Tuesday - March 20 - Bali

We arrived into Bali on an overcast rainy but warm to hot day.  We were booked to go on a ship’s tour called Scenic Bali.  We were advised to meet at 7am for our tender tickets so an early start to the day.  We ordered our breakfast for 6.30 which arrived as planned.  The shipped docked at a place called Benoa which is about 7 miles from Kuta.  The ship anchored quite a long way from the dock so a long tender ride was had.  We were directed to our bus which was air conditioned and very comfortable and quite new with leather seats.  There were only 22 people on our bus so quite civilised.  Firstly we went to Tenganan which is up near Candidasa on the north eastern side of the island.  This is a walled mountain village where the Bali Aga live.   From here we went to Klungkung Kertagosha, a building designed in 1710 by the best artisans in the country.  It is often referred to the Water Palace or Floating Garden.  There were beautifully painted ceiling murals depicting heaven and hell.  Next we headed for a Balinese lunch at a restaurant in Selat with the most beautiful views over the rice fields.  After this we then headed for Pura Kehen Temple near Bangli which was constructed in the 13^th century.  Our last stop was for “breakfast” which was actually afternoon tea at a local house where we could also see the various steps in the planting of the rice fields.  We then had a long slow trip back to the ship due to the increased traffic.    The traffic was very heavy as it was nearing the end of their year and there were many parades heading for any beach to cleanse out the old and welcome in the new year which apparently happens on the 22^nd March (or it could be 23^rd as different people were told different dates).  The last tender was at 5pm but we did not arrive back to around 5.40pm which meant we did not get back on board till after 6.  We were supposed to sail at 6.  As we were on a ship’s tour the ship had to wait for us plus there were about another 4 or 5 buses late due to the traffic all over the island.  All in all it was a very enjoyable day even though it was long.  I didn’t spend any of my Indonesian money so will save that for when I go back!!  It was a hawaiian them night with Gareth Oliver performing the nightly show which I actually went to for a change.  He is a ventriloquist who reached the semi finals on Britain’s got talent.  He was actually very good.  Two sea days now to Singapore. xo