--A one memorable experience --

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

Our plane landed around 4.40 pm that day @ Ngurah Rai International Airport. What a busy airport, i must say. Lots of toursit flocking in and out the island. As we walk towards the exit, it feels so great to embrace that cool breeze of Bali, Indonesia. pretty cool! Our airport experience was good, firstly, as an Asian - i don't need to have a visa entry so my immigration process went so quick. ¤°.¸¸.•´¯`»★


On our way to the hotel, our driver was saying that, "nornally, it will take only at least 30 mins to drive from the airport to the hotel but since there's a lot of road renovations and expansions, we will go through a traffic jam." For me, it doesn't matter too...

We checked in at the Centara Taum Seminyak Bali (manage by Centara Group) which is conveniently located in the heart of Krobokan,Seminyak, Bali. (most renowned leisure and nightlife area.) but no, we didn't go out during the evening as we're already exhausted and tired from our whole day trip. lol... but I so love this area because it has rapidly become one of the most well known tourist areas on the island. From here, we were able to visit the well - known areas popular with tourists.

Got only few days to visit around, so i rely on the suggested places to see and one of them was the Bali's major arts and culture centres, Ubod.

My adventures in Bali became more exciting when i started to walk and See things. The country does have some unique and exotic cultures, no matter where you are, as long as you are located in Indonesia, you will be able to see some unique traditional cultures. Bali, has been famous as one of the most attractive places in Indonesia which made my experience a memorable one.

Apart from loving the cool weather, there's something in this place that i thought its wonderful. It's true, its difficult not to feel it and almost everyone who spends more time in Ubud admits that there is something beautiful in this small town. I asked friends who's based here for more than a year and all they could answer was, perhaps its the spirituality of the Balinese people who spend their days celebrating or practicing cultural rituals that gives this impression or maybe its the air, maybe its nature OR maybe its a mixture of all of them, that makes this place so BEAUTIFUL!

Something that i noticed whilst i was in Bali was the little baskets filled with rice and flowers or two. On our way to the hotel, i saw people offering little baskets infront of their gates/houses or sidewalks. It was then explained that these are small offerings, these little baskets are called ‘canang sari ' that Balinese offer to their Gods three times a day. It is basically a ritual of giving back what has been given to you by the Gods. It is a sharing that is not based upon fear, but on gratitude to the richness of life. Offering appeases the spirits and brings prosperity and good health to the family. It is a duty and an honour at the same time, and in Balinese perspective a very natural and almost logical thing to maintain a good relationship between people and spirits. I was really amazed.

All the places i've seen when we were in Ubod was great and indeed an awesome place to see because of its wonderful scenaries, but one of the highlights of my tour was when we visited the most spectacular rice paddies and terraces. I enjoyed my kopi luwak here. Sipping that hot coffee whilst viewing the padddies, wonderful! The wildlife and scenery is so unique to the eye, t'was a big "wow!". I was overwhelmed and when i was looking at the view, that at first almost everything amazes me. Its so green. I love how the coconut trees are. Its beautiful to walk around and observe a rice field culture that has been there for centuries.

After visiting the rice fields, we head straight to the Ubud waterfall. Actually, waterfall in Monkey Forest, because by the time you arrived at the foot of the mountain, there are lots of monkeys waiting for you down there but don't worry they wont hurt you, just don't provoke them... (✿◠‿◠)

Ubud is the center of arts and cultural activities in Bali. From that thought, instead of going to the show or museum, Deewa, our tour guide took us to the place called Tenganan Aga Village, Karangasem. 

Tenganan is perhaps one of the most secluded and conservative villages on the island of Bali, protected by a strict code of isolationism, this ‘original‘ Bali Aga village has retained its unique culture and customs over the centuries. There i've witnessed their unique way of their daily life.

When we arrived inside the village, at first I thought the events happening there were scripted or somewhat a show. The village looks more like a live museum. People are wearing their traditional clothes and when inside the village, you will see, there are lots of bamboo poles erected in front of every house. These bamboo poles are called "Penjor" (a sign of celebration) and it also mean prosperity. It is not merely a bamboo pole, but it has been ornamented with flowers, coconut leaves, offerings, fruits, and spices. I've also seen some rice barns, shrines and the many pavilions where people come together to chit-chat and make decisions about the village. "The Bali Aga believe they are the chosen ones from God Indra and are predominately Hindu people with a strong believe in animistic spirits just like the rest of Bali. The difference between the other Balinese people lies in their rituals, ceremonies, music, dance and the burying of the death instead of cremation. Even though Tenganan seems somewhat touristy, it is still worth to pay a visit."

Oh well, there's so much to say about this trip, lots of stories to tell but the best part ever was the memorable experience with the Balinese unique cultures, their life style, beautiful scenery. I've learned something about their beliefs, their religion and most of all, the wisdom that i gained during this trip. Essentially all things have a place and all relations between elements are ultimately what life and death are about. 

The smallest gestures have an impact and throughout time, maintaining a balanced relationship with spirits, people and nature is the key. It emphasized too that they offer not only to the good spirit but also to the bad spirits too that's why, I was told that next time i stumble upon an offering tray, i must remember that it may seem like a small thing but the whole cosmos is related to it, so it's best not to step on it. I was smiling a lot when our guide, Deewa mentioned that to me... (✿◠‿◠)