Vancouver Banshee: Indonesia -- Day 12 Beratan Lake Area, Bali

Friday, March 09, 2012

Indonesia -- Day 12 Beratan Lake Area, Bali

Our Adventures Abroad itinerary for today stated:

This morning we have an early boat trip to the reef where we hope to see the dolphins that frequent the area. Even if the dolphins don't show, the sunrise can be quite spectacular.

After breakfast back at the hotel, we head for the Gitgit Falls where a 15-minute walk takes us to a 60 m / 197 ft waterfall. We will also check out the spices and fruits at Lake Bratan market, making our way back toward Lovina with a visit at the Buddhist Monastery, Brahma Arama Vihara. It is a spectacular looking place, and a bit out of place in Hindu Bali. It is the most important Buddhist monastery in Bali and is complete with golden Buddha statues and a pristine natural setting. Strictly speaking the monastery is not a tourist site but accepts respectful visitors.

We return to Lovina late in the afternoon.

Overnight in Lovina. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Roadside Fruit Stands
Beratan Lake Area, Bali

I find this a weird commercial/retail concept that 6 stalls of the same thing (oranges?) are all together at one area of the road. Of course, they were selling fruit for the next stop...

Monkeys !!
Beratan Lake Area, Bali

The next stop down the road were these "wild monkeys". Man they are pretty brazen !! They would come right up to you and take the fruit out of your hand..

Beratan Lake Area, Bali

A little fuzzy -- but this is the "Grandpa" of the clan.

Hibiscus
Beratan Lake Area, Bali

Amazing Hibiscus flower .. this is such a gorgeous flower. The depth and shape is amazing.

I love this !! NO MONKEYS !!
Beratan Lake Area, Bali

Arriving at the Ulun Danu temple. Quite a unique sign for a North American to see ...

Wild orchid??
Beratan Lake Area, Bali

Again, more gorgeous flowers !! I believe this is a lady slipper orchid but I really am not sure.

Banyan Tree
Beratan Lake Area, Bali

I believe this is a banyan tree. It's root system is unbelievable. The black and white checker cloth is put on all things/guards to ward off evil.

Beratan Lake Area, Bali

The entrance to the Ulun Danu Temple at the Beratan Lake. Please note the restrictions on entering below:

Beratan Lake Area, Bali

From Balistarisland

The existence of Ulun Danu Temple reminds that The Balinese Hindu live tolerantly with other people outside of Hindu like Buddha. It is signified by the existence of Buddhist Temple located outside of temple area. This temple building look very beautiful with Buddha Monk Statues put surround the temple. These Buddhist Temples are strategically situated in the lush tropical garden with cool atmosphere surround it.