Island of Bali

 

The name Bali evokes dreams, change of scenery and beauty.

But to enjoy all these aspects, you need to get off the beaten track and get away from it all.

• Denpassar

Bali's capital, Denpasar, is a long way from the Instagram images and commercials that make people dream.

Traffic is often chaotic and heavy. The roads are winding and very narrow.

Everywhere in the city, you'll find a multitude of small shops offering a variety of services. These include dubious ............massage parlours, tattoo parlours, small restaurants and souvenir stores for tourists.

It's not even advisable to swim on the beach.

That said, we had a great time at one of Bali's biggest water parks, WaterBom (Kuta - Denpassar district). Gigantic slides and water activities to delight young and old alike.

All in all, Denpasar doesn't have much tourist appeal.

• Ubud.

You'll have to leave Denpasar in a hurry and drive 37 km to Ubud. At last, we'll be able to breathe.

 The temples

Don't forget that Bali is a Hindu island. The influence of Hinduism, Buddhism and animism is palpable. There are many temples of different denominations, which regulate the lives of the Balinese.

Not all are open to the public. The most famous is Puri Saren Agung, home to the royal family who ruled Ubud from the late 1800s until 1917.

The Rice paddies

One of the most famous is the Rice Terraces of Tegalalang. It's a feast for the eyes.

The monkey forest

Located in the center of Ubud, Bali, in the small village of Padangtegal. It's a haven for monkeys and a spiritual sanctuary for the village's inhabitants. It is one of Bali's most popular sites. It's the perfect place to come and observe the life of the primates. A must for nature and animal lovers.

Ubud traditional market

Opposite the Puri Saren is the Ubud Traditional Market. This is a strategic commercial center for Balinese handicrafts and the sale of local agricultural produce.  It's the ideal place to buy souvenirs, but be strong  in haggling.

The family

I couldn't end this Balinese trip, which has taken place in joy and good humor, without warmly greeting my family who joined us from Saudi Arabia.

Our group is as follows:

Leena: a very quiet young woman, but an extraordinarily efficient manager. She took care of the logistics of all our trips.

Shahd: An intellectual young woman, future pharmacist and very cultured with whom I debated at length.

Raghd: A lively, fun-loving and cheerful teenager.

My sister: a courageous mother. I'll always remember its famous Arabic coffee and Saudi sweets. A moment of peace and serenity that brought us all together every night in the hotel in bali.

My wife: a famous culinary photographer and undisputed master of the Stove. She's also an accomplished artist, always on the lookout for a beautiful piece or a rare object.

Myself, a Cartesian adventurer at heart, who dreams of becoming a globe trotter.

we left my family in ubud and headed for another world-famous city: Dubai.