Ubud & Seminyak - Day 3

The still morning silence was broken with the loud but sweet bird chirp from a pair of unique birds perched on the tree branch at the villa. It also signalled the start of another brand new morning in Ubud. I was sad as we had to leave the villa and check in later in the evening in Seminyak. It was hard to pack as the villa was magnificent and it was a real luxury indeed for the body , mind and soul. I guess, it is never easy to say goodbye to such a lovely place. That morning, we managed to have our breakfast as usual and then made a check to our nearby villa. The Hari Puri Villa. Ubud located nearby was also very beautiful and so relaxing indeed.

At about 8.30am, our driver Kartika arrived at the villa and we were off for another great day in Ubud. Our first destination was Pura Ulun Banu Bratan. This is a Balinese temple located 45km north west of Ubud and located at Jalan Denpasar-Singaraja, village of Candikuning which is part of highlands of Bedugul. Yes, this was a real surprise for all of us. It is unimaginable to see a beautifully built temple on a highlands and there was a lake in the mountains. It is simply an awesome sight. Built in 1633, this temple is used for offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu. 

This temple is also known as "The Lake of Holy Mountain"and located 1200m above sea level hence, the cool and cold weather conditions. That day, the winds were blowing and the mist were there too but I love it! I truly enjoy the cool and cold weather conditions. I must admit that we did not expect that there is a temple atop a mountain. No one told us about this temple and no one mentioned that the temple is at a mountain top. What a beautiful sight! the temple is so picturesque while the surrounding park was truly serene and well manicured. Everything was picture perfect and such a joy.  

The stunningly clear lake is calm and almost perfectly still, save for the soft breeze that occasionally sweeps across , creating tiny and pertinent ripples upon its surface. A thin mist rises from the lake and hangs in the air, surrounding the temple, giving it a surreal appearance and mysticism feel.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan complex consists of four sacred buildings devoted to Hindu gods  namely Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.Entering the temple gates, instantly noticeable are the typical Balinese architectural features and the tiered shrines. Inside the complex, the three main shrines are dedicated to the worship of god Vishnu which boasts 11 tiers, god Brahma with seven 7 tiers and Shiva with three tiers. There is manicured gardens of the complex, bayan trees, Hindu complex and a Buddhist stupa. The most photographed part of the temple, the 11-tiered and three-tiered meru atop a small island reflected in the lake, can be seen as you pass the candi bentar (split gate) to the lake’s edge. We really had a good time here as the place was just beautiful and relaxing. 

As usual, tourist and devotees throng the temple for prayers and the scenery. We were fortunate to see a large group of school children offering their prayers at the temple that morning. Such devotion, dedication and piousness. I had the opportunity to take a few photographs with the school children and they were innocent, open and responsive. Honestly, I did not want to leave this place as it was so serene and calm here. Truly a good start to the morning. As we reluctantly exit the temple, souvenir sellers and souvenir shop assistants were everywhere trying to peddle their souvenir wares. I guess, we held out as we wanted to see the places rather than the souvenirs. 

Along the way up, we stopped at Bali Handara Gold Club entrance which was supposedly to be iconic. Honestly, I would not pay any money for any shot at the club iconic entrance and all of us agreed to it that we would not part our money for this place. We told our driver that we are not paying money for an entrance scene that can be found anywhere in Bali. I took a far shot of the entrance and the more I looked at it , I must say that tourist and locals alike should not be duped into parting their hard-earned money for this place. 

Handara Bali Golf Club entrance

Not wanting to spoil our day further, we then headed out to Kintamani overview area to get a view of Mount Batur and Mount Agung from an observation deck. Roughly a 15 minutes drive from Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, we arrived at the parking area. Our driver, Kartika had informed us to be careful with the souvenirs sellers there as they can be quite aggressive. I must admit that all of us heed our driver's advice and we want no trouble at the Kintamani overview area. I must admit that the weather and the view is absolutely fantastic. Yes, the sellers were truly aggressive and I do find it annoying when they continued to press us into buying something from them. 

Luckily, we all stood firm and good - trying not to offend anybody on this matter. We did not spend much time at the overview but we wished we could have stay longer there. I noted the burnt area at Mount Batur and it encompass a rather huge area. It was quite a relief when we were in our van and we headed down the mountain. 

By this time, our lunch hour is up and the growl in our stomachs are not to be denied further. At the recommendation of our driver, Kartika, we stopped at Rumah Makan Saras, along Jalan Bedugul, Tabanan. We had our usual nasi goreng, kangkong, soto ayam ( soupy chicken broth and noodles ) , BBQ chicken and fried banana fritters for dessert. Again, the food wasn't the issue but the prices could be improved , actually. 

I really do not understand the need for such prices because ultimately , it will affect the tourists and they will just walk away when things get expensive especially food prices. I am all for fair food prices and the need to make a profit but not at an inflated rate. I guess, I explained to SLing that day why I kept consuming fried rice wherever I went in my travels and she finally understood what I meant. I have nothing against anyone making a buck or two over food but make it affordable not exorbitant.

After filling up our stomachs, we left for Pura Taman Ayun located in Mengwi, sub-district of Bandung Regency, Bali. Accordingly, this temple was built in the 17th century starting in 1632 and completed in 1634. It was built by the 1st King Tjokerda Sakti Blambangan. 

The temple's name translates to " Garden Temple in the Water".  Immediately upon arrival, you are immediately greeted by the iconic Balinese gate way and the perfectly kept garden lawns. Prior to the entrance, Balinese statutes surround the compound area and they added the historical feel to the temple. As we moved from within the temple grounds , I could not help to notice that the temple was surrounded by a steady flow of water around the inner temple court yard which was inaccessible to tourists like us. Pura Taman Ayun complex comprises four different divisions, one ranking higher than the other. The first is referred to as the ‘Jaba’ or outer division, accessible only through a single entrance and walkway over the ponds.

Inside, near the entrance is a small guardian shrine and on the right is a large ‘wantilan’ hall where the communal gatherings take place. A tall fountain with spouts jutting up and out to the cardinal directions can be seen in this area. Onto the next court, a small temple compound by the name of Pura Luhuring Purnama can be seen. The second and third terraces are slightly higher than the first.To enter, visitors must go through a second gate where a shelter called Bale Pengubengan greets them with ornamental features that depict the nine Hindu gods that guard the nine points of the compass, referred to as Dewata Nawa Sanga.East of this court is a small temple called Pura Dalem Bekak, while in its western corner is an eight metre-high wooden bell tower known to locals as ‘Bale Kulkul’. A climb up will reveal two hanging rectangular wooden bells, plus a high and spectacular view of the whole complex.

The fourth and last court is considered the most sacred, thus ranks the highest. It is referred to as the Utama Mandala. The intricately ornate central gate is open only during ceremonies, as the entryway for consecrated heirlooms and other ceremonial paraphernalia. Another gate at its east is for daily access. Several tiers of different outlines and sizes rise up into the temple’s skyline.The temple’s three grounds denote the three cosmological levels known to Balinese Hinduism, namely the world of man, the realm of gods and deities, and the topmost divine level. As recounted in the ancient texts of the ‘Adhiparwa’, the whole complex of the Taman Ayun Temple represents Mount Mahameru in the so-called ‘churning of the sea of milk’ or the cosmic formation of the world. Some description, huh? Well, at least, we get some iconic photographs of the place. 

Then it's off to our second accommodation in Villa Kim , Jalan Drupadi, Seminyak, Kuta, Bali which will be our home for the next two days. I must admit that Villa Kim is comfortable and nice too. It was a real surprise to get there as the road is once again narrow and dark at night. 

Tamade restaurant with Ibu Linda & Pak Budi

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Ketut, our contact person for the villa.. I must admit that the villa is really private, nice, cosy and accommodative. The facilities are equally good, spacious and up to date. The pool and the patio were good too. I like this place very much too. Good choice made by Hwe Shean once again. Kudos to her for a really good choice. The villa is near to lots of restaurants and mini markets. That evening, Richard and I left for the nearby Coco mini market to get some food stuff for breakfast. We got ourselves eggs, bread, jam , croissants , Bintang beers and bananas.  After freshening up, we headed out to a nearby restaurant, Tamade Restaurant for our dinner. Once again, we ordered the usual fried rice and  fried noodles for our dinner fare. I opted for the pork noodles instead and the food turned out really well. We took the opportunity to chat up with the proprietors, Ibu Linda and Pak Budi. the local couple who runs the restaurant. Tamade Restaurant is run by the local husband and wife team and they served up Indonesian food. I must admit that the portion is better and the price is truly acceptable despite being in Seminyak, Kuta - known for pricey food prices. This time, I was happy with the prices as the portion was quite good. 

I took the opportunity to chat up with Linda who then inform us of some local places to go for our makan. It was really nice chatting up with her and I soon realised that the interiors were truly works of art.We finally took a picture with Ibu Linda and Pak Budi and had some more conversation about places to eat before heading home. We were excited about the prospect of eating at the places recommended by Ibu Linda. I certainly was looking forward to it.

When we arrived at our villa, we freshened up and then planned our itinerary for the next day. We were pumped up and excited for what holds for us the next day. Over a cuppa of coffee, Milo and tea, we talked, laughed and fellowship. Richard was always the livewire with his humour and fun ways. So was Hwe Shean with her easy and humorous way too. As the day unwind down, we decided to hit the sack and pray for a good and better day ahead. 

What a day! Lovely weather , lovely people and lovely villa......what more can one asks for in their holidays, right?