We have not been on an organised tour in Bali since our first trip in 1979, that's nearly 30 years ago now, nor have we ever been to Kintamani and Mount and Lake Batur in all those years.
Batur is pretty average as far as mountains go on Bali. At 1413 metres it comes after Mangu (2020), Batukaru (2271) and the number 1, Agung (2567). All of these mountains are found from about the centre of the island towards the east coast whilst the lower hills are towards the west. Batur's notable feature, besides being a recently active volcano, is perhaps the huge Lake Batur that lies within the shattered caldera of the volcano and the spectacular views from the rim which has a diameter of about 8 kilometres.
All of these features make it a popular tourist destination with the village of Kintamani on the western edge of the rim being the usual focus. Here there is food, drink, shopping from stalls and wandering sellers and the spectacular views; across the most recent lava flow directly towards the distant high point with the caldera basin stretching away to the right with Kedisan and Buahan villages on the near lake edge and the mysterious Trunyan, an 'Aga' (original Balinese peoples) village on the far bank, beyond at least my eyesight.
From the roadside at Kintamani which is on the volcano rim, the
most recent lava flow is just across the closer ridge in the left picture.
It is almost black against the lighter forest on the caldera floor.
On the near edge of the lake in the right photo are the villages of Kedisan and Buahan with Trunyan to the left of the highest point on the far bank.
The roads to Kintamani are naturally steep and, even without the fairly heavy traffic of tour buses, travel would not be fast. Not to worry as there are many shopping opportunities along the way. Batik makers are common with many producing clothes, quilts and kites from their labours. Fruit is also common and of quite good quality but its not cheap. Ladies will favour the lush mango flesh but blokes should have a go at the red skinned tamarillos with their black seeds.
A word of warning here - be wary of what the fruit may have been washed in and do not let the skins come into contact with your mouth. Its well worth remembering to take a sharpish knife to cut them open and a spoon to scrape out the succulent flesh
Of greater interest I think are the plantations of tea, coffee and spices. One that we found a bit by accident on the right side of the road coming home, behind a high wall, was Buana Amertha Sari in Br. Seribatu. [Phone (0361) 784 2242 or mobile 081 338 078 181.] We were treated to a sampling of plain tea, lemon tea and ginger tea as well as coffee and hot chocolate (cocoa), all grown on the property whose manicured gardens you can wander through with a guide. There are also spices of all sorts and incense available for purchase in their little shop.
Look at the link below, Kites, batik and tea/coffee/spices.
These links will take you to some photos of other parts of our holiday.
Not all will be ready and active straight away but they will evolve as July rolls in to August and so on.
The pillow case run to the NEGARA ORPHANAGE.
Stuff we took, the flight and the airport taxi fare board.
The orphanage for children with handicaps, Panti Asuhan Kesa Yanikang Papa in Gianyar.
Friends including the girls on the beach, little Kadek, the feet and fingers, driver Made and family including the newly-weds, waitresses and food, and of course the old boat builder of Jimbaran Bay.
Silver jewellery and bead shops, Handbags, woodcarving and leather.
The Baleka Beach Resort and the Baihai Resort and Spa.
Rice and the Subak Museum at Tabanan.
Pura Luhur Batu Karu, north of Tabanan.
Food, glorious food.
Kites and batik quilts, tea/coffee/spices plantation.
Back to the 2006 contents page, 'The Year of the Pillow Cases'?
Right back to our home page for the shoppers Cheat Sheet, the first visit to the Negara Orphanage, a long Bali story (the 2003 'Rushed Trip'), the details about Bali's peoples, rices, religion and culture or history or things to do and see in Ubud as well as many others.
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