I don’t think I have hidden the fact that I have not had the best time in Bali. The country is nothing like I expected. Granted I did not do nearly enough homework so this is all on me. It was not a loss however; I did indeed discover some beautiful things that I really enjoyed. Here are 5 things I liked the most about Bali.
Beaches
While the beaches here are far from world class, they are very pretty. On the west coast, the sand is soft and even black in some places. The waters are warm and wavy, perfect for surfers learning the sport.
Down near Seminyak the beach is beautifully wide and almost a zero depth entry, so when the tide is out the beach grows enormously. This creates a hard and compact sand, perfect for long walks.
The eastern side around Sanur, has much coarser sand, but the waters seem warmer and full of sea life. Here one will find the beaches more raw, less manicured, and that brings seaweed and other natural treasures onto the beach.
Daily Offerings
From the first day I arrived, I have been enchanted by these offerings that are placed each and every day. Most of them are small square baskets, filled with flowers and other items depending on what the person leaving them is praying for.
Sometimes these are larger for a specific date, like a full moon or a significant birthday celebration.
Other times, they are downright huge, perhaps for a wedding, cremation, cultural holiday or baptism type ceremony.
Where ever they are, I find myself drawn to them, not only to study what is inside, but also marvel at the dedication, ceremony and daily ritualistic life these represent.
Statues
Another cultural aspect I have been fascinated with in Bali, are the abundance of statues. Probably half of these are sacred, and one can tell these apart as they usually have multiple offerings placed at their base.
Most of these statues are related to a Hindu god and many are baring huge mouthfuls of teeth including fangs. Even animals that wouldn’t have fangs, are sporting them aggressively.
The sheer number and range of subject matter are overwhelming. Statues are found everywhere, up and down the streets, outside of shops, at the entrance to homes and of course all throughout the temples.
Temple Gates
These enormous and intricately carved gateways into the temples are astounding. I can stand and stare at one for multiple minutes, trying to take in all of the characters. Just when you think you have seen it all, you might look down and see something completely random.
Some of these gates are huge, majestic in their appearance and truly seem like the entry into a sacred space, which of course they are. Unless you are wearing the appropriate clothing, you will be turned away at every single one. For me as a female, this includes a sarong wrapped the correct way and the fabric belt tied around my waist over top of my shirt.
Vegetation
Whether this is in the form of a beautiful tiered rice paddy, jungle overhang or flowers growing out of a dirty ditch, the vegetation here is lush and full of vibrancy.
Every tropical flower you can imagine can be seen here in abundance. The air is heavy with the scent of frangipani, one of my favourite blossoms. Hibiscus droop under the weight of the humid air and bougainvillea are always a bright surprise.
Fruits growing wild abound, creeping over high fences and dropping ripe onto the ground below. I saw my first every custard apple growing on a tree here.
Bali is beautiful in so many ways. It took me a long while to adjust arriving from Japan. The two countries couldn’t be more opposite. I also did not do near enough research and found myself staying in places that are so heavily over-touristy is sad. If I can offer any advice for future visitors, it would be to stay as far away from the tourists as possible. Only then will you be able to glean authentic Balinese culture. This is never so important as it is here in Bali.
