The Blooms of the Ixora: 03/04/14

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

EXOTIC BALI ON MY MIND

One day, months ago, one of my best buds gushed about the cheap flights offered by low cost carrier AirAsia to Bali which has now resumed its direct flights from Kota Kinabalu. The direct flights were discontinued a few years back, a business decision I presume. Its resumption that commenced on 27th July 2013 was very much welcomed by the netizens of Sabah as they would no longer have to travel through KLIA. The cheap flights from Kota Kinabalu to Bali thrice weekly every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday were snapped within minutes! Some must have been waiting in ambushed days after the announcement.

What was supposed to be a trip for just 3 or 4 of us ladies, later swelled to 20! Some of the tickets were acquired double than the amount that we paid. The 6N/5D trip from 15th February was a dream come true for me as I have always wanted to visit this beautiful island!

Bali is indeed magical, steeped in rich tradition and spirituality that focuses mainly on art and religion. Most public areas, homes and paddy fields are decorated by intricate carvings, paintings and artworks. Home to many beautifully and sacred temples throughout the country, Bali villages hold many temple festivals and colourful geremonies. I understand that ninety percent of Balinese are Hindu and around five percent Muslims, the remaining practise Buddhism or Christianity.

..these offerings are found almost everywhere.. in and around houses, shops or other public places. Looks like a potpourri of flowers

We boarded the evening flight from Kota Kinabalu and was met at the airport by the tour coordinator. Just as we were about to board the bus that was waiting, we were delighted to be welcomed with garland of yellow flowers. I laughingly told my friends, the flower smelled Bali!

We were brought to Ubud, a 1 1/2 hours drive away, with a stop-over at a restaurant for late dinner and later we arrived our hotel, a restful retreat set within a green landscape at the edge of Ubud's sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Our ride..

The monkeys wandering about the hotel..

The following morning as I walked along the beautifully landscaped garden towards the cafe for breakfast, I had a shock of my life when a couple of monkeys got into my path. We were earlier warned that these monkeys can be bold and guests were known to have lost their sunglasses or handbags being left around attended. And so upon encounter of these animals, I instinctively held onto my handbag as if my life depended on it.. hahaha..

We really had fun visiting and shopping in this amazing island and should another opportunity strikes, I would be in Bali again in a heart's beat.

I hereby share some pictures of our trip and let the pictures speak for themselves, mostly taken with my hand phone cam.

stunning rice terrace, taken from a moving bus..

Above - Taman Ayun Temple

Ulun Danu is a Hindu Temple located at the hilly side of Candi Kuning countryside. It is set at a lakeside of Beratan surrounded by hills situated in the plateau area. The atmosphere there is cool and breezy.