INFORMATION
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Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
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1. Day One
Our first sacred lake is Lake Beratan, the second largest lake in Bali. It is the source of irrigation for rice fields and plantations across the entire island.
The name Beratan comes from the word Brata, which can be found in the term “Tapa Brata” - to meditate and be united with nature. Lake Bratan has an area of about 375.6 hectares with an average depth of 22-48 m and is about 12 km around.
At the shore of lake Beratan is the iconic temple - Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, built in the 17th century. The temple design is a mix of Hindu and Buddhist architecture and is one of Bali's most iconic landmarks - definitely not to be missed!
Entering the temple gates, we can see typical Balinese architectural features and the tiered shrines. Built right at the water's edge this temple is dedicated to the Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva as well as the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu - these are prayed to for fertility, prosperity, human well-being and for the sustainability of the universe.
After lunch small boats will take you over the calm waters of lake Tamblingan.
In the afternoon we retreat to Wana Giri and check into hotel Giri Wood. -
2. Day Two
As the sun peeks over the mountains, its rays striking the temple’s walls, we take you on a very special ride to a region that has been settled from time immemorial. This morning, we head out to the lakefront of Buyan and jump on our bikes for a fantastic ride through the magnificent landscapes inside the ancient craters.
First stop at Puncak Sari traditional market where you'll have the chance to try and taste the tropical fruits from all around Asia.
Once on the bikes, we'll follow the cooler air of the dormant volcano Mount Lesung, strawberry fields and traditional villages. These villages shared the same spiritual belief, that is to maintain the sanctity of the lake, and so temples were established along the lake to honor the gods.
Step by step we enter more of the dense rainforest with orchids and macaques, whose ancient crater walls line the shore of Lake Buyan.
Magnificent trees give shade to various ancient and significant puras, or temples. At the end of lake Buyan we are welcome to visit our Ibu Gede & her little family, who live by the shore of the lake.
After our morning break, it is time to join Manku Santi and jump in his traditional dugout canoe, that we call ‘pedau’. Slowly, with no rush we’ll paddle over the stillness of lake Buyan. The stunningly clear lake is calm and almost perfectly still, save for the soft breeze that occasionally sweeps across, creating tiny ripples upon its surface. Often in the afternoon, a light mist rises from the lake and hangs in the air surrounding the temple, giving it a surreal appearance.
Along the way, you will meet our friends and family, who sit and patiently wait in their tiny fisherhouses for the catch of the day.
Small walk to temple Pura Buyan, where you are welcome to join us in a traditional Balinese ritual, where we show gratitude to family, ancestors & Mother Earth. Once back on our bikes, we ride along the zigzag roads through the jungle.
Lunch is a home cooked meal at the Giri Putri Mountain cottage.
Afternoon we relax in the cool mountain climate. -
3. Day Three
After breakfast it is time for our last and sacred lake bike ride adventure - lake Tamblingan.
The legend of Lake Tamblingan dates from sometime between the 10th and 14th centuries. At that time, villages in the area were infected with a contagious disease. A priest was called upon, and at the lake he prayed, giving his thanks to the God & Goddesses of the lakes. By his spiritual abilities the water was made into medicine and healed the people. The Balinese word Tamblingan comes from the words ‘tamba’ and ‘elingang’. 'Tamba' means medicine while 'elingang' means spiritual ability. Since that time eleven temples have been constructed around Lake Tamblingan.
The presence of so many temples around the lake adds to its exotic nature; a spiritual center surrounded by ever-changing light and mists.
Our bike ride starts with entering the jungle. We see the majestic trunks of long ago established trees – the early morning mist that hangs over the waters enhancing the air of mystery surrounding us.
Hidden away down narrow tracks we enter another world of holy shrines and temples.
Lunch will be served with breathtaking views overlooking the ancient rice fields.
Last on the program we’ll visit Angseri hot spring. Let our bodies in either cooler waters or the hot springs, letting sore muscles soften and allowing the mountain air to fill our lungs.
