BALI BY BIKE

What better way to experience rural Bali, away from the tourist havens than atop a bicycle, especially when it's all downhill!
We booked ourselves onto an Eco Tours cultural, ecological and educational cycling tour.  We were picked up from our resort in Sanur and driven  to Kintamani where we had breakfast overlooking the active volcano Mt Batur and its crater lake... a stunning view!
We then selected our mountain bikes and began our 25 km descent towards Ubud through the heartland of Bali; witnessing typical Balinese daily life and enjoying the beautiful countryside. We rode through lush rainforests, plantations of tropical fruits, vegetables and coffee, numerous lush rice paddies and  timeless villages all the time managing to yell out hellos to the delightful children playing alongside the road.
Our guide "Agoose" (real name Ketut....being the youngest boy in family) constantly provided us with insights into Balinese life often with much hilarity.
We had numerous stops along the way including a Balinese communal home or compound that revolves around their devotion to the spiritual life (most Balinese are devout Hindus), a coffee plantation to sample the uniquely produced and most expensive coffee in the world, Luwak (google it for a fascinating recount) and a walk through one of the many rice paddies that uses every available piece of land to plant.
After the breath taking ride, being very careful not to be skittled by one of the many motor cyclists that shared our narrow roads we were served a  sumptuous  Balinese lunch complete with the customary Bintang!
Another special day in Bali...made more special by sharing with family members!
Ian, Margaret, David, Sue, Emma, Robyn, Gracie and Rob.

eco tour bike ride

Monkey Forest at Ubud by Gracie

Yesterday Mum and I visited the Monkey Forest in Ubud.  We first visited about a week ago but I loved it so much we had to come again!!!

Here are some of our best monkey photos...

 

 

A perfect place to sit

 

 

                                              Monkeys like bananas and corn!

                       I'll give you my banana...have you got any more corn?

 

Keep still! I'm trying to get that flea!

 

    We discovered (amazingly) that monkeys are fantastic swimmers!

BALI

motor bikes galore

red dory prawns and mussels...$15

After a few nervous days checking the Jetstar website regarding the volcanic dust cloud...and a four hour delay at Darwin Airport we have finally made it to Bali!
We spent the first day exploring the local streets, beaches and restaurants around our hotel in Denpasar managing to stay safe amongst the hectic traffic conditions.
The food here is not only cheap....but delicious!

beach scene

THE TOP END

 

It’s taken us quite a while but we have finally made it to Darwin, pulling in last Thursday!

Since arriving in the Top End we have had so many wonderful experiences together…mainly centring on waterholes, swimming and family!

We spent our first night in Katherine with Josh and Sarah who made the long trip down from Darwin to join us to camp overnight. It was great to spend time with them and hear about their recent drive from Wangaratta back to the NT.  As luck would have it Jake was also in Katherine on business and we caught with him in the afternoon before he headed back to Darwin. We look forward to seeing Gemma when we get to Darwin.

We camped out at Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) for a couple of nights and caught up with David (Robyn’s brother in law) who was there with a school group. We then stayed in Katherine with Di, a close friend of Robyn’s from her School of the Air days.

After leaving Katherine we made the short trip to Edith Falls to stay for initially a couple of nights but extended to a third night…so good was our stay there. Time was spent walking to and swimming in the picturesque Sweetwater and Top Pools… unbelievable experiences! Did feel a bit guilty though, knowing the type of weather Wangaratta was experiencing!

Our next stop was at Umbrawarra Gorge…a striking gorge with sharp red cliffs and sandstone overhangs. We rock-hopped and swam in the many pools as we explored this stunning gorge. Each turn in the walk gave us breath-taking scenery.

We then headed into the must see part of the Top End….Litchfield Park with its many waterfalls cascading into crystal clear pools, intriguing magnetic termite mounds, 4 wheel driving and creek crossings and the endless swimming opportunities. (hence the swimmers ear for Rob!)

Florence Falls, Wangi, Surprise Creek Falls and Gracie’s favourite Buley Rockhole saw us swimming under falls and jumping into plunge pools. Great moments and memories.

We have put together an Animoto of our time at Litchfield and can be found on the link below.

Currently in Darwin we are now waiting to see if the skies clear of volcanic ash to allow us to fly to Bali and meet up with Robyn’s family.  We’re eagerly looking forward to this part of our trip…fingers crossed!!!!

Robyn, Gracie and Rob

PS. One more sleep…then someone turns double figures!

Litchfield