I’m not sure if there is a destination that conjures up ideas of bliss and joy like Bali. Yes, perhaps I’ve watched Eat, Pray, Love too many times to count, but Bali has been on my bucket list for some time and didn’t disappoint. The island's beauty, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and notwithstanding the woes of traffic, off the main roads, it continues to offer a sense of tranquillity

Bali is located in western Indonesia, just a few miles east of Java. It covers approximately 5600 sq. km, with a mountainous interior of lush forests and clear lakes that complement the gorgeous beaches that ring the island. My travels focussed on and around Ubud, a lively town at the heart of the island, encircled by lush rice paddies, temples, gently swaying palm trees, and protective guardians.

Featured

Bali is widely known and celebrated for its incredibly lush landscapes contributing to its reputation as a green paradise.

Ubud Palace

Former residence of the Ubud royal family and showcasing Balinese architecture and stone carvings.

The compound and grounds were used as a palace during the 1800s.

Bedogol or Guardian Statues - protectors standing watch at temple gates, restaurants and homes.

They are traditionally placed in pairs at entrances to balance opposing forces—good and evil, positive and negative, strength and wisdom. Some are fierce and powerful, others serene and welcoming. Many are also wrapped in fabric of different colours that symbolize various meanings.

Elephant god statues of Ganesha. While Ganesha is also recognized in Buddhism as Vināyaka, his depiction and worship are significantly more prominent within the Hindu cultural context of Bali.

Ganesha is revered as the "remover of obstacles" and is commonly seen in Balinese households and temples.

A visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The forest covers approximately 12.5 hectares and is home to over 1200 long-tiled macaque monkeys.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The traditional Balinese irrigation method dates back to the 9th century. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the agricultural heritage and unique water management practices.

The terraces offer panoramic views of the surrounding green landscape

I happened to be the first tourist of the day for the sunrise.

Coffee Plantation

I wasn’t familiar with Balinese coffee but it makes sense with the sunique volcanic soil and climate.

Tirta Empul Temple (aka the water temple)

This is one of Bali’s holiest temples, where springs feed sacred pools for purification rituals.

Dating back to 926 A.D., this temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water, and continues to be a place of devotion and renewal.

Gunung Kawi Temple

An 11th century temple complex with 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) each about 7-meters-high (23 ft).

Local legend attributes the creation of the shrines to the giant Kebo Iwo, who is said to have carved them in a single night using his fingernails!

Penjor

Tall, curved bamboo poles adorned with various decorations. These penjor are displayed during religious festivals like Galungan and Kuningan, serving as a symbol of offerings to the gods and welcoming them to the celebrations.