Hop on a VW Convertible and really get a feel for Bali with Stops to Scenic yet Less Visited Sites
Article by Exotissimo Traveler
Bali Bali Bali. Holidaying paradise. Warm ocean waters, towering mountains, green rice fields and fascinating peoples and cultures. Bali is a big place on a small island, if you get our drift (no pun intended). That’s why we are taking you on a memorable tour of the island on a VW Convertible. This experience will take you away from the tourist crowds and into some of the lesser known attractions that have helped shape Bali’s divine reputation.
First, we’ll take you around the natural and agricultural wonders of Central and Northern Bali. See some of the reasons why this island is such a desirable place. The mountainous and hilly slopes create the perfect backdrop to an already scenic and green setting. In addition, we’ll take you to visit some of the area’s villages, farmers and common Balinese folk to further integrate you into this authentic experience. End the day at Lovina, where you’ll check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Try swimming and snorkeling.
Lovina is known for the its cute and friendly dolphins. Then, why not start the day with a dolphin spotting trip? An experience with these lovable aquatic mammals will surely brighten up your day. After saying good-bye to your marine friends, experience more of authentic Bali with stops to coffee plantations, fruit and vegetable markets and more villages.
Let’s see what these cars can do, eh? We’ll climb our way up some mountains where beautiful views await. But, there is more. We’ll take you to a large caldera where two awesome crater lakes: Buyan and Tamblingan exist. Since we are up here, we might as well spend the night here. Continue the drive to Jatiluwih, where you will check into a tranquil mountain resort nestled just below the rainforest.
Let’s park the cars for a while and truly experience the outdoors with a light one hour trek. Nothing like a tropical walk, eh? After that, drive to a traditional Balinese compound and then to the beautiful garden Temple of Taman Ayun in Mengwi. Finish the tour with a visit to the scenic and picturesque sea temple of Tanah Lot, your perfect opportunity to shoot some postcard-like pictures.
This three day tour truly recaps some of the island’s highlights. A one day excursion of this trip is also available, for those short on time. Contact us if you have any questions or need further assistance.
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About the Author
Established in 1993, Exotissimo Travel is a well known Tour Operator with 16 offices throughout Southeast Asia. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia at the best possible price.
Bring your Camera and Snap Away at the Scenic Water Palace and Rice Paddies at Tirta Gangga, Bali
Article by Exotissimo Travel
Tirta Gangga is a palace and village in Eastern Bali, near the coastal towns of Amed and Candidasa. It is renowned for its beautiful and elaborate water gardens and the nearby rice paddies. When translated, Tirta Gangga means water from the Ganges. If you love trekking in the midst of water fountains, pools, gardens, stone structures and the nearby rice fields then this is the place to be. The area is certainly one of the best and scenic walks in Bali, suitable to people of all fitness levels. A camera should be ready at all times!
Tirta Gangga was built in 1948 by the King of Anak Agung Anglurah, the king of Karangasem Regency at the time and is a site that Balinese Hindus hold with great reverence. Unfortunately, the site was almost entirely destroyed by a 1963 volcanic eruption. It has since been rebuilt and restored back to its original state.
So, what is there to see here? The 12,000 square meter water palace, filled with decorative ponds, fountains and lush gardens is an obvious choice. The main attraction here is the 11-tiered lotus water fountain which serves as the unofficial symbol of the water palace. There are also many beautiful carvings and statues adorning the gardens. The water circulating in the garden is considered holy and is used for important religious festivals and ceremonies.
The area around the water palace is also stunning. Beautiful rolling rice paddies are in abundance and serve as a great opportunity for photo taking. Nearby hills and mountains that dominate the horizon adds to the already beautiful scenery.
There is actually another smaller water garden called Taman Ujung located not too far from Tirta Gangga and constructed by the predecessor of King Anak Agung Anglurah. It may not be as grand as Tirta Gangga but it is still a site worth visiting. It was also damaged by the 1963 eruption and again by a 1979 earthquake, but has not has not been restored on the same scale as Tirta Gangga.
Gain fascinating insight into Bali’s distinctive heritage and landscapes with Exotissimo’s Bali Explorer tour. The tour is specifically designed for you to explore some of Bali’s main attractions, including a stop at Tirta Gangga as well as Bali’s lesser known attractions and hidden gems. You can also contact us if you have any questions regarding our Indonesia tours or Indonesia day trips or if you would like to tweak or combine any of our tours.
About the Author
Established in 1993, Exotissimo Travel is a well known Tour Operator with 16 offices throughout Southeast Asia. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia at the best possible price.