Bali: A city of celebrations

2009-11-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

Bali: A city of celebrations
19 Nov 2009, 0509 hrs IST, TANUSHREE PODDER, ET Bureau

ORIGINAL ARICLE

Bali is named from the word Vali meaning a city of celebrations because there are rituals to be held every day of the year,’ my guide, Agung Kesawa told me. Whether it was the truth or a figment of his imagination I couldn’t say, but I wanted to believe it was true!

Ever since I had read the fascinating account of Bali in ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ , by Elizabeth Gilbert, I had wanted to experience it. Julia Robert’s arrival at Delhi to shoot for a cinematic version of the book made me even more determined to get cracking on my objective of discovering Bali for myself!

So there I was, on a bright, sunny day, being garlanded by a pretty Balinese girl at the Ngurah Rai Airport of Denapasar on the Indonesian island. The heady scent of the frangipani flowers around my neck added to the intoxicating experience.

In between an off key rendering of his favorite song ‘Que Sera Sera’ , Kesawa educated me on the finer aspects of Balinese life. “There are no homeless people in Bali,” he began.

Now that was a little unbelievable even for my gullible self. “We live in ancestral homes with the entire clan living in the same compound for generations . Naturally, no one can sell the property,” he explained.
That certainly was good news in a world full of homeless people. This sense of togetherness and warmth set the tone of my Bali visit.

Peppered with thousands of temples— its calendar punctuated by religious festivals, temperamental volcanoes, terraced paddy fields and sandy beaches — Bali is indeed a tropical paradise. Creative people like Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward, Rudolf Bonnet, Walter Spies, Vicky Baum, Miguel Covarrubias, and Margaret Mead had sung paeans about this tiny island of bliss. Kesawa had already decided my itinerary . On it was a volcano climb, a brief tour of a few Balinese temples, a leisurely day by the beach, the famous barong dance and, of course, the unmissable Balinese spa.

The two hour drive from Nusa Dua (where I was staying) to Kintamani took us through verdant tiered fields of nodding paddy interspersed with temples . The volcano looked so serene and majestic belying the fact that it had last erupted in 1963. To climb it would mean starting much before dawn, which I did the next day. The two hour climb stumbling over the rocky surface, winded me and I wondered if it was worth the effort. Reaching the summit, out of breath, I gasped loudly at the spectacular vista spread out before me. As the sun rode majestically up the horizon sprinkling gold dust on gently rippling Lake Batur, it was a magic moment.

Silhouetted against the sky, the pagoda like roofs of the nearby temples supported the magical effect. Transfixed, I stood for what seemed an eternity till Kesawa gently reminded me that it was time to begin our journey back. I was then on my way to Bali’s most exclusive address , the Jimbaran Bay. Beginning as a tiny fishing village set on an idyllic crescent bay, it has metamorphosed into a happening place where you can watch a perfect sunset over the sea even as you are enjoying freshly barbecued lobsters.

“Bali is all about the sunsets,” Kesawa philosophized . “Tourists go bonkers over them. It has something to do with the vibrant colours they say.” Lolling around on the silvery sands, I watched the world pass by. Around me, adrenalin- junkie youngsters raced the waves on water scooters while the colourful parachutes of the para-sailing enthusiasts floated overhead. Candlelit tables dotted the beach as the glorious sun called it a day and rode over the horizon. A group of musicians appeared from nowhere, strumming romantic songs for their next meal.

That night, seated under the stars, a tender sea breeze fanning my face, I ate the most romantic meal of my life, to the sound of gently lapping waves. It was then time for a tryst with the much written about temples of the island. There are 20,000 of them on the island! Strangely, there is no need to take off ones’ shoes while entering a temple in Bali.

All one has to do is to wear a sarong to cover the legs. Also, I discovered that there are no idols in the temples, which are guarded by fierce looking statues at the gates that seem to be split into neat halves and represent the yin and the yang. Perched on a rocky outcrop with waves crashing around, Tanah Lot is one of the most picturesque temples of the island. Sunset was so dramatic that the only sound one could hear was the zooming lenses and the collective gasp of the tourists poised at the edge of the land. Hours later, I lay in a huge, candlelit bath, filled with tepid ylang-ylang scented water, and frangipani flowers strewn all around me. Fragrant, ruby red rose petals and tiny magnolias completed the ensemble.

Minutes later, the gentle fingers of the pretty Balinese belle worked magic on my tired limbs anointing them with fragrant oils. It was sheer bliss. Light in body and mind and a trifle giddy headed I walked out treading the air. Kesawa ticked off each item on the itinerary as the hours passed. It was two days since I had arrived and I had covered so much ground. With just a day left for departure, it was time to experience the Barong dance. With a frangipani blossom tucked behind my ear, I sat through the musical narrating the fight between good and evil. The influence of Chinese, Hindu and Buddhist culture is strongly visible in the enactment that follows .

The orchestra, known as gamelan , plays out the interludes while the characters convey the story. The masks worn by the lead artistes are considered sacred and have to be blessed by a priest before the performance begins. The evening was rounded off with a kitschy cruise, with some Balinese and cabaret kind of dance and dinner. I wrapped up my Balinese experience by emptying my wallet on batik worked sarongs and Javanese puppets. But I came back enriched with much more than these baubles...

Quick facts

GETTING THERE:

There are no direct flights so one has to fly to Bali via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong. Singapore Airlines has very convenient flights to Denpasar.

STAYING THERE:

Since Bali is high on tourist itineraries, there are umpteen options available, especially around the Nusa Dua area where all category hotels including those of international standards are available. It is also possible to rent a villa.

DOING THERE :

You can hire motorbike, or take the mini-vans called Bemos. They are the cheapest mode of travel.

2009-11-18T02:24:00.000-08:00

THE LAGUNA RESORT AND SPA

Welcome to The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali, a haven of relaxed luxury offering the highest level of personalized service to discerning travelers. Located in the exclusive Nusa Dua resort area, on Bali’s most beautiful beach, a tranquil haven of tropical gardens, sparkling lagoons and luxurious accommodation awaits you at The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali.

Newly-refurbished guestrooms and suites reflect a contemporary Balinese style; our unique Lagoon Access Rooms allow you to step from your private balcony directly into crystal-clear lagoon waters. 24-hour Butler Service and our caring, attentive staff throughout the resort will make you feel like you are our only guest.

Snorkel among the nearby reefs, tee-off at the nearby Nelson-Wright golf course, or just relax on the soft sand beach with endless ocean views. Pamper yourself at Laguna Spa, offering a wide range of wellness and beauty treatments and featuring a luxurious Spa Villa for private treatments. For your dining pleasure, choose from 3 restaurants or spectacular private beachfront dining options.

State-of-the-art meeting and banquet facilities make The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali an ideal venue for meetings, executive corporate events, weddings and theme parties. The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali is Bali’s finest resort and meeting place.

Welcome to The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali – a rare paradise.

2009-11-18T02:16:00.000-08:00

AYODYA RESORT BALI

Set amidst lush tropical gardens the rooms offer remarkable views and quiet surroundings. While some are facing the gardens, others are overlooking the golf course, swimming pool, or the peaceful lagoons. All of the 537 elegantly appointed rooms and suites have large, comfortable balconies. Bathrooms are designed and decorated with the comfort and convenience of the most discerning guest in mind.

2009-11-18T02:12:00.000-08:00

NIKKO BALI

A 5-star luxury resort hotel uniquely and dramatically perched above a 40-metre cliff face overlooking the stunning azure Indian Ocean. Nikko Bali Resort & Spa embraces the mystique of Bali, with its bewildering natural charm, beauty and culture. The friendliness and hospitality of its people, help provide an exotic and intriguing tropical holiday destination for you.

2009-11-18T01:45:00.000-08:00

NUSA DUA HOTEL

Located minutes away from the Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport on the sun-drenched shores of beautiful Nusa Dua, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa's 23 acres of sculpted gardens provide an oasis of space and tranquility in the heart of exotic Bali. The accomodation features 381 rooms and suites in a resort hotel that invites you to immerse yourself in the pageantry of one of the world's most vibrant cultures.

A palace of refined luxury and privileged hospitality, this 5-star diamond hotel in Bali has welcomed Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers since its grand opening for guests who expect the extraordinary to be an imperative, an unforgettable holiday experience awaits you at this luxury Bali Hotel.