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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 MAY 2015 39 Travel Beyond the tourist spots in central Bali MARC CASOLANI BALI is probably one of the most talked about destinations in southeast Asia for its parties and honeymoon packages. It's on billboards all over the world – the beaches, the resorts, the surf – all this making seasoned trav- ellers as well as travel dreamers long for a chance to get to this exotic faraway land. When most people think about Bali, their mind goes straight to the crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches – after all, that is what you see in the me- dia. What isn't as publicised is that in the centre of Bali lies a land beyond dreams. This land is filled with mountains that are fortified with terraced rice paddy fields and three lakes that form a mystic aura, one of which fills up a volcanic crater. For a photographer this area of Bali is a gold mine. The main locations to visit in this area are Jatiluwih and Lake Bratan, both of which are locat- ed within an hour of each other. These are ideal locations for an- yone who is up for some explor- ing and relaxing, with some of the best yoga events, classes and retreats on the planet. Spend a moment or two meditating while overlooking the serene atmosphere of the terraced rice paddies, after which you can let your adventurous streak run wild, exploring the valleys and mountains that make the centre of Bali so scenic. A trip to the centre of Bali will leave you with a better understanding of your inner self as well as the way of life in the villages spread along this lush area and needless to say, the views are breathtaking! The best way to really explore this area is in my opinion to rent a small jeep. A bike would be an alternative, though some areas in this region are a little bit difficult to navigate, so only consider this option if you are a seasoned bike rider. Car and bike rental offices can be found all over the south of Bali, such as Kuta and Denpasar, all of which will allow you to travel around the whole of Bali but not to the other islands. Having your own wheels will allow you to explore the small villages of Jatiluwih and feel the authenticity of In- donesian life in the company of its inhabitants. Almost 85% of the population are devout Hindu followers and there is evidence of this religion everywhere. There are temples in every village, with great tem- ples at all the important loca- tions on the island. Jatiluwih is home to three of these temples, two of which are among the most magnificent I have ever had the pleasure of walking through. One of the smaller temples can be found on the slopes of Kebun Raya, where the views are sim- ply stunning. Just being in this incredible place makes me won- der how worshippers could con- centrate on the religious cer- emonies when surrounded by such views. Worshippers would have to climb the mountain on foot to reach this temple to at- tend the many religious cer- emonies that are held through- out the year. The other smaller temple is lo- cated down in the foothills of the mountain, which are home to a maze of terraced praying courts, surrounded by the rice paddy fields and the mountainous ter- rain. The incredible scenery, the lush green surroundings and the climate in this region contribute to a feeling of being on an Indi- ana Jones film set. The most majestic of the three temples of central Bali has to be Ulun Danu. Found on the edge of Lake Bratan, a volcanic cra- ter lake, this temple is built in a perfect position to welcome and bid farewell to the sun every day. The place is magical, made more so by the misty cloud that enshrouds the temple through- out most of the day and the perfect stillness of the sunrise, where the waters of the lake are as still as glass. The most im- portant events on the religious calendar are held at Ulun Danu, attracting both locals and tour- ists alike. As a traveller, this is the site that made me want to explore more of the region and perhaps even find a hut on the lake. The lake is surrounded by the crater's rim and has some insane views if you are willing to chal- lenge the dense jungle growth and hack your way to the cra- ter's surface. For those with less adventure in their blood, there are a few paths that take you to good viewpoints. Accommoda- tion here is best either on the lake's edge or in the botanical gardens that overlook the cra- ter. These gardens are well tak- en care of and boast a variety of flora and scenic paths. As for Jatiluwih itself, I would highly recommend staying in the rooms of one of the few hostels that are found on the highest point of the rice paddy fields. There is no better feeling than watching the sun rise over the rice paddies and breathing in the fresh morn- ing air. It doesn't get any better anywhere on the island. Wherever you stay in Ja- tiluwih or Lake Bratan, you will be well taken care of, and most places will of- fer tips on scenic routes, offer yoga or massages. Despite Bali's fame for being a tourist des- tination, the central part of Bali is not really promot- ed outside of Asia, therefore it offers a much deeper under- standing of island life in Indo- nesia and is perfect for holiday makers wanting to develop a deeper understanding on the province of Bali and its culture. How to get there Emirates offer regular flights to Bali with a stopover in Dubai. Flights departing from Malta on 27 May and returning on 11 June were priced at €1,152.62, including tax, at the time of go- ing to print. the rooms of one of the few hostels that are found on the highest point of the rice paddy fields. There is no better feeling than watching the sun rise over the rice paddies and breathing in the fresh morn- ing air. It doesn't get any better anywhere on the island. Wherever you stay in Ja- tiluwih or Lake Bratan, you will be well taken care of, and most places will of- fer tips on scenic routes, offer yoga or massages. Despite Bali's fame for being a tourist des- tination, the central part of Bali is not really promot- ed outside of Asia, therefore it offers a much deeper under- standing of island life in Indo- nesia and is perfect for holiday