Shaking out the Rice
The highlight of my first trip to the Indonesian island of Bali was way out of my comfort zone.
Eco Bike Tour
Indeed, I questioned my sanity at setting out on a Downhill Eco Bike Tour, on the singular recommendation of a seventy year old tourist, for I had not been astride a bicycle for more than fifteen years!
Mount Batur
The great day arrived, and I was collected from my homestay accommodation in the village of Nyuh Kuning, and joined a small group of others on a trip north to Kintamani, a town overlooking Mount Batur, an active volcano rising to 1717m.
Kintamani
The vast lava fields from the eruption of 1968 could be viewed from our first stop – a local restaurant. Mount Batur last erupted in 2000, and I wondered if it would produce a crackling display as we ate breakfast.
Thankfully, we escaped unscathed!
Luwak Coffee
A visit to a Luwak coffee plantation followed, where a poor Asian palm civet consumes coffee berries, digests and ferments them internally, before defecating them into a new more aromatic form. Luwak coffee is known as “The World’s Most Expensive Coffee.”
Indeed, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman’s ashes were placed on either side of a tin of this delicacy, atop a Himalayan Mountain in one of my favourite movies – “The Bucket List.”
The Descent
Leaving the coffee plantation behind, we stopped once again, before beginning the highlight of our trip – the downward descent…
Our tour guide equipped us with bicycles of the right size, helmets for our safety, and bottles of water to prevent dehydration. Meanwhile, a lovely Australian couple gave me great tips on the intricacies of gear changing, before our little group set off on smooth, tarred roads that were thankfully free of traffic.
Throughout the bike ride, we encountered only an occasional scooter, but LOTS of smiling children cheered us all along our route. Thankfully, I had a minder – a second tour guide – who kept a good watch over me, and added to my education on the laws of gear changing!
Feeling more relaxed, I actually began to enjoy myself. However, I remained at the rear of the group for the first half of our trip.
Stopping at a Village
“We will stop here,” my minder announced, as we joined the others outside a village house. The owners welcomed us inside a series of small buildings, somewhat less affluent than my accommodation back in Nyuh Kuning.
Village House and Placenta Stones
“These stones guard the family member’s placentas and will protect them throughout their lives,” he announced.
The rear of the compound held a garden, planted with neat rows of vegetables and a few flowers. The shade provided a welcome retreat from the sun for a family of chickens and two suckling pigs, which looked over a stone pig pen with imploring eyes. Sadly, they lead a very short life as suckling pig is considered an essential ingredient in traditional Balinese ceremonies.
Piglet in Pen
Rural villagers are largely self sufficient, supplementing home grown vegetables, chicken and pork with locally grown rice. The rice paddies were our next stop.
The Rice Paddies
Here we learned of the length of the growing season – three in a year- the irrigation system known as subak, and the organic method of fertilisation, using ducklings to manure the fallow paddies, whilst fattening them up for the gastronomic delights of Balinese smoked or crispy duck. Incidentally, everyone who works in the rice paddies shares in the season’s crops, although the landowner gets the largest portion.
Duckling in the Paddy Fields
As we stood amidst the paddies, having stepped over subak streams and slippery clods of earth, to delight in the endless green landscape, I had a burning question and asked, “Are there many snakes in the rice paddies?”
The reply was brief. “The farmer kills them every morning.”
Later, we witnessed a poor, muddy worker ploughing a flooded paddy field with a large version of a garden rotavator. We learned that he earned around 7 euro for ploughing a field of ten square metres – considered a small fortune by Balinese standards.
Paddy Worker
I wondered how many snakes he encountered each day?
Our tour continued.
A Village Temple
The next stop was a village temple, filled with beautiful Balinese ladies, all chatting and laughing, as they created floral offerings for the temple. I delighted in photographing them in their rainbow of traditional lace tops and sarongs.
Ladies in the Temple
My energy levels were flagging, and I was now wilting from the heat. I silently wondered, “Are we there yet?”
Thankfully, “The End” was in sight.
Lunch
I breathed a sigh of relief as VERY welcome iced face flannels were distributed, and a discussion followed…
“Do you want to go for lunch now, or do you want to continue for another 8km UPHILL?”
Guess which option I chose?
Six of my travelling companions voted for the lunch NOW option, while two younger energetic cyclists chose the extended route. Ten minutes later, our group descended on a lovely restaurant, complete with its own organic vegetable garden, and delighted in a feast fit for royalty.
The uphill team joined us later, obviously the worse for wear!
If you enjoyed this post you might like these other posts on Bali:
Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.
It looked a very good experience there and sounds like you were all looked after on your cycling journey.
I have seen The Bucket List. A lovely film.
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Thank you Liz. It was such a memorable day and I loved Bali and its people. The Bucket List is indeed a great film. 🌼
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Excellent and marvelous post, Brigid and what an amazing place is Bali, so calm and peaceful. Enjoy and have a great time. Thanks for the wonderful share.
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Thank you Kamal. I have been to Bali twice but I want to go back. It is a very special place. 🌼
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It sure must be from the awesome pictures, Brigid. Welcome always dear.
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I think you’re very brave to take on a bicycle tour Brigid but what a grand job you made of it.Your observations on Bali are excellent and hey seem as nice a people as they’re always portrayed.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Thank you David. It was such a great trip and I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. The Balinese are such beautiful people. I hope to return for a third time. Hugs xxxx
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Wow! What an amazing adventure. Loved reading this, with my coffee, this morning. Thanks!
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My pleasure Jessica. Bali is amazing and the bike journey was wonderful. It took us through some very special places. 🌼
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Join Brigid Gallagher for a fascinating bike ride around Bali, including rice paddies, temples and rural villages..
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Bless you Sally. This was a very special memory for me. X
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Well done for taking the “responsible travel” option – your reward was obvious!
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Thank you Hilary. Every day was special on Bali. Walking through Ubud, I always found special blessings… 🌼
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Lovely Post. Village touring always excites me.
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Thank you. So many people do not step out into the countryside. They are missing so much. 🌼
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Absolutely agree
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An amazing experience, beautifully described and illustrated. I’m not sure I’d have survived the bike ride though!
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I did not think I would either Clive. It was an amazing day. I only dared take it as it was described as downhill. Thankfully that was true. 😊
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I’m still not sure I’d have tried it. Bravo!
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Survival of the fittest. She is very fit
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I can’t imagine why you turned down 8kms uphill cycling 🙂 Good on you for getting out of your comfort zone. It’s got to be done and enjoyed!
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Thank you Suzanne. I was blessed to enjoy many wonderful experiences on Bali. They were all a bit different from the normal tourist route… 🌼
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Enjoyed and endured. Haha
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Good to hear! 🙂
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Seems yoy had a good expedition. Y don’t you visit south India sometime. It is also like Bali.
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I have visited South India and loved it too. I went there in 2003 and travelled around Kerala, Madurai, Mysore… 🌼
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Oh great. Are you a football fan
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No. Not at all.
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What an interesting, inspirational post Brigid. Will definitely revisit.
Take care
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Thank you Margaret. Bali is quite beautiful but many visitors never leave the tourist hotspots… 🌼
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I suppose that could be said for a lot of beautiful countries Brigid, certainly the inland villages of The Gambia are quite different from the Atlantic coastal areas.
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What a great post Brigid. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Px
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Thank you Paul. It was an amazing day x
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This is such a wonderful post Brigid! I always enjoy going on your journeys with you. Your photos are beautiful!
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Thank you Terri. I was way out of my comfort zone that day…😊
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It looks like it was well worth leaving your comfort zone.😊
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What a glorious account of getting to really feel a place. And what a place! I remember reading this part of the book and thinking to myself ‘I absolutely HAVE to do this myself …. go to Bali and do it like Brigid’. One day I will and that is the power of great writing ✍️
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Thank you Fiona. It was such a fun experience. I am still amazed that I did it. Those gears! I could not comprehend them. I hope you are doing well. 🌼
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The gears on those bikes are pretty boggling! 🚵♂️ I’m very good, thank you so much for asking 🙂
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Lovely memories Brigid, Bali is indeed a beautiful place. I love your adventurous spirit. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Balroop. I hope to go back at least once more… 🌼
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This takes me back to my travels in Bali. Especially all the women gathered to make the trays for offerings.
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It is such a beautiful place with kind and gentle people. 🌼
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What an incredible time, Brigid. It’s so fabulous that you tried things you normally wouldn’t have, I’m not sure I would have…but I should!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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It was a lot of fun in the end Jodie but it took a while to relax on that bike. 😊 xx
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Sounds like a fun but very tiring trip
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Yes. It was what you might call exhilarating 🌼
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This sounds an amazing adventure Brigid. I would have chosen the lunch option, over the 8km uphill option too! 🙂 xxx
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I’d have been with you on having lunch instead of an uphill bike ride. That’s if I ever had the courage to do the downhill bit. Sounds amazing. I’ve never heard of placenta stones!
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The downhill bit was scary enough for me Mary. I loved the idea of the placenta stones. It was a really special day. 🌼
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Fascinating journey, Brigid! 🙂
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It sure was Bette. Epic 😉
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A wonderful post, Brigid and it sounds like your bike riding skills far exceed mine…I am legendary for stacking it as my grandson puts it…lol..Bali is on my list for a visit as my grandson has a Balinese girlfriend and spends much of his time there.Growing rice is hard work my son is currently weeding the rice as if you don’t you don’t get such a good crop ..it is hard work and you cannot wear boots as they get stuck so it is socks only and he is hoping he doesn’t meet with any snakes I have asked for photos…His mother in law who has done it all her life amazes him as at 85 ish she knocks the spots of the youngsters for stamina so he will probably come back absolutely worn out is my guess..But it is an experience and something I never ever thought I would see him do…I thoroughly enjoyed your post, Brigid 🙂 xxx
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Goodness. I do not think I would weed in my socks! She sounds amazing. I hope you get to Bali. I have been twice but want to go again. Ubud is my favourite place – full of daily inspiration and so much to see and do. Wonderful food and spas too. 🌼 xxx
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So do I Brigid..It seems very much like rural Thailand. Yes I know but appparently if you wear shoes or boots the mud sucks them down so it is easier in just socks..Jay was not too keen but he felt he should help and not just leave it to the old lady and his other half..he might get some brownie points although I think he enjoys the experience he said he is not cutting the rice this year he will pay someone to do it..One was enough for him I think…lol..He is better suited to planting trees… 🙂 xxx
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I think planting trees would be my choice too. X
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What a wonderful post! I especially enjoyed the way you wove the pictures into the story, although you did such a great job of describing everything that I felt as though I could see it all anyway! It sounds like an exciting, fantastic adventure.
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Thank you. Bali was wonderful and I hope to return for a third time. Every day brought little adventures – usually unexpected.
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What an experience, Brigid. I can just picture the children cheering you on as you rode by. It sounds like a wonderful way to take in the sights and learn more about life in Bali. Wonderful pictures. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
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My pleasure Diana. I am so glad that I risked the nerves. It was all worth it. 🌼
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Go Brigid! What an adventure!!! 🙂
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Thank you Nikki. It was a lot of fun after I let go…🌼
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That seems to be the trick with most things doesn’t it? ❤
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I love seeing such a different way of life–hard-working, at one with nature. I’ll never do this ride but enjoy it through your eyes, Brigid.
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Thank you Jacqui. It was well out of my comfort zone. 😊
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What a fantastic experience! It had to be such fun! 💟😊
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It was Lisa once I let go of my fears… 🌼
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That is an incredible feeling!! 💟
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Wow! What an amazing experience, Brigid. I’m happy you decided to do it. This is why we have to step out of our comfort zones, once in a while. I enjoyed your post and pictures! 😀 xx
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Thank you Vashti. It was well worth the scary factor… xx🌼
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Brigid, I have never been to Bali and need to put on my bucket list. I really loved that movie. One of my favourites.
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I love it too Julie. Bali is beautiful. I visited Seminyak for 9 days on my first visit followed by a month in Ubud. On my next trip I went straight to Ubud. There is so much to absorb. Just walking around town there is always something special happening. 🌼
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I have heard a lot of good things about Bali. Many Australians go there but not as popular in New Zealand.
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I’ve just come back from 8 nights in Seminyak and must also say not too many kiwi’s go. I read recently with the weakening of our $$, Indonesia and Thailand are the ideal places to go.
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It was lovely to accompany you on your fascinating bike ride Brigid! I admire your perseverance.
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I cannot believe I did it now Denzil. It was quite scary at first but then it felt wonderful. 🌼
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I do remember your trip to Bali as described in your book, Brigid. This bike ride was a really fun read.
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Yes Robbie. It was a memorable trip. 😉
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WOW what an interesting place! Sounds like this is a trip you’ll always remember!
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Thank you. Hopefully, I shall return to Bali for a third time… 🌼
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I have a cousin who went to Bali, just last year. She said it was such an amazing experience! Her husband got sick during the travels, but other than that she said everything about the entire trip was rewarding. 🙂
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Brigid, this is a wonderful post which takes us to Bali with you! The descriptions of your surroundings and people are beautiful and detailed, catching the setting and atmosphere brilliantly. The lunch must have been heavenly after such a ride. The accompanying photos are lovely and I particularly like the women by the temple, meditative and calm in their actions and bearing. Good luck in the competitions … with such superlative writing you have a good chance I feel! Fingers crossed. Hugs xx
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Many thanks Annika. The Bali bike ride was one of my most memorable travel experiences. It was such a wonderful day. I love Bali and its people and I hope to return for a third visit. 🌼
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I’d love to visit Bali someday. Not so sure about the bike, although you do make it sound like a rewarding experience!
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I hope you make it. The bike ride was well worth the fear factor 😉
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Wow so much to take in and amazing pictures! Thanks for sharing
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My pleasure Lynn. It was a spectacular bike ride. I am so glad I did it. 🌼
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yes spectacular!
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It’s nice to “visit” another part of the world. Thank you for the education and pics. 🙂
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My pleasure. Thank you for popping in. 🌼
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I love your depiction of Bali and your photos. It must have been an amazing journey.
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Thank you. Bali is beautiful. I returned again the following year. 🌼
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