Bali (Benoa), Indonesia

As we entered the harbor of Bali, we were surrounded by sightseeing boats, jet skis, parasails and fishermen. Water-related activities seems to be one of the main forms of entertainment on this island. Our day on Bali was spent visiting a temple, museum and market.  We drove to Denpasar, the capital of the province of Bali, to see the temple of Jagatnatha, the most important Hindu Kahyangan temple in the city. This temple is dedicated to the existence of the supreme God, Sanghyang Widi, and is decorated with elaborate carvings.  90% of the population on Bali is Hindu and there are temples everywhere.  There are many gods in Hinduism, but Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the main three.

The Bali museum is next to the temple and consists of several buildings featuring local art and history. While at the museum we saw a bride in her elaborate red wedding dress and headpiece.

Our next stop was the outdoor Guwang art market.  There were endless stalls selling clothing, jewelry, carvings, painted pictures, and food.  Rick bought a white dress shirt that has depictions of Bali at the bottom for $15.  You bargained on price at this market.  We had no idea what the fruits were that were being sold.

Our guide was an older Hindu gentleman who spoke English, but with a very thick accent.  I could understand about 50% of what he said, Rick couldn't make out anything!  He laughed a lot at his comments, and we laughed at his mannerisms. It was quite an experience. I did manage to learn that he had 3 daughters, 4 grandchildren and came from the 2nd class. There is a caste system here like in India, with the Brahman priests being at the top.

Traffic is horrendous, with many motorcycles and scooters on the roads.  We had been warned NOT to rent a car here, and now I know why. Only experienced and brave drivers can navigate the streets of Bali.

We were welcomed by these girls as we left the ship.

Every Hindu home & store has offerings to
the gods outside their building.

street vendor and school girls

Family on their scooter

Busy traffic on the roads

Entrance to the temple

The Jagatnatha temple 

Entrance gate to temple area

Courtyard of the Bali museum

on the street outside the temple

Shopping at the Guwant outdoor art market

Scooters parked at the Guwang market