Since our boys had a long weekend to celebrate Indonesia's 75th Diamond Anniversary of Independence we decided to take a trip up to Northern Bali and enjoy several sites that we've never been to before.
Fortunately we saved a lot of money because a good friend of Azizah offered their large lodge over looking lake Danua Beratan one of the three lakes in the area.
The trip from our home took a mere 1 Hr & 33 minutes give or take a few minutes.
On the way we stopped at a very scenic outlook over Eastern Bali and Bali's tallest volcano Mount Agung at 3,200 m and it's smaller sister 1,717 Mtr. high Mount Batur further to the west .
The lighting was exceptional for some very scenic shots.
Hiding in the clouds was the magnificent Mount Agung at 3,200 m Bali's highest volcanos.
The terraced rice paddies were exceptionally beautiful that day.
As always beautiful Azizah made every thing even more beautiful.
Tried as they may the boys could not escape a photo with mama.
Young Darius and mom discussing the future.
Dad couldn't resist getting in on the act.
After we arrived at the Lodge we were greeted by two very friendly housekeepers who took care of us and made us feel right at home.
After a quick nap we were off to our first venture.
I had remind myself after seven months of this coronavirus nightmare that even the worse pandemic in 100 years has some equal or greater benefits.
One benefit we've been discovering almost every week is that tourist sites that we avoided during the 23 years I have lived here because we didn't have the time or there was just too many tourists at the sites are now virtually vacant.
Now not only do enjoy them without a lot of tourist around but also we are securing extremely low prices.
For example we managed to find a small speedboat for rent at only RP 150,000. That's around $10 U.S. for approximately an hour drive around the Lake.
Danua Beratin ( Lake Beratin ) is located at an elevation 1,031 m (3,383 ft) in Bedugul, Candikuning Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency , Bali.
The lake is located on the east side, between the two lakes, Danu Tamblingan and Danu Buyan.
Danu Beratan is on the provincial road that connects Denpasar-Singaraja and reaches the Bedugul Botanical Gardens.
Although it's colder than southern Bali approximately 20°C at the time it was a very pleasant boating experience that all enjoyed.
The scenery is beautiful with towering mountains to the Northwest.
Wasn't long before our young son Darius was right up on the bow and didn't even mind posing for some photos.
This scenic Fisherman's hut caught my eye.
I will probably blow that up into a photo for the wall later.
Only problem is I will have to build a bigger villa since we have just too many beautiful photographs of our travels for the world.
Dad finally gave in and let son Xander take a few shots.
There are some interesting villas on the other side of the lake that we will have to explore during a future trip.
We noticed that all three of the lakes in this area are filled with campers.
Only problem is I will have to build a bigger villa since we have just too many beautiful photographs of our travels for the world.
Dad finally gave in and let son Xander take a few shots.
There are some interesting villas on the other side of the lake that we will have to explore during a future trip.
We noticed that all three of the lakes in this area are filled with campers.
How can you blame them with such a scenic setting as this.
There is a large Muslim temple on the cliff with very beautiful details.
In the middle of Danu Beratan there is Pura Ulun Danu which is a place of devotion to the Goddess Danu who is blessed.
This is one of the most famous iconic temples in Bali, perhaps in all of Indonesia.
When shot from the right angle at the right time of the day it has been pasted on millions of websites and published documents etc.
Frankly I was disappointed because we could not get close due to a roped off area in front of it.
From the lake it doesn't look that exciting or picturesque
I was wondering what all the enthusiasm about this temple is all about.
I found out later that day after doing a little research that I had to approach it from land and very early in the morning which is exactly what we did the next morning.
At any rate it was a beautiful afternoon and for only $10 for four people how can you complain.
Just another reason why Bali is ranked as the fourth most sought after destination the world just recently by trip advisor readers and even more recently ranked # 1 Destination in Asia.
After a quick run home to The Lodge Bedugul we decided to have an early dinner and took our housekeeper's advice and tried a restaurant which we believe is Italian, called the Teras.
We had commented on this restaurant many times before as we drove by it heading to the northern parts of Bali and finally here we were.
Fortunately due to coronavirus we were the only ones there.
The food is simple and inexpensive.
Frankly I was disappointed because we could not get close due to a roped off area in front of it.
From the lake it doesn't look that exciting or picturesque
I was wondering what all the enthusiasm about this temple is all about.
I found out later that day after doing a little research that I had to approach it from land and very early in the morning which is exactly what we did the next morning.
At any rate it was a beautiful afternoon and for only $10 for four people how can you complain.
Just another reason why Bali is ranked as the fourth most sought after destination the world just recently by trip advisor readers and even more recently ranked # 1 Destination in Asia.
After a quick run home to The Lodge Bedugul we decided to have an early dinner and took our housekeeper's advice and tried a restaurant which we believe is Italian, called the Teras.
We had commented on this restaurant many times before as we drove by it heading to the northern parts of Bali and finally here we were.
Fortunately due to coronavirus we were the only ones there.
The food is simple and inexpensive.
I had a lovely fresh Caesar salad which is difficult to get sometimes in Bali because lettuce doesn't like the heat.
But here in this area of Bali it grows really well next door.
The boys had pasta and Azizah has a spicy Indonesian dish which she was happy with.
I was ecstatic when I found that the bill was less than $35 for the four of us, including drinks and a large beer.
Just one more reason why tourists around the world can't wait to come back to Bali.
After dinner we retreated to the Lodge, put on the fire and got ready for cold night because there's no heating other than a fireplace of upstairs.
Although it was only 18° C when we went to sleep we actually found in the middle of morning that we were more than comfortable.
Thus ended day one of our weekend excursion to celebrate Indonesia's 75th Diamond Anniversary.
Day two was even more exciting visiting one of Bali's most famous temples at the perfect time of the day and shooting some Kodak perfect photos.
The boys had pasta and Azizah has a spicy Indonesian dish which she was happy with.
I was ecstatic when I found that the bill was less than $35 for the four of us, including drinks and a large beer.
Just one more reason why tourists around the world can't wait to come back to Bali.
After dinner we retreated to the Lodge, put on the fire and got ready for cold night because there's no heating other than a fireplace of upstairs.
Although it was only 18° C when we went to sleep we actually found in the middle of morning that we were more than comfortable.
Thus ended day one of our weekend excursion to celebrate Indonesia's 75th Diamond Anniversary.
Day two was even more exciting visiting one of Bali's most famous temples at the perfect time of the day and shooting some Kodak perfect photos.
Followed by an afternoon visit to one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world.
Check out the details and photos here -
Day 2 Bedugul Getaway - World Famous Temple, .
Day 2 Bedugul Getaway - World Famous Temple, .
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