DAY 36 - EAST BALI TOUR

Today an 8 hour tour of East Bali

Today I'm feeling hot! Weather is 33 degrees, feels like 42. Yup, I'm hot!

1st stop: KERTA GOSA is the name of the former Royal Courts of Justice in Klungkung. Set in a courtyard of ponds, the highlight is an elaborately decorated ceiling featuring the 'wayang' style of painting.

2nd stop: Magnificent views at the 'Lereng Agung' Restaurant near the Village of Menange. The buffet style lunch is somewhat pricey and ok, but it's the only 'ok' meal for hours, so it's best to enjoy. :)

3rd Stop: UJUNG - Puri Taman UJUNG (Water Palace)
Beautiful! For us, worth the 2 1/2 hr. drive.

4th Stop: TENGANAN - Bali Aga Village.
This village is the FIRST time I have ever gotten this weird sense of 'staged'-for-tourism feeling. The village has lots of history and interesting building detail. It is known for its fine basketware and its skill & tradition to produce double-weave Inkat textile, called Geringsing. I get the sense that no weaving happens here anymore. Most of the village homes turned into stores, selling souvenirs you can find everywhere in Bali. Did love the water buffalo! :)

Last stop: GOA LAWAH - Bat Cave
Ok, I'm a geek! LOVED the bats!
It was near the time they are to leave the cave, and they are restless. Lots of noise, flying around, and re-hanging themselves upside down. I was happy observing. Not all those flying around were allowed to land and cuddle into the group. There seemed to be a 'permission' to hang with the group, or no 'you must go' agreement. When one was allowed to 'hang' with the group; they landed on the rock, get their feet clutching stone, and then fall backwards into the group, hanging. I saw one lick the new arrival, affectionately. They wrap their wings around their bodies and snuggle into the bat grouping. Enjoyed the Bat temple and the bats. :)