Benoa, Bali, Indonesia COLORS OF BALI TOUR (8 hrs)
Up early; tour started at 7:00. Lots more traffic at this time of day since everyone is rushing to work. Cannot believe how goods are transported on scooters.
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Tour bus traveled from the port along the coast to Klungkung. Lots of beautiful scenery including rice fields during the drives today.
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Fascinated by the Balinese Statues in the street intersections. More information from the guide about the Hindu beliefs, Gods, rituals, and symbolism; so much information our brains are on Balinese Hinduism overload. Since we have a banyan tree at home, it was interesting to hear about the power of this tree and the struggle for good/bad energy.
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Royal Temple in the town of Mengwi, which was once the center of a powerful kingdom. Hard to believe that this historic landmark was built in the 17th century. The complex includes a wide moat, exquisite wooden shrines, and beautifully carved gates.
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Klungkung Old Court of Justice. Paintings on ceiling from 1600's with scenes of different offenses and the punishment. Another tour group also here with both guides talking at the same time--could not understand what our guy was saying. Pretty chaotic!
Semarajaya Museum in the Klungkung Palace compound has old photos of the royal court, interesting collection of archaeological pieces, exhibits of songket (silver- or gold-threaded cloth) weaving and palm toddy (palm wine) and palm-sugar extraction.
Across the street, the police were giving a large group of teenagers training for safe riding on the streets. So fun to see their enthusiasm.
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Saidja Woodcarving was very interesting watching the craftsmen carving piece of teak or ebony into intricate statues and masks. Each person specialized in a different step in the process. Remarkable works of art!
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Batuan Temple from 11th century. Sarongs had to be worn since we were going inside the temple. "For over a thousand years has been a place of legends and mysterious tales. This colorful Hindu temple is considered one of the finest and oldest temples in Bali with its stunning design and intricate ornaments." Surprised to learn that they remake the temple every 30 years. Interesting to watch the village men and women making decorations for an upcoming festival.
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Barong Play Dance Performance at Sahadewa in Mas Village
A colorful, theatrical Balinese dance performance telling a story about the eternal fight between good vs evil spirits. This enchanting, well-known dance is definitely a "must see."
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Dirty Duck restaurant for lunch. Amazed again at the huge complex as you walk beyond the busy street. Gorgeous gardens, ponds, rice paddy, and a large banquet hall open on the sides to enjoy the beautiful area. They are famous for their crispy duck. It definitely was crispy; however, not very much meat.
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Even though it was two long days on a tour bus, loved spending time in this intriguing country with its intricate architecture, gods, and hundreds of temples; no wonder it's referred to as "Island of Gods."
Great views of the coastline with all the hotels and boats as we left port. Sure isn't a quiet little island. Such a fascinating place!
2025-05-22