Saturday, April 30, 2011

Day 2 - Serenity in Ubud (Kintamani Mount Batur & Lake Batur, Tirta Empul Temple and Tegallalang Rice Terrace)

After a filling Indian cuisine dinner, a simple breakfast of Nasi Jinggo, complimentary from our hotel, was good enough to kick start our day 2 to Ubud.



Our first destination was Sukawati Market.



There were plenty of stalls selling wood handicraft, painting, clothes and souvenirs. Bargaining skill is a must when you visit this place. You can grab for cheap if your bargaining skill is good.




We saw this kind of prayers on the floor entrance of every shop in Bali. It served as a good deed for good business.


Motorbikes are the main transports in Bali.




Something worth mentioning is, there were a lot "on-the-move" sellers, whom will approach anyone they see to sell off their goods. At some part it did frustrates us, but looking on the other hand, they are working their sock off to erk out a living, which is a pity for them.



We spend about 1 hour there. Although there are plenty of stalls, but most of the stall are selling the same things.

Next, we continue our journey to Kintamani to visit the still active volcano - Mount Batur which stood at 1717m! Beside that, the beautiful and the largest lake in Bali - Lake Batur proudly laying at the foot of Mount Batur is also worth visiting.


It took us about an hour to reach Kintamani. The weather at Kintamani is slightly cooler. It was about lunch time as well and we were brought to Sari Restaurant for a buffet lunch.


At IDR60,000/pax for the buffet, we got a seat by the edge of the restaurant facing the mighty Mount Batur. So I would say, you got to enjoy the panoramic view while filling your stomachs up. Not too bad either.

Food wise, normal, Indonesian cuisine.


But this fruit is worth mentioning. The skin of the fruit is like the skin of the snake. Hence, we called it Snake fruit and so did our driver told us. Must try!


By the way, it is advisable to visit Kintamani early so the panoramic view will be clear and not shadowed by the cloud.



Stunning and incredible view!

At about 230pm we left the restaurant for the next destination. At some part, We did request our drivers to stop by the roadside to snap some photo. Again, there were a lot local people came approaching us to sell their goods. We felt a bit sorry when we answered "NO" to them as it is hard for them to earn in this area. They are indeed very pity.






Our next destination was Coffee Farm. It is famous of it's "Kopi Musang" or a.k.a Civet Cat Coffee. We were explained on how coffees are processed and made particularly Civet Cat Coffee. So what is so special about Civet Cat Coffee?

The coffee beans are actually made from the coffee berries which had been eaten by Civet Cat and then  passed through it's digestive system. So after that, they are gathered and processed and here came the most expensive coffee in the world.





We did try a few this Civet Cat Coffee and yes, it stood out among the rest.



The coffee farm owner's daughter.


A man hard at work.


Two small girls whom tried to sell something to us but at the end turn to be my models :P


After that, we went to visit Tirta Empul Temple. It is a holy spring water temple where Tirta Empul has the meaning of water emerge from the land. Hindu society in Bali believe that the water source can heal various of diseases.



Devotees have to pay their respect at the entrance of the temple before they proceed to the middle courtyard.



There are 3 sections in the temple and devotees are needed to pray and clean themselves before proceed to pray in the final courtyard.


Devotees clean their whole body up under the flowing holy water before proceed to the final courtyard. We did try, but we only used the water to clean our face and hands. Just to try :) The water is indeed cooling and refreshing!


Bali also have some really fine stone craft like those we saw in Jeju Island.



This was my first time to wear Sarung in front of camera.



We didn't spent too long in Turta Empul, as the sky was getting dark. We headed towards Tegallalang, the famous rice terrace.


On the way, we saw the women in Bali used their head to transport goods. Salute!



Tegallalang is a sight to behold. The rice are planted very orderly and it is very special.




I believe I can fly~!


After the last stop, we headed to the famous Tegal Sari. We would like to stay at this hotel for 2 nights but due to the good name of the hotel, it is already fully booked when the time we contact them. Thus, we only managed to book the super deluxe room for 1 night. 


This is why Tegal Sari Accommodation is rated as one of the top 10 winner for Bargain Hotels in Travelers' Choice 2011 by Trip Advisor. Welcome drink are served to our room.


Our room was facing a green Paddy field. 2 little chairs for us to admire the scenery while sipping into our ice cold lemon tea.




The room we had equipped with small garden too.




It is ideal for relaxing.

After taking some rest, we went to Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck Restaurant. It was walking distance from our hotel.





We ordered the must try Bebek Bengil Original Crispy Duck. Half duck steamed in Indo spices and deep fried for a crispy finish. It is served with choices of sauteed potatoes and side salad or white rice with vegetable. It costs IDR72,000.


We also ordered the Nasi Goreng Special served with chicken sate and egg. The price is IDR44,000.


Drink wise, I opted for a Bintang beer (IDR32,000) for the meal, whereas, Connie had a more healthy choice of avocado juice (IDR24,000). The avocado juice is different from what we had in Malaysia. Chocolate are added to the juice. Not to our liking.


Free-wifi are available at the restaurant. We spent our night in the restaurant enjoying the wifi, and thats is how we ended our day2.