Vacations on Bali

Indonesia is an insular country, consisting of around 20 000 islands. Geographic location influences the changeability of the weather. Thus, on one of the islands, it can be sunny and summer like, while on the neighbouring one, it can be wet.Tthe weather on Bali is very changeable. The best season on Bali is from July to October. During these seasons it is dry with the fewest chances of rain. However, since Bali is an island, it may happen that, even in the ‘’best season’’, it may rain. We have experienced it firsthand :) We have driven around the whole island. For a few days, we stayed in the south, i.e. Nusa Dua, famous for long, wide and sandy beaches. Nusa Dua is a very popular destination among wealthy Japanese people, who pay a lot of attention to esthetics and calmness. One day, we rented a motor scooter. On Bali, you have to driver on the left, which has made the whole experience even more exciting :)

We set off from Nusa Dua to Ubud (around two-hour drive on the motor scooter, one way). We went toMonkey Forest. Getting in contact with monkeys being ‘’on the loose’’was undeniably amazing experience. While entering the reserve, you have to take into account the fact that it is inhabited by monkeys, so you are the one who has to adjust to their rules. Hence, it is better to remove your glasses, button up your pockets or bags. For this trip, we bought some bananas. The monkeys are very curious and they aren’t afraid of people. Feeding a monkey, who has chosen to climb up and sit on your arm, is something worth trying out.

Another place, which we found impressive, was Bali Bird Park. The place is inhabited by the most interesting and exotic bird species. I have never suspected that birds can be so communicative and that they, for example, like to be massaged :)

For a few days, we stayed in the central part of Bali, along the hills overgrown by jungle. Our house, which was partially glazed, was covered with wild jungle, which was really impressive.

What we found also interesting was the fact that, while we were living in the jungle, the weather was very changeable. It could rain heavily, whereas it was sunny on the coast. For this reason, we encourage you to go to the jungle for 1-2 days, even in the dry season.

The most famous place for tourists on Bali is Kuta- the most popular place for surfers. Wide beach and huge waves are a dream come true for the water sports fans. What I disliked about this place, was that you can’t experience Indonesian culture and atmoshere. With the hustle and bustle of restaurants serving western food and shops like ‘’Zara’’, the atmosphere of Indonesia is lost.

Totally opposite vibe is found on the neighbouring island Gili Trawangan. Gili is famous for eternally cyan water, turtles swimming near the coastline, sandy beach and cloudless sky. The best way to get to Gili Trawagan is by boat. The cruise from Bali to Gili Trawagan takes about 1,5h. I associated Gili Trawagan with the island from the „bounty’’ chocolate bar commercial. It is the best place for those who love good food and crystal clear ocean. Those few days on the island were the most pleasent ones.

Balinese people mosty live off agriculture and tourism. Rice paddies, coconut trees, banana trees, cacao trees, plantations of coffe- are the main domain of Bali.

Indonesian, tropical fruit are incredibly good. Almost everyday, we drank fresh juices from mango, papaya, pineapple or coconut milk. It was possibile to buy a coconut almost everywhere and the fruit was cut fresh on demand.

Salak, also known as ‘’snake fruit’’ has a very interesting taste. It is covered with a skin similar to snake’s skin.

A popular Indonesian delicacy is Rujak. These are different fruit with chilli and peanut dip (you can see in the video:))Indonesians taking a break at midday and having rujak was a pretty common sight, as well as selling it near the road, wrapped in paper.

Rice is quite a dominant ingredient in Indonesian cuisine. The way it can be flavoured is incredible. At luch time it is popular to dine in ‘’warung’’ . It is a local brasserie, which is known for serving one type of a dish. Obviously, typical restaurants are also popular, however, mostly among tourists and rich Balinese people.

Indonesians love spices.

Chilli, ginger, kafir leaves (lime), turmeric- are common spices in traditional dishes.

Apart from nature, beautiful landscape and delicious food, I feel I should say a bit about Balinese people. I have come arcoss the opinion that their mentality is for us, people from the West, quite ‘’hard’’. However, after our stay , I completely disagree with that. Quite the opposite!Balinese people are one of the kindest ones. They are filled with goodness and calmness. They believe in karma, Hus, offering selfless help is very common. Bali is described as an island of temples. The dominant religion is Hindu, according to which, there should be a small shrine in every house for common prayers. Small bamboo baskets found on the pavements, filled with flowers and food, are the element of their religous practice.

I’m sure that soon, we will be able to visit Indonesia again. I’m tempted to stay there even longer… :)