Bali, the last Indonesian bastion of Hinduism, welcomes visitors with open arms, serenely embracing its little paradise, amidst postcard-perfect landscapes and the preservation of its traditions.
This trip will leave you with an impression of gentleness, refinement, and a refined lifestyle, thanks to the kindness of its inhabitants, who are always ready to share their experiences. Despite the tourist appeal of the south coast, crowded with resorts and attracting night owls from Kuta to Seminyak, you'll find pleasure in walking along the endless beach and enjoying a freshly cut pineapple. It will be easy to escape the frenetic scooter traffic to reach the temples.
Built in the 16the century on a wave-battered rock, Tanah Lot is adorned with mysticism at nightfall, while at Uluwatu, the kecakCombining song, theatre and dance, it tells the story of Prince Rama. Near this sanctuary of the sea gods, sunsets over water churned by impressive waves – a delight for experienced surfers on this cliff-lined coast – will leave an indelible memory.
After a surprising avocado juice topped with chocolate, enjoyed in an unmissable roadside stall (a modest family-run restaurant), departure for Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of the island. Following the curves of the rice paddies, you will take the time to savor the delicious bebek betutu (a specialty of stuffed duck cooked in a banana leaf), and stop in Tampaksiring to purify yourself at the sacred springs of Tirta Empul, before reaching Lake Batur. The lake takes its name from the volcano that overlooks it, Mount Agung, the home of the Balinese gods, which rises to over 3,000 meters.
From its summit, one can't help but dream of other discoveries: the prahus The outrigger canoes of Amed fishermen resting on the black sand, the lush Sidemen Valley, or the multicolored seabed. The latter will provide a good excuse to end your stay on the wilder islands located a short distance away, Nusa Penida and its little sister Nusa Lembongan, to encounter manta rays and the equally impressive sunfish. Mola mola...
Bali Nusa Tenggara – Indonesia Travel
Bali Government Tourism Office (baliprov.go.id)
Photos: copyright Sophie Reyssat