Most tourists flock to hotels and resorts on Southern Bali for a week or two of pampering and partying. Our Rally stop was on the Northern side at Lovina, which was still somewhat westernized but more low key. Traditional markets and tiny shops were interspersed with air conditioned Mini-Marts and massage parlours.
After the first couple of days we went out of our way to avoid the relentless invitations to buy goods and services from beach side vendors, but on the other hand, Tom couldn't resist a daily visit to the Dutch Bakery for a grape strudel.
We arrived a couple of days before the start of the annual Lovina Festival, which coincides with the Rally schedule. This gave us time to explore a bit before the big beachfront party began, with its parades, live music and performances.
So we hired a driver for a day with a few other cruisers (from our own Rally this time!) and made a trip inland for some sightseeing. Switchback roads cut through tropical hillsides and past small traditional communities along the way to the various destinations on our list. The drive itself is often a highlight of an excursion for me - I love sitting back and watching the scenery pass by.
We passed through Monkey Forest where small Macaques peeked out of the bush. They quickly overcame their shyness when Tom pulled a banana out of his knapsack - soon he had them eating out of his hands.
Our driver waited patiently while we meandered up the path to Gitgit Waterfall, which was very pretty (not as outstanding as waterfalls in the Marqueses or Vanuatu, but we've been spoiled).
We were truly impressed however, by Temple On The Lake at Pura Bratan. Sprawling manicured grounds and ancient ornate temples were set off by the picturesque lake and small communities pressed into the hillsides.
Next on our itinerary was Banjar Buddhist Temple. We slipped our sarongs over our shorts out of respect and entered the tranquil temple grounds. Balinese carvings were intermixed with large Buddha statues and bright, colourful decorations, signifying the solidarity among the Balinese people and local Buddhist community. By the time we reached the Hot Springs it was late afternoon so we had a brief dip in the warm pools before continuing on to Carrefour (a Western-style grocer) for provisions on our way back to Lovina.
After a couple of days preparing for our next passage and visiting with friends we headed Northwest towards Karimunjawa for more Rally festivities.
(New photos in gallery)