2017 END-OF-YEAR BALI ADVENTURE

A 2017 END-OF-YEAR HOLIDAY JOURNEY

    As a student studying in Bali, I am blessed with the opportunity to explore the wonders of the island while on vacation. At the end of 2017, the first semester ended and I wanted to take advantage of my free time. Instead of going back to my hometown in Sulawesi, I decided to stay in Bali and experience all it had to offer. My vacation started with a visit to my parent's village in Tabanan, where I met my relatives again and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. The village was about three hours away from the busy city of Denpasar and provided a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle. Wanting to see more of the island, I asked my nephew Dedi Saputra to accompany me on a trip to Kelungkung Bali. The trip was full of stunning scenery and unexpected surprises, including a stop at the stunning Bedugul region. 

    Bedugul is a tourist area in Bali, Indonesia, known for its exceptional natural beauty, especially the clear and cool water of Bedugul Lake. The area is also home to several popular tourist attractions such as Bedugul National Park, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and Bedugul Market. In addition, Bedugul offers a variety of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking and kayaking. Many tourists come to Beduguli to enjoy its natural beauty and the activities it offers.

    After stopping at several places in Bedugul, we continued our journey to Puncak Wanagiri and had lunch there. Puncak Wanagiri is a tourist spot in the Bedugul district of Bali, Indonesia that offers beautiful views from the top of the mountain and panoramic views of Lake Beratan and the surrounding mountains. Puncak Wanagiri is also known as  "Hanging Garden" or "Hanging Garden" because of the several observation towers hanging on the cliff and offering a great view. Tourists visiting Puncak Wanagiri can enjoy various activities such as taking photos in the hanging gazebos, walking around the Beratan lake, or enjoying the views from the top of the mountain. Puncak Wanagiri also offers unique photo spots against the backdrop of Lake Beratan and the surrounding mountains, perfect for social media. To reach Puncak Wanagiri, you must take the  Desa Wanagiri road and pay the entrance fee. Puncak Wanagiri has several facilities such as toilets, parking and food stalls. However, tourists should be well prepared because the road to Puncak Wanagiri is quite steep and rocky.

    After conquering the peak of Wana Giri, we continued our journey to Munduk Waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Bedugul region of Bali, Indonesia. Known for its incredible beauty and breathtaking natural scenery, Munduk Waterfall rests in the middle of a lush and cool green forest, adding to its charm and grandeur. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as walking around the waterfall, bathing in its waters, or taking photos against the background of the waterfall. There are several places worth photographing, including below and above the falls, as well as some viewpoints with great views from the top. To reach the Munduk waterfall, you have to walk along a steep and rocky path. However, the trip is worth it as the waterfall offers breathtaking views. There are facilities around the waterfall such as toilets, food stalls, and parking. When visiting Munduk Falls, remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring drinking water, and always remember to protect the environment and dispose of waste properly.  

    After soaking in the natural beauty of the waterfall, we headed to Klungkung, an administrative region of Bali, Indonesia, famous for its rich cultural heritage and rich history. Klungkung has several popular attractions such as Taman Kertha Gosa, a 17th-century royal palace known for its beautiful ceiling paintings depicting the lives of Klungkung's rulers. In addition, Klungkung is home to Pura Goa Lawah, a temple believed to be the resting place of bats and considered a sacred temple by the Balinese Hindu community. Klungkung is also known for its traditional handicrafts and weaving, which are famous in Bali. Visitors can visit local craft centers to witness the creative process and purchase handmade items made by local artisans. Klungkung also offers exciting activities such as snorkeling and diving in Teluk Penyu. 

    During our trip to Klungkung in Bali, we stopped several times to enjoy Bali's natural beauty of lakes, mountains, rice fields, and abundant greenery. When we arrived at the family's house in Klungkung, it was already night. After refreshments and dinner, we were taken to the lively central square of Semarapura,  a popular night spot for locals. The beautiful central square was decorated with lights and cultural sculptures and there was also a night market nearby which made it even more lively. We took pictures and ate local snacks while enjoying the beauty of Semarapura night. When we were full, we went back to the house to rest. 

    The next day, my uncle took us to a tourist spot called Rangkung Hill. There we did many fun activities like butterfly flying and outdoor challenges and also enjoyed delicious grilled fish which is a specialty of Klungkung. After spending time at Rangkung Mountain, we stopped at the famous Klungkung Beach, also known as Pantai Lebih. The day passed quickly and when the evening approached we returned to the house to rest and prepare for the next day's trip to Nusa Dua. 

This trip at the end of 2017 was very enjoyable and left a lasting impression on our first semester at the University of  Bali, with hopes to explore more of this beautiful island in the future. Thanks for reading this short summary of my end-of-2017 trip.