Authentic Balinese Life Experience

Start off the day with a visit to the market of Gianyar, a city just 10 kilometers northeast of the glitz of Ubud, but decades away in time.

It’s a flight of imagination back into the mystery and magic of the East. A stroll on the local market is one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with the foundations of a culture that goes back several thousands of years is a visit to a local market. It is the place where families gather to eat delicacies such as roast pig, sweet cakes, chicken and coconut balls, fried bananas and tempeh and tofu — all aglow and golden atop of mobile kitchens on wheels that are ferried from other places. The distinction between scores of temporary and permanent food stalls become rather thin. However, they all cook up a mouth-watering and a jaw-dropping range of dishes. There's everything from babi guling (spit-roasted pig with chilli, turmeric, garlic and ginger) to succulent combinations of vegetables that defy description. Much of the fun is just strolling along. Then you head towards the mountains.

A short hike spans the distance between the temple at the outer border of the village to its center.

You’ll be thrilled by magnificent views surrounding rice terraces. Depending on the time of the year, harvesting or planting of rice will unfold before your eyes. Occasionally a Balinese farmer will give you his most welcoming smile. Spot the small shrines in the middle of a rice field, dedicated to the Goddess of Fertility. Not a day will pass by without a delicate offering placed on its top. Experience first handed how a typical Balinese family lives and observe the traditional rules to build a house compound. They are amazingly defined by a set of philosophical rules, steeped in Balinese Hinduism.

A village lady is engaged in the art of making temple offerings. Creating these apparent simple gifts to the Gods, is part of the daily routine of the Balinese. After lunch, you will walk through the village and learn more about traditional house architecture. The most important part is the house temple, inevitably pointing towards the mountains. It is amazing how Balinese keep their buildings consistently in line with religious principles.