Bali (5) – Puri Saren Agung, Ubud

A chance encounter upon the regular dance classes for local children held in the compound of Ubud’s main royal palace.

Bali (4) – Pura Taman Ayun

Given its roots as a Hindu kingdom, Bali is synonymous with temples, and any visit to Bali would definitely include stops to the island’s most famous temples of the lot – Uluwatu and Tanah Lot.

Aside from Uluwatu and Tanah Lot though, there are a myriad other temples worth visiting. Our first temple stop was Pura Taman Ayun (Temple of the Beautiful Gardens) which was built in 1634 by the founder of the Mengwi kingdom.

Generally, every temple complex has the same layout, i.e. a forecourt, a central courtyard and an inner courtyard. This is the entrance to Pura Taman Ayun’s central courtyard.

One of the shrines inside the central courtyard.

Access to the inner courtyard is restricted to special ceremonial dates only, which are calculated according to the local religious calendar.

However, there was a walkway circling the inner courtyard which allowed us to have a peek into it.

A view of the inner courtyard’s shrines with their tiered roofs. All in odd numbers – seven, nine or eleven.

Yi’s not very sure whether if she would like to be friends with this statue. 😛

A good write-up about this temple may be found here. Next up, another temple! 😛

Bali (3) – Bebebebek bek bek makes you happy

This is how you feel before you have some bebek for dinner, tired/hungry/generally all round grouchy.

Then out comes the bebek in a few different styles – Original / Duck Fried Rice / Grilled.

Happiness duly restored with some bebek in the tummy. 🙂

The place to go:

Bali (2) – Ibu Oka Babi Guling, a must-do pilgrimage for pork lovers

If there’s one thing that still makes me salivate when I think of Bali, it is without question, Ibu Oka’s babi guling.  Just type in “Ibu Oka” into Google and you will see that I am not alone in paying homage to this humble lady who serves up the best roast pork this side of Asia.  🙂

Order a plate of their Spesial so that you get to sample a bit of everything (rice + meat, crispy skin, pork intestine sausages, vege and super spicy chilli sauce). And, wash it down with a warm glass of Jeruk Hangat.

Oh so good…

That we went back twice! 😛

Make sure you get there early to beat the crowds.

And like Yi, you might even make a new friend. Hehe.

Ibu Oka Babi Guling – Mama Pig (HQ)
Jalan Suweta, Tegal Sari No.2,
Ubud

Ibu Oka Babi Guling – Piglet (Branch)
Jalan Raya Teges
Ubud

Plate of Spesial costs Rp 25,000 (only!!)

Bali (1) – Barung takes down Rangda

The stage is set.

Musicians are warmed up.

Barung enters!

There’s always a cheeky side kick, here that role is Monkey’s.

Palace maidens mesmerise us with their intricate and controlled dance movements.

Whilst the Prime Minister and his officials debate on how best to resolve the internal palace conflict caused by the Rangda’s evil spell.

Finally, Rangda shows herself. Unfortunately she was having a bad hair day. 🙂

Do not underestimate the power of her influence though, as she has the ability to make grown men want to kill themselves.

Fortunately, the story ends happily as good triumphs over evil once again.