Bali. A name that evokes images of exotic green rice terraces, mysterious temples, lush palms and spirituality. This magnificent island offers different gifts to different people – everybody’s experience is unique. Some come to Bali to party, surf and drink Bintangs all day; some come to be pampered in five star resorts. Some come for a spiritual sabbatical, some for the yoga, meditation and raw food,
Many never leave.
My experience was mixture of the latter (although unfortunately I did have to leave....this time ;))
Known as the “Island of the Gods”, and for good reason, Bali is an island rich with an extraordinary culture not found anywhere else in the world. Although the island is in Indonesia, the Balinese do not practice Islam, rather an ancient version of Hinduism (different from the Hinduism practiced in India) This modified religion is unique to the island. The Balinese strongly believe that every living thing has a soul and ancestor worship is prominent in their rituals.
Many never leave.
My experience was mixture of the latter (although unfortunately I did have to leave....this time ;))
Known as the “Island of the Gods”, and for good reason, Bali is an island rich with an extraordinary culture not found anywhere else in the world. Although the island is in Indonesia, the Balinese do not practice Islam, rather an ancient version of Hinduism (different from the Hinduism practiced in India) This modified religion is unique to the island. The Balinese strongly believe that every living thing has a soul and ancestor worship is prominent in their rituals.
I stayed with my best friend Kate who is living in Ubud; a haven for artists, yogis and all things spiritual.
Ubud is very special.
Intricate, moss-covered temples are an Ubud fixture, found on almost every block, not unlike the prevalence of Starbucks in North America. Cracked, stone carved images of the god Ganesh and guardian creatures guard these sacred spaces beneath massive ornately carved pillars that lead to the main temple complex. The scent of incense and jasmine is everywhere. I look at my surroundings in awe ....
Ubud is very special.
Intricate, moss-covered temples are an Ubud fixture, found on almost every block, not unlike the prevalence of Starbucks in North America. Cracked, stone carved images of the god Ganesh and guardian creatures guard these sacred spaces beneath massive ornately carved pillars that lead to the main temple complex. The scent of incense and jasmine is everywhere. I look at my surroundings in awe ....
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| Candice Benson Photography |
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| Candice Benson Photography |
First days.....
Sitting on the back of Kate’s motorbike while driving through the beautiful streets of Ubud on my first day in town was amazing. A feast for the eyes. Winding down, spotless streets (the Balinese are always sweeping....always, ALWAY sweeping!!) surrounded by coconut palms, we passed homes made of beautiful brick and stone, surrounded by stunning gardens and water features. Most having ornate carved doors and traditional stone structures at the entry that resembled those at the large temple complexes....this sure beats vinyl siding and pink stucco. Art shops, yoga wear stores, galleries and cafes hosting names such as “Namaste”, “Om Fine Jewelry” and smiling, peaceful faces are everywhere. The scent of incense always fills my nostrils. Complete tolerance, acceptance and love are evident and displayed by both Balinese and foreigners. I am in my element and truly, blissfully happy in this place.
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| Candice Benson Photography |
Waking up early each morning, Kate and I enjoyed our ginger coffees on her lovely terrace overlooking the family’s beautiful gardens and small shrine. Every day we watched silently as the owner’s wife and daughter make offerings of incense, rice and flowers to the many shrines located throughout the property. They did not know they had observers and went about their daily rituals silently and serenel.y This was usually the highlight of my day.
One evening, while dining solo with my plate of nasi goreng in a small roadside warung (restaurant) conveniently located across from a large temple, I listened to the sounds of gongs, drums and mysterious chanting. I have had the great fortune of visiting Ubud during a very special time.... right now there is a Balinese ceremony paying homage to the spirits, Made, the owner’s son explained to me. Beautiful women with long black hair, dressed in elaborate silk dresses, carefully balanced offerings of fruit, flowers and incense on their heads as they entered the temple. The profound sense of spirituality is felt everywhere, even by this Canadian lucky enough to witness such an important evening from across the street. The sounds and scents were mesmerizing.
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| Candice Benson Photography |
Bali Spirit Festival: A True Celebration of Yoga, Music and Dance
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| Candice Benson Photography |
We drove through small towns and winding roads to reach Purnatis, the main outdoor venue of the festival. Kate and I excitedly put on our staff passes in the media centre and took off to explore the grounds. I was completely astonished by the magnitude of this festival!!! Massive outdoor complex with multiple yoga shalas, a large media centre, a beautiful pool overlooking the lush rice terraces, a variety of spiritual healers, many food stalls with international food, hammocks and chill-out spaces galore. The base of the grounds is near a beautiful temple. This was not just a few yogis in a field! I was blown away.
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| Candice Benson Photography |
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| Candice Benson Photography |
The evening concert grounds were equally as spectacular. Located in the outdoor grounds of a Balinese museum, the backdrop of the stage was magnificent.....a temple... Surrounded by gardens and palms, this outdoor venue was incredible. Literally, a musicians dream to perform on such a beautiful stage with the energy of a massive crowd from all corners of the earth. World music unites here as we all danced the night away to smooth Latin beats, reggae, rock, hip-hop and traditional Balinese music. Beautifully contrasting images of fireshows by young shirtless Balinese men with a crazy dubstep soundtrack, and then a display of the ancient kekac chant dance.
Dreadlocks, Heinekens, blinking hoola hoops, young families, and yogis were abundant. Dozens of languages spoken. The world was represented at this awesome three-night party. Good vibes and happy beats felt by everyone.
Having the opportunity to be welcomed onto the Bali Spirit team was really special for me. Being able to capture through my lens the spectacular surroundings was incredible.
Yoga. Spirituality. Music. Smiling, joyful, beautiful faces. Contentment. Many hugs. Happiness. Abundance. Music. Love. A dream for these two Canadian girls.
Journey to the beach.....
Near the end of my journey, Kate and I decided to take a 3 hour motorbike road trip to the east coast of the island. A beautiful drive through small villages and spectacular mountain passes. The plan was to drive until somewhere caught our eye and we settled at the small coastal town of Padang Bai. The gateway to Lombok and the Gili Islands, this is a diving mecca. Dozens of dive shops, reggae bars and beautiful villas surrounded us as we checked into Padang Bai Beach Resort. A stunning hideaway of bungalows set amongst a Balinese garden and a large pool. This was quite the treat after a whirlwind five days of working the festival.
Now for our silly, crazy fun night! A night of many Bintangs, karaoke, new friends and some (maybe too much) “arak” (similar to tequila...quite pungent, this drink ranges from 50-65% alcohol but makes for a pretty fun night!) We settled into the Sunshine Bar and danced (and hideously sang) the night away with a local Balinese cover band. An entertaining night that ended with us hopping over ditches with two Balinese guys to check out a late night food market. We feasted on chicken, fish and an assortment of other unknown and mysterious delicacies. No English was spoken here so we experimented. The next day we went to the Blue Lagoon Beach.... and blue lagoon it was! We took the staircase down to a beautiful cove with crystal clear waters, white sand and gigantic brilliant blue, yellow and pink fish that could be seen all the way from the shore. It was a little beach paradise that we were pretty happy to indulge in. The trip home found us a little lost, but we happily found our way through tiny villages with happy people and big smiles. Stopping at a small roadside food stall, we enjoyed rice with chicken, tasty sauce and nuts. All for $1 CDN.
It would be easy to go on and on, describing the endless special moments we had on this island – but will leave you with a few final thoughts. (Those of you who know me well are likely waiting for the emotional “Candice-style” ending to my story.) Here it is. J
As in many tropical places, life is carried out at a slower pace. Family is incredibly important and something that is absolutely cherished. Community is celebrated and spirituality is close to the heart.
Bali is not without its troubles and as with all nations, there is sometimes turbulence and unrest. However, while looking at the quality of life and attitudes of the Balinese, do they know something we don’t?
Bali is not without its troubles and as with all nations, there is sometimes turbulence and unrest. However, while looking at the quality of life and attitudes of the Balinese, do they know something we don’t?
I think perhaps they do.
Wealth is not defined by material “things”.
Bali has reminded me.....-It so very important to live in the moment. (This can be difficult for me, thank you Kate for always reminding me of this) It is paramount to our happiness.
-We are always EXACLTY where we need to be. There are always struggles and adversities. Always. But it’s how we choose to deal with them and accept that they are somehow leading us down the path we are meant to travel.
-Pay attention. Moments will pass you by so quickly .... LIFE will pass you by so quickly ... if we are not paying attention and do not GIVE attention to what really matters.
-Do not watch your life go by, having not truly “lived”.
-Very little is needed to create a happy life.
A Thank You to Kate......
Thank you for sharing this experience with me, it is something I will never forget. The whole experience was incredible and I am so truly lucky to have been able to share it with you. I will never forget our motorbike rides through rice terraces, the lovely small villages and tiny beachside towns.
Eating food at small roadside stalls with wrinkled, toothless, happy faces. Communicating only with gestures and smiles, rather than language.
I will never forget the first motorbike ride you took me on the day I arrived..... the warmth of the sun as we flew by countless temples, elegant Balinese ladies with fruit on their heads, small children shouting greetings with the hugest smiles I've ever seen.
The smell of jasmine and frangipani everywhere.
Bali has re-connected me to my creativity, and ultimately connecting me more to myself. I will always be grateful for this incredible experience.
My experience in Bali has left me feeling blessed ... and I owe so much of this to you. You are an amazing, kind, couragous person and friend.....you belong there .... and I cannot wait to see you and the Island of the Gods again. ♥ ♥ LOVE YOU
PS- for those of you that have heard my travel stories, you know that I always have a terrible monkey-related story to tell .... this trip was no exception.
Apparently someone got a little too close to her baby.....
I
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