Bali Day 3: Pura Luhur Tanah Lot, Pura Taman Ayu & Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Date of Visit: 13 August 2012

After left the disappointing turtle farm of Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, we moved on for our next adventures - the temples visit. Throughout the four days trip, I can honestly say that these three temples visit were my favourite and I personally would recommend these to those who never been to Bali before not to miss these temples - Pura Luhur Tanah Lot, Pura Taman Ayu and & Pura Ulun Danu.

Pura Luhur Tanah Lot

Beautifully perched on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide, Tanah Lot Temple is an extremely popular tourist and cultural icon for photography. It was built in 15th century by the Javanese priest for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

#1: Before reaching the temple, we walked across a row of colourful shops selling plenty of souvenirs, foods and drinks.

#2: Captivating scenery of Tanah Lot Temple at low tide

We're lucky enough by the time we visited this sacred temple it was at low tide, which consider to be the best time cause we can walk and get closer to the base of Tanah Lot. Ever since this temple leads to highly commercialised, every visitors are required to pay upon enter into this area. The entrance fee is divided into two categories; local and foreigner and again, we were lucky enough cause we paid IDR10,000 (approx. to RM3) for local fare instead of IDR30,000 which apply for the foreigner.

#3: Side view of the temple

#4: Huge wave behind me

#5: View from the mainland cliff tops 

Before move on to the next destination, we stopped by few souvenirs shops for souvenirs hunting as well bought ice-cream to cool down our body on the very scorching hot weather. 

Pura Taman Ayu

The name of Pura Taman Ayu means the "Temple of the Beautiful Gardens" and it was built by the founder of Mengwi Kingdom. This huge royal temple is surrounded by an artificial waterways and entered over a bridge, making this place similar to a huge garden sanctuary.

#6: The Candi Bentar or split gate of Pura Taman Ayun

#7: Gateway to the inner courtyard of this temple

Pura Taman Ayun consists of a forecourt, a central court and a spacious inner court. A tall stone gateway separates the forecourt from the central court, while the inner court is surrounded by a stone wall. Pura Taman Ayu is totally one of the beautiful temple building with multi-storied roof and authentic Balinese architecture.

#8: The temple is also surrounded by lotus

#9: I always love my sunny to be the main character

#10: The eleven-storey meru are replicas of the original at difference sacred sites around Bali and are dedicated to the rice goddess Dewi Sri.

#11: Unfortunately, visitors are allowed to see the inner courtyard from outside only. 

 

#12: The wide gorgeous landscape garden in front courtyard to welcome all visitors who come and visit this temple.

The entrance fee for Pura Taman Ayu is IDR30,000  (approx. to RM10) per person. Too bad, this time around we unable to get the local fare. As for a sweet reminder to the lady, this temple is strictly disallowed to enter during menstruation. So, better plan ahead or else, it believe will bring bad luck.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan @ Bedugul

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is an enchanting water temple which believed it was dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Lake Goddess for offerings ceremony. This temple complex is situated on the western bank of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul Highlands, which is well-known for its great natural beauty. Seeing that it was located above the sea level, this area was kinda chilly and cool and most importantly, we felt the deeply fresh air.

#13: Ceremony and ritual took place when we arrived this temple

#14: Indeed an enchanting and stunning temple that sit on a very beautiful lake

#15: One of its temple which I believe being repainted for couple of times

#16: Very scenic and gives a sense of calmness and relaxing feels

#17: The temple is surrounded by a myriad of colourful and vibrant flowers

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is another popular photography icon after Puru Luhur Tanah Lot. And for your information, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is featured in Indonesian banknote of 50,000. Just like the rest, the entrance to this temple is not free and IDR30,000 per person (approx. to RM10) is apply to each and every foreigner.

We reached our hotel around 7 pm after more than an hour ride from Pura Ulun Daru Bratan. As it was Pak Bagus final day offering his tour services to us, we decided to give him extra tips for his excellent services throughout the first 3 days we engaged him. And because it was our final night in Bali as well, we planned to have a big feast, I means to reward ourselves with a fine dinner.

#18: Cause three of us were craving for Chinese foods, so we ended up in Chinese restaurant which located not far away from our hotel. Puri Bali Indah Restaurant is not a bad restaurant after all.

[Credit To: Wikipedia, Wikitravel, Asia Explorers]

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Bali Day 3: Turtle Farm of Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua

Day of Visit: 13th August 2012

Comes to the third day, we have two optional tours; either to Lovina Beach for dolphin watching or to Nusa Dua for turtle island trip. Well of course, we're more interested for the first one but it was located 3 hours away from Kuta/Legian and we need to wake up as early as 2 am in the morning. Plus the chances of seeing the dolphin might be low. As we didn't book early this tour, hence we're opted for the latter option.

#1: Nusa Dua beach

Nusa Dua beach is famed for its water sport activities such as windsurfing, parasailing, banana boat, jet ski, snorkelling cruises, submarine and even for scuba diving. But our main purpose is to visit the turtle farm in Tanjung Benoa, which situated in northern side from Nusa Dua beach. 

#2: Deluang Sari Turtle Farm of Tanjung Benoa

Once we arrived Nusa Dua beach, we were approached by the tour operator and he persuaded us to take some recommended tours, especially on water sport activities but we refused. At the end, we only agreed for the turtle island tour and to be frank, it was kinda costly as it cost USD$30 per pax. After tried our best to negotiate the price with the tour operator, finally we agreed at the price of USD$25 per person, which approximately to RM75.

The journey from Nusa Dua beach to Tanjung Benoa took about 20 minutes and we ride on a motorboat with a clear glass bottom. From the boat, we able to see beautiful and colourful underwater scenery without having to dive.

#3: Hundreds of baby turtles were placed inside baskets

#4: Take a pitcha with the turtle. 

#5: Huge and giant turtle which I believed aged hundred years old.

On this turtle island, besides turtles, we also saw few other animals; such as bats, snakes, hawks, komodo dragons, birds and more as part of the wildlife collection. Most of the animals were tamed so that we will be able to touch and hold them. 

#6: Huge bats were hollowing on the tree. We even brave ourself to hold them and take picture with them.

#7: Hawks

#8: Small island of Tanjung Benoa

The turtle island itself is very small and within less than half an hour, we had done with seeing everything. Besides getting near to the wildlife animals especially the hundred years old turtles, nothing special about this island and I personally would not recommended this tour to anyone. Seriously, it really pricey and not worth for visit.

#9: Saw a random cafe by the island side while on the way back to the beach

#10: Most people come to Nusa Dua beach for water sport activities

#11: That's kite by the way. I love this photo

Conclusion, this trip is expensive, short and not worth for every dollar we paid. Perhaps next time, my friends and I should opt for Lovina Beach for dolphin watching.

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Bali Day 2: (Part 2) Mount Batur in Kintamani, Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka & Ubud Market

*Non-Halal Post*

Date of Visited: 12th August 2012

Continue from Bali Day 2: (Part 1) Batuan Village, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul at Tampak Siring Presidential Palace & Luwak Coffee

Mount Batur in Kintamani

Without realised, it's time for lunch break and Pak Bagus stopped exactly at Kintamani district where there are abundance of restaurants offering buffet lunches set up by the hill side. One of the main reason why Kintamani district is the most popular destinations in Bali is mainly because of Mount Batur Volcano, an active volcano located at the center of two concentric calderas north west of Bali, Indonesia.  

#1: Clear view of Mount Batur and Lake Batur in Kintamani District

#2: The buffet menu of the restaurant we patronised - Batur Sri Restaurant

Batur Sri Restaurant comprised of two floors and when we went down to the ground floor, it was less crowded and not many people compare to the top floor. By looking at the menu, it may seem that there are plenty of foods but by the time we reached, not much foods left and we were kinda disappointed.

#3: Can opt to dine outdoor if wanna enjoy the spectacular mountain view 

The total damage that we paid for this buffet lunch was IDR121,000 per person (approx. to RM41) and it was really expensive, seeing that the foods were average and nothing extraordinary.

Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka

When comes to the most famous question of "What to Eat in Bali", most people will tell you to try "Babi Guling", or Balinese-style roasted suckling pig. It is huge hits among tourists and absolutely one of the local foods not to be missed. The most famous one would be in Warung Ibu Oka. Typically, it is served over rice with crispy pork skin, roasted pork, intestines, veggies and special spicy gravy in the package.  

#4: Menu board

#5: Pair with Teh Botol making the dish a perfect combo

Because we were still full from our buffet lunch, hence we just simply ordered two dishes without rice for testing purpose only. 

#6: Suckling pig meat with special spicy gravy

#7: Deep fried suckling pig meat

To be honest, my friends and I thought that these suckling pig meat was kinda over rated. Although the meat was very soft and tender but as for the special spicy gravy, the taste was so-so only. Frankly speaking, nothing to shout about. If you are going to Bali for the very first time, you could consider to add this into your itinerary but if you aren't, better opt for other choices.

Ubud Market

Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka that we visited is situated in Ubud village and there is a handicraft market nearby. If you love to buy souvenirs such as fridge magnets, keychains, theme T-shirt as memento and even as gifts to friends and family, this is the place that you are looking for. The price is negotiable and most of the items we bought here were indeed cheap than other places. 

#8: Ubud handicraft market

#9: Various handicrafts, arts and textiles can be found here

#10: A random temple in Ubud village

#11: My loot from Ubud market - T-shirt, fridge magnets, keychains, tote bags

We did a quick shopping around Ubud Market because we saw all the shops were almost closed. It was around 6.30pm at that moment. Not forgetting, the journey from Ubud to Kuta took roughly an hour and plus the congested traffic jam around Kuta and Legian area, hence my friends and I need to be hurry or else, we will reach our hotel quite late. By the time we reached our hotel, we were indeed exhausted and didn't bother to think of the nightlife activities. All we did was went into 24 hours convenience store to buy snacks and drinks to end our second day in Bali.

#12: Look what we found - Spongebob Squarepants Choco Banana Ice-Cream!

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Bali Day 2: (Part 1) Batuan Village, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul at Tampak Siring Presidential Palace & Luwak Coffee

Date of Visit: 12th August 2012

On the second day of our Bali trip, Pak Bagus picked us up at 9am of the local time. For your information, not all cities and places in Indonesia has the same time zone. For Jakarta and Bandung, the time differences would be 1 hour later than Malaysia whereas for Bali, there is no time difference between the two these two cities currently. 

Batuan Village

For our first pitstop, Pak Bagus dropped us a village which known as Batuan Village. This village is noted for its artwork and style of painting and has since emerged into a major Balinese artistic style. It is a major painting center and contains a number of art galleries and cooperative art societies which have played a key role in promoting the art of Batuan.

The most notable landmark is the village temple, known as Pura Puseh. This temple is not really that huge and big in size but it was a perfect place for photoshooting as it was filled with blue sky as the background photo.

#1: The split gate which is the famous type of gate where you can seen in almost all the Balinese temple

#2: Traditional architecture of the temple

#3:

#4: The pillar has a carving of a dancing goddess

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Next, we stopped at this rice terraces which is designed very beautiful with exquisite hollowing rice field and precisely located on the hill bank. This is a typical scene in Bali and this green terraced rice-field showcases the beauty of the Balinese countryside. In here, we can see that the Balinese farmer do their rice field in oblique area complete with its system irrigation. 

#5: Beautiful panorama of valley with rice terrace and coconut trees ornament it

Tegalalang Village is well known as the village of handicrafts centre especially for wholesale and export. Along the road, there are plenty of of shops where the villagers sell variety of painted woodcarving with colourful designed. The painted woodcarving products were painted on a very light wood so easy for the buyer to bring back home as a gift and souvenir for family and friends or even to decorate their house. Those painted woodcarving were pretty amazing but unfortunately, I'm not an art lover, hence I didn't bother to ask the price. 

#6: Hand-painted woodcarving products being displayed along the road

#7: The souvenirs shops are spread out beside of road

Tegalalang Rice Terrace has become the icon of agriculture tourism for Bali and appointed as a tourist destination visited by both local and foreign tourists every day. It is not free to enter into this by the way and the entrance fee cost is IDR5,000 per person (approx. to RM1.70)

Tirta Empul at Tampak Siring Temple

Tampak Siring Temple, which literally known as Spring Water Temple was built around the springs and it is a special bathing-pools. This place is well-known and popular among the visitors because it was built and structured by the first Indonesian president, Sukarno. 

In the inner courtyard, there is clear slate-blue spring water bubbling up into its own enclosed rectangular pool through a sedimentary layer of black sand. This legendary bathing pools inside the inner courtyard at Tirta Empul temple is said to have magical healing powers.

#8: The local is doing the bath special ritual which known as Balinese melukat

#9: To the local, the waters from this clear pools are believed to have magic curative powers.

 

#10: Fish pond with many colourful kois

#11:

#12: Some rituals were going on when we were there.

There are few rules need to be aware when visit this temple:

• Prohibited to enter without decent wear
• Do no wear short pants. And if you did like we were, you can rent a sarong inside the temple.
• Especially for the ladies, if your period is coming during the visit, it is better to stay away from the temple.

This temple is open daily to the public and the admission fee to enter into this temple is IDR15,000 (approx. to RM5). 

Luwak Coffee

Before move on the next destination, Pak Bagus asked us whether we would like to stop for the famous Luwak Coffee or not and we agreed for him to do so since I ever came across of Luwak Coffee which is well-known for its excellent coffee especially in Bali and I would love to buy a pack for my family. 

If you never heard of Luwak Coffee and wondering what it was, it refers to the bean of coffee berries once they have been eaten and excreted by the local Asian civet cat and then processed to be the highest grade of coffee. It believed to be the most expensive coffee in the world. 

#13: Sleeping Asian civet cats. This is where Luwak coffees from

#14: Free samples were given for testing - like vanilla coffee, coconut coffee, lemongrass tea and etc but not Luwak Coffee. If you want to test Luwak Coffee, you need to pay. 

I split my second day travelogue into two posts cause I don't want cramp everything into one post as it will make it like a very super duper long. So stay tune for the part two of my second day adventures of Bali.

[Credit To: Bali Fun Driver,]

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