Bedugul, in the Bali mountains, is home to Bali Treetop Adventure Park, a fun activity set in an open air environment. Bali Treetop Adventure Park is where both kids and adults can enjoy a fun day out tackling various tightrope courses, ranging from suspended bridges and spider nets to exciting Tarzan jumps and flying-fox lines, all for a different kind of adrenaline rush. Some of these courses let you test your agility or even zip through the air safely, high up in the trees. All circuit platforms are held in place using an innovative compression system to protect trees from any damage. Protective half logs are used to prevent cables from cutting into trees and minimize tree trunk degradation. Throughout the entirety of the circuits you will remain attached to a life-line support. Patrol Guides will also be situated along the circuit ready to advise and assist as needed – giving support from above and below. Before starting the activity on the circuits, every client must follow the safety instructions by the Patrol Guides, who will explain how the circuit works, how to use the equipment, and provide all safety instructions which you need to respect at all times. Bali Treetop Adventure Park is accessible to all, whatever their level of agility or experience. With different circuits, everyone can find the right circuits for his/her level and age, or even try the more challenging circuits. Bali Treetop Adventure Park receives clients from 4 years old to over 70 with a maximum weight of 120kg and a minimum height of 95cm. THE CIRCUITS There are seven different courses, arranged according to age and skill levels: Squirrel Yellow and Squirrel Green Circuits: Carefully designed for small children four years up, minimum height 95cm. Obstacles include wooden ladders, climbing wall, foot bridges, log crossings, fishnets and flat nets, fox’s hole, monkey track, elephant steps, and a mini flying fox. Green Circuit: Introductory circuit to get a taste of the activity. Over 6 years old. 110cm minimum. Blue Circuit: Suitable for kids aged eight and up, 120cm height minimum. First real thrills, including flying-fox lines, parrot ladders, railway bridge, high flying swings, duck footpath, rolling swing, monkey track, plank footbridge, flying trapeze, spider net, rocking steps and downhill net. Orange Circuit: Good for adults to get their adrenaline fix, with obstacles similar to that of the Blue Circuit, with many flying-fox and a longer flying fox line. Red Circuit: for some serious high-flying fun. Includes most of the obstacles above, and the great Tarzan Jump which is then followed by a rewarding 160m long flying-fox line. Over 10 years of age, 130cm height minimum. ‘Adrenaline’ Black Circuit: Strictly for adrenaline junkies, with the biggest of thrills and breathtaking jumps. Includes most of the Red Circuit obstacles with a longest monkey track, flying trapezes, an arms challenge, upside-down ‘T’ course, and breath-taking jumps up to 20m high. Over 12 years of age, 140cm height minimum. NUMBERS 7 Adventure Circuits from one tree to another with height range between 2-20 meters. 95 challenges for all level and ages: Suspended bridges, Spider Nets, Tarzan Jumps, Flying-Fox, Flying Swings, and many more fun challenges.12 flying fox up to 160m long. Duration of activity: Adults and Children: 2 hours 30 minutes, Squirrel Circuits: 1 hour 30 minutes. Price: USD 25 for adults and USD 16 for kids TECHNICALITIES Each zip-line course and tight rope bridge stretches from tree to tree, and safety is guaranteed with the use of high-quality equipment and carabiners. The courses were designed by SkyZip Engineering, the firm behind other treetop adventure parks worldwide. The construction of Bali Treetop Adventure Park and all materials and equipments comply with European Standards EN 15567-1, and the park is built, maintained and managed by a French management. All activities are assisted by professionals and include insurance coverage. Bali Treetop Adventure Park also provide you with company outing and team building services. INFO Bali Treetop Adventure Park  Eka Karya Botanic Garden Bali, Candikuning, Bedugul, Bali Opening Hours: 08:30 – 18:00 Tel: +62 (0)361 9340009 Website: www.balitreetop.com Email: info@balitreetop.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/balitreetop YOUTUBE VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSgJPFsSiQY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgyYmJkvgzI READ ASIANITINERARY EXPERIENCE AT BALI TREETOP HERE ! Asian Itinerary stay was kindly sponsored by Handara Golf & Resort Bali ! TO BOOK A DISCOUNTED ROOM AT HANDARA GOLF & RESORT, CLICK HERE !

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I have visited Bali a few times in the past and I have often driven through the small Balinese village of Munduk. Sitting astride a ridge that runs up to the northwestern rim of the Bedugul caldera, this area has always fascinated me, so I decided to make an Internet search. The most interesting data I found is that Munduk has a series of jungle trails that lead to a selection of powerful waterfalls. A trek to Munduk waterfall… this is a great adventure to have in Bali! – I immediately thought. I then found out about Bali Jungle Trekking, a company based in North Bali and specializing in top trekking and hiking experiences off the beaten track on the island. I was a bit concerned since it had been raining for over 3 days; Bali experiences its main rainy season in January and February. I called them up, explained my concerns, and they immediately told me that, if I was willing to wake up early, they expected the weather to be nice and within half a day I would be able to easily visit the three most accessible Munduk waterfalls, if not in the sun, at least without the rain. So I woke up early, had a great breakfast at my hotel, the Munduk Moding Plantation, and headed to the reception, where Bali Jungle Trekking driver Molek was waiting for me. The drive was amazing and allowed clear views of the surrounding mountains, then of the ocean and of the Java volcanoes in the distance. We picked up my young guide Made along the way, and continued to the drop point, where Molek waved us goodbye. Made is a nice guy from a local village, and he has a great knowledge of the nature surrounding these lush hills. We followed a big sign for Eco Cafe, a simple eatery that also serves as the ticket counter for the first of the three waterfalls, the Golden Valley waterfall – which locals call Langan waterfall, or the hiding place. The path then zigzagged downhill, a steep descent that put my legs to the first test. We passed huge trees with giant lianas; banana, cloves and coffee plantations; and I marveled at the miracle of nature: huge spiders moving along their sticky webs, squirrels running fast on top of tall branches, and birds eating local berries and avocados. The path, mostly paved up by the local community, was slippery and steep, and we could hear the water falling in the distance as we walked on. I was lucky, the weather was perfect for a trek: fresh air, not too hot, not rainy. Down at the Golden Valley waterfall we took a rest and I shot some pictures. The fall about 15 meters in height, with clean and clear water ending in a round-shaped pool where swimming is possible and safe. We then headed back to the junction and followed a shaded trail to reach Tanah Barak waterfall. An eagle flew freely above our heads, while an infinity of different birds played a concert that accompanied our hike. The lovely valley was kissed by the sun, and we caught sight of Munduk Central village. It actually got warmer and warmer as we walked downhill. Down at the Tanah Barak waterfall – also called Red Coral waterfall – I was amazed at the incredible force of the roaring water that crushed on a shallow pool before rushing downstream. The spray from this violent fall made keeping the camera dry somewhat of a challenge. Made informed me that this water is channeled by local farmers for watering the fields. He was nice and talkative, and told me stories of village life, of how the local people appreciate life in simple lodgings and live in peace and harmony with nature. We finally backed up and followed the lower trail, which was extremely slippery. We continued walking through forests dotted with durian and cocoa trees and reached a terraced area cultivated in galanga, ginger and turmeric. All around the vegetation was so thick. Made took a trailhead and the path eventually narrowed and turned to mud, and finally, around a bend, we started hearing the roar of the magnificent and immense Melanting waterfall. Seeing this fall in January means it is just about at its most powerful. We took shelter behind a stone outcrop but the water came down with such force that it was like spray exploding back up into the air. My camera got wet quite quickly. I soaked up the atmosphere (literally) for a while, then pressed on. The steep set of stairs back allowed for great views into the waterfall pit. We slowly left the waterfall behind and followed a small trail of well-manicured steps that took us up to the outskirts of Munduk village, and eventually to Munduk Central, where the sky was menacingly dark. My driver Molek was there waiting for us, of course, and so surprised to see us so early. We had done it in three hours, quite an achievement. During the drive back to the hotel, I relaxed and checked on the hundreds of pictures taken, which do not give justice to the unforgettable adventure of a trek to Munduk waterfalls. EPILOGUE This tour package is designed for those who would like to explore Munduk nature and waterfalls. It is an experience that helps you escape from the crowds, and a unique tour that is exclusive to Bali Jungle Trekking. The trek is a easy one and is not so challenging. Reasonably fit people would do all the above in about four hours, but you are well advised to set aside six hours or more and take it at a comfortable pace. The best approach to this trek is as we did it: start at Golden Valley, then Tanah Barak, then Melanting, then backtrack out to the main road. The trail is clearer and safer, and you will see the smallest waterfall first and the largest last. I...

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I underestimated the drive north and I left quite late, since I was enjoying so much the comfort of SenS Hotel & Spa. The sky was covered in cottony clouds and the weather forecast app told of a 70% chance of rain. I drove out of Ubud towards the village of Mambal, where famous Green School – www.greenschool.org (a visit can be arranged through https://greenschoolbali.openapply.com/tours/new) – is located and where I caught up with an old friend of mine at the school cafeteria. The coffee turned into a snack and by the time I left for the hills it was nearly 3pm and the sky was turning black. The car climbed along trafficked roads until, a few km before the mountain village of Bedugul, the sky burst open and rain started falling copiously, making the drive hard to say the least. People on moped wore anoraks and makeshift plastic covers, buzzing left and right around cars along the wet road. The rain made visibility scarce, and I had to pay attention to anything and anyone around me. Thanks to its location at an altitude of 1500 mt above sea level, Bedugul enjoys a mild mountain weather and crisp air. I drove past the stunning Lake Beratan, a shallow lake with the high caldera about 1230 meters above sea level, and luckily my destination was not far. Handara Golf Resort & Spa  – www.handaragolfresort.com -, at an elevation of 1400 mt above sea level, is not only an award-winning golfers paradise attracting golfers from around the world. It is also an oasis of green fields and vegetation, showing off the fantastic scenery of its surroundings, and offering a range of the most comfortable accommodation for discerning travelers. I felt at home right away in my well-appointed golf view deluxe room, which as the name states, commanded extraordinary views over the main course, the lake and the surrounding mountains. I relaxed in the balcony, listening to birds and cicadas, and watching the rain fall, until it temporarily stopped, allowing me to go out. TO BOOK A DISCOUNTED ROOM AT HANDARA GOLF & RESORT, CLICK HERE ! My Toyota did not need to take me far, as Ulun Danau Beratan Temple  was a mere 2km away. Built in 1633 on the edge of Lake Beratan, the amazing main structure boasts 11 stories of meru (coned roofs) that overlaps, giving its magnificent shape; these are dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. Ulun Danau Beratan Temple  is used for offering ceremonies to the lake goddess Dewi Danau, and has a magical feel to it, as when looked at from afar, it looks like it is floating on the lake waters. Further down the same road, I stopped at the Candikuning Market, for a traditional meal: rabbit and goat satay and a very tasty goat soup, enriched with lots of local spices, all gulped down with a warm, sweet local tea. A great meal at this apparently unassuming joint right inside the main market, called Mr Satay Ponorogo. Highly recommended. At Candikuning Market you can also buy fresh fruit, veggies, strawberries, roasted corn and local delicacies like spinach and prawn crackers, as well as a good range of tourist souvenirs and sarongs. A drive to the side road connecting to the lower coastal area of Lake Buyan revealed a great neighborhood of farmers that plant mainly strawberries and spices in their neat gardens by the lakeside. I drove to the end of the through road, where a path that apparently circumnavigate the whole lake starts. A great adventure for future trips to this area of Bali! The menacing clouds built up again, so I went back to Handara Golf Resort & Spa and called it a night. The day after I woke up quite early, prompted by the shining sun appearing from behind the peaks. I had breakfast at Handara Kamandalu Restaurant before heading to Bali Kebun Raya Botanical Gardens – kebunrayabali.com/ – open daily 7am/6pm – entrance IDR 17,000 (about 1.5 US$) per person, IDR 11,000 (about 1 US$) per car -, only a few km away. I was stunned by the collection of plants in the massive park area. Next activity was at Bali Treetop Adventure Park – 22 US$ pre-booked, 25 US$ at the door – open daily 7am/6pm. Situated inside the Botanical Gardens, this is a place to test your agility by moving from one tree to another the way Tarzan way. Put it this way, it sounds easy, and though it was indeed fun I must admit it was challenging after all. Read about my experience HERE ! TO BE CONTINUED… STAY TUNED ! A drive around Bali – Part 1 – the south A drive around Bali – Part 2 – Ubud, hills and mountains A drive around Bali – Part 4 – scenic Munduk A drive around Bali – Part 5 – the North coast A drive around Bali – Part 6 – the West coast The Toyota Agya was kindly supplied by Echo Bali Car Rental TO BOOK A DISCOUNTED ROOM AT HANDARA GOLF & RESORT, CLICK HERE !

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The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a significant temple complex located on the western edge of the Lake Beratan crater in Bedugul, central Bali. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple has become a famous, iconic and picturesque landmark, one of the most photographed in Bali, sharing its scenic qualities with the seaside temples of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Ulun Danau Beratan Temple lies at 1239 mt above sea level in the Bedugul highlands by majestic Mount Agung, the largest volcano in Bali. This amazing temple was built in the 17th century (in 1633) in worship of the main Hindu trinity, Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva, and is specifically dedicated to the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple can be traced back to the rise of the Mengwi Kingdom, as proved by the Papyrus Chronicle of the Mengwi people, placing the temple founding right in an era when the Mengwi Empire thrived. Its name was simply taken from the lake where the temple was built, Lake Beratan. Ulun Danau Beratan Temple has a magical feel to it, as when looked at from afar, the smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding most of the temple’s base creates a unique floating impression of the temple, while the majestic mountain range of the Bedugul region encircling the lake provides the temple with a scenic backdrop. The amazing main structure has four gates, facing each of the four points of the compass, and boasts 11 stories of meru (coned roofs) dedicated to Hindu god Shiva; it is their overlapping that give the temple its magnificent shape. The temple complex is comprised of four groups shrines dedicated to the gods of Mount Batur and Mount Agung: prominent Lingga Petak to its east which has the function to worship God Shiva; Penataran Pucak Mangu to its north is dedicated to God Visnu; Terate Bang is used to worship God Brahma; and finally Dalem Purwa, used to worship Goddess Danu, who is considered to be an equivalent of Goddess Laksmi. Ulun Danau Beratan Temple offering ceremonies to the lake goddes Dewi Danu are scheduled into two types: the so-called Piodalan Agung, executed every six months (210 days) and every 12 months (420 days) on Anggara Kliwon Julungwangi, an auspicious cleansing day for the mind of the individual Balinese family members who meditate and pray to cleanse one’s mind and the physical world in which one is reincarnated; and the so-called Pakelem, a ceremony that celebrates the awarding of life, fertility and prosperity which the area lake and mountains are believed to control. A special mention should be given to the lake, which apart from being one of the ultimate sources of water for the rivers and springs that irrigate central Bali, it is especially important for the Balinese as it is considered not only holy, but of a particular variety. The temple priests say that the lake is fed by springs located at each of the wind directions, and each of the springs is the origin of water for that particular region of central Bali, with farmers from North Bali collecting their holy water from the northern spring of the lake, and so on. Bathing is forbidden, and visitors have to wear a sash band and refrain to go too near the waters at the temple.   Ulun Danau Beratan Temple is located in the Bedugul area, a favorite cool upland weekend and holiday retreat for locals and island visitors alike from the southern and urban areas. The sight and cool atmosphere of the Bali uplands have made Lake Beratan and Ulun Danau Beratan Temple a favourite sightseeing and recreational spot. Not to be confused with Ulun Danau Batur Temple, which is on the rim of the caldera at Lake Batur. Entrance to Ulun Danau Beratan Temple is IDR 50,000 (about 5 US$) for foreigners. Check Asian Itinerary drive around the Island of Bali here !

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Handara Golf & Resort Bali is one of the first World-Class golf clubs in Indonesia, and it has seen many distinguished patrons and passionate golfers from around the world. Complement the stunning scenery of their surroundings by offering the most comfortable accommodation, the greatest dining experience and the finest hospitality, Handara Golf & Resort Bali is a kingdom of nature and relaxation up in a cool mountain environment. Handara Golf & Resort Bali is nestled in the crater of a volcano and surrounded by scenic views featuring exotic mature trees and mountains right up at Bedugul. Thanks to its location at 1300 mt above sea level, Handara Golf & Resort Bali is a scenic golf destination in Bali that offers a unique cool weather experience. The deep blue sky, the fresh and clear air and temperatures that average between 14 and 20 degrees Celsius makes it the perfectly comfortable golfing place in Bali. Its 18 holes golf course is considered to be one of the most challenging in Asia. Other than golf, guests at Handara Golf & Resort Bali can also experience activities such as stay and dine, picnic lunch, outdoor BBQ Dinner, as well as playing tennis while enjoying the splendor of beautiful mountain views. Customers at Handara Golf & Resort Bali can chose from two different stay experiences: Hotel Rooms, with a modern interior design and a majestically sweeping golf course view, and Cottage Rooms, which have a more traditional Balinese type of interior design, and are set in luxurious Balinese style. All rooms at Handara Golf & Resort Bali are equipped with stunning nature views, perfect for those who love a very calm, private and peaceful atmosphere, away from the crowds and the hustle. Handara Golf & Resort Bali has been ranked among the “Top 50 Golf Course in The Word” by Golf Magazine in the past, and chosen as the 2015 winner of the “Best Golf Hotel in Indonesia” by the prestigious Word Golf Awards. Handara Golf & Resort Bali Desa Pancasari, Sukasada-Singaraja-Bali. Tel:  +62 (0362) 3422646 E-mail: sales@handaragolfresort.com Home page: www.handaragolfresort.com TO BOOK A DISCOUNTED ROOM AT HANDARA GOLF & RESORT, CLICK HERE !

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