My Diary in Bali

Bali such a beautiful and tranquil Island is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes you will see anywhere in the world. Bali known as the island of the gods is one the most extraordinary experiences you can embark upon.

Many visitors arriving for the first time talk of a moment when stepping off the plan where a warmth in the heart slowly creeps upon you. Of course the temperature stays a constant 30 Degrees most of the year; however this feeling is almost as if the spiritual and cultural gods of the island have come to meet you off the plane.

Local Balinese people are rich with tradition and steeped in culture, throughout the island hundreds of temples showcase the powerful spiritual belief that makes visiting Bali, such a fascinating holiday. Any guest visiting the island for the first time should not miss taking time out to visit some of these quite often life changing exhibits and experiences.

The Balinese people themselves are extremely friendly and welcoming and have a great love for flowers, so don’t be surprise if you receive a Flower Galan, (Ring of Flowers) as you arrive in the airport, this a symbol of Bali tourism which represents a warm and accepting welcome and the start of a very special holiday.

On seventh semester, students at Muhammdiyah University especially English Departement students had touring to Bali. They were going to the only one of highest hotel for study about Table Manner. They joined the Table Manner because of Fieldwork Lectures(KKL). Moreover, they visited some tourism objects. Do you want to know what they do in Bali? Lets read my diary about my travelling with my friends in Bali in the following.

Because I was student of english Departmentat Muhammdiyah University, I must join Fieldwork Lectures. This lecturing must be done in seventh semester and the students had passed by 140 kredit semester and English Tourism object. The purpose of this activity, students had real experience of the real field about tourism and did the practice of Table Manner in star hotel.

In July 25,2010. At 10.00 am, My friends and I must ready at campus with our big bag of clothes and many equipments that used in this travelling, because we were going to Bali. The travel agency was Mashan Tour. It was about 10.30 am after all of the participants were ready, the driver was starting to drive his bus. We were divided into two bus. The first bus was for class A and the second bus was for class C and my class, B. because the second bus was overload and some students didn’t get the sit, they moved into the first bus.

Bali and Java island were separated by Bali strait. So if we would go to Bali, we must riding ferry in Ketapang. At 01.00 am we arrived at this harbour. It was so cold but the ferry terminal still crowded. There were many people there, from or would go to Bali. It was about an hour on ferry. Because it was the first time I rode ferry, I felt queasy and had headache. So I eat some candies.

The First Day in Bali :

At 02.00 am we arrived at Gilimanuk, Bali. The travelling was not end yet. We rode the bus again to go Denpasar. We would stay at hotel there. At to go there, we need about four hour through the forest that so dark. I couldn’t sleep so I could see the scenery of forest and the edge of sea in daybreak. I just saw the darkness on the black sea.

We were check in at Nanda Hotel about 05.00 am. After we got the key, we went to the room. There were four students in each room,and the group have been divided before we went to Bali. It is time to sleep but I still couldn’t sleep. I don’t know why although I was so tired. I laid my body on the bed, closing my eyes but It was useless.

Next, its about 09.00 am we went to Le Mayeur Museum at Sanur Beach. this museum was the house of a Belgian painter, Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes. He is One of Bali’s famous expats, who came to Bali in 1932. His story is that after travelling the world, and painting scenes of places such as Benares in india, he came too Bali, living first close to Denpasar. There he met a 15 year old Balinese dancer, Ni Pollok who was considered the best legong dancer in the whole of Bali. Le Mayeur indended only to stay in Bali for 8 months, but after painting Ni Pollok, and getting romantically involved, he decided to stay in Bali for good. Le Mayeur built a small house on Sanur Beach, which is now a museam. Admission is 2,000rp and the hours are Sun-Fri 8am-4pm. Inside the bungalow, Mike and I viewed some of Le Mayeur’s oil paintings, many of which feature the semi-clad Ni Pollok, or other Balinese ladies in the process of some activity, such as weaving.

Le Mayeur’s style, oil on canvas, with heavy almost impressionist dobs of paint, create a great picture of his world back then. The interior of the bungalow we visited, had plentiful Balinese wall and door carvings, the chunky stuff, with flower patterns painted in red and gold. At the back of the bungalow was the small roon Le Mayeur and Ni Pollok used as their bedroom. The posted description says its was their favourite room, which they never changed since moving in, and that many happy days were spent there. Le Mayeur lived in the house with Ni Pollok, until his death in 1958. She died in 1985 and the house was passed to the Indonesian government, becoming a museum. You can view the Le Mayeur museum in 30 minutes if you are in a hurry. Access in via Jl. Hang Tuah, go to the beach path and turn right.

At 10.00 am, we went to Inna Grand Bali Beach. The location was not far from the Museum so we were go there on foot. The hotel was located in Sanur too. Located on the site of Bali's first five-star Hotel Bali Beach, founded in 1966 - is the most complete resort complex in Bali, featuring state-of-the-art visitor facilities, but also numerious artistic amenities that bring to life the cultural excellence of the Balinese people and their many talented neighbors. Sanur, Bali's original seaside, had long been known for its world class facilities and atmosphere of comfort and privacy. This oasis of luxury offered a wide range of dining and leisure opportunities.

Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel was 40 meters in high and it consisted of 10 floors. We were on the upper floor to do the Table Manner. The room was big and enough to do this activity. We could see the snenery of the Sanur and some hotel facilities from the highest floor of this hotel.

The program was starting with talking from the director of the hotel, next,Miss Niken(our lecturer),introduction from this hotel about the history and also many kind of facilities of hotel. Did you know that the hotel had one unique room? In room 327 that become one of miraculous room. The story begin when the hotel had incident that occurred on January 20.1993. the hotel was burnt and was totally on fire. But there were no victim. And why room 327 was miraculous room? Because while the hotel was totally burnt, the room is still on and free from fire. It was a miracle. Since then, this room become one of object that the tourist can look. But there was a requisite. Especially for woman who getting a menstruation couldn’t enter to this room. Because this room was purified. If any woman didn’t follow this procedure, maybe the woman could possess by a spirit.

In study of this Table Manner, we were guided by one a proffessional guide that had many knowledge of it. He was so clever to explain what Table Manner is, what the menu are,how to drink and eat internationally, and how to use the equipment. He was so friendly although he was not handsome and maybe he was married. But he gave many knowledge, shared some of his skills for us. We were so interested. It was the real experience because we were practicing direcly. We eat the menu,felt the taste of international food. Some foods were delicious but any foods that so bad for me. I could not accept the taste.

After we finished this Table Manner, we visited the miraculous room in second floor. Because the many people would see and the room was not big so we must wait to enter into this room 327. Then we went on the first floor and out of the hotel. I took some photo of the hotel and of course my photo.

The next destination was Kuta beach to see the sunset. Because it was afternoon,our guide, Miss Made decided to go to Krisna shop in 88 Sunset road street, Kuta. We had enough time to shop before we went to Kuta. It was the first day in Bali and I keep my money. I only bought a little souvenirs. I was afraid if I spend my money now, I could not shop again tomorrow because we still had two days here. The time to shop was over. The travel agencies guided us to ride mini bus to reach Kuta beach. Our big bus didn’t allow to enter Kuta road because the narrow road and the crowded city. Many tourist from foreign country there. Good for getting a taste of the Bali vibe. Busy with vendors, tourists and locals. Food and drinks widely available, shade under trees close to the street and nice sandy beach. Perfect place to learn, to surf. This was the place where foreign females hook up with local guys. Not a good beach if you want peace and quiet.

Once a lonely little village on the road from Denpasar to Bukit Peninsula, Kuta was now the tourist Mecca of Bali, popular mainly among the young and adventurous. Kuta beach was one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see towards the north stopped by the runway of Denpasar's airport far in the west. The sunset in Kuta was most breathtaking.

Kuta was the center of entertainments and has become the favorite destination of multinational visitors. It had everything a tourist looks for i.e. white-sandy beach, rows of excellent bars and restaurants, discotheques, and entertainment spots for an enjoyable nightlife. Rows of kiosks selling souvenirs and everything a tourist need such as garments or latest CDs and cassettes are available along the main road with reasonable prices.

It was our unfortunately day. It was raining in Kuta Beach. we couldn’t see the sunset because the sun was closed by the cloud. After a while, we decided to come back in our mini bus and went to the hotel.

It was time to took a bath, praying, dinner and then free program. I decided to sleep because I didn’t sleep yet from yesterday.

The Second Day in Bali :

The day become the most beautiful day in Bali because this day was full activity in four tourism objects,there were Tanjung Benoa, Dreamland, Uluwatu, GWK, and some shopping center.

Before we went to Tanjung Benoa, we stopped at Hawaii Bali shop in 28x By Pass Ngurah Rai street. Here, I bought many kind of souvenirs. I had much spirit to shop, looked and choosed anything that interest me. Everyone were busy to choosed what they like and bought it so we were forget the time. We felt the time for shopping was not enough so the guide called us in the call center of this shop. At 10.00 am, we were ready to go to Tanjung Benoa.

Tanjung Benoa, or the Benoa peninsula just north of Nusa Dua had become much busier over the years and has a wide range of accommodation including prestigious resorts like 'The Conrad'. Benoa peninsula was a scenic 5 kilometers of coconut palms and fine sand. The area was the almost exclusive home of luxury hotels, private villas, fine restaurants, open-air cafes and water sports facilities. The resort had become busier over recent years with more hotels Bali Resort and Spa joining impressive resorts like the Aston Bali. The shape of the beach, also made Tanjung Benoa perfect for water sports with no shortage of shops catering to marine sports enthusiasts.

At the tip of the peninsula was the quiet port of Tanjung Benoa, with its village like alleyways and rows of traditional fishing boats and yachts. Offshore "Turtle Island" was the site of a sacred sea temple. To go there I must pay Rp 40.000,00. We must used the boat because the island was separate by the sea. While we were on boat,we stopped in the middle of the cape. we could see the coral and any kinds of fish from the bottom of the boat because it was made of glass. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the fish because the big wive. In Turtle Island we could hold the turtles and could take some photographs with the cute turtles. There were many kind of turtles.

Tanjung Benoa had something for everyone -especially if we were a water sport fun. Snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, water skiing, powerboats, banana boats and reef fishing.

After we enjoyed some facilities in Tanjung Benoa, we had lunch at the edge of this beach.

At Uluwatu,we saw pura Luhur temple. Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the SW of the Bukit peninsula. Ulu Watu was Bali’s first famous break and although isn’t developed for luxury tourists is getting more crowded. Located at the very south of the island on western edge of Bukit Badung (that bit that sticks out) Ulu Watu was a chill place to relax, visit the temple and watch the surfers. . Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views.

Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, founded the temple in the 10th century and a shrine here as well as at other key locations longs the Balinese coast. In the 15th Century the great pilgrim priest Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, who established the present form of Hindu-Dharma religion, chose Pura Uluwatu as his last earthly abode: history records that Dwijendra achieved moksa (oneness with the godhead, in a flash of blazing light) while meditating at Uluwatu. The temple was regarded, by Brahman's island wide, as his holy 'tomb'.

Uluwatu offered a wonderful vantage point to view a spectacular sunset. Monkeys inhabit the temple and cliff face hoping for a banana or some peanuts from the visitors. I was so afraid with the monkeys. They liked to stole anything you bring that can interest them. Don’t wear your accessories, its could loss and you would never conscious it.

Next, we continued our travelling to Dreamland. Dreamland beach was similar in nature to the other beaches in Bukit Peninsula, but it was popular not only with the surfers, also with the beach lovers. It easy access combined with the presence of warungs serving BBQ seasfood and cold cold beer made it attractive to anyone who just wants to get away from the hustle of Kuta life.

Dreamland was located in the Pecatu countryside around 20 minutes from the Ngurah Rai Airport. Park in the lot at the top of the hill and walk down.

The area had a beautiful beach and panorama, with the high wave reaching 4 meters makes this place become a favorite place for surfers and boogie boards.

The wave was hollow, fasts, and powerful and the quality was standard with reef's (coral, sharp rocks with sand) bottom, could only be safely explore by the experienced surfer. During the normal day, it would be few people do the surf, but at the weekend this place was crowded.

The sparkling blue wave breaks right on the shore so be careful or you would be eating sand (and watch out for the rock on the left a couple of meters off shore!).

Then we went to GWK. Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is an art and culture window of Bali. It represents the beautiful view of Bali south coast. GWK was the right place to enjoy the sanctity of Bali in the middle of modernity. It had been built with mini city and one stop shopping entertainment concepts. GWK was a cultural park which has complete facilities, from entertainment, shopping, to recreation. GWK was located in the limestone plateau of Ungasan Hill, Jimbaran, south of Bali. If we visited this place, we would see enchanting views of Jimbaran and Kuta beach in the far distance; also in view were Ngurah Rai Airport and Benoa Harbor.

Huge blend of Balinese and modern architecture had changed the limestone plateau into a gorgeous area without sacrificing its natural element. Limestone plateau hds been cut into shapes of big limestone pillars. In a glance they remind us of the ancient buildings in Egypt.

The whole area was very large and would probably take a couple of hours to walk around and another few hours to attend the many musical performances and dances. Examples of which includes the Barong dance. Kecak dance, the Rindik music, and of course the traditional Bali greeting through the gamelan music. You could attend these at the 800 seater amphitheatre.

We were in the GWK until night because of the Bali dances show. We felt so hungry because we late to eat. Arrived at hotel, we took a bath and then had dinner. We were so tired today. I decided to go bed. But I heard some of my friends in other room talking together. Spent this night together. I couldn’t sleep because of them. And of course my friends that want to sleep. I didn’t know why my lectures didn’t angry with them.

The third day in Bali ;

Like the morning before, we woke up and then went to bath. After that we had breakfast. But we must packing our clothes and other things because this morning we would check up from this hotel. My travel bag was heavy because I added all of my things.

We started this day to shopping. First, we went to Karang Kurniashop in 99XX Kargo street Denpasar. Then, we continued our shopping in Joger. Joger was famous product of T-shirt, sandal, and souvenirs. I just bought two T-shirts and two sandals.

The last object that we visit was Bedugul. Bedugul was the name of both a small city and a mountain-lake resort area, which Balinese have long used for weekend retreats. Bedugul was located on the main north-south road between Denpasar and Singaraja in cool damp mountain country, an excellent base for walking trips around the lakes and surrounding hills. Bedugul was located in a high plateau at the center of the Island. Cool air and mists were natural for the place. Bedugul was a resort in Bratan Mountains, famous for its golf course; and also the Ulun Danu. Ulu Danu was an amazing temple, which seems to have risen out of Bratan Lake 1,200metres above sea level.

Bedugul was known for the quality of its fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are several places to stay near the lake and there is also an interesting temple, botanical gardens, an excellent golf course and a variety of activities on Lake Bratan itself.

Bedugul was a favorite place for Balinese family for weekend picnic. Bedugul was also a center of horticulture. We'll find plenty of fruits and vegetables here. Here we found 3 of Bali 4 lakes, Bratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan. Bratan, the largest of the three was perfect place for water sports such as para sailing, motor boating, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, etc. Bedugul fertile soil also produced abundance of plants and trees, some of them formed rain forests with their exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures.

Unfortunately, we had an unlucky day here. It was raining so we couldn’t go to the other lakes. We decided to go on the bus. We would go back in Ponorogo. Yeah, this travelling made me so tired. But I always can’t sleep on the bus.