All Day Journey Through The Back Streets and Mountainous Area of Bali.
The day starts early as the Waka Land Cruise driver picks up the day’s travelers from hotels around the South Bali area. He picked us up at 8.45, and on board was a German tourist who had been taken from the Conrad in Nusa Dua. Off we go. The driver, Gede, informs us of the itinerary as we pull out of Seminyak and head for the hills.
First stop is a stone quarry in Tegal Jadi village, where ladies continue an age old tradition of cutting and transporting paras stones on their heads from the river bed to the road above. Hard work for the gals who are paid approximately 20 cents per 5 kilo block; definitely not a glamorous way to make a buck, but a very picturesque part of Bali. The next stop offers an interesting insight into rural life in Bali: a visit to an original, old-style Balinese family house. Made, one of the family members, takes us on a stroll through their garden explaining what each tree and vine is, and what fruits and vegetables they plant and cultivate. That coupled with the description and tour of their 50 year old, mud and rice husk walled home was a fascinating look at traditional Balinese life. After a refreshing, locally made morning tea we were back in the Land Rover and heading further up the mountain.
Batukaru mountain hangs ominously over the top of the Jatiluwih rice bowl as the Land Rover winds its way up rocky trails until reaching the purpose built restaurant 900 meters above sea level. Built from bamboo cut from the area, the restaurant overlooks a dense valley of big bamboo and luscious ferns. The valley is so lush and fertile you could imagine the jungle taking back the restaurant in the bat of an eyelid. The food served at the restaurant, which is included in the price of the trip, is a wonderful array of local produce grown right on the property. A smorgasbord of Balinese delicacies is on offer cooked on open mud fires and presented in a very authentic manner. Wines, coffee and cognac are served with the meal and the gamelan is played wafting through the jungle. It really is a special place far from anywhere and as they say at Waka, The Secret Soul of Bali.
The ride home brings a stop at the Hot Springs at Belulang. The short stroll from the parking to the thermal waters and sacred spring passes a 400 year old Banyan tree and holy temples and is a great opportunity to truly enjoy the sight of rice fields as they spread from this point down the hill to as far as the eye can see. The temperature is cool and the locals friendly and obliging; we came across a funeral where a multitude was sitting on the main road as we departed the hot springs and they all hopped up and made way for us to pass. Hard to believe really under the circumstance.
The day trip is perfect for visitors to Bali or even people who have lived here for years. Personally, I loved the opportunity to get out of town and have a look around parts of Bali I had never seen before. On this trip we saw interesting, hidden places and learnt new things about this island we call home and I’m sure many people, not just tourists, would enjoy the day out immensely.
The rustic and charming restaurant 900 meters up and far away from the madding tourist traps. The restaurant has some fine Balinese cuisine, all grown on the grounds, as well as incredible views to the jungle valley.
Made shows us around his abundant plantation and gardens and very traditional Balinese home.
The Waka Group takes pride in showing the real, traditional Bali and this Waka Land Cruise is another fantastic example of their Waka Experience. SS
For pricing and more information on these fun and epicurean day trips call the Waka Land Cruise direct or contact your hotel tour operator or concierge.
Waka Land Cruise
Tel: 0361-426972
Fax: 0361-426971
www.wakaexperience.com