Bali - SWINGING AROUND (& Woodwork)-Day 2 (4 of 5)

(7 videos)
Bali is “famous” for its jungle swings which supposedly originated from traditions with locals using swings in ceremonies and festivals to symbolize the connection between the earth and the heavens, and to bring good fortune. We went “swinging” 30-180 feet above the forest and got pretty close to the heavens!

Bali swings are large, secured swings set up over rice fields, jungle valleys, canyons, and cliffs. And in the distance, terraced rice landscapes. Staff help secure you before pushing the swing out over a drop, over a deep valley canopy creating the illusion of FLYING high above the landscape. Designed for dramatic photos and short bursts of adrenaline, well, that worked for us… although I don’t like heights and Karen loves heights.

Besides the main single swings, we “had to” experience the "libra swing" (side-by-side) and the "romantic swing" (a bed, featuring a full mattress frame suspended by thick steel cables, allowing you to lay down while swinging). To get the full effect, we also did the "bird's nests," and “floating hoop chairs”. See who is having the most fun! OK, both of us.

We next went to the Yana Art Gallery to see the wood carvings. Yana is one of the leading art galleries in Bali. We got to experience the high level of craftsmanship with precise and detailed wood carvings, see the diverse collection including items made from different types of wood such as Hibiscus flower tree and mahogany and walk around and enjoy the beautifully handcrafted wooden art pieces that are unique and worth seeing and buying.

Normally (always) we never shop but when given a choice between the local jewelry, local batik cloth painting and local woodworker, we decided we should see at least one famous artisan’s work. Well, it was well worth it as the wood carvings here were incredible. Each was a piece of artwork took dozens and sometimes hundreds of hours to complete by many artisans from the person selecting the wood to the carver to the sander and sometimes the stainer. All this work is one of a kind and not done from any drawings or photographs. We loved the gallery and spent an hour there but could have spent more time. AND, believe it or not, we shopped and made a few purchases but would have bought more if we had more time or space to store and transport these beautiful works.Read more