Bali to Java Ferry Capsizes

A few days ago, a ferry traveling from Bali to Java capsized, with reports so far of one person dead and 71 rescued. We just heard this news last night on an Indonesian news channel, but had trouble sussing out all of the details due to the broadcast being in Indonesian.  One alarming aspect is…

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Important Bali Temples and Holy Sites: the Hyped

Important Bali Temples and Holy Sites: the Hyped This is a follow up to my previous post on obscure Bali temples and holy sites. I 1. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan (a/k/a Pura Ulun Danau Bratan) Perched on the shores of Lake Bratan and encircled by forested mountainsides, Pura Ulun Danau Bratan is one of the more…

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Bali Temples and Holy Sites: The Obscure

My previous post on the Jatiluwih rice fields and their interlinking water temples made me think of all the beautiful Bali temples and holy sites Sam and I have visited over the past few years — some before we ever came to live in Indonesia. Our list is still super sparse when compared to the huge…

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Stumbling Upon a Home-Based Bali Coffee Factory in Munduk

A little bit of magic happened to us a few weeks ago when we stumbled upon a home based Bali coffee factory. Some of the best memories in life come from random, unexpected experiences. Am I right? It isn’t that planned activities can’t lead to great joy, but here’s the thing: you planned for it…

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Hiking Trails in the Mountain Town of Munduk, Bali

Two things I love the most about the tiny, mountain town of Munduk: the amazing hiking and the day-to-day activities going on all around. Here, for the most part, people couldn’t care less about the ogling tourists in their “Bali” pants, snapping photos beside waterfalls and limitless scenic vistas. Whatever. They’ve got coffee cherries to…

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Exploring North Bali: Gilimanuk to Pemuteran

The little town of Pemuteran in northwest Bali reminds me of Bali when I was a young girl: still a tad touristy, but retaining an authentic, Real-People-Live-Here vibe. And compared to  the uber visited areas of south Bali, it feels a world away. It’s peaceful. A bit more gentle and easy going. Definitely less touristy….

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The Java to Bali Ferry: How to reach it and what to expect

We recently took the Java to Bali ferry from Banyuwangi, Java to Gilianuk, Bali, and though the trip was more or less an accident, we are so glad that we chanced upon the experience! Most people arrive in Bali via the Denpasar airport: Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport. Perhaps because of this, the most developed…

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