For my weeks in Bali, I decided to focus on “doing nothing”, just working out once a day and eating, drinking, sleeping, and relaxing before I repeated the same the next day. But being in Bali, I had to visit at least the most iconic spots. Therefore, here are my achievements 🙂
Pura Tanah Lot
Pura Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most iconic temples, perched dramatically upon a rock formation off the coast. During high tide, the temple appears to float gracefully above the surging ocean waves. Visitors flock to Tanah Lot to capture this picturesque scene, particularly at sunset when the sky transforms into a blaze of color. As one of Bali’s seven sea temples, Tanah Lot holds deep spiritual significance in Balinese Hinduism. Legend even suggests that venomous sea snakes protect the temple’s base from evil spirits.
Temple Ulun Danu Bratan
Temple Ulun Danu Bratan is a picturesque Hindu-Buddhist water temple on the shores of Lake Bratan in the Bedugul highlands of Bali. The temple’s iconic multi-tiered shrines, or “meru,” seem to float serenely on the lake’s surface. These striking structures are dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake. Often shrouded in mist, the temple exudes a mystical and magical atmosphere.
Jatiluwih
Jatiluwih is a breathtaking region in Bali known for its expansive rice terraces cascading down from the slopes of Mount Batukaru. These sculpted paddies offer panoramic views and create a vibrant patchwork of lush green. Tourists can hike along designated paths, immersing themselves in the tranquility of rural Bali. The UNESCO World Heritage Site status of Jatiluwih acknowledges its unique agricultural practices and stunning landscape.
Taman Ayun Temple
The Taman Ayun Temple is a beautiful royal temple complex in Mengwi, about 90 minutes north of Denpasar. Built in the 17th century, the temple’s name translates to “Beautiful Garden.” Its design features stunning courtyards, towering multi-tiered shrines (known as meru), and tranquil lotus ponds. Taman Ayun Temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic and cultural significance. Even if that area was really unique to visit, I was “confused” about the tourism around that temple. After paying the entrance fee, you enter an area of food courts, a dinosaur museum, and fee-paying picture spots.
Before I finish with Bali, I have to tell you why I most likely will not come back to Bali: The Traffic!
It’s worse than in any other city I was during my world trip; not even Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh can catch on to that! The increased tourism and the fact that many locals are moving from Jakarta to Bali make it horrible. I am used to walking often, but even that is sometimes impossible. The streets barely have sidewalks; if they have, you have to share them with scooters as rules don’t apply to them…
Standing on a street for minutes before you can cross it is normal, and taking a cab sometimes takes hours for 15km.
The other islands of Indonesia are as beautiful as Bali, but you have no problem with the traffic. Its sometimes more challenging to get there, but I will go for that next time!
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