Date : 26th February 2025
Travelled : 220 NM from Komodo Island to Benoa, Bali.
Visited : East Bali Heritage Tour
Stayed : Holland Americaโs Zuiderdam
Another evenings smooth sailing concludes as the Zuiderdam slows for its arrival at the port of Benoa. Having already enjoyed a coffee and four laps around the promenade deck we go up to deck 10 to take in the view.
We have a shipโs tour booked today, so breakfast and be ready to go by 10.30. Having never felt compelled to visit Bali like many Australians regularly do, we thought we would rather see old Bali rather than Denpasar and Kuta.
Once on the bus our guide Katuk tells us our first stop is Semarapura the old capital of Klungkung Regency some 90 minutes away. The repeating theme of the day is the chaotic traffic.
The highlight is the Semarapuraโs Bale Kambang Water Palace (circa 1710). The original gate remains along with two raised pavilions standing in a moat like pond. Much of the rest of the complex was apparently destroyed by the Dutch colonial intervention (war) as its called.
Kertagosa Court of Justice is the centre-point and the small museum is interesting. Iโll leave the rest to the photos.
Then itโs back on the bus and on to Bangli and Pura Kehan Temple (circa 11th). Another hour away, the traffic now exasperated by the narrowing roads. Katuk provides insight to Balinese life and history as we drive.
Approaching Bangli the scenery has become much more rural.
Pura Kehan is a Hindu Temple from the Bangli Regency which ruled for some 300 years. The temples stands on a series of steep terraces,
Back on the bus once again Katuk tells us itโs lunch time and we drive on through progressively narrow roads surrounded by rice paddies. As the photos indicate the sun has gone and the clouds have become heavier. We lunch at a village farm in pavilions set amongst the rice paddies, we have no idea where.
The food was all prepared by the local women and delicious. Half way through lunch the heavens open and the rain is torrential. Despite the ponchos we have wet shoes and socks by the time where back on the bus.
The rain continues as drizzle as we drive onto our last stop Blahbatuh (Ubud) and the Puri Agung Palace. The Ubud regency emerged in the 17th century but the original palace was destroyed by earthquake. The current palace a rebuild.
The palace guide explains some history whilst we listen to some music played on a Balinese bronze xylophone. This goes on to some traditional dance. The drizzling rain makes it all a bit difficult and we drift off to take some photos.
The royal chook pictured belowโฆor maybe dinner ?
Back on the bus for Benoa. Itโs been a long day and Katuk chats away as heads nod and thereโs a lot of dozing up the back. As we are up the front itโs a hair raising ride as we expect a scooter and family to go under the front of the bus at any moment in the frantic traffic.
Back safely on board we shower quickly to catch a drink whilst happy hour lasts.
Michael + Pam
One thought on “Bali, Indonesia ๐ฎ๐ฉ 2025”
What an interesting and full day you had. Safe travels Johannes โค๏ธ