Indonesia Part 1: Bali

Bali is stunningly beautiful from its varied tropical scenery to endless displays of artwork that inhabit every nook and corner. Bali’s graciously welcoming culture is based on a simple belief: we are all family. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim, Bali is mostly (Balinese) Hindu. We found peaceful temples and handmade canang sari offerings everywhere we went, as well as some of the nicest people we’ve ever met.

Bali is surprisingly small. We could have circled the whole island in a (long) day if we had wanted to — but there is an abundant amount to see and do which makes it challenging to fully explore in just a few weeks. Here are some highlights of all the incredible things we saw during our visit.

Sights around town

One of the first things we noticed everywhere we went were small bamboo baskets with flowers, rice, and other food laid out all over the place: on statues, on sidewalks and driveways, in cars and stores, on beaches…everywhere. We learned that these canang sari are made each day according to Balinese Hindi tradition as an offering to the gods thanking them for balance and peace in the world.

Bali beaches & water activities

We found a beach near Canggu where locals go on Sunday afternoons.

More sights from Sanur beach (where we stayed).

At Blue Lagoon beach near Padang Bai you can snorkel right off the beach and see some amazingly beautiful fish and coral.

Paxton surfing at Kuta beach.

Maria and Paxton got to swim with sharks!

Tanah Lot Temple

Built in the 16th century, its one of seven sea temples around the island.

Around Ubud

Away from the beaches, Ubud is a beautiful area with plenty of things to do.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Emerald green rice terraces line the valley.

During harvest time, people can be seen cutting the rice and getting the seeds out to dry. It is a very labor-intensive sight to see.

Amid the rice terraces you can ride on swings that let you feel like you’re flying. Maria had lots of fun. First you go face first…then backward!

Lunch time with delicious food.

Monkey Forest

At the monkey forest you are surrounded by long-tailed macaque monkeys. They are fed by park staff so they mostly ignore the people walking around.

Baby monkeys were everywhere!

Tegenungan Waterfall

Luwak coffee plantation

We stopped at a small operation that featured Luwak coffee and herbal teas made from the herbs grown in their gardens. Known as the most expensive coffee in the world because it is made from beans eaten by and partially digested by the Kopi Luwak (civet cat). The result is a coffee that isn’t bitter. The coffee was good…and the teas were fantastic.

Batuan Temple

This temple was filled with beautifully carved buildings and sculptures.

Sidemen Valley

In eastern Bali, Sidemen Valley is near the Gunung Agung volcano. Filled with rice fields and a winding river, the valley is peaceful and quiet.

We were invited by our new friend, Kantun, to see his home and meet his family. It was an honor for us.

After visiting Kantun’s home, we went river rafting starting just up the road. Bayu, Kantun’s oldest son, who was celebrating his birthday joined us on this fun trip down the beautiful river.

Uluwatu Temple

Another water temple, Uluwatu sits atop a huge cliff.

Each night at sunset, a traditional Balinese dance is performed. Accompanied by over 70 men chanting for over an hour, the dancers act out a Balinese folk tale.