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.
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.
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.