I’m in a lush green place in southeast Asia, in Bali. Far from Istanbul, it is the closest of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands to the island of Java, where the capital city of Jakarta is located.. This is 8 degrees south of the equator, the most different I’ve ever seen. It is approximately 153 km long from east to west; Some of its shores are decorated with waves that exceed the length, some with white sand.. Bali; One of the most intimate islands surrounded by lush tropical trees, the most local honeymoon center and the most colorful address for a peaceful holiday.
I remember the places I went before. All of them aroused different feelings and pursued other happiness; maybe their unhappiness. Whereas; Bali was the lead role of an excitement I have never felt before.. At the furthest point I’ve ever been to, in the most diverse culture, with lots of trees and green tones, I was on a completely different journey.
Kubu Beach, Jimbaran
Places To See In Bali
The first thing you need to know in Bali is that you will not be able to take a single step here as you have traveled in Europe.. If you are one of those who like to take the map and travel by yourself like me, leave this request to another tour.. You have two options for a good tour in Bali; The first is to agree with a guide who will tell you about them, as most people do.. The other is; renting a motor, which is the first thing that self-confident people apply. Renting a motor is easy; However, since the roads of the island are narrow and very local, I do not recommend wasting time trying to find a place on a non-directed road.. We were among those who preferred to agree with the guide, and I must say that we were very pleased.
Ayung River, Ubud
Unique Temples of the Isle of the Gods
To be in Bali, the Isle of the Gods; It also meant sharing the rituals of the island’s native and religious Hindus.. The reason why it is called the Island of the Gods; Due to the religions that Hindus are very attached to, an average of 2-3 houses falls on a temple.. This means that the island is home to over 20,000 temples.. Large and small temples in Balinese architecture, which you will encounter frequently during your trip, are among the most special symbols of Balinese life.
Uluwatu Temple
Our first stop, Uluwatu Temple, should be at the top of your list. In the Balinese language, it means ‘high; ‘watu’ is rock. Pura Luhur Uluwatu, on the tip of a 70-meter-long rock, right next to the endless Indian Ocean; one of the 6 most important temples of the island. If you go at sunset, you can watch the traditional Balinese Kecak dance next to the temple.. Monkeys are the host of the temple.. Take the glasses in your hand while walking, or put them in your bag; because the monkeys’ favorite things are glasses and takeaway food.
Tanah Lot Temple
Another temple we visited with admiration; Pura Tanah Lot. This is a place where several temples are gathered together. Tanah Lot, the largest of which is located on a rock near the shore; Means ‘land in the sea’ in Balinese. It is believed that this great land was shaped by the sea, and the many venomous sea snakes found in the area kept the temple away from evil spirits.
Tanah Lot Temple
One of the temples you must visit is Tirta Empul. The most important feature of Tirta Empul, which means holy water temple, is its 12 fountains where spring water, which is believed to bring healing, flows.. Hindus who come to the ritual bathe in these fountains and pray. Outside of Tirta Empul; Pura Besakih, Pura Taman Ayun and Pura Ulun Danu are also among the temples to see in the list.
Tirta Empul Water Temple
Tirta Empul Water Temple
Rice Terraces
Rice terraces; You know of those greenest and most brush-drawn places that we often encounter on social media and make us dream of Bali?. It is one of the most beautiful terraces that you can often see, large and small, even on the roadsides on the island; I think the one in Tegalalang.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
As far as I learned from our guide Pande, the history of what we saw in September is 4 weeks and they will be here for another 3 months to gather. Are all rice seedlings of state-owned terraces planted by hand?. Rice farming, which is laborious and demanding, is one of the biggest livelihoods of the Balinese people.. Tegalalang terraces winding down along the valley, arguably one of the most beautiful views you will ever meet in the world.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Sacred Monkeys
Ubud is another must-see place when you go to Bali Sacred Monkey Forest in. There are also three Hindu temples in the forest, which is home to hundreds of monkeys.. As someone who has not yet had any animals other than birds, cats and dogs, I must admit that I was scared at first.. Then one gets used to it slowly; There are already many trainers around you.. Following the rules that fall on you, then friendship starts by itself with these sweets.. Better grab a small banana in your hand; There couldn’t be a more fun way to meet them.
Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest
The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Luwak
While you are in Bali, you must try Luwak coffee special to the island. The story of this coffee we drink is a bit interesting, thanks to the Civet cats (Kopi Luwak in Balinese) living on the island.. Civet cats, who live in the big forest near Ubud, where coffee beans grow, choose the most beautiful of these tiny coffee beans at night, first digest them well, then digest them and release them back to nature.
Morning The farmers, who collected the seeds left by these cats, sorted and cleaned them in a sterile environment, and then the seeds were pounded into powder.. The fact that no machinery is used in this handmade process carries Luwak coffee to a very special place, like everything else on the island.
Luwak Coffee
Luwak beans are being roasted
Where to Stay in Bali?
Accommodation in Bali depends on the budget; however, it is possible to say that the island concept generally proceeds through villas with private pools.. Since it is a big island and the environment of the regions differs, my advice is; dividing your holiday into two locations. You will probably stay on the island for at least 6 days, spend the first three days in one of the coastal areas such as Kuta, Jimbaran, Seminyak or Nusa Dua, and finish the other three days in the greenery in Ubud.
Ayana Resort & Spa
Kuta, Jimbaran and Seminyak, Bali’s internationally renowned surf shores. Wavelengths are very high, it is not possible to swim here. For example; one of the hotels we stayed at, Ayana Resorts & SPA Bali; It was a resort located on the Jimbaran coast.. Perfect for holidays with a pool.
Rock Bar, Ayana Resort & SPA Bali
My suggestion for sea holiday lovers is Nusa Dua. This place is also famous for its white sandy beaches.. Ubud, on the other hand, is the mountainous region in the central part of the island.. There are many facilities around the Ubud Forest cut by the Ayung River.
For those who have Bali plans nearby, The Royal Pita Maha. For budget-friendly places, the surroundings of Kuta and Seminyak are ideal; However, when making your travel and accommodation plans, do not forget to consider that most of the areas you will visit are closer to Ubud.. Make sure to add Balinese massage to your list; whether in the hotel you stay or in the bazaar area you visit.
The Royal Pita Maha, Ubud
Gallery:
Sunset, Jimbaran
Mount Batur – Kintamani
Kubu Beach, Jimbaran
Ayung River, Ubud
The Royal Pita Maha , Ubud