Cruise Update 7: The Road to Bali (with apologies to Bob, Bing and Dorothy)

If we ever had a bucket list destination, the island of Bali would be it. Our anticipation about this visit grew even stronger as the Viking Orion cruise liner approached the port of Benoa.

Even while some distance from the port, I was lucky to view the island’s highest peak of Arguna Mountain, well-known as an active volcano that erupted in 2019.

Arguna Mountain today and at time of eruption in 2019.

As we got closer to port, we were welcomed by a bright sunny sky, sandy beaches, recreational vehicles, kiters, fishing boats, and other vessels. It appeared busy and full of action, which increased our anticipation.

Upon arrival, we went through the processing protocol and prepared to board coaches for our first excursion.

The day’s agenda was an opportunity to enjoy the colorful culture of Bali’s Capital of Denpasar. We first explored the rich history and culture of Bali during a performance of the Barong and Kris Dance, a vivid depiction of the eternal battle between good and evil, told through dazzling costumes, dynamic movements and traditional gamelan music.

Next, was a tour of the Bali Museum that offered galleries featuring local art and history. We were exposed to more cultural exploration at the 14th-century Pura Maospahit, one of Denpasar’s oldest temples. This included its red-brick architecture and intricate carvings, a rare example of the Majapahit style that once flourished across Bali.

The extreme heat and humidity made it feel like a much longer day. The good news is it never rained even though this is the rainy season.

The agenda seemed to run out of control, probably because of bad planning, and we arrived late for our dinner reservation and almost late for the evening performance in the Sky Theatre.

The show was a fitting close to our time on the ship as we were treated to exquisite dancing and pulsating music by traditional Balinese dancers and musicians.

The following morning, we disembarked and entered the first of three days of a tour extension starting with a visit to Temple in the Sea. This was breath-taking and overwhelming in its intricate statues, brilliant botanical landscape and the almost artistic blend of land and sea scenes. The photos speak better than words.

While still absorbing this dramatic experience, we were taken to a buffet lunch at a hotel along the way. But this was not your typical hotel. It was surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenes of flower and vegetable gardens, terraced paddies, even dramatic views of iconic mountains.

After this memorable treat for the eyes, it got even better when the tour took us to the picturesque Temple at the Lake. These unbelievable scenes are best described in photos.

While we were enjoying these colorful scenes, along this drive, as with many others, we learned a lot about why this island has become so fascinating to visitors.

The mountain drive exposed us to countryside that was not only lush and scenic, but was the source of much of the foods enjoyed by Balinese across the island.

The volcanic ash from past eruptions left the island with rich, fertile soil. The vast expanses of mountain-side vegetable gardens became even more productive than before.

Crops included just about every tropical foods, especially rice grown on paddies and terraced fields. These were perfect food sources for the Balinese who eat rice three times a day.

One of the most talked about themes is the importance of Balinese Hinduism. More than 70 per cent of the population are Balinese Hindus. And this is evident by the island’s reputation of having many thousands of temples.

Every home and business has a temple. And it is no wonder temples are a big tourist attraction.

Balinese Hinduism, however, is quite dissimilar to Hinduism practised in India and other countries. For example, Balinese are not vegetarians and don’t remove their shoes in temples. In fact, there is very little that is familiar in Balinese Hinduism.

We were fortunate to witness some of the preparations for a major Balinese Hindu celebration of Gulangan and Tumangan. Among the visible signs of the celebration is the decoration of the streets with tall, arched and intricately adorned bamboo poles, also called penjor.

Preparing Penjor (decorated bamboo poles) for Gulungan celebrations.

But the island prides itself on its reputation as the land of gods and goddesses. The most visible sign of the prominence of a Hindu deity is an enormous statue of Lord Vishnu towering over the Benoa skyline.

Hindu deity Lord Vishnu, Indonesia's largest statue 121 m high

It was as if the Hindu deity was welcoming travelers much like the Statue of Liberty.

Although our time on the ship officially ended, we transferred to the Laguna Luxury Collection Hotel in Nusa Dua for the remaining two days of the tour extension.

This was our chance to relax on a beachside resort and take advantage of its many services and amenities, and enjoy the beach.

Balinese dancers at Laguna at Luxury Collection Resort Hotel.

Finally, we have completed an adventure of a lifetime and are grateful to treasure indelible memories and to make it through the experience safely and in good health.

PS: The title of this blog is from the 1952 comedy/musical "The Road to Bali," with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour.

Thank you for accompanying us and for your good wishes. Please share our series of blogs with others who may be interested. The link is Bangkokcruise.blogspot.com