Nestled on the eastern shores of the Island of the Gods, Bali’s untouched gem awaits your curious wanderlust. Far from the bustling streets of Kuta and the vibrant nightlife of Seminyak, East Bali emerges as an idyllic haven for those seeking a deeper connection with nature and culture. With its lush landscapes, traditional villages, and serene beaches, this lesser-explored region promises a journey that will not only tantalize your senses but also touch your soul. Join us as we embark on an 8-day adventure through the heart of East Bali, where every step is a moment of serenity and discovery.
Tuesday 12 September 2023
Flexibility - Serendipity
A whole lot of circumstances not related to my frailties have required that I abort the walk. Instead, I will follow the original route I planned in a car with day hikes and will explore the same route by walking for a later time.
Our son, Conrad, generously engaged Gede, an English-speaking Guide and Driver, who is very helpful and sticks to me like a leach.
I’m in a town in East Bali called Candidasa. The original walk was intended as a pilgrimage from the cave temple in Candidasa to Besakih Mother Temple following the foothills away from tourists. Besakih is the main temple in Bali.
For now, I will just do a dry run of the 80 km route which I had originally planned to walk.
The Adventure Begins
Sacred Places
This is the holy stone of Candidasa from where I begin my walk. Sad to see the holy stone neglected with a broken fence and no offerings.
When I first came to Bali in 1967, Bali was immaculate with all holy sites in pristine condition.
Seeing this made me sad.
Open Walls
Walking and arriving at outskirts of a village. 
I posted a daily travel report to the Warren Family on WhatsApp. I was asked to include the name of the villages/areas that I visit. I’ll try but mostly I don’t know where I am. I’m just wandering around.
This is the walled village of Tenganan.
All inland villages used to be like this when I first visited Bali in the 1960s.
Very different now.
A beautifully designed community centre in this walled village. Used for ceremonies, dances, music, community meetings, and cock fights etc. Notice the wide benches all around. They are also used for large gatherings and visits by other whole villages whose members could all sleep here.
I am deeply impressed by Balinese community life.
Balinese are masters of bonsai.
This is the lodge where I would have stayed had I walked. Now just exploring the route by car interspersed with short day walks of a few kilometres.
Wednesday 13 September 2023
Village Tourism
Looked around for a cheap lodge on today’s proposed walking route. None was suitable as too much of a climb to get to them after a long walk.
Visited a ‘living museum’. Touristy but interesting.
The girl was trained at a special high school nearby which taught only for the tourist industry.
Went to see it. Very modern. Interesting government policy.
Here being served coffee Balinese style in meeting house.
Very delicious!
Coffee served with tiny pancakes and local palm sugar.
Very delicious!
Voila!!!
The spoon is made from a leaf of the sugar palm. A simple twist, a bamboo sliver and…
Voila!!!
Walked for a while along this road. Very few cars but will avoid in future and stick to lowlands
Drove back to Candidasa though forest so thick had to switch on headlights.
Thursday 14 September 2023
On the road again
On the road again. What joy! Going I know not where. North somewhere. Little walking as have been blacking out and have to sit down. Very grateful for car and driver. Thanks Conrad!!! Visited temples to say hello and thanks for all of you and everything.
Beautiful water catchment. Never saw such modern works here before. Balinese are masters of irrigation.
At the magnificent Besakih Temple!
The Balanese Temple