Adventure Travel Asia: Bali, Indonesia (Tanah Lot)

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is the second-most famous temple in Bali. It's situated at the edge of the island. Unlike Uluwatu on the cliffs, you find Tanah Lot along the beaches.

There are no monkeys in this area.









The temples are under renovation so you can't go around to see what's inside.

We saw a group of people gathering around the cliffside. They have this "holy snake" which you can see in exchange for a small donation. They said it is for good luck.



It looked normal to me. So when I asked the guide why it's holy, he said that it was found on the temple grounds. If the snake same snake was found somewhere else, would it still be holy? I wonder.

The view again is breathtaking especially from the higher points of the area.

Adventure Travel Asia: Bali, Indonesia (Kintamani and Kuta Beach)

Kintamani

Kintamani is one of the cooler mountainous region of Bali where growing fruit and vegetables is the main produce. The main attraction for travellers Mt. Batur and beside it, Lake Batur.

Mt. Batur is an active Volcano. I'm not sure when it last erupted, but you can see from the panoramic view the burned surroundings. The last eruption must be very recent. Click image to view large.



A popular tourist spot would be restaurants located along the cliffsides, offering lunch while enjoying this fantastic view.







Kuta Beach
Kuta beach is probably what you'll often see when you people show you pics of Bali. Waves are good for surfing.



You need to be careful when swimming in areas with red flags such as this.



It's a sign saying that swimming is prohibited in such areas (although you still see people swimming). It's a warning that currents in that area are strong and can suck you into the open seas.



You'll also enjoy the sunset from this side of Bali island.

Many restaurants and bars can be found at Kuta beach area where you can enjoy the popular Indonesian beer, Bintang.


It's good and it's very cheap! A little less than US$1!!!

Adventure Travel Asia: Bali, Indonesia (Jimbaran Bay)

From Uluwatu Temple, we headed for Jimbaran Bay for a dinner by the beach. Literally by the beach!


Jimbaran Bay

The area is organized by a community of 24 restaurant owners. All their restaurants have the same size and overall look. All offer barbecued seafood at the same rates. Although they probably have their own specialty dishes.

They do this to make sure that everybody makes profit. No one big restaurant will monopolize the market.


While waiting for the sun to set and for your food to be served, you can have grilled corn ([i]inihaw na mais[/i]).



We ordered a seafood platter. It was good!.. except for the crabs. I guess we got used to nice big chili crabs in Singapore.

Adventure Travel Asia: Bali, Indonesia (Uluwatu)

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple is one of the main Hindu temples in Bali. The temple is situated along the cliffs, about 70 meters from the raging waves of the ocean. It is quite popular due to the breathtaking view of the sunset.

You need to be properly dressed when going inside the compound. You can't wear short pants. Sarongs are available for rent while sashes are lent for free.

I have nothing much to say about this place other than it's truly breathtaking! I'll let the pics speak for themselves.







Only worshipers are allowed inside the temple itself so I don't have good pics. Personally though, there's nothing interesting to see inside. Unless there's a ritual going on.








The waves were really crashing into the rocks below.

You'll be taking a lot of pictures here.. not knowing that monkeys will be sneaking in to steal your stuff.


Notice the monkey at the bottom left corner of the frame? That dude grabbed a keychain hanging from my camera bag. Good thing he wasn't able to yank it off. None of my stuff was taken.

There are hundreds of monkeys there. They are very very quick and will try to steal your things. We were told that a lot of people lose their glasses, caps, hair clips. The guides can get them back for you for a fee, which ranges to around US$40-50.




These monkeys just hang around the temple areas and wait for food from tourists.

We were told by our guide that there's a technique in getting back stolen items. You need to give the monkey two food items. Give the monkey one item first. When you give the second item, they will drop your things since they wouldn't let go of the food that's already in their other hand.



Unfortunately, giving the monkeys food to get stolen items back simply encourages them to steal more.

We were not able to wait for the sunset, but it's still a pretty sight.


.. more to come..