Trip to Bali … [Indonesia]

There is something about the tropics. Just thinking about it makes me feel relaxed. Walking around in Bermudas and flip-flops is pure bliss.

Tropical Bali ... An early morning view from the Resort.
Tropical Bali … An early morning view from the Resort.

Though there are several positives to Bali, overall I would say that it has become quite “touristy” with the typical pitfalls like overpriced food, crowded sights Etc.

 

Hah ... The Tropics!
Hah … The Tropics!

One thing that strikes you right away is the architecture. You will just be mesmerized by the various arts and souvenirs that are on display.

Waiting at traffic signals should be a breeze with works like this :-)
Waiting at traffic signals should be a breeze with works like this 🙂

 

Mengwi Temple ... One among the outstanding Temples of Bali ...
Mengwi Temple … One among the outstanding Temples of Bali …

Without a doubt, the wooden carved paintings stood out by a mile. We visited many vendors and finally managed to buy two such paintings. Based on the price you are willing to pay, you can get the wooden carvings in Teak, Mahogany, Kapalang, Hibiscus Etc. Though it is a chore to get it shipped, the rock carvings and statues were cool as well.

Carved wooden paintings ... So many designs and styles and colors
Carved wooden paintings … So many designs and styles and colors

 

Stone sculptures ... There were stores galore
Stone sculptures … There were stores galore

 

Once the locals notice that they are getting tourists galore, it is natural for them to skimp on authenticity and quality. That is what I noticed in the various restaurants of Nusa Dua (where we stayed). Because it was a short walk from our hotel, most of our meals were had in that area.

There were a lot of tourists from Australia (apparently Air Asia Indonesia does direct Perth to Bali flights). During one of the swimming pool visits, I met this Australian gentleman who was visiting Bali with his family. We exchanged some notes on Cricket and concurred that Sachin Tendulkar is great :-). Other than one Indian family who came in during our last day in Bali, we were pretty much the only Indians we could see around.

Driving through the Bali countryside is a pleasant experience. The drive to Ubud, Mount Batur, MEngwi Etc. was through lush greenery. The Ubud rice fields, though spanning a small area, was a wonderful sight.

The rice fields of Ubud ... Very famous spot among tourists. Very well maintained I must say ...
The rice fields of Ubud … Very famous spot among tourists. Very well maintained I must say …

 

To get the opportunity to have lunch while having a great view of Mount Batur, we let a tourist trap restaurant trap us fair and square. The food was horrible.

 

Mount Batur, in all its glory ...
Mount Batur, in all its glory …

 

 

Lake Batur ... The entire Batur area is very scenic
Lake Batur … The entire Batur area is very scenic

 

 

Happy Travels!

 

Adios!

 

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