23rd Oct 2012

Well today was a really busy day!

After meeting the owner of the tree house she told us about a good route up to Mt Batur, an active volcano, with stops on the way and as we still had the scooter, we decided to do that.

The day started with a lovely ride through loads of rice fields and farm buildings in typical Balinese architecture. The rice fields were all in different stages- some just planted, others ready to be picked, some being picked by workers and shook over baskets to collect the rice and others water logged and covered with hundreds of ducks!

The road came out back at Tegalalang- a terraced rice field, took some photos and bought a blanket from one of the stalls, then back on the scooter heading north.

Next stop was Sebatu Temple. We were unable to go into the temple but took some photos of the outside, lovely architecture and sculptures.

Then onto Gunung Kawi Temple. This one was amazing! So serene and calm. We were allowed to enter as long as we put a sarong on- both of us. It was a series of ponds and courtyard areas set in the middle of the jungle at the bottom of a hill. The stone statues were so intricate! It had been there since the 11th century.

We learnt a lot from listening to other people guides! Balinese believe in 'trinity', everything comes in three parts- the gifts to god are holy water, flowers and food. They believe there bodies as three parts- head, stomach and legs.

We then rode through many true Balinese villages and jungle. The rides were a bit hairy in places- huge pot hole and broken Tarmac and it meant we stopped a lot to ask directions!

We then arrived at Mt Batur. Well actually we arrived on the edge of the huge crater with Mt Batur in the centre. There was also a large lake next to Mt Batur, very clear blue water. We took some photos, stopped for lunch and then drove down to the lake to see the hot springs.

Then for the return journey! We decided that we should try the better road this time- it was a breeze compared to the othe one!

On the way back we stopped at Tampaksiring, another large old temple. Again it was beautiful with loads of architecture and statues to look at. There was a pond in which you could see hot springs bubbling in. There was also a large pool full of holy water that loads of Hindus were bathing in and praying. It was amazing.

Again we listened to other guides- and thank god we did otherwise would have made the mistake of entering through the entrance with statues that depicted good traits of personality and left through the statues depicting bad traits and not been very nice people!

We then headed back to Ubud past the Goa Ganjas (elephant cave).

When we got back we had a present on the dinning area- a much bigger glockenspiel!

After a shower we went into ubud had a look round and then went to the central palace to watch some Balinese dancing. I loved it, think Ben may have got a bit bored and may have to agree to do something I don't want to, seeing as he only agreed to going because I wanted to go!

The music was mainly drums and big metallic sounding xylophones that they hit with hammers! Also some whistles and gongs!

The dancers are dressed in vivid colours and lots of gold with large headdresses. Their movements were very precise. They moved their fingers also when still and even their eyes moved from side to side, choreographed that way. The most impressive part was definitely when two or more of the dancers were doing the same movements (including the eye movements) at exactly the same time!

Pretty tired by the end of the day! Going to the Gili islands tomorrow so up at 5.30am (!!) for the shuttle bus to get the boat.Leia mais