Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Indonesia -- Day 11 Eastern Bali


Today the Adventures Abroad itinerary:

Today we explore the highlands and the east coast area of Bali where elegant Balinese Hindu temples sprout amid lush green rice terraces.
 We will also visit the native village of Tenganan, a symmetrically laid out Bali Aga village with walled homes and unique crafts. Bali Aga was the original inhabitant of Bali, before the arrival of Hindu Javanese. Tenganan retains its ancient pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders, further enforced by the protection of its surrounding walls.
 
We continue to the ancient law courts at Klung Kung. Klung Kung was the oldest Kingdom on the island, and its "raja" was the most exalted. At the walled-in "Court of Justice", which dates from the 18th century, a mural portrays punishment in hell and the rewards of heaven.
Our final stop is Bali's most important temple, Besakih, and sacred Mount Agung. This volcano is to the Balinese what Mount Olympus was to the ancient Greeks. Steps over 1,000 years old ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where there are many shrines. This temple was built on a site where animist rites, ceremonies and feasts once took place. The structure incorporates the holy triad of temples venerating the Hindu trinity. Every district of the island maintains its own temple within the complex.
Overnight in Candidasa. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.





Rice Terraces
Bali, Indonesia 

We had changed the order of sightseeing and were now making our way from the Besaikh Temple to the village of Tenganan.


Rice Terraces
Bali, Indonesia

Buddha Statue
Bali, Indonesia

Bali Rafting
Bali, Indonesia 

Rice Terraces
Bali, Indonesia

Rice Terraces
Bali, Indonesia

Local Women
Bali, Indonesia

Local Life and Women
Bali, Indonesia

Local Life
Bali, Indonesia

Honeymoon Suite?
Rice Field
Bali, Indonesia

Rice Field,
Bali, Indonesia

Isn't this gorgeous????
Bali, Indonesia

The views were amazing ... Unfortunately the road to get here was basically a single lane through the mountains and at one point when we got to a hairpin turn we were surrounded by children trying to sell us things by climbing onto our moving car.  It was a very surreal and a little sad to see the children so.


Isn't this gorgeous????
Bali, Indonesia

The children trying to sell us their wares
Bali, Indonesia

The children trying to sell us their wares
Bali, Indonesia

Even with some of the proverty, Bali and Indonesia itself is one of my favorite places in the world.

If you would like to see the temples, villages or countryside of Bali then 
contact Adventures Abroad  by email or at 1 800 665 3998

Quote Code AANK for a special discount.



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