Three days in the island’s cultural and spiritual capital. “Eat, yoga, hike,” for sure, but not in that order.
The roads and streets are solid walls of commerce, temples, and homes. The tall, arching poles are part of Galungan, a ten-day religious holiday. The fabrics and batiks are a riot of beautiful colors.I wouldn’t have found this market street (Monkey Forest Road) without the help of Hannah from Germany. Thank you, new friend!These little offerings are every few feet, especially on the ground. Canang sari are expressions of gratitude traditionally offered three times daily.I was thrilled to break free of the solidly lined streets to discover the landscape. Though short, the Campuhan Ridge walk provides a glimpse of jungly ravines and rice fields.I was surprised, then amused, by the boys fishing at Saraswati Temple.I’ll never forget being mesmerized in college by a recording of Balinese gamelan music. It was so meaningful to attend a live performance here after all these years.
Mount Batur hike
Up at 2am, hiking by 4am. The route was seriously steep and rocky. It is 3-4 miles round trip, I think.view from the top at 5:45Pure magic, just slightly obscured by fog.Since it indeed looks like I only had four hours of sleep, focus on Mt. Agung behind me, Bali’s tallest peak at 10,328 feet. I’m on Abeng, the highest point along Batur’s rim (7,057 feet).Hiking the caldera’s narrow rim was more amazing to me than the sunrise. The steam vent on the left is evidence of Bali’s most active volcano.monkeying aroundBy the time we had hiked down to this view of the caldera, the fog and clouds had lifted.It was a relief to relax in the warm springs at Lake Batur.
Accommodations
I stayed at the Yoga Barn, a healing center in town. You wouldn’t know there were busy streets just outside this beautiful jungle campus. While the name seems a little hokey, this is a serious place for yoga. I counted at least nine studios offering upwards of 100+ classes per week, a spa, cafe, and juice bar. Since it is not a resort, everything is wonderfully a la carte.A class in the big studio easily holds more than 50 yogis.I was appreciative of my comfy room, the nutritious breakfasts, and…the sense of humor!
That hike looks seriously amazing. What experiences you’re collecting! And the Yoga Barn looks perfect. I look forward to even more travels (and maybe more rice paddies, which are beautiful.
The Journey in Between 
Wow, this looks incredible!
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I love the fabrics!
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Wow and thank you. Karen
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That hike looks seriously amazing. What experiences you’re collecting! And the Yoga Barn looks perfect. I look forward to even more travels (and maybe more rice paddies, which are beautiful.
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