Bali Boarding

As published in a magazine that has since folded and thus, will not be named ;)

Bali Boarding

It happens to all surfers. After x amount of time paddling familiar breaks and taking off on the same peaks, the feet begin to itch. No, it’s not a bad case of reef rash. What’s happening is a surfers’ built in need to travel and look for better waves. Or, if you happen to think your home break has the best waves, then it’s the search for different swell.

Surfers are, by nature, wandering nomads. Always in search of the perfect session, the ultimate ride. The bar for what constitutes the next best thing is raised as a surfer’s skill level increases. And the search, goes on ad infinitum. Crowded line-ups, irregular seasons, and a general wanderlust drives a surfer ever onward. Two surf movies – The Endless Summer & The Endless Summer 2 – are devoted to that very theme. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been surfing or how good you’ve gotten, at some point, the itchy feet kick in and the search begins.

I find that this is especially true for Philippine-based surfers. We don’t have waves all year round. There comes a time during the summer months when neither Habagat nor Amihan is delivering surfable swell. And instead of drowning my sorrows in beer below zero or taking off for a hedonistic weekend at an island resort, I do the most sensible thing – I plan a trip to Bali.

Bali, Indonesia is one of the best options for surf outside of the Philippines for several reasons. It is closer to the Philippines than, say, Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Filipinos don’t need a visa to enter the country. And, best of all, Bali has waves all year-round. So when things have gone flat on this archipelago, it’s high time to set your sights on another.

The eastern side of the island receives near consistent swell. Without any other countries or islands to break up the surge of the incoming tides, Bali is a guaranteed wave magnet. If it isn’t working at one spot, it will surely be working at another. All you need is a good guidebook, access to the internet to check for swell and a few tips from the friendly surf locals.

Bali has three major seasons, each with their own pros and cons. Depending on your skill level, you can adjust your date of departure. Swell is fickle and can change in an instant but there is a general guide that you can follow.

December to February is the rainy season, although actual rainfall can fluctuate from strong windstorms to minimal downpours. The winds come in from the west side so you’ll want to be on the eastern coastline.

From March to May is when I personally prefer to book my Bali trips because swell tends to be a bit smaller. March can still be a bit wet so I like to book towards the middle to end of May. Breaks such as Keramas, Serangan, and the Bukit Peninsula can still deliver big waves so if you’re traveling with a big waver, tell him he won’t be bored by your hunt for four foot waves.

The water temperature begins to drop come June and goes on til almost November as winter swell from surrounding countries come rolling in. It’s enough to turn your lips blue if you aren’t used to it. When planning a trip for the winter season of Bali, invest in a shorty wetsuit or a thick rashguard. Winter is also when the swell begins to really pick up and breaks such as the legendary Padang Padang start cranking out double overhead waves on a good day. Not for the faint of heart or low of skill. If you don’t think taking off on a 10 foot wave is your speed, rest assured, your friendly local guide can point you out to more manageable surf. Breaks to check out:

During my last trip, which was May of 2010, I fell in love with a little visited break known as Balian. An hour and a half west of Kuta and accessible by land transport (rent a van for the most comfortable ride), Balian’s away-from-it-all vibe combined with consistently clean waves was perfect for our little band of adventurers. And despite the seemingly isolated environment, Balian’s small resorts are actually quite nice. Splurge – at these prices, you’ll still think it’s a steal – and book your self into one of the resorts that has air-conditioning (the dry season in Bali is hot beyond belief), a pool & a fully staffed kitchen.

The best part is that Balian is on the same side as Medewi, which can be friendly or ferocious depending on what Mother Nature’s mood is on any given day.

Closer to the hub of activity, Airport Lefts and Airport rights generally work during the dry season. Paddle for waves while flights take off and land meters from you. Crowd factor can be high so be prepared to fight for your waves. Balangan, less than an hour out of the city center, is also a good bet. And of course, there’s always the rest of the Bukit Peninsula with breaks lined up along the coastline – Impossibles, Padang-Padang and Uluwatu.

Mostly geared for backpacking surfers, there are definitely more basic rooms as compared to luxury lodgings that are angled for waveriders. If you want to stay away from maddening crowd of unwashed and rowdy backpackers on their gap year, ditch Kuta and head for Seminyak or Legian instead. The hotels are better appointed, the crowd more upscale and the levels of comfort more lavish. Most will also offer you cars for hire along with an English speaking tour guide who’ll know his way around the island’s many breaks. The Legian Logo, a five star hotel, is one of the most popular hotels in the area. In Seminyak, check out Le Jardin Boutique.

You can also choose to spend the night at many of the other breaks, leaving you with less time for road travel and more time to surf. And rest assures, it wont be all beach bungalows with no running water and threadbare mats on the floor. The Bukit Peninsula does offer some pretty lush accommodations . Those closer to Uluwatu, such as the Alila Villas Uluwatu , often offer stunning views from the mountainside, 3-bedroom villas &, if you book ahead, private pools. And there are a handful of privately owned villas that are stand alone and can be booked for private groups.

So grab a guidebook, go online, check out flights (Singapore Airlines flies from Manila to Bali with a brief stop at Singapore) and figure out when you’re going to to chasing after those Indo waves.

Missing Balian

Back in March of 2010, I was recovering from a bout with viral arthritis, an auto-immune illness and a break up. A trip to Bali had been booked months before and it was with a lot of excitement that I boarded that Air Asia flight to the Island of the Gods.

We split into two groups - mostly based on where we were all booked. We spent the first two days apart - constantly in touch via SMS and Facebook. One evening Dom, Annie, Wiwi, JP and Tin texted us to say they were heading to Balian in the morning. So Philip, Miki, Ja and I hooked up with Nata, rented an extra board for Jam, woke up at 5am and made the trip up.

And fell in love. If I could have married a surf spot during this trip, I'd have come home as "Mrs Balian."

We hit Balian twice all in all where we all scored fun rides, cheered for each other, had epic siestas on epic beds, ignored the annoying needle thingies in the water, stayed away from aggro haole boys (where is your aloha?!) and had the best time ever.

Jam and I weren't able to do a Balian trip this year though so my reunion with the spot I wanted to marry is going to have to wait.

For photos of my future husband, the Surf Spot, check out my gallery on Facebook.

*BALIAN is located halfway between Kuta and Medewi. There are accommodations in the area ranging from upscale to mid-priced. As of 2010, there were no backpacker-budget friendly lodges though. You can hire a van to take you there (I highly recommend Nata, hit me up for his contact deets) or rent motorbikes and make the drive up yourself. Leave early in the morning to beat the traffic.

One Day I'd Like to Do This For Pinay Surfers

Record numbers turn out for the Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing days in Bali

29 May 2011, Double Six beach Legian – Bali.

Bright sky’s and perfect 2 -3ft waves decorated Sunday morning at Double 6 beach Legian, Bali for the 2011 Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing day.

A record breaking 130 girls of all ages and nationality turned out from as far away as Malaysia and Thailand to register and join the annual Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing Day now in its 8^th year.

The day began with registration at 9.30 followed by the first class of the day ready hit the surf at 10.30. Joining the lesson were Rip Curl facebook photo competition winners from Jakarta who had won an all expenses paid trip from Jakarta by posting pictures of themselves to Rip Curl’s fan page. Girls started out with a warm-up and stretching followed by basic standing, positioning on the surfboard and how to paddle. The introduction was made by Rip Curl School of Surf Pro instructor Jonathan Deaker who made all the girls feel right at home with his relaxed and fun spirit before they took to the perfect clean waves.

While the first group was getting amongst the action on the water, the beach scene was hotting-up with fun and games to win top prizes, girls having manicures, body massages and temporary tattoos in the specially designed beauty booth.

As the third and final session of the afternoon came to a close around 3pm, live music kicked-in on the stage and the crowds of girls gathered to dance together to a hot salsa music lessons with fun choreographer and dance instructor.

A beach BBQ added to a perfect afternoon of fun and games in true Rip Curl style with hot dogs and cold drinks ready to feed the hungry girls.

To end the day on stage, the prize giving of the Coca Cola ISC Women Division Tour was announced with Rip Curl team rider Diah Rahayu Dewi taking first place starting her 2011 campaign on a high note. The presentation was followed up with some special awards for best wipe-out, best ride and best style that was won by Rip Curl’s media guest’s form Thailand and Malaysia.

“It was a great start for the women's pro tour. We had some good waves and the girls were challenged but showed that they are more than motivated and are frothing to compete. We are looking forward to a tough and challenging competition for the 2011 women’s championship.” (Tim Hain - Media Director- Coca-Cola ISC Tour)

Thanks to Rip Curl’s co - sponsors and media partners; GUS, All Seasons Legian Hotel, Rip Curl School Of Surf, Coca Cola ISC, OZ radio, JUICE, Magic Wave, Sister Girlfriend and Go girl.

Sometimes the Universe gives you a photo-op

Cross-posted on Us3Girls

I was en route to Manila from Bali via Jakarta late Friday night. Rushed to the baggage carousel as I had to grab my gear and go so I would make it to the next free shuttle service between the domestic and international terminals.

Got to the carousel and saw this:

Classic traveler moment: waiting for your bags to arrive, looking forward to a warm meal, a soft bed and some shut-eye.

Bali: Shop the Surf Outlets

I've been to Bali during the months of March, April and May and the sale season that has given us the highest yield and best value for money has been the one in March.

1. Surfers's Paradise. Oakley, Reef, Roxy, Quick Silver, Sunsuko, Cult, Volcom, Hurley, Industry, Bilo Australia. On Jalan By Pass I Gusti Ngurah Rai
-- This is on the way to the airport and accessible by taxi. Hardly any sales at the main store but right across the street is their factory outlet wc sometimes has super good deals.

2. Billabong Factory Outlet on Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai
---> Three floors of sale items ranging from 30% to 75% off on most items. It's on the same road as Surfers Paradise but in the opposite direction. Walking distance from my favorite outlet of all time -- the Quiksilver/Rip Curl/Surfer Girl. Have the taxi drop you off at that one first then just walk down the road to this one. It will be on the left side so keep your eyes open for it. Super good deals.

3. Quiksilver/Rip Curl Outlet on Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai
---> See above :) I was able to get shorts for RP50,000 and tops na RP25,000 (Php125 to Php250 pesos) and bikinis for Php500 lang.

4. Quiksilver/Rip Curl/Surfer Girl Outlet On Jl Dewi Sri
--> Closest one to the Kuta and Legian area. Usually has rummage-style sales outside the store proper and more sales inside.

5. Surfer Girl. On Jl Legian.
--> Head for the sales floor upstairs for the best deals on both men's and women's brands. Also, it's along one of the main shopping-eating roads

Bali Tips: Money

These are just a few reminders and tips that I've picked up from the various trips to Bali in the last four years. Generally, my advice will center on the Kuta and Legian area so if you're looking for info on Seminyak, Nusa Dua, the Bukit etc, this might not be the blog for you.

- Many of the money changers will offer a higher rate than others (lets say normal is 8635, they'll over 8900). Unless you are super confident about your own counting skills, dont be greedy. Go for the normal rate na lang at a reputable changer rather than the dodgy money changer operating out of the back of a dvd store. ;)

- Along Poppies Lane (coming from beach side) 1 at the very top of the street near the head office of Big Kahuna Surf School. They issue receipts and I trust them.

-Another reputable money changer is DIRGAHAYU Money Changer sa corner ng Legian Street and JL Pantai. Bank-style siya. They also issue receipts.

In general, we tried to change USD$100 at a time.

Other money related notes:
-- do not bring US Dollar bills minted in 1996!
-- do not bring US Dollar bills minted in 2003 with serial numbers beginning in CB
Those bills will be rejected by almost all the money changers in Bali. Even the banks.

Helpful Link: http://www.baliblog.com/travel-tips/bali-travel/money-in-bali.html

Teh Botol = Bali

Snapped this one afternoon while waiting for the rest of the crew to come up from a surf session at Kuta. Now let me explain why this bottle of sweetend jasmine tea encapsulates our Bali experience:

- A brand new taste of something familiar
- Refreshing
- Surprisingly affordable
- Addicting
- Something to tell your friends back home about

Teh Botol = Bali.

The End

Bali: Padang Padang for the Rip Curl Cup

We were lucky enough to catch the trials for a major event on our second week in Bali. The Rip Curl Cup is entitled "It's On When It's On" because Padang Padang is such a fickle break that the smallest changes in weather can cause the biggest changes in swell size. There is a month long wait period for the comp - one of the longest known in the circuits.

The same break whose inside section we had surfed only two days before was now throwing massive double overhead sets that broke in front of the cliff and wrapped around the cove towards the beach. DAMN!

And of course, my first order of business was to check the heat schedule and find out who was around. On the menu for the surf aids? Friend Mostafa Jeksen, Tipi Jabrik, and Betet Merta. Rizal Tanjung, Made Widiarta, John John Florence, Kahea Hart, Nathan Hedge, and Koby Abberton! Woot, woot!

We found a spot safe from incoming tide and tried to get comfortable while watching the heats. Unfortunately, my lens couldnt quite cover the distance but I think you'll get a good enough idea of what Padang was like that day.

More Padang pics coming soon. Photos by me, Moro, Phil and Aya.

Bali: Ubud and The Bukit

We rented a van for half a day and checked out Ubud, Bali's art central. We didn't get to eat any babi guling (boo!) or see Antonio Blanco's gallery (boo!) but we did score a nice print for my mom (yay!), some carvings for JP's mom (yay!) and take a walk through the Monkey Forest where we found ourselves in the middle of a monkey tribe war. National Geographic moment!!!

In the afternoon, Phil and Moro surfed while the rest of us chilled on the beach with Teh Botols and, later, cold Bintang. :)

On the next day, we finally left Kuta beach to check out the Bukit Peninsula. On the agenda were Dreamland, Padang Padang and Uluwatu.

Dreamland is BEAUTIFUL. Terence plans to retire there. Hehe. Phil, Moro and Ter went out while Aya and I waited for the conditions to get a little better. Eh, wala. Hahahaha. So only the boys scored Dreamland... land of shoulder high shorebreaks. To be fair, the waves from outside were breaking naman but there were monster sets coming in that were hella scary. A lot of the guys out had to suffer close out barrels if they couldnt manage to bail in time.

Our new friends Sam and Paddy came up to us and said they were going to move to Padang Padang. They promised it would be smaller and cleaner. So, despite the rep Padang has, we went to check it out.

The break, which is usually hella gnarly, was nice and clean. So we did the pre-sunset session there. My fingers were so frozen that I couldnt feel my board anymore. On one of the bigger sets, I lost my grip and nearly dinged Moro on the head with my nose. Eeep! That kinda rattled me so I crept away from the peak and sat on the inside (again) with this cute Thai grommet. Got a few good rides but ultimately, nearly spearing Moro through the head had shaken me too much... so I left everyone and paddled in... (this is the good part)

While waiting for everyone to come in (Aya caught one of the best right handers that afternoon by the way... super yeah, yeah wave for Aya!!!), I noticed this girl about ten feet away from us... I thought I recognized her from somewhere but I wasnt sure... so I checked out her gear and her board... all Billabong... and I stared at her some more before I became convinced ... I WAS TEN FEET AWAY FROM SANOE LAKE!!! Sobrang kinikilig kami ni Aya.

I'll post our whole convo about it later cos it merits its own space. Suffice it na lang to say that we cam-whored with Sanoe, who is super nice and very friendly... and then went to Uluwatu to see the sunset.

We ditched the prices of Jimbaran Bay and ended up having dinner at this awesome place near Kuta Night Market. Go to the place owned by Romano. You cant miss him. He looks like he is on his nth round of roids, is cross-eyed and has this charming personality. Total character man. But one of the good guys. His food is cheap and tasty. Para siyang Gerry Shan of Bali. :)

All in all, a good day... even if the Dreamland waves did try to kill us.

For photos click this link

Bali 2007: From Kuta to Uluwatu

Landed in Jakarta well past midnight and spent the rest of the night at the house of Aya's tita (we slept girls in one room, boys in the other). Breakfast was thin slices of proscuito and heaping spoonfuls of nasi goreng. Then... off to Bali!

Arrived in the Island of the Gods after lunch and spent the first day getting settled in. Moro, JP and I were booked at Taman Ayu Bungalos -- really cheap place with clean rooms, comfortable beds, and a super friendly staff. I found out about Taman Ayu through Denver, who stayed there last year and made friends with one of the staff... this super nice local named Juli. Juli is the best.

Aya, Phil and Terence stayed down the street at Masa Inn. We heard about this place naman through Paolo and Cat (later backed up by Vince and Andrew). Value for money. Really great digs for a price you wont find in the Pinas.

Across Masa Inn is a restaurant called Nusa Indah. Yummy food at really low prices. Most of our meals were eaten here. Most of our Bintangs downed right after those meals. We made friends with one of the waiters pa. Komang (I know, whattaname!) became our command central... "Hey Komang, did you see Phil and Aya?" and he'd go "Yes, they just ate and went back to Masa Inn". Really convenient.

Oh... I took everyone to Legian Street the first night and introduced them to the Surfer Girl and Quiksilver store there. Third floor = sales floor. Little did any of us know that this was going to be a very small portion of what our shopping was going to be like. Hehe.

Surfing happened the second day. COLD water. So cold that after a while our fingers were going numb and our toes felt like they were going to fall off. But, since the swell had dropped off, we at least managed to have a fun session. I got long rides and got to practice my turning. Timing lang cos a lot of the waves were closing out and the sections that were consistently working were filled with locals we didnt wanna hassle.

Ano pa ba? Ah, Moro scored a board! He sold his 6'3 before we left for Bali so we were on a mission to find a a good deal on another board while we were there. The Kuta area is awash with surf shops so it took us a while to make a decision and to wrangle a good price. But on the third day of our stay, we made a choice - a 6'0 pintail Barreira board.

After we found our bearings, we decided to stick around the Kuta beach area for a few days, braving the cold water and the often close out waves. I made friends with some local instructors and they picked waves for me to take. Nothing great but deffo long fun rides. By this time, we'd all developed a taste for Teh Botol, a locally bottled tea drink. And we were starting to make friends with the vendors on the beach... getting discounts on our Teh Botols and Bintangs... and earning a safe place for us to leave our bags while we all surfed. (Most of the hangin' and surfin' Kuta pics are with Terence).

Moro and I took an afternoon off to head up to Uluwatu. We rented a motorbike (Rp80,000 with insurance for two days), asked Juli to draw us a map and took off. Ulu was small that day - small for typical Indo standards. As it was, waves were head high, peeling and perfect. We watched the line up at Ulu and this cool guy taking off on double overhead waves with his paddleboard at Temples. Then up to the temple itself to catch the sunset... and lose sunnies to a cunning macaque.

Terence joined us in the motorbike brigade the next day and we went off in search of... sales! Hahahaha. Really chill day lang using the bike, surfing a bit and then checking out Joe's Place for the first time. Think Big Sky but chiller pa.

Next up! Ubud and the Monkey Wars!

Bali, Indonesia

As published in Preview magazine's "Tripping" section in 2002.

The Island of the Gods

Bali is the Indonesia’s hottest tourist destination. The season peaks between June and August and slumps from December to March. But the parade of people never completely comes to a halt.

The Balinese themselves have no word for “paradise” in their native tongue. I guess living in something akin to it required no verbal equivalent. Instead, they simply call it “the island of the gods.” From mountains to beaches, crowds to solitude, everything is just a ride away.

KUTA: Hedonist’s Heaven
Although Denpasar is Bali’s capital, those who want in on the action head straight for Kuta Bay on the southern end of the island. Kuta and Legian beach comprise this playground of the tanned and happy. Sometimes tacky and always crowded, it pulses and throbs with energy that is infectious. For quieter days, nearby Tuban beach is an option that still puts you a stone’s throw away from the happening scene.

What to do:
Look like a tourist. Much like buying an anklet in Puerto Galera, there are three essential tourist must-dos in Kuta: get a massage, have your hair braided and top it off with a manicure. Or have them all done in one go. Peddlers all over the beach will approach you offering any of the three services.

Head for the beach.The beaches provide docking space for beachgoers who wish to spend the day laying on the sand or splashing in the water.

Surf. Those who surf will find no trouble renting a board from the many stalls that line the shoreline. It is an ideal spot for beginners as Kuta is the only place in Bali where the wave breaks over sand and not reef.

Bodyboard. Can’t surf or maybe don’t want to? Rent a bodyboard instead.

Take in a show. The larger hotels sometimes showcase traditional dances like the Legong. The elaborate costumes, complex choreography and rhythmic music make for a culturally entertaining experience.
Sunset at Tanah Lot
See the sunset. The temple at Tanah Lot is a postcard perfect sunset spot. But if you are too lazy to take the trip, Kuta beach also draws the crowds come sundown.

Party, party, party. This, my friends, is the center of self-indulgence and capitalism on the island. A happening nightlife draws many a tourist after the sun goes down. The Hard Rock Hotel and Café across the street from Kuta beach is a popular place for the hunks and hotties. A cold bottle of Bintang (the most popular Indo beer) is often the best way to start (and end) your evenings.

Spend that money! What dominates the sidewalks of both Kuta and Legian are surfshops – you can’t walk ten meters without seeing one. All surfing brands have managed to set up shop for the fashionista surfer.

The Matahari Department Store and the general area near Kuta Central are stocked with stores just waiting for your money. Brand names galore but not much by way of traditional merchandise.

Kartika Plaza Center along Kartika Street is a great place to grab those traditional trinkets. It is especially interesting at night when the vendors move out into the main plaza to peddle their wares – carven figurines, bamboo pipes, wrought iron candle holders and the like. While you’re there, have your picture taken with the exotic animals that are set up in their various perches and stalls. For about $6.00 you can pose with live owls, parrots, pythons and other wild beasts in the menagerie.

The shops on Legian’s streets stay open longer (10:00pm) and offer a wider choice of buys. Brand names, trinkets, cheap shades and beads make up most of the wares. Stop by the Legian Arcade, a large mall-like shopping center for a quick retail fix.

Eating:
If you find yourself with a taste for Indonesian staples, order nasi goreng (fried rice), sate, and gado gado (vegetables in peanut sauce) duck into any roadside restaurant that serves local fare. Chinese and Western eateries also line the streets of Kuta and Legian so there is no way you will starve. There are McDonalds and KFC outlets for the less adventurous.

FURTHER SOUTH: Water Worship

You can’t fully enjoy your trip to Bali by staying put in one place. To get a true taste of the island’s diversity, take a road trip. Ulu Watu and Nusa Dua are further down south from Kuta and about two hours away. The island may be small but traffic can make for some long trips. (Think trying to get to Alabang from Ortigas on a busy weeknight.) Hire a driver through your hotel, call a tour group operator or hook up with a guide on the beach and make a day of it.

What to do:
Watersports. Parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boating are among the few activities you can try at Nusa Dua’s beaches. Go glass bottom boating, snorkel at a spot of your choice then take a quick trip to Turtle Island. A half-day trip to Nusa Dua can cost as little as $15 per head depending on whom you talk to and what you plan to do. Scuba diving is an option for the certified.

Watch the sunset. The Monkey Temple of Ulu Watu is famous for its sunset view. Built on a cliff and set at the southernmost tip of Bali, the vista is breathtaking no matter what time of day. Monkeys wander around the temple grounds and are considered sacred so play nice and don’t harass them. Bad karma.

Surf. Celebrated surf spots are found in Ulu Watu, not least among them the famed Padang Padang. There are several other less known breaks in the area so pack your board – or rent one – and spend the afternoon battling for waves in the line-up. Or lease a motorbike for the day and drive down winding roads with your board strapped to one side, Indo-style.

Spend that money!
Unfortunately, not a lot of shopping goes on in these areas. There are a few stalls and sidewalk hawkers but there is nothing here that you cant buy somewhere else.

Eating:
The best thing to do after watching the sunset at Ulu Watu is to drive to Jimbaran Bay. There are many seaside eateries that offer the freshest seafood. Pick ‘em live and watch ‘em die!

DUE NORTH: Culture and Karma
After soaking up the sun, steep yourself in the more sedate side of Bali by heading North. Make the same arrangements as with going South but be prepared to spend more time on the road. A full day trip isn’t enough to cover all that the Northern end has to offer but if you are on a tight schedule, it’s better than nothing.

What to do:
Take a hike. Gunung (Mount) Batur, offers the opportunity to see the sun rise over the island – if you are willing to make the 5,000 plus foot hike to the top. If a climb isn’t on your agenda, you can still admire the volcano from the many curbside lodges and restaurants.

Look at the lake. You don’t really have a choice if you’re already at Mount Batur seeing as to how Lake Batur was formed in a crater after the volcano erupted.

Visit a tribe. From the lake you can take a boat to Trunyan, one of the few remaining villages of the Bali Aga (pre-Hindu Balinese). The people have gotten used to visitors but remain wary.

See some art. The town Mas is crammed with wooden carvings and Balinese art. Watch the masters at work as they turn blocks of wood into intricately designed pieces. The nearby town of Ubud is the heart of culture in Bali. A community of artists have set up shop in this quaint section of the island. The narrow streets maintain the serenity of times past even with the commercialization of the area.

Find yourself in a forest. South of Ubud’s central district is the Sacred Monkey Forest. The paved footpaths make for a quiet walk under dense foliage. You don’t have to search for the monkeys because they are everywhere. Again, play nice. There’s a temple on the grounds that you may want to visit since you’re there already anyway.

Balinese children dressed up for a ceremony.

If you have time:
Go East towards Amed.

Amed is a isolated village northeast of Tirtha Gangga. It is inhabited only by fishermen and seasalt processors. Amed sea is known as one of the best beaches for diving and snorkeling in Bali. Its coast is very rich and beautiful. Good Karma bungalows.

Not much further away are spectacular Waterfalls. But it is a 20 minute trek through the jungle so be ready to commune with a lot of nature.