Traditional Bali & Natural Wonders
There will be plenty of photo opportunities as you pass scenic vistas and interesting villages en route to Subak Guliang, a traditional farming village and compound in the centre of the island. The local houses in the village compounds are architecturally unique when compared with other regions of Indonesia. Based on the Asta Kosala Kosali tradition of house building, the method is not dissimilar to the ancient art of Feng Shui. Begin you local encounter by preparing breakfast in the Balinese compound. Seasonal tropical fruits will be served as well as soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea and Balinese cookies. Invigorated by your fresh breakfast, the rest of your time here will be dedicated to exploring the local vicinity – take a stroll through local farms, walk to the nearby school and interact with its friendly students, witness the rural life of the Balinese people or learn more about the complexities of rice growing - from planting and harvesting through to the best methods of cooking it.
Acquire knowledge of the simple but effective irrigation system known locally as Subak or just sit back and take it all in whilst enjoying fresh coconut water, one of nature’s most delicious drinks. Lunch will be served right in the middle of the rice field with the soft background of traditional Rindik music played on bamboo instruments. Next visit Pura Kehan, an 11th century temple complex near the town of Bangli that is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful on the island. Thirty-eight steps lead to the Kori Agung (stone capped gateway) and an attractive courtyard that is guarded by a mythical dragon.
Legend has it that inside the dragon there is a magic stone that glowed red when the location of the temple was finally decided many hundreds of years ago. Proceed to Penglipuran, a well ordered village surrounded by plantations and bamboo forests. A Bali Aga village, the local community still adhere to the strict rules and regulations (known as the Adat) that were laid down by their ancestors many centuries ago. Tradition and time-honoured ways are still very important here and you will have time to explore this enthralling settlement before moving onto Kintamani, the best spot, weather permitting, for views of Mount Batur, an active volcano which sits alongside Lake Batur. Scanning the horizon from left to right, you will observe that Kintamani sits on the caldera rim of a huge volcano, and Mount Batur, directly in front of you, is merely a ‘small’ mountain that has been created by thousands of years of volcanic activity.