Bali, I Really Want to Come Again!

Day 1: The journey included a stopover in Singapore, then to Jakarta, and finally a transfer to Bali. It took 15 hours in total. The 737 plane was not big, it shook and wobbled, and the wings even made creaking sounds. The landing was rough, a real test for the heart. The flight attendants had thick makeup, and there was Chinese broadcast, but it took a lot of effort to understand. The Garuda airline meal was terribly bad. By the time we arrived in Bali, it was already 12:30 AM. Although there was no time difference, after nearly 15 hours of flying, we were very tired. And I even got airsick, vomiting terribly, almost to the point of collapse. Alas! This seemed to be the only regret of the trip.

Upon arrival in Bali, we went through the visa-on-arrival process at the airport and it was already very late. The local guide picked us up at the entrance and took us directly back to the hotel to rest. On the way, he also introduced the local situation. At the hotel, the staff warmly served us cold orange juice, arranged our rooms, and we went to rest.

Too tired, soon fell asleep...

Day 2: Early morning, breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Both Chinese and Western options were available for self-selection. Fruits and drinks were very good. After leaving the hotel, I finally saw the appearance of Bali, feeling a bit excited. The island journey truly began here.

Visited the Wood Carving Village, a pure hand-carved art form. Carvers displayed their works in some fairly large galleries. Visitors could also watch carvers demonstrating their skills on-site while some works were for sale. The wood carvings mainly featured religious mythology figures and traditional local life scenes, along with larger furniture. Many pieces were carved according to the natural shape of the wood, no two alike. These personalized carvings were favored by many art collectors.

Tirta Empul Temple (Holy Spring Temple). It is said that in ancient times, a wizard poisoned the water, harming villagers. The god Indra pierced the ground with his spear, causing a spring to gush forth and save the villagers. That is the origin of the holy spring. The scene of the holy water emerging from the ground was very moving. The stone pool had a bottom covered with black fine sand. At the spring eyes, the water surged and sand danced, like giant black peonies blooming in clear water reflecting the blue sky and green trees. The temple has more than ten water outlets, still clear after thousands of years. Each outlet had different effects: some could eliminate disasters, some could drive away illness, some could cleanse the soul. Local residents came to bathe three times a day—morning, noon, and evening. Most locals, after praying, would carry large and small buckets of water home.

Lunch: Local specialty, Dirty Duck Meal.

Tanah Lot Temple, sacred and standing by the sea. Built on a huge rock by the sea, it is one of Bali's most famous temples. During high tide, the temple is surrounded by seawater, completely separated from the land. It can only be reached during low tide. Tanah Lot Temple was built in the 16th century and is dedicated to the sea god. Under the huge rock on the opposite cliff, there is a small cave where several poisonous sea snakes were found. Legend says they are the temple's guardian spirits, preventing demons and other invaders. It is said that when the temple was completed, huge waves suddenly came, endangering the temple. So the monk inside untied his belt and threw it into the sea. The belt turned into two sea snakes, finally calming the waves. From then on, the sea snakes became the temple's guardians.

Dinner at Jimbaran Beach BBQ. However, there was a small regret: traffic was a bit congested on the way. I had wanted to take sunset photos on the beach, but by the time we arrived, it was already dark. The candlelight on the sand looked like fallen stars. Among the crowd, there were singers with musical instruments who could sing for you. Seafood, barbecue, beer, cheers!

Day 3: Wedding photos

Then, after one day of fun, the author went for photos. The pre-arranged photographer picked us up in the morning. We did makeup and changed clothes at the hotel. First, we went for street photography. I was very worried about the weather that day because the forecast said it might rain. I was very concerned that night. The next morning, there was a thunderstorm, then it cleared up, haha.

The author didn't take many behind-the-scenes shots because the schedule was really tight. Taking wedding photos was really hard work, but the process was very happy and enjoyable.

Day 4: Good morning, after a hearty breakfast, we continued on. We took a boat to Turtle Island.

The bottom of the boat was made of glass, so we could sit inside and see the fish and coral underwater.

There were many experiences during the trip. In Bali, we went diving, experiencing the wonders of the underwater world, close contact with the ocean, and playing with fish underwater.

After putting on the equipment, the instructor briefly introduced the basic diving techniques. For me, it was my first time diving, quite exciting. Our group got on a speedboat and headed straight out to sea. When we reached the diving area, several instructors jumped into the water first. Then the instructor assigned to me gestured for me to jump directly into the sea. I also put on the oxygen tank in the water. Later I thought, that saved a lot of effort. Then I practiced the techniques we were just taught a few times. Feeling confident, I gave the instructor an OK gesture. I was the first to dive down. The moment the water passed my eyes, I really felt like I had entered another world. There was no noise in my ears, and I could clearly hear my own breathing underwater. Water got into my mask, but using the technique taught by the instructor, I expelled it with one motion. Continuing downward, the instructor opposite me took out an underwater camera. I also took out the bread I had prepared in advance. Soon, many fish swam around me. My group members also successfully dived down. We all fed the fish together, then separated and dived deeper. I don't know exactly how deep we went, but when I saw a seashell on the seafloor, I swam straight toward it. When I got back to shore, I realized the seashell I picked up was not alive, but it was intact and undamaged. That was good because only non-living things could be taken away; if a marine creature is alive, it must be returned to the water. I gave this seashell to the youngest member of our group as a souvenir.

In Bali, we tried water sports, experiencing the thrill of speed on the sea. Leaning, jumping, the loss of gravity made it impossible to suppress the wildly beating heart. The oncoming wind was not enough to supply oxygen for breathing. At that moment, we could only let our throats open and scream together.

Lunch: Japanese-style all-you-can-eat fresh shrimp hotpot. Fresh live sea shrimp were boiled directly, dipped in local oyster sauce, the taste was really delicious.

SPA: In Bali, you can play to your heart's content because there are good masseuses to relieve stress and relax your muscles. In the afternoon, we went to a SPA center and chose an essential oil for relieving fatigue. We relaxed and rested well. Not only that, the masseuse also placed hot volcanic stones on the joints of the body. When I woke up, I felt VERY OK all over!

Kuta Beach: It was almost evening again. The sunset slowly set at the edge of the sea, casting a charming afterglow over the beach.

Kuta Beach is known as the most beautiful coast in Bali. The beach here is flat, with white and fine sand. It is a paradise for surfing and skateboarding. Nearby, there is a bustling commercial street with various traditional Balinese handicrafts and colorful ethnic costumes on display, as well as large department stores selling all kinds of goods. It used to be just a small village between Badung and Bukit Peninsula, but now it has become a prosperous tourist destination.

Day 5: In Bali, we also went rafting. In the narrow mountain streams, sometimes wide, sometimes narrow, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, with whirlpools and drops, thrilling and exciting. Water fights, speed slides, paddling in, going down the current, every moment experiencing the unknown journey ahead.

Dream Beach: Enjoying the last luxury in Bali

The endless ocean, waves rolling continuously, accompanied by live jazz music by the seaside, we enjoyed ourselves and indulged here!

The gentle sunlight faded away, coloring the sunset glow on the horizon. In a moment, another mood began, but unfortunately we could only embrace here, leaning together to take the last few pictures. But what remains with us is unforgettable, the memories of enjoyment here.

Dinner: Lobster, not very big. Let's have a chance to eat Australian lobster next time.

Day 6: Woke up very early and went out to take photos in the hotel garden. I had slept soundly for several days and didn't want to get up early. Today was our last day in Bali.

Across from the hotel was the sea.

Uluwatu Temple: There are very aggressive monkeys here that will snatch things from your hands.

In Bali, we savored the taste of local coffee. The journey ended here with a rich aroma and strong flavor, lingering in everyone's heart.

Goodbye, BALI.