Bali Holiday 2019 - Day 3

For day 3 of our holiday, we decided that we should go beyond Ubud Centre.  Our morning started with the usual breakfast, followed by the kids enjoying themselves at the pool before we set out for Ubud Centre at noon. 

Lincoln & Lindsay Morning Swim - RX100 Mk3

Feeding The Koi Fish in The Lobby While Waiting For Our Shuttle - RX100 Mk3

On arrival at the shuttle drop point in Ubud Centre’s Puri Lukisan, the shuttle driver introduced us to a local rental driver.  After a brief negotiation we agreed on an itinerary to Tegalalang rice fields, Pura Tirta Empul & Kintamani. 

Before reaching Tegalalang, we stopped by a very fancy restaurant by the name of Teba Sari.  The restaurant was quite crowded although we managed to get a seat despite not having made any reservations.  

On The 2nd Floor of Teba Sari Resto & Bar - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

View Outside The Restaurant - RX100 Mk3

The food was great, the ambiance was amazing and as everyone were famished, we chomped down on our late lunch quickly the moment they arrived.  They serve great Balinese style grilled pork ribs by the way.  

Chow Down! - RX100 Mk3

The weather was still rather wet at that time and our next stop was Tegalalang rice fields.  Unlike the previous trip back in 2014 when I only viewed the rice fields from Bali Pulina, this time we really stepped into the rice fields for a closer look and feel.  Unfortunately, as it was still drizzling and the steps rather steep and slippery, we couldn’t get down as far as we wanted to with the kids.  If you had time, you could sit down in any of the cafes there with a nice view of Tegalalang.  There was also the famous Bali Swing in that vicinity which you could immediately see from the entrance.  By the way, take note that there's more than one Bali Swing in Ubud.  

A Closer Look of Tegalalang Rice Fields - RX100 Mk3

After some 20 minutes or so, we continued our journey to Pura Tirta Empul.  As the name implies, “Tirta” which means water, this temple is well known for the holy spring water where the Balinese Hindus will undergo a ritual of purification.  Adults who wish to enter the temple complex are required to wear sarongs, which our driver prepared beforehand.  Otherwise we would have to rent some in the entrance.  That saved us quite a bit of money aside from the entrance fee.   

A Statue of an Elephant at The Holy Water Purification Pond - RX100 Mk3

And This one is of a Naga, Also by The Pond - RX100 Mk3

If You Think You Need to be "Purified", Feel Free to Take a Dip, Respectfully Of Course - RX100 Mk3

Although it rained heavily when we were there, we didn’t want to make short of the trip and so we explored around under the rain.  Take note that prior to entering the main temple complex, all ladies are required to tie their hair as per local customs else they risk the ire of the Pecalang (local security officers) guarding the entrance.   

A Snapshot of The Pond That Houses a Holy Fish - RX100 Mk3

After we were done exploring the temple complex, we stopped by the souvenir market nearby to have a look and see, but things were pretty much similar to the ones we found in Ubud Market the day before.  But prices here are definitely way cheaper than in the more commercialized Ubud Market. 

After we were done in Tirta Empul, I was rather inclined to skip going to Kintamani as the rain could have possibly resulted in heavy fog which would have covered the mountains.  However, the missus insisted we should give it a go since we were only about 45 minutes away from Kintamani.  As such I relented and we continued our journey to Kintamani. 

Seemed like her sixth sense was right on the money.  When we arrived at Kintamani, there was no one at the entrance gates so we didn’t have to pay for the entrance fees.  On top of that, there were no fogs at all and we were treated to the majestic sights of Mount Batur and what I believe is Mount Abang, both are active volcanoes.  The lake in between the 2 mountains is actually a caldera with an approximate depth of 88 metres. 

Magnificent View of Mount Batur - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

A Faint Rainbow In Front of Mount Abang - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

After we had enjoyed the magnificent sights, it was time to return to Padma.  Along the way, we stopped by another charming restaurant called D’alas Warung.  As we arrived near dinner time, we almost had the entire restaurant to ourselves.  

Fancy Menu - Galaxy Note 9

Entrance to D'alas Warung - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

D’alas boasts scenic views of Tegalalang valleys and a Bali Swing of their own.  Unfortunately as we arrived just slightly after 6 pm, the Swing was already closed by then.  While waiting for our food to be served I walked down to their lookout point for a better view of the valleys. 

Soon after, dinner arrived which we finished promptly. 

Balinese Mixed Rice - Galaxy Note 9

Lindsay's Kiddie Fried Rice - Galaxy Note 9

Great View From Our Table - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

As we left D'alas Warung, I simply couldn't miss the chance for this beautiful shot.

A Beautiful Garden With The Full Moon in Full View - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

After dinner, we returned to Padma for a well-deserved rest.  

Lincoln Just Relaxing After Bath - RX100 Mk3

Day 3 of our holiday was very wonderful as we discovered some great new places and enjoyed new experiences.    

Here’s a closing photo for this entry:

Lindsay in Mount Batur - A7R2 + Batis 2/25

~ Photos taken with Sony RX100 Mk3, Sony A7R2 + Batis 2/25, Samsung Galaxy Note 9 ~

~ Video taken with DJI Osmo Mobile 2 + Samsung Galaxy Note 9 ~