 DiamondDave's Indonesia Travelogues | | | | Title [Click to view] | Travel Year | Pictures | | Bali | August, 2002 |  61 | | Jakarta | 2002 | 25 |
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| Page Views: 247 Last Visit to Indonesia: August, 2002 | Bali by DiamondDave - last update: Nov 20, 2002 |
Bali is a world unto its own and ought to be part of every sun-worshippers visit to SouthEast Asia. You can go on the cheap US $10 per night or live in pampered luxury $300+ per night. It is safe and charming, with lots of historic/cultural/pictorial sites to see, plus a world of activities to enjoy. |
Actually, this was the sunset on my first night. I walked along the beach most evenings and I could fill a whole travelogue with just sunset pics. |
Go to Ulu Watu for the Kecak Bali Dance. The scenery is fantastic and the performance is brilliant. It was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. The pics - though quite striking - just do not capture the wonder of the evening. |
The men act as the orchestra. Their deep, repetitive intonations reminded me of "Oh Superman" by Laurie Anderson (the performance artist/musician - not Loni from WKRP). They combine chanting, vocals, melody and dialogue with physical movement, providing a dramatic and intriguing score for the traditional Bali dance-play. |
Maybe this is where the expression "monkey in the middle" has it's roots. |
After Ulu Watu, head to Jimbaran (10 minutes) for a romantic dinner on the beach. With a city view as a backdrop, the ocean waves crashing against the shore, a starry starry night overhead, wonderfully fresh seafood and a roving, talented band...it truly is magical. |
Of course, the beach is Bali's main drawing card...and you won't be disappointed! |
A few shots from the lovely hotel...Bali Garden, in Kuta. |
Bali Dance - Barong style |
There are large, dramatic and symbolic statues throughout Bali. |
Besakih - Bali's most important temple. A little disappointing because you cannot enter - only walking in the courtyards is permitted. Also, a temple "keeper" will insist on taking you around and then request a "donation" when you leave. Basically, he is there to ensure you don't go where you want to go and then requests payment. Try to ditch him right from the outset, saying you have been here before and know the areas you should not enter. |
Different temples were built for different "castes" of people to worship at. Bali has 4 castes. They say that the sociological division is just for religious purposes, not as differentiation of 'upper' and 'lower' class. Unlike in India, it is possible and apparently fairly common to marry someone from a different caste. |
There was a small, private ceremony which concluded, just as we were exiting. |
The stepped rice fields are a classic site from Bali. It is surprising to see just how much of the undeveloped land is given over to growing rice. I understand that it is one of Bali's primary exports. |
Women can be seen carrying just about anything on their heads - especially in rural areas. |
I didn't stay long in the Monkey Forest because the monkeys were mean. They were prone to greed, aggressiveness and violence, so I dumped the bananas and got outta there quick! |
I didn't like the bats either! |
The smell of this bat cave - though a small one - was rather over-powering. |
Tanah Lot at sunset...another important temple. |
Balinese people are sooooo friendly! Both men and women have fantastic smiles. |
In rural areas, the financial challenges of their agrarian based, limited income are immediately evident. This picture was taken with their permission. They are all looking at a horse that began approaching, just as I clicked the shot. |
These statuesque, shrine-like monuments are everywhere in Bali. This one was located just beside the pool at the hotel. |
A somewhat typical, though isolated, rural home. |
I did some horseback riding along the beach. It was extremely scenic, yet many had trouble with our horses. This shot was taken before she fell off! |
I paid just US $50/night - including breakfast buffet. Custom-made omelets, french toast, hot coffee and freshly squeezed juice...mmm! |
I was lucky enough to witness a cremation ceremony. The procession passed me while I was tanning on the beach. It was very public, jovial and respectful. |
Sunset cyclists....say that 3 times fast! |
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| DiamondDave's Indonesia Travelogues | | | | Title [Click to view] | Travel Year | Pictures | | Bali | August, 2002 | 61 | | Jakarta | 2002 | 25 |
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 Comments for DiamondDave about Indonesia | | | | |
Skye_Miles Thu Nov 21, 2002 05:37 UTC
bali is so beautiful, that was my next, then they bombed it :-(( | lostgweilo Fri Aug 9, 2002 09:09 UTC
So what`s her name???? | tabatha Thu Aug 8, 2002 08:34 UTC
i loved the bats | tetekung Thu Aug 8, 2002 02:35 UTC
Bali, the paradise of gods. |
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