Climbing Mount Ijen

 Mount Ijen is one of the highest volcanoes in Java.  This volcano has beautiful view of other surrounding  mountains, such as mount Raung, Meranti and mount Merapi

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Mount Ijen has an elevation about 2700 . l trekked up mount Ijen with a couple friends from Australia recently  We started our trekking from Bali, took a ferry to Gilimanuk harbor to Java . We usually start this trip at 12.30 am local time, a very early morning by jeep drive to the parking area where the climb up mount Ijen begins.

When l arrived at about  the middle point l started losing my power.  I took a 15 minute rest and after drinking hot tea and plain bread I had my energy back.  I continued climbing, and finally l made it to the top.

To see tee the "blue fire" of the crater, climbers need to start at dawn to reach the crater before 5 am.  After 5am the blue fire will be gone because of the sun day light.  

At the top we got to see the sun rise.  There were a couple of miners at work, mining sulfur.  

What a breathtaking view of the sunrise and surrounding moutains.

Highly Acidid Lake

I suggest you climb Mount Ijen between June and August because the position of the sun is still a bit on the southest, making for a good sun rise viewing.

Contact me for information about hiking in Bali, guide services or for your personal driver.

Traveling on the Roads in Bali

There are so many interesting things about traveling in Bali, including the daily traffic on the roads.  Travelers often find it interesting, even amazing, that everyone works together so well in what seems to be a crowded scene of busy ants.  Especially during the rush hour, when it looks like there are no rules on the road.

If you're visiting Bali, you should take good care navigating the traffic, especially when you want to cross the road to the other side.  Why?  Because traffic will not stop for you, like it might in other countries.  When you cross the road, the safest way is to carefully look out around you in all directions and wait until there is no traffic, and then cross.  Of course, it is always safer to cross on the zebra striped pedestrian crossings.

Safer still, is to hire a local guide or driver, like me, to take you where you want to go, and help you make it through the difficult traffic.

I would love to help you make your Bali visit a wonderful and safe thing to remember.

Regards,

Made Suba

Balinese Wedding Culture, Past and Present

The island of Bali is well known as The Island of God, The Island of a Thousand Temples, and The Island of Offerings and Ceremonies.  One of the important ceremonies of Bali is Manusa Yadnya, also known as the Human ceremony, a tradition that honors different stages of human development, such as marriage.

In the past, during the Kingdom Era of Bali, there were three ways to get married: marriage by kidnapping, marriage by arrangement, and marriage by love.  Today, marriage is celebrated for three days after the formal ceremony.  The celebration takes place at the groom’s home.  Before the celebration, husband and wife are forbidden to leave their family compounds.  During the celebration, families come together to make many kinds of offerings, such as pebaya kaonan (an offering made of palm leaf and specific ingredients designed to keep evil spirits away from the celebration.)  Three seeds from the broom plant are offered (symbolizing the couple’s ability to overcome all manner of life’s obstacles,) and three cooking pots are provided (to express a wish of harmony for the couple.)

I am an English speaking, local Balinese driver, and guide.  I would love to share the Kingdom of a Thousand Islands with you.  Contact me if you would like guide or driver services on your visit to Bali.

Is It Safe To Drink The Water in Bali?

There are many thing that you have to be careful of drinking when you are travelling to Bali.  One of them is water.

When l was young kid, l lived in the mountain village named Kintamani. I used to drink water straight from the underground spring.  For me it was no problem.  But today, that under ground spring feeds houses, villas, and hotels, and it has become polluted.

Now I have to boil the water that comes from the spring to my house through my tap.  Boiling the water typically kills all the bacteria.  Then I keep it cold for drinking.

For travelers, it's best to drink bottled water only.  Brush your teeth with bottled water.  Try not to let the water from your bath or shower into your mouth.  Tourists usually don't have the option of boiling their water before consuming, like I do.  So please don't drink the tap water and stick to water you buy in a bottle.

I am an English Speaking, local Balinese driver and guide.  I'd love to help you have a great visit to the Island of the Gods

The Beautiful Floating Temple of Mengwi Village: Taman Ayun

Mengwi Village is the home to one of Bali's best-loved places, Taman Ayun Temple.  The name, Taman Ayun means beautiful, floating garden, and that is exactly what you'll find when you visit. Surrounded by two ponds, the temple appears to float on the water.

Taman Ayun was built by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu in the year 1634.  It is divided into three courtyards.  the outer court yard can only be entered through the square pond park with nine fountains called the Cani Bentar.  The nine fountains symbolize Dewata Nawa Sanga, the nine central Gods of Balinese Hinduism. 

Taman Ayaun is also known as Royal Family Temple of Mengwi.  The inner court yard features shrines, one of which is for the honor and worship of the deities of the King's ancestors.

I would love to help arrange your visit to Mengwi Village.  I am an English Speaking, local Balinese guide, and driver.

Bali, Nusa Dua's Fantastic, Fun Outdoor Activities

Nusa Dua is one of the well-known tourist areas in Bali with five stars hotels and also the exciting sea activities, fun with a great challenge for everyone who joins this sport.

Nusa Dua offers you many fantastic activities: jet skiing, banana boat, fly fishing, snorkeling, parasailing, diving, fishing, glass bottom boat, and the amazing Turtle Island tour.

If you would like to know more about any of these activities, I would be happy to help you.

I'm an English speaking, local Balinese, driver, and guide, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Stunning Water Gardens: Tirta Gangga, the holy waters of the Ganges, in Bali!

 

One of the powerful kingdoms in Bali is Karangasem.  This kingdom was ruled by King Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem who built the famous Tirta Gangga water palace in the year 1948.

Tirta means holy water and gangga is taken from the name of India's holy river, the Ganges.This water palace was a place for the royal family to relax, welcome and entertain important guests of the surrounding kingdoms.

Today, the water gardens are open to the public.  Visitors can have a swim in the very refreshing spring water that comes up from the ground under a banyan tree.  This beautiful garden with is sprint water pools, is surrounded by charming views, and rice paddy fields.

Take notice of the park architecture.  It's a splendid blend of European, Chinese, and traditional Balinese styles.

My name is Made, and I'd love to be your English speaking, local Balinese driver, and guide.  Contact me for information about other excellent sites to see in Bali.

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