Last week i went to Bali under my Course group for Young Ambassador - Internationalization Trip to Bali, Indonesia!! Departing from Kuala Lumpur LCCT Airport at 7:25 am and arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport
Aerial view - part of Bali Island.
Bali, the famed Island of the Gods, with its varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture, stakes a serious claim to be paradise on earth.
With world-class surfing and diving, a large number of cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, and an enormous range of accommodations, this is one of the world's most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. Bali has something to offer a very broad market of visitors from young back-packers right through to the super-rich.
Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport. We being greeted by our local tour guide that will accompany us for our 5 days stay at Bali. Where is my hot towel?
Statue located infront of undergoing construction of Bali Airport.
Along the route to our destination, lots of magnificent statues / structures / monuments .
Garuda Wishnu Kencana
Next we heading to Uluwatu Cliff Temple,
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's nine key directional temples. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed beforehand, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here. Even more remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 metres above the roaring Indian ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.
The entrance fee from 1 Feb 2012 is Rp 20,000 and you need to be properly dressed to enter. Sarongs and sashes are available free at the entrance. Guides, once famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to, although they will offer to "protect" you from the monkeys, for a tip of course. Note that while you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the central courtyards can only be entered during special rituals.
The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit. Needless to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more. Locals and even the temple priests will be happy to do the job for you, naturally in exchange for a tip (Rp 10,000-50,000).
Amazing view at Uluwatu
The cliff is fascinating but the temple itself is not as impressive as others in Bali.
Uluwatu Cliff Temple - the famous cliff-hanging temple at Uluwatu.
Enough for day one. will do post my Bali story next round. :)
