westerners and Australians, and more east Asian tourists. All around, it was more quiet and somber. To me, gone were the livelier days and nights of surfer parties.

Amazing Land of Temples and Rice Paddy Fields

Amazing 4-sitter motorbikes in Bali

I remembered Bali to be the most beautiful island I've ever visited.

Everywhere, the fertile volcanic-rich land was decorated with Hindu temples and wooden-carved houses, and the terraced golden rice fields and lush green vegetations acting as wallpapers.

The local Balinese were very friendly and warm people (not the Javanese who came from Sumatra island); Balinese are devout Hindus and it was amazing to see them bringing flowers to their temples and shrines to pray every day.

There were amazing sights I've noticed in Bali during my 2nd trip there in January 2008.

On 23 January 2008, the Balinese had their "Hari Raya" (new year). Hence most shops were closed and many locals went to temples for worship. I have to opportunity to observe them this time. Their petite lithe slim women have tall trays of food offerings balanced on their heads, as they made their way to their temples. It was really amazing watching them striding along the roads with their tall loads perfectly balanced on their glorious crown of hair.

Another amazing thing I've noticed was that the Balinese can really ride their motorbikes with their whole family on the bikes. If they have 2 children, one kid will sit in front and the 2nd kid squeezed between the driver and the adult passenger.

Another amazing feat I've noticed about the Balinese women is that they can sit sideways on the motorbikes without falling off. Totally, totally amazing.

Bali again in January 2008

Sunset at Tanah Lot in Bali (Jan.2008)

Like I've said above, I visited Bali again - for 2nd time - in January 2008, after being away for over 10 years. I've noticed lots of changes - especially in Kuta town. The atmosphere was more quiet and somber (to me, anyways).

When I was in Tanah Lot, I noticed some improvements in the gardens surrounding areas facing the ocean. There are more sitting areas, so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Bali island.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful and Peaceful; Vibrant with Lively Colors
Cons:Very touristy in some areas
In a nutshell:More than just brilliant sunsets, wild surfs and beaches

Last visit to Bali: Jan 2008
Intro Updated Feb 8, 2008
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Reviews (11)

Water Temple (picture from calendar) - Bali

Do the Bedugul Tour Things to Do (4)

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See the Cheeky Monkeys Things to Do (4)

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Respect the Holy Areas Local Customs (1)

When you plan to visit temples buildings and surrounding areas, it is highly advisable to cover your exposed arms (if... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (4)

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Nemorino Oct 21, 2011 at 8:13 AM

Hi Helena, I enjoyed meeting you at the VT meetings in Paris last month. I hope we can meet again sometime.
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hunterV Aug 12, 2011 at 7:23 AM

Hi, Helena! Thanks for your interesting and useful page!~
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cokes Apr 15, 2008 at 12:02 PM

Happy Belated Birthday. I hope you had a great time and nice to see you went to Bali as I love it there.
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BorneoGrrl Mar 15, 2007 at 6:32 AM

Sure! Let's go to Bali in Jul/Aug. I think Soo wants to go there again :)