10 Oct 2012: The Bajra Sandhi Monument and Denpasar

Bajra Sandhi Monument. Bali.

10 Oct 2012 (Wed):

After checking-out of the hotel, we met our tour guide yet again. The original itinerary indicated it was a free-and-easy day. However, due to some unforeseen delays in our schedule, our guide and driver had so generously agreed to make up for us a visit to the Bajra Sandhi Monument at the Niti Mandal civic centre. This was located in Denpasar, the capital city of the island of Bali. Denpasar is the largest city on the island. It is also the centre of commerce and governmental administration.

The Bajra Sandhi Monument
The shape of the Bajra Sandhi Monument looks like a Bajra, which is a Hindu priest's bell. It was built in the year 1987 and is opened by president Megawati Sukarno Putri on 14 Jun 2003. This is a monument that immortalizes the soul and spirit of the Balinese people's struggle at looking after, developing and also preserving the culture of Bali. In the face of capitalism and the evolving modern world, this can be loaded with challenges.

Bajra Sandhi Monument. Bali. The beautiful landscaped garden.

The monument was impressive and massive in its scale. It was relaxing to be simply there. At the monument, we saw exhibits that introduced visitors to the history of Bali. We had the chance to climb to the top of the tower. Women who are having their menstruation will not be allowed to climb up the tower.

The view from the tower.

During my visit to the Bajra Sandhi Monument, I was attracted to the interesting geometric patterns that were found on the structures. The fishes in the ponds at this place offered reminders for visitors to slow ourselves down to appreciate how the fishes swam along with the flow of the water.

Bajra Sandhi Monument. Bali.

Geometric patterns everywhere. Bajra Sandhi Monument. Bali.

I will recommend that visitors make time to visit this monument when they are in Bali. It is magnificent, beautiful and serene.

Places I cannot remember visiting: Monument of Puputan, Statue of four face
The tour package included a visit to the Monument of Puputan. However, due to the interest of time, I cannot recall having visited it. From my brief reading, I learnt that it is a bronze memorial located in the centre of the Puputan square. It is dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the one sided struggle with the Dutch.

I cannot recall visting the statue of the four face. This four-headed-god facing the four cardinal directions is said to guard the crossroads of Bali like many Catur Muka statues. This statue at Denpasar has finely balanced proportions and is the work of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad of Ubud. It was commissioned in 1973. I learnt that Catu Muka is a depiction of Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation.

At the Airport
After our visit to places of interest in Denpasar, we were given a lift by our tour guide and driver to Ngurah Rai, Bali's International airport. We thanked them for their hospitality and thoughtfulness.

At the airport. Bali.

At the airport, we decided to get some food and drinks before checking in our check-in luggage. That proved to be a good choice because it took quite a while to queue to check-in our luggage and  it also took a while to pay the required Indonesian Departure Airport Tax.

Lunch at Bali's International Airport.

Many of the shops at the Bali's International airport featured the local products. I was more excited to find a few good buys when I was at a bookstore in the airport. Certain titles were available at a much lower price at this bookstore than in the bookstores in Singapore.

Otherwise, there was not much things that were enticing to buy at the airport. Maybe it is just that I am not quite in the mood to shop that day.

I was more excited to find the mail-box to post a few postcards while I was at the airport.

Before we knew it, it was time to board our plane to find our way back to Singapore. It was a memorable trip.

The plane to take us home.

http://driversbali.com/denpasar-city.html
http://dwipatrips.com/wiki/dwipatrips.php?id=bali:landmarks:bajra_sandhi_monument
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_intervention_in_Bali_(1906)
http://baliexpat.biz/artsentertainment/four-faces-needed-to-face-balis-brave-new-world/
http://www.baliwaves.com/2009/06/i-gusti-nyoman-lempad/
http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Denpasar-Market.htm

10 Oct 2012: The morning adventure

10 Oct 2012 (Wed):

Kuta Art Market in the morning. Bali.

This was the last day of our tour to Bali. The morning was generally free and the decision was to explore Kuta.

It was too early to visit the Discovery Shopping Mall since it opens at 10 a.m. As such, we explored other parts of the Kuta area. I took notice of the street hawkers who were out for business in the early morning. Kuta looked totally different in the morning than in the night. My attention was also drawn to females praying in the morning. In Bali, the Hindu ladies seem to have the important spiritual role of offering prayers to the Gods.

Praying.

We had some snacks at the A&W restaurant located in the Discovery Shopping Mall in the late morning. Afterwhich, we explored the mall before heading back to the hotel.

May the photographs lend you a glimpse of our observations for that day.

One of the hawkers. Bali.

9 Oct 2012: Tanah Lot and so forth

Tanah Lot. Bali.

9 Oct 2012 (Tue):

In the late afternoon, we noticed there were 16 consecutive traffic police vehicles that had passed our tour bus. We were wondering what was the grand occasion. Several days later, when I was back in Singapore that 12 Oct 2012 was the 10th anniversary of the Bali bombings.

Anyway, when the couple on our tour group reached their hotel, it was yet another adventure for me and my friend who have chosen to continue with the tour. Our destination for that late afternoon was Tanah Lot.

Tanah Lot
Prior to my visit to Tanah Lot, one of my colleagues has told me that this is one of the amazing places in Bali to visit. Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the island of Bali. On the higher grounds of Tanah Lot sits a magnificent pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot. During the low-tides, Tanah Lot can be easily accessible. I have learnt from experience of that very day that it would not help to wear track-shoes to Tanah Lot. Slippers or beach sandals may better suit the visit.

People walking across the shallow waters to get to Pura Tanah Lot.

When it was low tide, this was how shallow the water could be.

I learnt from my accompanying friend who had crossed to the island where Pura Tanah Lot had sat that in order to enter the temple, visitors have to first receive blessings with holy water, rice and so forth.

The views at Tanah Lot was pretty captivating. Other than the scenic views, I particularly welcomed the large and refreshing waves. I felt very blessed by what Nature has offered.

On this rocky promontory sits Pura Batu Bolong. Tanah Lot, Bali.

Further away, on a rocky promontory at Tanah Lot is a small Hindu temple named Pura Batu Bolong. It felt very inviting to enjoy the breezes of the Indian Ocean at that rocky promontory.

I was told that Es Kelapa Muda (chilled young coconut) is one of the refreshing drinks that one can enjoy during sunset at Tanah Lot. However, since my friend and I have had fresh coconut drink that afternoon for lunch, we gave the Es Kelapa Muda from Tanah Lot a miss.

I was rather attracted to hawkers cooking and selling barbecued sweet-corn along the streets near Tanah Lot.

The grand entrance to Tanah Lot.

Here is a tip for visitors to Tanah Lot, please be prepared to walk quite a bit to get there from the carpark.

Dinner at Bali Lezat
By the time when we reached the dinner place, the skies have darkened quite a bit. Dinner was at a place that offered Chinese food, seafood and Indonesian food. I like the vegetables especially. This is perhaps because I like to eat vegetables.

Bali Lezat
Jl. Raya Kuta No. 68 Kuta Bali, Indonesia.
Tel: (0361) 763097

***
Exploring Kuta Square and Kuta at Night
After our dinner, we requested that our driver and tour guide let us alight at the Matahari Shopping Centre. We were driven to the Matahari departmental store in Kuta Square although I was having in mind the Matahari Shopping Centre. Anyway, it proved to be a good enough choice since we knew how to walk from Kuta Square back to our hotel after our night-time adventures.

The streets of Kuta looked bustling with life at night. Compared to the sights of the streets of Kuta in the morning, it seemed that people who love the night will be handsomely rewarded with more interesting activities at night.

Get an ice-cream treat
Before heading back to the hotel, my friend and I each bought ourselves a Cornetto Ice-cream from a 24-hours convenience shop just opposite the hotel that we were staying. One of such serving of ice-cream costs only 6000 rupiah (about S$0.75). In Singapore, it would have cost much more.

That night, I spent some time writing a number of postcards. I wonder how long it would take for them to reach their recipients when I post them the following day.

References:
http://www.tanahlot.net/home/
http://wikitravel.org/en/Tanah_Lot
http://cori-postcards.blogspot.sg/2011/09/pura-batu-bolong-tanah-lot-west-bali.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/11/bali-bombings-10-years-on
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-12/thousands-set-to-remember-bali-bombings/4308848

9 Oct 2012: Beaches, Balinese Paintings and Bali

Tanjong Benoa Beach, Bali.

9 Oct 2012 (Tue): Our third day in Bali treated us with the beauty of the beaches and more. Our day began with a visit to Tanjong Benoa Beach.

Tanjong Benoa Beach
This beach used to be a fishing village and old dock. Development has led to it becoming a beach-side resort with various amenities. Perhaps if you were to ask me, I would prefer if it could retain its original charms. Maybe I could say so because I have a lesser preferences for water sports?

Anyway, the Tanjong Benoa Beach one place to enjoy water sports such as the Banana Boat, the Parasailing jet ski, fly fish. What is interesting is a sailing trip to Turtle Island by a glass-bottom boat which could be made possible at a fee that was published to be US$25 per person, minimum 2 pax. Our group managed to secure a discount since there were four of us that day. This is a place to bring the beach sandals.

Walking towards one of the glass-bottom boats. Tanjong Benoa Beach, Bali.

Turtle Island
Thankfully, instead of the usual track-shoes that I would usually wear during my visit to Bali, I was wearing a part of slippers when I was at Tanjong Benoa Beach. To take the glass-bottom boat, one would need to walk from the sandy beaches to the glass-bottom boat that was anchored a few metres away from the shore.  The ride on the boat was somewhat leisure and relaxing. Mid-way the journey to Turtle Island, the driver of our boat gave everyone in our group pieces of bread for us to feed the fishes. The glass-bottom boat allowed us to peer through the glass to observe the movements of the plants and fishes under water.

Walking towards Turtle Island, Bali, and looking back at how far I have walked.

In about half-an-hour, we reached Turtle Island. To get to the shore, we had to walk for about five minutes from the place where the boat was anchored. While walking to the shore, I tried to be fully present for this experience which I would rarely have. I became conscious of the sensations of my feet touching the sand. Somehow, it was therapeutic to walk to the shore.

One of the bats in Turtle Farm, Turtle Island, Bali.

At Turtle Island, we paid an admission fee of 10000 rupiahs each to get into the Turtle Farm. Here, we had the chance to get closed-up with turtles, bats, toucans, snakes and more. Under the watchful eyes of one of the keepers, I had my first experience having a snake touching me. Compared to having a snake touching me, it was a more pleasant experience to attempt to get a bat hanging from one of my fingers. Anyway, most of the animals in the Turtle Farm have been domesticated and are used to having interactions with human beings.

A toucan. Turtle Farm, Turtle Island, Bali.

Lunch at Warung Pencar Grill Fish and Sea Food
Our lunch was at a nicely landscaped place called Warung Pencar Grill Fish and Sea Food. My friend and I each ordered a plate of Ayam Bakar (grilled chicken) and fresh coconut juice. The Ayam Bakar has a nice grilled texture and a slightly sweet barbecued taste. It was served with kangkong. I enjoyed my Indonesian-style lunch at Warung Pencar Grill Fish and Sea Food.

Beautifully landscaped place for lunch at Warung Pencar Grill Fish and Sea Food, Bali.

Beverages were not included in the tour package, yet we gladly topped up 12000 rupiahs for our individual share of the fresh coconut juice. I learnt that it is common to add lime into coconut juice in Bali.

Ayam Bakur and fresh coconut juice.
Warung Pencar Grill Fish and Sea Food, Bali.

Warung Pencar Grill Fish and Sea Food
Jl. Pantai Padang Galak, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: (0361) 8799904.


Balinese paintings
Upon the reminder of yours truly, our tour guide brought us to the Udiyana Art Studio after lunch to see Balinese paintings. However, unlike what the itinerary had suggested, it was too much to expect to hear about the history of Balinese painting at this art studio. Nevertheless, I was thankful for the chance to be acquainted with Balinese paintings.

Udiyana Art Studio
Jl. WR Supratman 327, Tohpati, Denpasar 80237, Bali, Indonesia

Tel: (0361) 461734.

Balinese paintings from Udiyana Art Studio.

Batik

Nearby the art studio, there was a wholesale centre for Batik. Here, we caught a glimpse of the production of Batik. My accompanying friend's interest in Bali had a positive influence on me. I found myself searching for a beach of Batik sarong to add to my wardrobe. Anyway, I did not find any at this Batik centre.

The art of making Batik.

**
Thereafter, the couple in our group requested to return to their hotel to rest. By that time, there was not enough time to visit Taman Ayun Temple. I felt disappointed to have missed visiting the Taman Ayun Temple that sits on a piece of nicely landscaped piece of land. One thing that I am aware about Taman Ayun Temple was that it is the royal temple of the Mengwi Empire, which I have limited knowledge of.

Our tour guide and driver took my friend and myself to Tanah Lot. It seemed a good idea to visit Tanah Lot in the evening somehow.

***

References:
http://bali-turtle-island.blogspot.sg/
http://www.tourguidesbali.com/tours/turtle-island.php
http://www.bali-indonesia.com/tanjung-benoa/
http://www.baliapollo.com/?page_id=234

http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Taman-Ayun-Temple.htm
http://fivelements.org/en/retreats-a-programmes/healing-journeys/journey-through-the-kingdom-of-mengwi

9 Oct 2012: Exploring the streets of Kuta in the morning

The streets of Kuta in the morning. Bali.

9 Oct 2012 (Tue): On our own, my friend and I explored some of the streets of Kuta in the morning. While we were walking about the streets of Kuta, I found myself intrigued by women carrying items on their head. What a fine art of balance each of these women have.

Kuta Art Market.

We came to another part of Kuta Beach, and found ourselves at the Kuta Art Market. I shall offer you glimpses of what we saw that morning while exploring part of the streets of Kuta.

Kuta Beach.

One of the Hindu temples in Kuta.

One of the schools in Kuta.

9 Oct 2012: Scooters and motorbikes are a common sight in Bali. 

While I walked the streets of Kuta, I was appreciate the beautiful side of Bali even though it is different from my hometown of Singapore.

References:
http://www.bali-directory.com/all-about-bali/TraditionalMarket.asp
http://www.balifantastic.com/bali-island-information/vacation-guide/129-best-place-for-shopping-area-in-kuta-bali.html

8 Oct 2012: After dinner adventure

8 Oct 2012 (Mon):

After the dinner, our driver and tour-guide led me and my friend back to our hotel in Kuta, Bali. My friend and I decided that the night was still young. As such, we went to explore the streets nearby our hotel.

During our stroll, we came across people gathering at a communal space which I suppose was called Banjar Anyar Kuta. We spoke to one of the locals who could speak English. She told us that the people were gathering at the place to watch a dance performance, and thereafter, they would attend a prayer. My friend and I watched part of what was taking place from the main entrance of the place.

While we were exploring the streets, we noticed a few street hawkers. However, there were fewer street hawkers by the time we were out exploring the streets than when we were passing by the same streets earlier that evening on our tour bus.

The street hawkers are rather uncommon sightings in Singapore, so I took the opportunity to enjoy the smell of food from these stalls.

When we were back in our hotel room that night, it took a while before we stopped hearing the distant sounds of prayers from the neighbouring vicinity. Somehow, it seemed like a laid-back and simple way to end the night.

8 Oct 2012: Luwak Coffee, terraced rice fields and more!

8 Oct 2012:

After our lunch, my friend and I were led by our tour-guide and drive to explore more of Bali.

Luwak Coffee at Green Land Coffee
Our first stop after lunch was at Green Land Coffee. This place produces Luwak Coffee and many other organic beverages.

We were greeted by one of the staff from Green Land Coffee who graciously introduced us to the processes of making Luwak Coffee, also known as Kopi Luwak.

This is a summary of what I have learnt about one of the world's most expensive varieties of coffee.

Coffee Berries.

1) Plants producing coffee beans are grown. At Green Land Coffee, the Arabica coffee plant is grown organically on the grounds of this farm. These Arabica coffee plants are grown at high attitude.

2) The coffee berries are eaten by the civet, and are then passed through the digestive tract of the civet. The civet will eat the fleshy pulp of the berries. Subsequently, in the enzymes in the civet's digestive tract will seep into the beans of the coffee berries. The beans passed through the civet's intestines and are then defecated, keeping their shape.

3) The defecated coffee beans are collected.

Defecated coffee beans are collected to make Kopi Luwak.

4) They are then washed and sun-dried.

Washed and sun-dried coffee beans, to make Kopi Luwak.

5) The skin of the washed coffee berries are peeled off.

6) Then given a light roasting.

Lightly roasted coffee beans to be made into Kopi Luwak.

7) The roasted beans are grounded.

8) We have the Luwak Coffee powder which are ready to be brewed.

Kopi Luwak powder.

We did not get to sample the Luwak Coffee at Green Land Coffee as it came with a fee. On hindsight, I could have spontaneously agreed to sample a cup of it for a fee. Afterall, it will be very rare for me to drink organic Luwak Coffee at that price when I am back in Singapore.

We were treated to various other organic beverages produced by the farm. These were normal Bali coffee, ginseng coffee, cocoa coffee, lemon-grass tea, ginger tea and herbal tea. The herbal tea was said to be made up of turmeric, tamarind, betel leaf and honey. My favourite were the ginger tea and the herbal tea.

One of the interesting sightings at the Green Land Coffee was the purple-coloured Bali watermelon. It was rather small and looked more than an egg-plant to me.

Bali watermelon.

Green Land Coffee
Br. Sekaan, Desa Sekaan, Kintamani - Bangli, Bali Indonesia
Tel: (0361) 8570826 - 08124670916

Terraced Rice Fields
Our experiences with the beautiful face of Bali continued as we were driven up to Tegalalang Sebatu  to experience the views of the terraced rice fields. The view was scenic. It felt nice to be close to Nature. Somehow, the rice fields felt like sacred spaces in the ordinary world. I marvelled at how these rice fields could feed thousands of people. I was inspired by the greenery of the rice fields that I did a simple sketch during my visit to the village of Tegalalang.

Rice fields of Bali.

Here, I was reminded of the significance of the cultivation of rice in the South-East Asian region. Rice is an important staple in Indonesia. I learnt that the rice goddess, Dewi Sri, is revered in the Indonesian culture.


Wood Carving
At the idle countryside of Bali, we visited a wood carving workshop. I spoke briefly to one of the wood-carving artists and learnt that he had learnt the craft from his father when he was ten years old. I was attracted to a life-sized wood statue of a horse which was so life-like. As photography is not allowed inside the shop areas, I have no photograph of the statue of the horse to show.

Balinese wood carvings.

Chinese dinner at Plaza Dewata

In Bali, the sun sets very early. By 5 p.m. or so, it would be turning dark.

We nourished ourselves with Chinese dinner at Plaza Dewata Chinese Seafood Restaurant. The dinner was included in the tour package. I like the tom-yam soup and the fresh green vegetables from this restaurant. Although Bali is famous for its seafood, I was not in fancy of it that night.

Plaza Dewata Chinese Seafood Restaurant
Jl. Raya Kuta No. 131,
Bali, Indonesia
Tel: (0361) 759 791.

***
Overall, it was a day to be closer to Nature and to Balinese art. I am thankful for this getaway in Bali. Many thanks to my accompanying friend for her company.

References:
http://en.astinatravel.com/index.php?act=info&id=310
http://www.balileisure.com/h/pacung-resort/index.html
http://www.terrain.org/articles/21/donohue.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_production_in_Indonesia

8 Oct 2012: Handicrafts, Silver crafts, a Hindu temple and more!

8 Oct 2012:

After a treat to Barong and Keris dances, the next half of the morning was spent exposing ourselves to Balinese handicrafts and silver crafts. It left on me an impression that there are many talented craftsmen in Bali.

Indonesian Handicraft Centre
One of our stops was at a handicraft centre where one can find various kinds of Indonesian handicrafts. Perhaps it was because my friend and I had seen similar handicrafts when we were at the Discovery Shopping Mall the day before, the handicrafts did not feel novel to me.

I was however attracted to the fact that the handicraft centre was marketing Luwak coffee as the souvenir to bring home. I was treated to a sample of a few sips of Luwak coffee. It has a finer taste compared to the Bali coffee that I had sampled that very day.

What was more memorable at the Indonesian Handicraft was neither the handicrafts nor the Luwak coffee, it was the chance to play on one of the traditional instruments that was placed on display at the carpark area.

Traditional Bali instrument.

Silver Crafts
If gold and silver crafting interests you, Celuk Village will be your favourite destinations. This is where one can find several workshops that specialises in gold and silver crafting.

During our trip, our guide brought us to this workshop by the name of Fa.SUARDANA. However, I cannot quite determine if the workshop was located in Celuk Village.

Anyway, at Fa. SUARDANA, my friend and I were given an introduction to basic silver crafts. I learnt how much effort and skill would be needed to make one tiny silver beads. While I was at the workshop, I was reminded of an exhibition on Ukraine gold and the art of gold-crafting that I had visited in Singapore. The designs of Balinese gold and silver crafts are very different from those by craftsmen from other parts of the world. I learnt that it takes a good pair of eyes, good skills and patience to make the silver crafts.

Silver crafts.

One of the products of the silver craft workshop.

Fa. SUARDANA
Phone: 62 361 298241

Pura Desa and Puseh (Temple)
This is an elaborate Hindu temple in the village of Ubud. Its history dates back to the 10th century when it was built by the king of Marakata, in the Caka Year of 944 C.E. On the back of the temple are remains of stone artefacts from the prehistoric time. These are kept in an open pavilion. I learnt that the stone structures are largely made of sandstone.

What was peculiarly interesting to me was how one can find remarkable structures in Bali that demonstrate influences from Hinduism. I realised then that an appreciation of Bali could only be completed after gaining an understanding of its history.

At the temple, we saw a lady praying. I learnt that the Hindu devotees in Bali pray three times a day: once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening.

Praying, the Balinese Hindu way.

Kintamani mountain resort and lunch at Gong Dewata Restaurant
Time seemed to pass very fast even though I would like it to be slower. Before we knew it, we were at Kintamani mountain resort served with buffet lunch at the Gong Dewata Restaurant. The food was satisfactory. Service was hospitable. I particularly like the tastes of the languan satay and the gado-gado. The former has a lingering lemon grass flavour and a nice coconut taste in the meal. The satay sauce for the gado-gado was very nice.

From the mountain resort, we were offered a spectacular view of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. I felt humbled by the magnificence of Nature. While enjoying our lunch, we were treated to cool breeze at the high attitude. I was so inspired by the view and experience that I did a sketch after lunch.  It was a very enjoyable lunch. In fact, it was memorable!

Kintamani mountain resort, Bali.

Sketch of Mount Batur.

Admittedly, the toilet facilities may need some improvement. That aside, generally, the experience at the restaurant was positive.

Gong Dewata Restaurant
Jalan Raya Kintamani, Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: 62 857 2257 2617



References:

http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Mas-Village.htm
http://www.balisurfadvisor.com/placesinterest/masvillage.html
http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Celuk-Village.htm
http://www.localyte.com/attraction/62712--Pura-Desa--Puseh-Batuan--Indonesia--Bali--Daoehpoeri
http://www.cmariec.com/?p=13495
http://www.balitouring.com/bali_articles/bali-history.htm
http://www.balitouring.com/bali_articles/bali-interesting-places/kintamani.html