My wonderful Bali experience...

To treat myself on my birthday, I decided to go to Bali, Indonesia. Going to Bali was quite a long journey. Despite its our nearness in our country, there was no direct flight to this beautiful and enigmatic island. I left Manila in the morning of November 6 2010 and I arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali almost midnight.  

My travel was quite relaxing because my stopover was at Changi International Airport, for me, the most beautiful airport in the world in terms of amenities and facilities.

Paradise on Earth...Bali.

After my long journey that took me almost 12 hours, I decided to take a rest because I knew that this country had lot of things to offer. My first day started with a tour with my Balinese friend. She toured me around Denpasar, Bali.

The first thing I bought is the traditional costume. It was needed to have an access to several Hindu temples that Bali has got. And it’s also a sign of respect of their tradition, culture and belief. After that my Balinese friend brought me to her house, she introduced me to her family and explain and showed me the Balinese lifestyle.

My first destination was Besakih Temple. It was built on the south slopes of Mount Agung, the principal volcano of Bali. This Mother Temple is actually a complex made up of twenty-two temples that sit on parallel ridges. It has stepped terraces and flights of stairs which ascend to a number of courtyards and brick gateways that in turn lead up to the main spire or Meru structure, which is called Pura Penataran Agung. 

All this is aligned along a single axis and designed to lead the spiritual person upward and closer to the mountain which is considered sacred. A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih. The lava flows missed the temple complex by mere meters. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous,and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected.

I was amazed by the intricate design and architectural structure of the temple. It showed that Balinese artisans were really expert and had an exemplary talent when it comes to art. Although it was raining i really enjoyed the place. I felt no religion. I felt i was really a true Balinese. I even asked my friend to teach me how is the proper way to pray to their God and to pay respect to their divinity.

After our temple visit we had a sumptuous lunch in the middle of the rice field. I had a lot of nasi goreng with bebek and ayam. It is considered the national dish of Indonesia.

After our Indonesian lunch we headed to the Ubud Monkey Forest. 

It is located in the centre of the island. It is a nature reserve, at the same time a temple complex. The name of the place already means that in this complex you can have a direct contact with the monkeys so don’t be shocked that monkeys would jump on you or get your belongings like  your eyeglasses or necklace. 

The complex houses approximately 340 Crab eating macaque monkeys (32 adult males, 19 male sub adult, 77 adult females, 122 juvenile and 54 infants). There are four groups of monkeys each occupying different territories in the park. The Sacred Monkey Forest is a popular tourist attraction in Ubud.

Then, we proceed to the famous medicine man, palmist and astrologist of Bali, Ketut Liyer from the famous movie of Eat Pray Love. 

I decided not to have a palm reading also because I promise to myself that I would return to Bali. I'll have my fortune telling session next time. I am addicted to Bali as i am addicted travelling.

And that same night I went to see Kecak, a dance performed primarily by men. Also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant, the piece, performed by a circle of 150 or more performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, percussively chanting "cak" and throwing up their arms, depicts a battle from the Ramayana where the monkey-like Vanara helped Prince Rama fight the evil King Ravana. I had some pictures with the dancers, actors and actresses wearing their traditional costume. An experience that will linger in your memory. Sumptous Indonesian cuisine dinner AYAM AYAM AYAM and Nasi Goreng.

The following day I needed to change money. And i’m so lucky to be a Billionaire! :)

After our breakfast in the hotel we headed to Tirta Empul Temple. Tirta Empul Temple (Indonesian: Pura Tirta Empul) is a Hindu temple in the middle of Bali Island, Indonesia, famous for its holy water where Hindu Bali people go for purification. I want to be "purified" inside and out. Gunung Kawi is an 11th-century temple complex in Tampaksiring north east of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia. It is located on the river Pakrisan.

The complex comprises 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) carved into the cliff face. They stand in 7-metre-high (23 ft) sheltered niches cut into the sheer cliff face. These monuments are thought to be dedicated to King Anak Wungsu of the Udayana dynasty and his favourite queens.I had a lot of stairs to climb so i decided to 
quench my thirst with a kelapa muda

The following day was a very special day for me. It was my birthday. After our breakfast in the hotel I went to Kuta beach. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and many renowned surfers who visit from Australia. It is located near Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport. That same day after lunch i decided to pay respect and give thanks to God. Tanah Lot  is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home of a pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot. I prayed for being thankful for my years of existence. For endless material and non material things that i received from him. I was so happy and thankful for this beautiful experience.

The same day i was wearing a very special and formal Balinese dress. Even local people told me that i really looked like a real Balinese man. They even gave me a Balinese name “Orang Anom Subali”. After a wonderful dinner and evening before i slept i did a solemn thankful prayer for the endless blessings. Sumptous breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel. I enjoyed the luxurious facilities and amenities of it and also did some shopping for souvenirs for my parents. The following day i needed to leave Bali and i promised to come back again soon. I’m so thankful to my Balinese friends that made this holiday a really wonderful experience. Terimah Kasih.