  For the first time visitor to Bali as well as for the
veteran, Bali offers a smorgasbord of fascinating experiences to tempt the traveler’s
palette. Here is just a taste of what the island has to offer, with a tip to toe whirlwind
tour of the paradise isle and a focus on surfing the tropical ocean waters. Dip in or
plunge in and indulge, the choice is yours...
Award winning international travel writer David Garson explores the island of the gods:
Bali, I have discovered, is a truly wonderful tropical place, inhabited by so many
artistic people who have helped to create a dynamic society with original and unique arts
and ceremonies. One of 17000 islands in Indonesia, Bali is justifiably famous for its
scenic beauty, dynamic culture and friendly people. Over the centuries the Balinese have
proved to be extremely resilient, managing to blend influences from Asia and the West with
their own traditions. Tourism has brought spectacular economic growth with a thriving
hotel industry and major improvements to transportation and communication facilities.
Whilst no longer a secret venue, the magic of Bali is still full of mystery, with many
areas having barely been touched by mass tourism.
TRAVELING NORTH TO SOUTH
It is a must to go into the northern interior, because here you will see
terraced rice fields where many hard working peasants stand knee deep in the waters of the
paddy fields and villages where streets are buzzing with activity, especially just before
sundown. Waddling ducks are hustled home by minders wielding long sticks, while graceful
young women sing as they bear baskets crammed with offerings to be taken into the temples.
Young boys and girls return home after bathing and old men carry home their fighting
cocks. The air is heavy with the scent of the yellow and white blossoms of frangipani
trees, which mingle with the smell of the clove cigarettes smoked by both the young and
old men as they sit relaxing under shady trees.
Between the many villages there are always wonderful views of the
surrounding tropical landscape. The higher you go into the mountains, the more dramatic
the scenery becomes, with the irrigated rice fields resembling a thousand mirrors nestling
into the slopes beside the colourful clusters of exotic flowers and plants. Going further
onward will take you to Bratan Lake and the Pura Ulan Danu Temple, part of which extends
into the lake itself. The shrine is devoted to the goddess of the ocean and lakes - Dewi
Danu. For the Hindus, the evening is the time when the mystical sound “Om” comes
during the stillness, believed to be the ancient sound of the universe and a magical word
at that! The road continues upward, reaching 1220 metres along the edge of a crater with a
startling view of the shimmering water of the Bayan Lake.
For adventurous holidaymakers who are also experienced divers, a visit to
the fantastic island of Menjangan, which lies within the confines of the Bali Barat
National Park, is a must. The island is surrounded by turquoise waters and fine corals,
and is reputed to be one of the most beautiful and unspoiled diving spots in the world.
Setting out from Lovina, drive along the northern coastal road with its
fabulous volcanic black sandy beaches and watch the colourful fishing craft dotted along
this unique coastline. Stop off at the historical town of Singaraja with its famous Gedong
Kirtya Library housing the rare Lontar manuscripts. Then visit the exciting Gitgit
waterfall - the biggest in Bali - and continue to Candi Kuning fruit and flower market
with its exotic wild orchids and roses, Balinese spices, and a variety of exotic fruits
including my favourites - the mangosteen and rambutan - and even strawberries.
If you want to see hundreds of monkeys in their natural habitat, then
make sure you visit the Monkey Forest, where the monkeys live amidst the towering trees.
But do be careful with your valuables, such as glasses and jewelry, because the
mischievous monkeys have great fun in “stealing” any of these articles if they
can get their hands on them. You have been warned! After saying “good bye” to
your “brethren”, then see Tanah Lot, famous in Bali as the sunset Temple. Wonder
at the beauty of the sunset beyond the black lava towers of this sacred 16th century holy
place, built on lava rock 200 metres offshore.
Next you can admire the skills of the Balinese with their high standard
of quality arts and crafts offering delightful and fascinating souvenirs. Examples of
these can be seen in many different villages. Celuk is renowned for its gold and silver
work, where you will find skilled artisans - many of whom are young boys - creating
exquisite pieces in gold and silver. Often wood carvers fashion delicate items of many
varieties from ebony and other hardwood in their workshops.
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