I haven’t had the best time in Bali to be honest. The over-tourism, congestion, traffic, unsanitary conditions, amount of bugs and unexpected unpleasantness has been more than any other place I have visited. However, one thing that always brightens my day, and stay, is the vegetation. Botanical Bali, how beautiful the flowers are, bringing joy to everyone.
Cultural Offerings
I have mentioned a little about these daily offerings in another post, but the more I see these flowers being harvested, sold, assembled and laid out with prayer, the more I am enchanted by their beauty. Have a look at these baskets and bags full of bright colourful petals of all shapes and sizes.
The local and authentic markets I find in Sanur are a perfect place for me to see and explore, exactly what goes into creating these gorgeous offerings.
Plumeria
Perhaps one of my favourite flowers, not only for their divine fragrance, but their simplicity as well. Plumeria will always garner my attention. The classic white flower is such a beauty and the trees here were bursting with blossoms. One is constantly stepping over fallen flowers on the pavement.
Hibiscus
Not as many here as I would have guessed prior to arrival, and most are the smaller variety and red. Still an exquisite tropical flower that always catches my eye and demands a photograph.
Orchids
Some usual suspects here and also a few rarities that I spotted up in the trees. Look at this pale lavender one with the frilly throat! How incredible.
Lilies
From water lilies to calla and tall stalks of others, there seems to be an abundance here. Thailand definitely had more waterlilies and ponds, but the others are determined to not be forgotten. Their tall stalks grace temple walls and municipal gardens.
Oddities
One of my favourite things is to stumble upon a flower that I have never or rarely seen before, this is where Bali shined for me. I was able to spot some truly unique blossoms that stopped me in my tracks and demanded further inspection. Have a look at some of these stunners!
Assorted
And of course there are the bulk of beautiful flowers, ones I am not as familiar with, maybe just peeking through a fence, climbing up a telephone pole, or down in the garbage at the side of the road. None the less, they offer a brightness and softness to any area.
Flowers will always bring me joy. Their beauty makes me forget everything else, even if its just for a few fleeting moments. The pop of colour, jolt of happiness or bringing me out of my reverie. Bali is a truly lush and tropical environment. One bursting with promise in every single bloom no matter what is happening around it.
