Feb 08

We just got back into Calgary from our 20 day trip to Indonesia. The whole experience was amazing and we would recommend going to Indonesia to anyone wanting to get the feel for another culture and a completely different lifestyle.

There was definitely culture shock when we first arrived but it was very easy to go with the flow of things and fit in with the relaxed pace that the Indonesian people have.

It was one of the most amazing trips we have ever been on and even though the flight home was a grueling 25 hours it was well worth it and we wouldn’t have changed anything about it. All the sites we saw are worth the money and time and make sure to take some pictures to capture the moments.

Hope you decide to go to Indonesia one day……it’s well worth it!

There is one thing however we won't miss about Indonesia and thats the BEMOS!!

We had a really good time visiting some of the sites in Lombok! The temple the Pura Lingsar was really neat because it was shared with two different religions that share the same complex; however there are two separate sections and it’s on different levels also. The temple is “admission by donation” (1.) and is open from 7AM until 6PM.(2.)The Wektu Telu side has a small pond that has eels in it and you can purchase hard boiled eggs to get the eels to come out of hiding. You must be quiet when you go into the temple because it’s the holiest site in Lombok and if you forget to bring a sarong you can rent one for 1 USD before entering the temple, due to religious values.

Temple Pura Lingsar

Street Markets in Lombok

The Museum was also really neat and we went in the morning since its only open until 2 PM during the week and 11 AM on weekends. We learned about geology, history and culture of Lombok and the different religious values. We also saw some really neat Kris (daggers), songket (Silver/gold threaded cloth), baskets and masks. All of these are big souvenirs in Indonesia so we picked up some little masks and batik which is very popular wax dyed cloth at a street market on our way back to the hotel.

Some cool masks!! Ours don't look like that but similar!

Batik

Bali was amazing and after a boat ride that cost us 30 USD each we are in Lombok. This is the last leg of our trip and we fly out of Mataram’s Selaparang Airport (AMI) in 2 days and head back to Calgary, so we have to make the most of our time here.

We have lots planned for these next two days. We are going to a museum to see a great collection of daggers and we’re going to Pura Lingsar which is a Hindu and Wektu Telu (Buddhist) temple. We hope to learn more about it once we’re there.

Since they call Lombok the unspoiled Bali we are going to the beach around here to compare it to Bali. So far the roads have been very busy and it’s extremely populated so I can’t see how the beaches are not going to be busy, however we are in the senggigi (which is the tourist strip) so of course there are lots of people around.

Beautiful Beach

It’s been a tiring journey so only a quick dinner tonight of Ayam Taliwang which is chicken stewed in a sauce of turmeric and chili. It’s a very popular Indonesian meal and we finally have the opportunity to try it and then off to bed.

Our Hotel

These next two days are going to be busy and we’ll write again once the opportunity comes up.

There are so many temples in Bali because they represent the important role that religion places in Balinese life. The temples are places for communicating with divine spirits through offering and prayer. Whole communities take part in these festivals and it's really neat to see how the people come together!

We visited the Besakih Temple, which is also known as the Mother Temple of Bali. It's over a 1000 years old (1.)and it's perched on the slopes of Mount Agung. The temple is free to enter (2.)and we spent a whole day there walking around, but we went early and because the tourist bus's start arriving around 9AM and it gets really crowded and takes away from the experience. This temple is named after the dragon god believed to inhabit the mountain. There are 18 sancturies surronding 3 main temples dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.

People bring flowers as an offering and many Indonesians visit this temple because it's the only temple where a Hindu believer of any caste can worship freely.

Take a look at the picture we have but know that it's surreal to see it in person.

The Basakih Temple

We heard that Bali had beautiful beaches but we had no idea. The sand is so white and the water is SO blue!! We went to Kuta Beach and we were told that it was one of Bali's best surfing beaches and the best beach by far to be at if your looking for a party.(1.)

Some crazy kid surfing

Kuta is basically 5 KM of hotels, bars, surf shops, restaurants and travel agencies (2.). There are so many activities that you can do at the beach and tons of places that you can rent surf boards (which we did), if you want the trill of a lifetime. It got a little crowded at around noon so we decided to take a little look at Bali's first beach resort Sanur.

A night shot

Now this beach is way more traditional because we saw a traditional Indonesian dance and there were lots of activities so it's a better family beach. This is a great place to experience Balinese culture and local life. We talked to some locals and everyone is very friendly. You have to check out the coral reef cause it's ideal for snorkelling. We didn't go this time because we already did that but it looked amazing.

Sanur is also an important religious center for Hindu's so you see lots of colorful ceremonies and traditional dances right on the beach. You can't participate but your more then welcome to watch!!

Kuta Beach

After a long day of sun we are back at the hotel and our room is located on the main floor (lucky for us we didn't have to climb any stairs.) We're staying at a locally owned hotel cause most hotels in Indonesia are locally owned except for the bigger chains located along the Bali tourist strip.

We're off to a temple tomorrow so we'll keep you posted.

There are so many different beaches that you can go to so check out this website to pick your favorites
http://www.bali-indonesia.com/

Sunset from Sanur