Bali, Indonesia, Travel

Bali Finale: Sukawati Market, Kintamani, Mount Batur + Lake Batur, Pura Tirta Empul, Tegalalang

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    Finally our Bali travelogue is coming to an end! Did I just hear some sigh of relief? It took us almost 6 months to complete the travel posts of a mere four days trip. I’m such a procrastinator, hehe!
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    Towards the last day of our trip, we did some last minute shopping at Pasar Seni Sukawati. Don’t bother to buy anything from other markets or tourist destinations because in Sukawati Market you can get the exact same stuff at a very low price.


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    Do remember that it is obligatory to BARGAIN at Sukawati Market. We bought the Buddha painting for IDR 70,000/RM 26, which is a steal. Not to forget  our summer rattan bags (~50,000/RM 18), beaded sandals (~IDR 15000/RM 5.5), wood carvings (~RM5-20, depending on size), hand made photo album (~RM4), etc.

    If you like shopping, Sukawati is a heaven. ‘Nuff said!
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    Next stop: Pura Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring. It is known as one of six most important temples in Bali.
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    Upon entrance, there is a long rectangular pool carved of stone, filled with koi and fed by the sacred spring via 12 fountains
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    the sacred spring is said to have been created by Indra and to have curative properties
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    it draws throngs of worshipers and tourists to the site everyday
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    We had a wander around the enormous temple site and were impressed by the splendid architecture.
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    Overlooking the temple on a hill above sitted a very modern building: the Government Palace, built in 1954. It was a former resident hall for former Indonesian President Soekarno.
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    the lovely pair, C&C.
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    We hopped onto the car and continued our journey to Kintamani. A touristy thing to do here is to have buffet lunches at one of the many restaurants that sit by the hill side. The temperature is usually about 15 degrees cooler than the ground, so please bring along your jackets/cardigans.
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    Most restaurants share the spectacular view of Mount Batur and Lake Batur.
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    Our driver dropped us at Grand Puncak Sari restaurant and after some negotiation, we went in. Yes, you can even negotiate for your buffet lunch! We ended up paying IDR 70,000 per person + 21% tax/RM31 instead of IDR 85,000 + 21% tax. The buffet spread was impressive, but the food was cold and nothing to shout about.

    If you do come upon any good buffet places at Kintamani area, do share with us. I’m sure our readers will appreciate your help.
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    Our last stop was Tegalalang Terrace. The view of these sculptured rice terraces is just spectacular.
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    It is also a good place to do some shopping as we saw abundance of wooden carvings that are displayed along the road.
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    Just a sweet reminder here: as far as shopping in Bali is good, remember to keep IDR 150,000/RM 55 to pay for departure tax when leaving Bali airport.

    Our Bali travelogue has officially ended. Phew! Meanwhile, do not hesitate to email us at kampungboycitygal@gmail.com if you have any questions. Or you can refer to full itinerary and travel page.

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