Second Bali Trip - Day 1

I did not expect to come and visit Bali again after 5 months. It was a sweet surprise and it seemed as the universe was approving it because I was able to fix my schedule in such a short notice. The preparation was so short but it was ok because the holiday was only 2 days only anyway. I'm glad that Jero, my friend and trusted tour guide was able to accommodate us in such a short notice.

We took a night flight from Phuket, had a layover in Singapore and arrived in Bali at around 8am the following day. First on our plan was to visit the villa of a friend who has relocated in Bali and drop a few things. The villa they had was so nice and Bali has a lot of other lovely villas like this. This is the pool of the place and the view is already very relaxing.

After freshening up, we headed towards Tanah Lot temple. This was my friend, Wincee's, first time while it was my second time to visit. It was an hour's drive so we were able to get a shut eye. 

Tanah Lot Temple: 

Entrance Fee; 35,000 Indonesian Rupiah (2.70 USD)

The sun was shining high and even so, there was a crowd in the area, admiring the scenery and calmness of the place.

Jatiluwih 

Entrance Fee;  22,500 Indonesian Rupiah (1.71 USD)

Our next stop was at the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. This is another place added to my list of UNESCO world heritage sites visited. It has been appointed because it has maintained the local culture heritage in the form of water irrigation managed traditionally called as SUBAK. Jati means really and Luwih means special, good, beautiful or the equivalent. 

We also headed for lunch at a nearby restaurant. 

The rice served here was of course taken from the nearby ricefield. Healthy brown rice for my lunch.

This was our view and while eating, Jero told us that our next destination is on the other side of the mountain. 

After another hour's drive, we arrived at our next stop which was Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a major Shivaite and water temple in Bali. The temple complex is located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. 

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Entrance Fee: 30,000 Indonesian Rupiah (2.30 USD)

The place is located 1200 meters above sea level and it has a cold tropical climate. This explains why I am now wearing my jacket and the pine trees lining the vicinity. 

Taman Ayun Temple is our third destination. This is also called Mengwi Royal Temple and located about 18 km north side of Denpasar Town. A big fish pond or lake greets the  visitors  at the entrance. In fact, the word Ahyun comes from the word Hyun meaning a temple is founded in the park (pool with a beautiful garden). 

I know Jero explained well about the multi roofed structures but I cannot remember anymore :P Still they were an amazing site. In fact, this is another UNESCO world heritage site as it goes all the way back from the 18th century during the Mengwi Kingdom, a historic royal dynasty in Bali. It is symbolic as a site of Bali's aristocratic history and even as a historical site now, it embodies an air of elegant demeanor.

We capped the day by having dinner with Kyle, our friend who now resides in Bali. We planned a second day tour and I will also write about it next.

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

Malacca Weekend

Malacca has always been on my list of travels for a long time. I really wanted to visit one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia. The place is about 2-3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and it was just my luck to have found cheap flights to Malaysia's capital on my rest day. I contemplated about buying it or not but eventually I did.

I arrived at Malacca at around 3pm and just dropped my bag at the hotel. Time was running fast so I immediately went out to explore the place. On the way to the center, rows and rows of Sino-Portuguese inspired houses were lining the one way street.

At long last, I am able to personally see Chirst Church Melaka. This is an 18th century Anglican Church in the city of Malacca. It is said to be the oldest functioning Protestant Church in Malaysia. 

There were lots of colourful trishaws parking near the Church. Surely it would be fun to ride in one of those but I opted to walk. 

The view on the bridge heading to Jonker's Street. This is the Malacca River which flows through the Malacca City. This was a vital trade route during the heyday of Malacca Sultanate during the 15th Century. I saw the Malacca River Cruise gliding along the river and through most of the old town area. 

It was around 5 in the afternoon when I stepped on Jonker's Street. It was a weekend and the stalls for the night markets were being prepared little by little. This is where I got to eat a lot of stuff that I haven't had time to take pictures of. I was either too excited to eat or too hungry from all the walking. All I can remember was the dishes I tasted were delicious and I was full after every meal. :)

We climbed up to the summit of St. Paul's summit and found St. Paul's Church. This is a historic church building that was originally built in 1521 making it the oldest Church building in Malaysia.

The building at my back is the surviving gate of the A Famosa, a Portuguese fortress located in Malacca. It is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in South East Aisa. 

I decided to wear red on the day I went there. Most of the buildings in the City Center were also red, I could have easily camouflaged :-P

This was my first out of the country trip for 2016. So glad to have achieved one on my bucket list. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!.