Close your eyes. Imagine a beach of warm, turquoise, crystal-clear waters encircled by spellbinding mountains. Imagine that most of these mountains are volcanoes, some of them still active, sprouting a landscape enlivened by smells and sounds, virtually begging to be photographed. Throw in endless rice fields, mixed with a generous dose of exoticism and spirituality. At the end, add the word “paradise” to recreate the ever-present mysticism of Buddhist temples and the adoration of gods, as protagonists of a journey of self-contemplation, authenticity and self-discovery. When you open your eyes, you will have found the place you have imagined.
© Istock
We have just landed in the “Island of the Gods”. Stress and anxiety give way to excitement and a great urge to explore unknown terrain. It is time to head to the hotel in Seminyak, check in, put away our luggage and begin our adventure.
Bali is one of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands and is located between Java, to the west, and Lombok, to the east. Its capital is Dempassar. A dot in the Indian Ocean, Bali is only 5,780 square kilometers wide. The majority of the population is of Hindu origin. They worship many gods. Nearly 22,000 temples are congregated in Bali. Faithful locals make a point of affirming their devotion with daily offerings meticulously arranged in small palm-leaf baskets, where flowers, fruit, rice and incense are arranged harmoniously. To us, it looks magical.
© Bali
In Seminyak, all roads lead to the epicenter of good taste in the most cosmopolitan side of the island: a succession of luxury resorts, idyllic spas and fusion restaurants commanded by internationally-acclaimed chefs. Strategically placed stores sell sophisticated clothes and souvenirs to tourists eager to buy unique local artifacts. Some them are true works of art.
© Dendy Darma
Away from the mainstream, in unexpected places or secluded alleys, we come across some spiritual or cultural manifestation that keeps us rooted to that spot, lost in contemplation. Here, time becomes unessential, completely stripped from artifice and triviality.
© Frank Mckenna
After a rare, majestic and unforgettable sunset, Bali succumbs to the mysteries of its electrifying and frenetic night. It re-emerges as a prominent actress embodying different characters, giving herself fully to the role. World famous nightclubs with the latest international hit DJs, like the famed Ku De Ta, the elegant Potato Head Beach Club and the WooBar, confirm that the winds blow in favor of a night like none before. For lovers of nightlife, the island is “good and recommendable”.
© Istock
We are kissed by humidity and cannot go on without putting on a swimming costume. The destination? Tanjung Benoa Beach. Formerly a fishing village, now accommodation various five-star hotels and resorts, this location offers prime opportunities to jet-ski or ride banana boats. As soon as we reach this Eden, we plunge into the water. The joy that we feel at being here is more than enough to cleanse the soul. Old boats rest at the shore, making the scenery picturesque. This moment of peace and quiet asks, positively, for a toast with coconut milk.
© Istock
On the following day, we woke up to a feast of fresh, juicy fruit cut in the shape of flowers. The sense of harmony is persistent; peace is serene and immobile. We are on our way to Bali’s coolest hot spot: Single Fin, at Blue Point Beach in Uluwatu. It is a meeting point for surfers and yogis against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. The sight of it makes us sigh. We are near another tourist attraction. We follow the road towards the Pura Uluwatu Temple, best known as the “Monkey Temple”, situated in southern Bali. Set atop a cliff, its location was thought to protect the island from evil spirits. Built in the 10th century, it gathers hundreds of monkeys that roam freely in the surrounding forest. Scattered around the temple, they are ready to play with whoever pays a visit. It is wise to be cautious, but there is something purifying about this place. The cacophony of sounds makes one feel as if in middle of an animated party. In every corner, life coexists peacefully. We close our eyes. The journey has been long, liberating and, without a shadow of doubt, memorable. We yearn for more.
© Bali
As the sun goes down and evening takes over the day, we decide to stay and watch a performance of the Balinese Kecak dance. The light of the fire dazzles our eyes, but the show, scored by tribal chants, is delightful to watch. Most of the performers are local farmers who contribute strongly to the cultural scene in their free time.
© Istock
It is easy to get lost in Bali. Although it is a small island, there is so much to explore that choosing where to go is always a complicated and extremely difficult affair. Maybe it is because I am an enthusiast of these mystical, symbolic places, that I get carried away by everything I see. Maybe it is because I am an incurable lover of stories with happy endings, namely, of Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-seller, “Eat, Pray, Love”. What I know for sure is that the riddle makes sense and becomes love at first sight.
Text by: Irina Alves (Rotas & Sabores) | Photography: iStockphoto
Here, time becomes unessential, completely stripped from artifice and triviality.
After a rare, majestic and unforgettable sunset, Bali succumbs to the mysteries of its electrifying and frenetic night.
We woke up to a feast of fresh, juicy fruit cut in the shape of flowers. The sense of harmony is persistent; peace is serene and immobile.
In every corner, life coexists peacefully. We close our eyes. The journey has been long, liberating and, without a shadow of doubt, memorable. We yearn for more.
The light of the fire dazzles our eyes, but the show, scored by tribal chants, is delightful to watch.
© National Geographic
