Balinese Magic
Warm welcome for us with traditional Balinese dance.
Startling beauty and low key vive, jagged green mountains and rice terraces, and sparkling beaches makes Bali a favorite destination.
Follow the sounds of gemalan as you experience the very soul of this island.
Breathtaking Tanah Lot.
Bali embraces every sense of the word, “magic” from intense religious beliefs and rituals and colorful Balinese Hindu civilization. Each time, I think of Bali, I'm reminded of the wayang kulit dolls used in shadow puppet theatre and the clamor of gamelan, the traditional percussion of Indonesia. The gamelan's are meant to drive away evil spirits.
This afternoon, Putu, our guide greeted us at the docks and proceeded to usher us to the bus that will take us to Uluwatu Temple. From the docks, the drive to Uluwatu. We descended into coastal heat and traffic.
The road was jammed with swanky restaurants, little chic boutiques , souvenir stands, and farmlands before it revealed our destination.
Finally, we arrived just before sunset. According to Putu our guide, Uluwatu is a Hindu temple set on the cliff bank in south part of Bali Peninsula. It was built in the 11th century. It is one six big groups of Bali Temples) about 25 Km southerly part of Denpasar town. It is situated on the coral reef sordid to sea about 80 meters above the sea level. It is featured by a small dry forest which is mostly called by Alas Kekeran (interdict forest) which is belong to the temple and dwelt by a lot of monkeys and other animal.
Climbing the temple, there was a red parasol flanking weathered monoliths, incense smokes rising in front and towering trays of starfruit, oranges and frangipani flowers in pink colors as offerings to the Gods.
Several few women wearing their sarongs, lit their incense. The held them high with both hands and started chanting with bowed heads. Next they planted their incense sticks into a pot filled with sand.
Our guide explained that these women were praying and meditating, to be a Balinese, one can argue, is to be able to find the balance between real world and intangible. The setting was tranquil, and mysterious.
These religious rituals and beliefs are just a few of what makes the Balinese magic! In the afternoon glow, the Indian Ocean panorama spreads like painting on a canvas.
The sky has begun to blush as we started to leave the place.
Picturesque seascape from over the temple's walls and cliff borders of Uluwatu.
Our next stop was at sunset at Jimbaran Beach, Bali's best-maintained beaches. Located in Jimbaran, Bali's fishing hub, the beach and surrounding area is known for the amazing seafood.
Suntanned 20 something swarm the place surf board on their ams. A few surfers bobbed on their boards. Smell of charcoal filled the air and mingled with the sea air. Jimbaran Bay is Bali's high end luxury region affectionately known as "Millionaires Row" or "The Beverly Hills of Bali". You will not find any night clubs in Jimbaran Bay. That’s what Kuta is for. Many resorts and restaurants have live music while you enjoy your fresh seafood.
Like most beaches along the west coast of Bali, you can witness stunning sunsets at Jimbaran beach. Of course, once the sun has set it is time for seafood dinner. Something that Jimbaran bay is most famous for!
Bali didn’t disappoint. In fact, it is luring me back !
