Bali Island

Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago. That is with good reason. You’ll experience a fine combination of sandy beaches and rolling surf in Bali. The island is also home to an ancient culture that's known for its warm hospitality. Exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops are some of its top attractions. Travel inland, and towering volcanoes and pristine jungles greet you with plenty to see and do. However, most can’t stay away from the beach for long. Dining in Bali presents endless choices of local or far-flung cuisine. After sunset, famous hotspots come to life offering exciting clubbing scenes and packed dance floors.

Bali is its people so we think about helping the Balinese and not only just about business. Over many years as I have driven around Bali as a driver, I have come to realise that many Balinese living in remote locations or lacking opportunities for education have not reaped the benefits of prosperity from tourism. Their economic situation continues to be very difficult.

Telaga Waja River

Visiting Bali without visit Beach is not feel that you are in Bali. Many other outdoor activities that you can do in Bali such as ride bike, trekking, snorkeling dive and white water rafting. I think most people already known about white water rafting. It is recreational outdoor use an inflatable raft  to navigate water.

In Bali there are few rivers that you can do white water rafting Ayung River located near Ubud,Ayung river rafting is good for beginning because this river has grade 2-4,and smooth rapid, but need more extra energy to get to river, there are long stairways to get to the river from the lobby where you start it.But panorama in Ayung River is magnificent, long the way in the river.

But in this article,it will talk about Telaga Waja River, located  on the eastern part of Bali,Karangasem ( Menanga,Rendang )about 1,5 hours  drive from Kuta.

Here is some characteristic of Telaga Waja River :

Ø  The Longest River Rafting for Rafting in Bali  : It’s offers 16 kilometers rafting route, normally take about 2.5 hours from starting point to the finishing point,but sometime take more than 2.5 hours depending on how high is the water in the river in that time when dry season water bit low, and of course need more extra energy to paddling your river raft,when wet season,it will be more fun because river rapids it will be ok.

Ø  No Long Stairways  :  Talking about white water rafting in river of course thinking about how the way to get river from starting point to the river where River Raft parking.But in Telaga Waja river most of the way to the river is not long walk or just short stairways.

Ø  Real Family Fun : Because Rapid in telaga Waja River not too strong is good  for family having fun ,Telaga Waja River has level 2- 4 river rapids classifications.

Ø  Away from Air Pollution  : Because located of this river away from city so the air still fresh .

Ø  Natural Beauty :  Telaga Waja River offers a natural tropical environment with plenty of coconut tree on the edge of Rivers,and also you see lots animal,Monkey,bird and Monitor Lizard if you are  lucky, when resting in one of rest area…Monitor Lizard will jump to the River Raft,of course Monitor Lizard will jumpin to the River Raft  when no body in the River Raft.

Trip today,January 26, 2018

Trip today January 26^th,2018.

Trip today with Jonathan with his friend fromAustralia…tour start from ubud pick up time at 9.00 am,First stop at Barong and Kris Dance…… The barong – Play Represents eternal fight between good and evil spirit.Barong ( a mythological animal ) represents a good spirit and Rangda ( a mythological monster ) represents an evil one. This performance take about 1 hour.

After Barong dance …continue our trip with visiting Batuan Temple, it’s village temple but open for Public. Batuan Temple were founded in the year 944 isaka (1020 AD). Nearly 1000 years old.The Batuan Temple is a Puseh Temple category based on the concept of “Tri Kahyangan or Tri Murti” taught by Mpu Kuturan around the 10th century to the Balinese Hindu community at the time.

Tri Kahyangan or Tri Murti including 3 temples :

Desa or Village Temple as a place to worship of God Brahma (the Creator)

Puseh Temple  to worship of God Vishnu (the Preserver)

Dalem Temple  to worship of Lord Shiva (the Destroyer)

Batuan Temple is not only emitting a high spiritual vibration, but also representing the historical values. You can look inside there are many stunning ancient relics from prehistoric times.

It’s bit hot but,it’s nice weather….keep exploring Bali next stop is Tegenungan Waterfall. But not lucky because water dirty so couldn’t swim.Water bit dirty because it was raining last night,at Tegenungan waterfallyou can see waterfall from the top,,,,can enjoying the view of waterfall while enjoying Cold Beer……….time back to hotel after Tegenungan Waterfall …..drop about 1 hour to Seminyak.

Mount Batur for Trekking

Trip for those who like adventure

This is my first adventure to climb a mountain Batur-Kintamani, I often take tourists (guests) to climb but I have never accompanied them, usually I take a nap in the car at the time the the guest is gone, but this time I wanted to have a new experience. Before I left I was really perplexed and also I felt scared. "Would I be able to make it to the top?", because until this time I had never climbed. But my fears were overcome by my wish to know 'what does it feel like at the top (summit) and what is up there'? This question chased away my fear.
The three of us left Kuta at 2 AM, the feelings of fear returned to the point that I was thinking of not going along to climb. But the feeling of wanting to know was greater so the fear disappeared. We more or less covered the distance from Kuta in an hour and a half because there wasn't much traffic so that we could speed up a bit ( go fast) in order to arrive more quickly.
.Finally we arrived at our destination. At the start of the climb there were two trails; the one closer to Pura Jati was for those who wanted to climb to the summit starting from a further distance but a less steep ( flatter) trail. We started our climb from the other trail on the eastern slope of the trek. The air was very cold ( tiang bingung yen 'begitu', so cold, very cold, rather cold?) and it was also very dark. After we met out guide, we started to climb. Before I proceeded onward, I thought "was there anything that we needed that was at the bottom? Food? Drink?". We started to trek in the dark of the night so our guide brought us a flashlight. I was in the first group that left. I was afraid my fears would again show up because before we had traveled 30 minutes, I was out of breath because the trail was becoming steep and rocky. My friends and I walked rather slowly. Below us I was able to see a light that was moving. The closer the light got the more it moved.....the shining light was like a butterfly, the longer the time, the closer it got. Because I was hiking rather slowly, finally that group of tourists with the light went ahead of us. The farther they went the more they were lost in the dark of the night so that all that was seen was the shine of their lights.

The longer I walked, the more I was out of breath. I started to think about stopping because I was really tired, and my legs were feeling really heavy. Luckily, my guide was giving us encouragement, 'Keep going, don't give up'. Our guide kept saying we were already getting close. The color red was already starting to appear in the eastern sky, and I myself slowly walked with the remaining energy I had. The conditions were getting clearer and I began to be able to see around me. The beauty was beginning to appear, before I could only see darkness. The feeling of exhaustion started to be healed by the view that was so beautiful.
The sun began to appear, ...finally I myself arrived at the summit....I was so happy..the feelings of exhaustion disappeared as I was able to see the view from the summit. It was a really really good feeling....the view was so astonishing... beautiful very beautiful. The beauty of the view was worth the exhausting efforts!

A true an excellent tour guide!

A true an excellent tour guide!

Upon arrival in Bali, we were warmly welcomed by our Driver/Tourist Guide Gede, my name was mentioned on the board and we felt welcomed and with such a friendly atmosphere we had a fantastic start! The guide and tour were extremely good, very flexible (appreciate this!) and for that, he deserves special thanks. We had 5 great days there, which obviously also added up to the experience.

Gede is such a warm personality and highly motivated guide (recommendable!). I truly enjoyed walking through the area. The scenery was beautiful and it was a relief to walk in such a quiet and peaceful environment.

The atmosphere is so special that it really felt like home to all of us. All respect for Gede who does a great job there; a true sample of an excellent tour guide!

Many thanks again and I recommend Bali Driver Gede - Day Tours to everyone!

Mount Agung Eruption

Volcano is not so scary. As long in safe distance. Please do not over reactions with the news. Look this young guys they got a funny picture even the local people keep fun on it.
Bali is safe...
Don't let the unresponsible people or media over reactions about it

Bali is safe.

Jati Luwih

Jati Luwih Green Land
Gardens,Nature & Wildlife Areas
Jatiluwih' is the name given to the lush green rice terraces that cover Tabanan. This area is more beautiful than its better-known sister, Tegallalang, and its panoramic views with Mt. Agung and Mt. Batukaru in the background, make it a photographer's delight.

Tips
Bring suitable shoes to take a walk in the rice fields.
For a better understanding of this place, read up a little on the Subak system of irrigation.
Camera is a must.

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple
Sacra & Religious sites,Points of interest & Landmarks
Pura Tanah Lot, a pilgrimage temple, is the most photographed temple in Bali. It sits a few meters offshore on a rock formation and is particularly popular late afternoon for the stunning sunset. At high tide the temple is impossible to reach, but at low tide you can walk to the base of the temple to be blessed by a priest.

Tips
Look out for the cave where the holy sea snakes live.
The crowds and traffic just before sunset are mind-blowing.
You must run the gauntlet between rows of market-style stalls to get from the car park to the viewing sites.
Non-Balinese cannot enter the temple.
Get a seat at one of best situated warungs early and have a piña colada in a coconut while you watch the sunset.

Balinese Temple

No visit to Bali would be complete without a trip to see at least one of Bali's temples. There are over 20,000 pura (Balinese for temple) in Bali at last count, a widespread marker of Bali's exuberant culture; you don't have to make an effort to see all of them.
Bali is known as an island of thousands temples. In every village in Bali, there are several temples and at least one small temple in each home of Balinese which reach to a total of 10.000.
Balinese word for temple is ‘pura’ which means 'space surrounded by a wall'. Although many temples are quiet and uninhabited, they are transformed into colorful, active and decorated places of worship when there is a festival. While offerings are made, performances of traditional dances and gamelan, cockfighting and gambling enliven the atmosphere.

Helping To each Other

We do not only think about business but we are also thinking about the people of Bali as this Island exists because of our communities. Almost everyday, year after year, as we have been conducting tours around the countryside, we have come to realize just how many people still need help

.
Their hard lives have not been blessed by the prosperity of tourism. We are part of Bali's tourist industry so we try to assist these forgotten communities but it is difficult with so little resources. Please help assist these people through making a booking for a day trip to visit the parts of Bali that so few tourists visit. By doing this you are helping them. Thank you.

Tip for visitor in Bali

Every country has own culture and custom.Bali aslo has it,here is Tips for that : Bargain hard for souvenirs at tourist hotspots, but remember to keep it fun. Hire a private car and driver for the day if traveling long distances. Use metered taxis for short distances. Tipping is not compulsory, but appreciated for good service. Do not touch the head of an Indonesian person. This includes children. Do not point with your index finger or with your feet. The left hand is considered unclean, so only use the right hand for giving and receiving, and for picking up food. When entering a temple, please obey the rules. Speak respectfully. Saving face is most important in Indonesia, so please avoid embarrassing or humiliating a person.

Excellent experience,warmly recommended !

“Reliable tour guide+ driver Gede” 5 of 5 starsReviewed 3 weeks ago We had really great time get along with Gede, he's a really nice person who is experienced and help us a lot during the trip. The price was also reasonable. If any of my friend is going to Bali, I will absolutely recommend him! “Excellent experience. Warmly recommended!” 5 of 5 starsReviewed February 7, 2016 Exceeding expectations! We booked Mr Gede's services, via email, for 2 days based on TripAdvisor recommendations and we were were delighted. Rates are affordable. Mr Gede is very professional, timely, attentive and informative, a careful driver (VIP), providing sound guidance as to best places to visit. For instance, we had a lovely lunch overlooking rice terraces, just as we liked it, venue suggested by Mr Gede. We also arrived right on time for the Kecak and Fire dance in Uluwatu, performed against the setting sun! The "music" and the location (the temple is perched on a hill top with surf breaking on all sides) are totally mesmerizing. We also did some Batik shopping in Denpasar and visited Ubud (briefly) (overrun by tourists during the day) and Tenganan which is just lovely (home of the Aga people). Day 2 allowed us to see a bit of the "real" Bali. We totally loved it. We rated our Bali visit 9.5! Our renewed thanks to Mr Gede to help make it happen!

Excellent experience. Warmly recommended!”

“Excellent experience. Warmly recommended!” 5 of 5 starsReviewed 1 week ago Exceeding expectations! We booked Mr Gede's services, via email, for 2 days based on TripAdvisor recommendations and we were were delighted. Rates are affordable. Mr Gede is very professional, timely, attentive and informative, a careful driver (VIP), providing sound guidance as to best places to visit. For instance, we had a lovely lunch overlooking rice terraces, just as we liked it, venue suggested by Mr Gede. We also arrived right on time for the Kecak and Fire dance in Uluwatu, performed against the setting sun! The "music" and the location (the temple is perched on a hill top with surf breaking on all sides) are totally mesmerizing. We also did some Batik shopping in Denpasar and visited Ubud (briefly) (overrun by tourists during the day) and Tenganan which is just lovely (home of the Aga people). Day 2 allowed us to see a bit of the "real" Bali. We totally loved it. We rated our Bali visit 9.5! Our renewed thanks to Mr Gede to help make it happen!

Wondeful Time in Bali

“Wonderful time in Bali with driver Komang” 5 of 5 starsReviewed October 14, 2015 Based on the very good appreciations on tripadvisor, we decided to get in touch with Gede to ask him to organize our roundtrip for 7 days around Bali. We were very pleased to realize that Gede was answering very quickly through WhatsApp and email, which is – compared to other guides we were in touch with – not a matter of course…for some it took days to answer. Gede responded to our wishes and helped us to work out our personalized round trip. Our driver was Komang. He has a good command of English. Komang is a very nice, sincere and friendly person and a reliable driver. He was always on agreed time. Always smiling! He was very responsive and also very flexible regarding spontaneous changes in our program. He showed us places not included in our itinerary and revealed to us a different taste of Bali. We still can feel the taste of sweet potatoes we were offered at his parents place. Simple, but so delicious. Komang made some useful and interesting suggestions that enriched our stay, give useful advices to avoid to be cheated at some popular touristic places and he always had cold fresh water for us in his car. We appreciate that very much! Komang really took a very good care of us!! One more thing that was very important for us – we had no forced shopping tours (we have heard that that is practiced by many guides…). Komang, thank you very much for a wonderful time in Bali! Visited October 2015

Good Day

“Good day” 5 of 5 starsReviewed October 31, 2015 NEW Gede was an excellent driver,his English was excellent and he told us all about the places we visited.We probably didn't do the normal trip,not all the touristy spots,but just a general ride around the countryside with a stop at a temple on our way up to Ubud.Then a drive around the rice paddies and then a short walk through the Ubud markets.on to lunch at a restaurant in the hills overlooking the fields with a great view and a cooling breeze.A great end to our day out. Visited October 2015