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It has taken me some time to reflect and gather my thoughts on my most recent travels to Indonesia. I more consider this experience a series of teachable moments, not by design but by happenstance. The map below should help you to understand its place among other countries.
Indonesia is made up of 17,000 islands, 6000 of which are uninhabited, a majority still not having names. With an estimated 240 million people Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. There are 350 cultures and many languages scattered across the islands. Located in Southeast Asia, Bali is one of Indonesia's islands and to put it in perspective is a 2 1/2 hour flight from Australia. Bali is an island in Indonesia surrounded by the Indian Ocean and Java Sea. When Bali, Indonesia is mentioned most will recall its reputation for beaches. The variety of beach offerings is impressive however this island has so much more to offer than beaches. I will do my best to capture the essence of Bali in the next few paragraphs.
Our China Air flight takes us into Jakarta the capital of Indonesia on the island of Java, where we stay one night. Bursting with a population of 13 million people Jakarta is internationally influential in both politics and its culture. After a city tour we board a plane with our end destination being Yogyakarta, Java the country's second major center for foreign tourism. It is here that you will find authentic dance and music performances as well as galleries of contemporary art.
This region is famous for becaks: three-wheeled bicycle cabs, which are inexpensive and a great way to get around town. You can negotiate a daylong fee to have a becak driver take you around while you explore. The island of Java is also know for batik art, individually hand drawn on 100% cotton cloths with vibrant colors and patterns. Batiks are drawn or painted in wax by hand with this form of art originating centuries ago. They are easy to take home in your carry on. Trust me on this!
A cab in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
The promotion of village arts helps to keep alive an important part of Indonesian culture.
It is in Yogyakarta that we visit Borobudur an elaborate 9th century Buddhist temple that is without a doubt, one of the world's finest historical temples. The monument consists of six square platforms topped with several circular platforms decorated with over 500 Buddha statues. There are extensive stairways and corridors throughout. At the temple between May and October The Ramayana Ballet is performed during nights of the full moon. It is an amazing spectacle with more than 100 dancers and musicians. Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction.
There are wild elephants in Indonesia, mostly on the island of Sumatra. The Sumatran elephant is listed as an endangered species with just 2,500 to 3,350 remaining.
Our evening flight to the idyllic island of Bali, Indonesia is met with much anticipation. It doesn't seem to matter what part of the world I am in, my clock is set for the early morning (even though the time difference in Bali is 13 hours ahead of Chicago) and I am up to walk the beaches as the sun rises the following morning. Such a perfect time to explore. There are over 30 beaches on Bali and this morning I am able to walk several of them. I am searching for the beach location which will best suit your individual needs. For instance, from your hotel do you wish to see the sunrise or sunset? Must it be a swimmable beach? Should the sand be white, gray or black? The hotels are all located across the street from the beach. Are you OK with that? Are you interested in an exotic beach set in a sort of cave with towering cliffs, entering the beach through a cave crevice? Would you prefer an experience on an outer island? For $30 I am able to hire a private driver for the day who takes me to various resort areas in southern Bali.
At this time Bali is so inexpensive. The down side to staying on the beaches in southern Bali is that one could stay there the whole time and never get a taste of the authentic Balinese culture. Our itinerary has been planned so that we now travel to Ubud, Bali's cultural center. On our way we stop for a morning performance of Barong, a Balinese interpretation of the eternal fight between good and evil spirits. I am mesmerized!! Upon entering the village of Ubud we are taken to a resort in the jungle, touted as the most Balinese of Bali's upscale offerings. In a lounge featuring jaw dropping views we are served our choice of local teas or fresh pineapple juice.
Resort in Ubud's jungles
The Ubud village center is overflowing with energy featuring endless shopping opportunities, galleries and world class restaurants, of which the setting and ambiance can be just as amazing as the food. Home herbal scrubs and facial masks can be purchased for pennies. A one hour massage is $9 ... and that is just the beginning! I simply do not have enough time to indulge but I am tempted. On the outskirts of the village lie The Sacred Monkey Forest a nature reserve housing approximately 340 monkeys, also containing a temple and a "Holy Spirit" bathing temple.
Indonesian cuisine is strongly influenced by the Malaysian, Singaporean, Chinese, Indian and Western cuisines.
A private biking and canoeing excursion has been arranged for the following day and this will allow me a full day to explore the countryside. In the morning we have a 45 minute transfer from our hotel to a restaurant overlooking the active volcano Mount Batur and its spectacular crater lake. Our homemade breakfast consists of apple pancakes, the Bali version of a western omelet, three kinds of seasonal fruits cut into festive shapes, a delicious fried banana dish that is considered dessert, and fresh squeezed pineapple juice. Such a treat!! We are now ready to take to the back roads (with no traffic) through villages and rice fields which have been sculpted over the centuries. As we pass the villagers on our bikes they are so friendly and are happy to see us, especially the children in uniform walking to school. The mountain scenery is stunning and I realize that this experience is certainly a highlight.
Each village consists of approximately 700 people. A family (grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren) will often live in a compound which consists of a grouping of several largely open structures. There are different structures for the kitchen, sleeping areas, bathing areas, and of course there is a shrine.
When visiting jungle resorts the day before I noticed people rafting far below and I now find myself ready to embark on this very same adventure. Descending several hundred wooden steps we are met by the Arung River which snakes its way through dense jungles. As I gaze upward I notice that we are surrounded by steep cliffs covered with lush greenery. Amazing waterfalls add as a backdrop. The journey through the Arung River is somewhat peaceful, however occasionally we do have to navigate large rocks and encounter a few significant drops.
In summary, the flight is long, but so worth it!! Bali is primarily Hindu and the people are amazingly friendly and so proud of their culture. A two night extension in Taipei, Taiwan adds to the intrigue of our trip. Without a doubt Indonesia, Bali in particular, is one of the most fascinating places in the world.
If you have any thoughts on traveling to the destination mentioned above please contact me. I saw many wonderful areas but as is the case in any destination, there are places which could be a disappointment to those who have their heart set on the Bali that I visited. Please call and let's talk travel!
kmorantravel@aol.com
630.267.3054
kmorantravel@aol.com
630.267.3054
