Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 37

Sights to See: Jatiluwih rice terraces, Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s most beautiful rice fields and terraces are said to be in Penebel village in Tabaman, a UNESCO cultural landscape.  The Jatiluwih rice paddies are notable for using traditional Balinese irrigation techniques.  


If you’re lucky, you’ll witness farmers separating the rice from the stalks.  Mount Batukaru looming in the distance makes the fields particular picturesque.



This is also the area to make a stop at a roadside stand and try some exotic fruits. 

rambutan fruit on stems  

mangosteen fruit
More things to do in Bali.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways. 

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 
 

Sights to See: Jatiluwih rice paddies, Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s most beautiful rice fields and terraces are said to be in Penebel village in Tabaman, a UNESCO cultural landscape.  The Jatiluwih rice paddies are notable for using traditional Balinese irrigation techniques.  


If you’re lucky, you’ll witness farmers separating the rice from the stalks.  Mount Batukaru looming in the distance makes the fields particular picturesque.



This is also the area to make a stop at a roadside stand and try some exotic fruits. 

 


More things to do in Bali.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways. 

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: Taman Ayun Temple, Bali, Indonesia

Taman Ayun Temple   in Mengwi village, Badung regency, 17 km northwest of Denpasar.  Taman Ayun translates as “beautiful garden,” and you will indeed find expansive garden landscapes with lotus and fish ponds here.  Royalty once sailed small canoes in the property’s vast pools, which are now fenced off to visitors.  Featuring magnificent traditional architectural, this temple complex has three parts, like a body—head, body, leg.  It was built with Chinese architectural inspirations in 1634 by the second king and then-ruler of the Mengwi kingdom, Tjokerda Sakti Blambangan (my guide’s ancestor), and was significantly restored in 1937.  Today cats frolic among the ruins.  Towering tiers of temple shrines make up most of the complex, which is considered the “mother temple” of Mengwi.  (More “mother temples”’ include Besakih Temple in Karangasem, Batukaru Temple in Tabanan, and Batur Temple in Kintamani.)  The fourth and last court, referred to as Utama Mandala, is considered the most sacred.  An intricately ornate central gate is open only during ceremonies to allow in consecrated heirlooms and other ceremonial paraphernalia.  Another gate on the east side allows daily access.  The temple’s three areas denote the three cosmological levels in Balinese Hinduism--the world of man, the realm of gods and deities, and the topmost divine level.  According to ancient texts, the complex represents Mount Mahameru in the “churning of the sea of milk,” or the cosmic formation of the world.  







More things to do in Bali.
  
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images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 
 

Sights to See: Mount Batur volcano and Lake Tegalalang + a coffee plantation, Bali, Indonesia

Mount Batur volcano and Lake Tegalalang  This volcano last erupted in 2000 but is still active.  People come here to hike the lava trails, see the monkeys, and soak in hot springs (the pools at Toya Devasya are reputedly very good).  The town of Songan is the largest in this regency area, with 10,000 inhabitants.  




On the way back to the south, you can visit a tropical coffee plantation to taste kopi luwak, or civet coffee, made from partly-digested coffee cherries that are eaten and then defecated by the Asian palm civet!  The civet eats the fleshy pulp of the cherry, the seed of which undergoes fermentation in the cat’s stomach.  Though traditionally feces was collected from wild civets, today the jungle cats are kept in cages and force-fed the cherries.  It is reminiscent of the way chickens are caged in the U.S. and ducks are force-fed in France.  The name kopi luwak refers to a way of processing the beans rather than a variety of coffee, and it is considered one of the most expensive coffees in the world.  Perhaps you saw the 2008 movie “The Bucket List,” in which Carter Chambers, played by Morgan Freeman, revels in relaying to Edward Cole, played by Jack Nicholson, how the kopi luwak he is drinking was made.  Cole replies, "You're shitting me!" and Carter replies, "No, the cats beat me to it!"  Pretty funny scene.  The plantation I visited had a spacious back porch overlooking the grounds where a variety of coffees were presented for complimentary tasting, though a fee was charged to try the kopi luwak, which is quite smooth.


caged civet jungle cat

coffee maker used to prepare kopi luwak


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images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Penglipuran Village, Bali, Indonesia

Penglipuran Village   The families in this traditional village open their houses to visitors every day in exchange for government payment.  It is a great chance for visitors to step through gates and get inside fences to see how local people really live.  We visited a very simple household that raised pigs and chickens in their back yard and had an assortment of fruit trees in their garden.  Another compound kept a cadre of roosters for fighting that were sadly restrained in cramped bamboo cages that were only a little bigger than they were.  Construction in this area uses a lot of bamboo because the wood is produced in great quantity here.  A large temple complex is just uphill from the houses.  Sarongs are available to borrow for a small donation before entering.












More things to do in Bali.

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images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: Taman Nusa Indonesian cultural park, Bali, Indonesia

Taman Nusa Indonesian cultural park   Jalan Taman.  Daily 9am-5pm.  

This new cultural village features more than 60 traditional houses—some are hundreds of years old--and lets you see early, current, and future Indonesia.  

Visitors hear traditional music, see natives of various ethnic groups and cultures wearing their traditional costumes, and view the making of traditional crafts.




A Puppet & Textile Museum is here, plus a miniature replica of the ancient Borobudur Temple located near Yogyakarta in Java (constructed of volcanic stone in the 8th century and a wonder of the ancient world, it is a UNESCO site and the largest Buddhist temple in the world).

Dapur Nusa Restaurant serves refined Indonesian cuisine with a view of the surrounding mountains and valley.


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images and video ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Bali, Indonesia

Backgrounder Tips for Visiting Bali

●The majority of the more than 4 million people who live on Bali are Hindu, so dress is less conservative than in the rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim (in fact, holding 12.7% of the world's Muslims, Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world).  You should cover to your knees and shoulders when visiting Hindu temples.  Sandals and flip-flops are the most comfortable footwear. 

Carole in sarong at Penglipuran Traditional Village temple flip-flops for sale in Bali●The national motto of Indonesia is “unity with diversity.”  The country is home to 300-plus ethnicities and 700-plus languages.  These people are what make visiting Bali special.  “Namaste” was said to me frequently, and I enjoyed saying it back.  

●Almost every house and business has a shrine (or “pura”) tucked into a corner, often with an umbrella as a sign of respect.  Fresh offerings of flowers and fruit are made daily.  When you see this offering on the ground, it is meant to keep evil spirits away; try not to step on it.  Statues are covered in black-and-white checked cloth to keep a balance between evil and good.

shrine offerings offering to evil spirit
statue covered in black-and-white checked cloth to keep a balance between evil and good ●Bali has no malaria.  Check this website for current updates on malaria status.

●Much of the time, Bali is hot and humid.  The best weather is in the driest months--April through October--and summer is best.  November through March are the wet monsoon months.

●Items to pack along for the trip:
     ●sunscreen:  Because locals rarely use it, a good sunscreen can be hard to find, expensive, and might be ineffective with an expired pull date.
     ●mosquito repellent:  Preferably with Deet.  I wound up returning my mosquito spray, which I dragged half-way around the world, because I didn’t use it or need it.

gift shop at Sylvia Hotel on Flores Island in Indonesia●You will run into squat toilets.  It is a good idea to carry along toilet paper because many restrooms are not stocked.  Remember to put used toilet paper in the trashcan beside the toilet; sewer systems often cannot process it.  Hand sanitizer is helpful when you find yourself without soap or towels. 


●In Bali there are no fixed prices.  You bargain for virtually everything--car and drivers, guides, souvenirs, accommodations (and a free breakfast).  But not at five-star hotels.

●A two-hour massage costs about $40.

●Tipping is not expected.

●Cars drive on the “wrong”/left side of the road, and an international driver’s license is required.  Most people hire a car and driver to tour.  Renting a motorbike is an option; a helmet is required.



More things to do in Bali.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.   

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Bali, Indonesia

Honeymoon in Bali
guest post by Greg Murray
photos by Greg Murray, Natalie Murray, and anonymous


Kuta
The Kuta Angel Hotel was nice, clean, modern/trendyish boutique hotel.  Nothing too crazy or special.  We were only there a night so just went to dinner on the main strip and the beach in the morning.

Nusa Lembongan
We stayed at the Mushroom Beach Garden Rooms .  We didn’t like it there and found ourselves hanging out at the Hai Tide Beach Resort .  We took a motor scooter for half a day ($4) and went to the bridge, which was fun.  Ate at Mama Mia , which was good and quite an experience.  Drive across if you are feeling adventurous.  We also went up to the other part of the island and would recommend searching for a better hotel there and checking out The Deck Cafe Bar , tho that north west strip of beach is a bit more “local.”  We went snorkeling off the north tip of the island which was great--warm water beautiful fish and coral.  From there the capitan took us to the channel in-between the islands, dropped us off, and picked us up a mile downstream.  That was also fantastic, being taken by the current, and a must do.  However the water was cold.

Tegalalang
We stayed at an Airbnb here only for a night and it was a highlight of the trip.  The rice terraces were beautiful, and we hiked through them in the morning.  We drove a scooter an hour up to an outlook of Lake Batur for dinner.  Timing was perfect and though the restaurant we sought was closed, we went next door and had the place to ourselves, as well as a candidate for the best fish I’ve ever eaten.  For a measly 50IDR (about US$4).     


Ubud
We stayed right next to the monkey forest at the Pondok Pundi Village Inn .  It was clean but no mosquito nets in the room and lots of mosquitoes.  I stayed up drinking arak (the local alcohol), hunting them all.  We did not get bit that night.  ;)  The monkey forest was fun, and we took our time through it as it is small.  Id recommend the Three Monkeys Cafe .  We found mie goreng (a popular noodle dish) to be our go-to meal, and it was great here, along with a very good burger.




Candidesa
We stayed at an Airbnb here too, but there were a couple “OK” bungalows in this area but don’t know the names.  Otherwise, maybe the Bloo Lagoon hotel a little farther south.  We had dinner at sunset on the beach at Lezat Beach Restaurant .  It was great.  We took a scooter in search of a waterfall, but the waterfall turned out to be a water palace … still cool.  Then we went to the virgin white sand beach.  The beach was nice but kinda a bust for us as we wanted peace and solitude.  Then we went snorkeling at Blood Lagoon.  It was very pretty, and the fish were very friendly.  Then we went off the coast a little bit to some rocks where a turtle hangs out.  The water was deeper and not as colorful, but the water was also rougher and scarier and I loved it.  It was one of my fav snorkeling spots.  And we saw a turtle.   


South Kuta
Ayana was beautiful.  The Rock Bar there was great, not your “Bali experience" tho.  But if you are looking for western comfort and instagram famous … this is it.  You will find you need to go to the lobby for internet tho.

   


We took the local transportation services that are on every corner for our longer trips.  The prices are set and cheaper than the pesty guys that solicit.  Natalie and I both agreed if we were to do it again, the only way to go would be backpacks and a scooter.  And if we had two kids, we would get two scooters.  If you want luxury, you can find it, but you will have to close your eyes often, especially on the trip from the airport to the hotel.  Natalie left hers open and was concerned for our safety.  For some reason, we didn’t get that memo.  But everyone was so nice and hospitable in the end.  We didn’t use any bug spray or get any inoculations.  The food was surprisingly good.  We had two plates (and a large Bintang beer) made and served by a 12-year-old for 75IDR (about US$6)! 

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.   
    

Things to Do: Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park/City of Refuge, Honaunau, Big Island, Hawaii

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park/City of Refuge   In Honaunau, 1 hour south of Kailua-Kona, near Captain Cook, (808) 328-2326 x1702.  7am-15 min. after sunset; visitor center, daily 8:30am-4:30pm.  $5/vehicle.  No pets.  Centuries ago this desolate, exquisitely beautiful spot was a place of refuge for criminals and outcasts escaping punishment or persecution.  Now it offers the chance to learn a little history as you check out exhibits, which include a fishpond, several hale (houses), examples of traditional Hawaiian craftsmanship, and an unmortared stone wall that is 1,000-feet long, 10-feet high, and 17-feet wide.  You might also see a Hawaiian canoe builder in action or view a traditional spear-throwing contest, and do allow time for a game of konane--a checkers-like game played on a stone table that kids enjoy trying out.  Sea turtles are often seen swimming in the bay, and outrigger canoe rides are sometimes available.  



child playing konane checkers
More things to do on the Big Island.
 
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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
 

Things to Do: Hilo Farmer’s Market, Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii

Hilo Farmers Market   Mamo St./Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, 808-933-1000.  W & Sat, from dawn to “gone,” or 6am-4pm; a smaller market occurs M, Tu, Thur, F, & Sun, 7am-4pm.  You’ll find unusual fruits and vegetables here, including avocados as big as footballs, plus 20 different kinds of Japanese mochi, specialty food items, crafts items, and crates saying ”from California.”  And then there are honey and leis. 








More things to do on the Big Island.
 
More things to do in Hawaii.
 
Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.  
 
images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers