Bali Life / Shouts

Keep calm without air conditioner

Being in a tropical country, you may find Bali weather a little warm. The temperature around the island can get up to 29°C during the hottest time, normally in May.

There are numerous beaches in South Bali that offer amazing scenic views with calm water for a leisurely dip while you may need some comfortable spaces to cool off during your holiday on the island. However, some of the best beaches are quite a drive from the “city” parts of Bali, so you may want to consider these open spaces to visit, to keep yourself calm without any air conditioner.

 

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1. Kanto Lampo waterfall

If you are looking for an alternative spot to enjoy the splash of water in Bali, you may want to check out the waterfalls that are mostly located in Bali’s center, northern, or the eastern side. Located in Gianyar area, Kanto Lampo waterfall is a place where you can find an open space which offers unlimited water flow to refresh your body and soul. And it is probably the nearest waterfall from South Bali!

This waterfall has gotten its popularity from social media as one of the must-visit waterfalls in Bali. It is easy to reach from Denpasar and it has just everything you can imagine; the calming view of the water from dam to the hilt of the waterfall and the green ambiance around.

 

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2. Heron heaven Petulu village
Want to enjoy sunset the unique way? Drive up north to Ubud and visit the Petulu village to do bird-watching. It is situated around 2.5 kilometer from Jl. Raya Ubud. As simple and unusual as this may sound to you, bird-watching activity in Petutu Village is loved by many in this area during sunset time or at around 5pm each day, when the birds go back home to their trees in Petutu Village.
You will see not just 10, not 100, but thousands white and yellow herons in the sky! Despite its unexplained reason as to why those herons come to the village every evening since mid 1960s, some people believe those birds are sacred and spread the good luck to the village.

 

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3. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
You may have seen this popular rice terrace printed on the postcards, calendars, and other Bali souvenirs. Going up north to Ubud, and located around 20 minutes from downtown Ubud, Tegalalang rice terrace is one of the famous rice fields you really have to visit.
This rice field employs a Subak system, the Balinese traditional irrigation system that are used in the majority of rice fields in Bali. You can walk in the small path in between the rice fields to enjoy the view, and when you come at the right time, you will get to meet the local farmers who look after the rice fields. They will be happy to greet you and teach you a little knowledge about rice fields – an experience you may not get elsewhere!

 

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4. Campuhan Ridge Walk

While in Ubud – you may as well explore the surroundings as Ubud is not only well known for the artistic museums, palaces, or temples. There is Campuhan Ridge Walk, located only around 2 kilometer from Ubud’s downtown. You can find the entrance path to Campuhan Ridge Walk through Puri Lebah temple. There is a clear sign board that will guide you to the hill.

Campuhan Ridge Walk, is also popular with the name Ubud’s Love Hill for there are a lot of couples taking their pre-wedding photo shoots around the ridge. It is famous for its picturesque surroundings and the easy track that makes it perfect for jogging, running, or cycling – some people also enjoy sitting on the side sketching or just simply enjoying the view. The best times to visit Campuhan Ridge Walk are in early in the morning during sunrise, or in the afternoon during sunset.

 

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5. Nusa Dua Waterblow

Having fun playing with the waves may be the first thing you want to do in Bali. But if you feel that the sands and the beach are too ordinary, you can consider the Water Blow in Nusa Dua.
The Water Blow is a natural phenomenon in which the waves literally blow and create a big splash as the strong pressure of the water pushes through the narrow gap. This phenomenon is not only a beautiful spectacle for your eyes, where you can keep dry when you watch it from afar, but you can walk closer to the bridge between the reef and get yourself drenched when the waves hit your body. The bridge is currently not in its best condition, so watch your step and be careful when you go there for your own “Nusa Dua Waterblow” experience.

 

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6. Kite festival
Bali Kite Festival is one of the most visited annual festivals that is usually held at the beaches along Sanur’s coastal area, such as Padang Galak beach or Mertasari beach. It is usually on between July and October every year, during the windy season on the island.

What’s interesting about this this festival is the meaning behind it as a religious festival to send a message to the Hindu Gods to create abundant crops and harvests. The kites are made in various sizes and shapes, but mostly large size. There are three shapes of the kites that you will see along the beaches; they are the Bebean (fish-shaped), Janggan (bird-shaped) and Pecukan (leaf-shaped).
The participants of the festival are the representatives from each banjar (the traditional Balinese village). Each team consists of 70 to 80 youths and the elder from each banjar. They are competing to get prizes from the sponsors as well as to conserve the local kitting tradition.

Besides Kite Festival, other festivals on the island are mostly held from mid-year until the end of the year. The are numerous one-stop places you can visit to enjoy local cultures, traditional cuisines and the island’s natural beauty. Some of the festivals such as Sanur Festival, Nusa Dua Fiesta, and Denpasar Festival are also free of charge for public so you can enjoy as many as you can during your Bali trip and witness the truly amazing traditional Balinese cultures.

 

ABOUT THE WRITER

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Edna Tarigan

Edna is a Jakarta-based travel writer. She began her professional carrier as a journalist, living in Bali for a year then moving back to Jakarta to chase another dream.

She writes anything related to traveling, culinary, lifestyle, nature, culture and other tourism attraction especially in Indonesia.

Read more stories fom her at edededan.com

 

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