17-Sep-2024, in my previous two stories my parents and I took an awesome trip from the south of Bali (Sanur) all the way to the north of this paradise island (Lovina). After spending a few days in Lovina, we are now going to make our way back down south with many beautiful sightseeing adventures along the way. My parents are having a great time so far and they are really enjoying the nature and cultural experiences. And I enjoy taking them around. Of course we are not going to drive the same way back.

Our first stop for this trip is in Kintamani, which is central Bali. Kintamani is famous for the majestic presence of Mount Batur next to a beautiful crater lake. The lake is surrounded by six villages and we are staying in one of them, in Songan. Mount Batur, these six villages and the lake are all located in a much larger Caldera (an old extinct massive volcano). We arrive on the rim of this Caldera but before driving down to lake Batur we stop for our first cup of coffee of the day at a nice random café with a magnificent view on mount Batur. The coffee tastes so much better with a view like this and the sun shining.

Since we didn’t really made plans for the afternoon, it was on a whim that dad and I decided to rent a canoe for a two hour adventure on the lake. Mom was reluctant to go but joined us anyway. It is a beautiful sunny day and it feels good and refreshing to be out on the water for a physical activity. First we paddle to a nearby town and after about an hour we turned the canoe 90 degrees and paddled in a different direction. Now we are on our way to the other side of the lake, to the “floating temple” Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur. Dad and I are having fun, but Mom wasn’t having it. Towards the end Mom seemed to be a bit more comfortable but I don’t think she would do it again. At least the photos are very nice and it was a great day. Thank you for coming with us on the water Mom, I am happy you joined.

Kintamani or Mount Batur is famous for trekking. And especially popular is the sunrise hike or sunrise jeep tour, as you might guess; to see the sunrise from the top. I have done the hike on Mt. Batur twice already, first time in 2014 and the second time more recently in May this year with my sister. My parents are in there sixties now and not exactly the youngest anymore. We do want to see the sunrise and we decide to book the jeep tour to see the sunrise. The next day we need to get up 3.30 am and Wayan, our jeep driver, picks us up at 4am. It seems a bit early for a 30 min ride and the sun doesn’t come up until six am but we comply and we are ready to go. Wayan’s jeep is old and crappy but it does the job and we reach sunrise point in one piece. It turns out to be a good thing to arrive 90 minutes early. It was already crowded and the line with jeeps was only growing. Many more jeeps with people were joining.

During the 90 minutes we are waiting for the sun to rise, we entertain ourselves by watching hundreds of people here making tons of photos. Most of them posing in the same why, while the driver directs them and makes the photos. It’s funny to watch how “unique” this experience is. As the skies turns blue, purple and pink, the sun is slowly rising behind the horizon and the mountains. We are lucky with the weather today and moments later we see a beautiful red sun emerging from through clouds. It’s truly a unique and beautiful sight. And a very romantic moment as well; we witness three marriage proposals here on the mountain today. I am glad we made this trip and saw such a magical sunrise. The jeep ride back down is fun and bumpy and I made some nice videos:

After the jeep tour we have another day full of activities. We enjoy a banana pancake for breakfast at our homestay before going out. The pancake tastes good but dozens of flies are probably thinking the same. A bit annoying they are so we finished the meal quick and we are on our way again.  

I take my parents to a nearby coffee plantation for a coffee tour at Bali Beans Kintamani. Since I already have visited so many coffee plantations and taken so many tours during all my travels through Asia in the last decade, I do not join. Instead I decide to stay behind  in the café and catch up on this blog (the draft at least). As my parents take off to the plantation I wish them a nice tour “listen to your guide and behave on the tour mom and dad”. LOL, how the tables have turned. I heard them say it so often to me, but this time I feel like the father to my parents :D. While writing I am enjoying a delicious V60 (brewing method) coffee.

Later in the afternoon we decide not to do any more physical activities but relax instead. We go to the Batur natural hot springs, to enjoy the hot baths from natural hot water. A perfect way to wind down and let the muscles fully relax. It is  already my third time this year coming to the hot springs, but the first time with so many flies in this area. I guess it must be the time of year. They were in such great numbers and so persistent that reading a book or chilling on a sunbed was not an option. Luckily they stayed away while being in the water.

It were two beautiful days in Kintamani and after the Hot Springs we go out for a nice early dinner and return to our homestay early in the evening to have a long rest. And before closing this post I would like to give my compliments to our host from  the homestay who is very friendly and humble. The rooms are very nice and the views on the lake are stunning. It made our stay worth-while.

One more story on this topic will follow soon, so stay tuned!

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