Finding a good local guide to explore Bali can be challenging. During my trip planning, I searched numerous forums including Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet Thorntree.

Bali with Local Guide

Eventually, I stumbled upon a local guide named Putu Arnawa. He came highly recommended, and his website was frequently mentioned by other travelers.

We decided to reach out to him via email, putting our trust in this Balinese local from halfway around the world. Putu turned out to be an exceptional asset for our Bali adventure.

He meticulously customized our itinerary based on our preferences for the two days we booked with him. His prices were quite reasonable, and we were pleasantly surprised when he included several unexpected adventures during our time together.

Bali Itinerary – Day 1

• Traditional Barong Dance
• Quick stopovers at a stonemason and silver shop
• Sangeh Secret Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Lunch at Babi Guling Ibu Oka
• Ubud Palace Temple
• Ubud market
• Dropping by a village temple celebration
• Long ride to view Gunung Batur
• Gunung Kawi temple

Traditional Barong Dance

Our first day in Bali commenced with the renowned Barong dance. This captivating performance illustrates the battle between good and evil through elaborate costumes and a vibrant display of dance.

The dancers, particularly the women, enthralled us with their unique wrist movements and expressive performances.

Monkey Forest

Next, we visited the famed Sangeh Secret Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where I learned the hard way not to get between a monkey and its food!

After lunch, we explored Ubud and its local markets, but the surprises didn’t stop there.

Festivals of Bali

Putu informed us that Bali is home to over 20,000 temples, with each village typically possessing at least three. We passed a vibrant temple adorned with colorful flags and locals carrying gift baskets.

Putu mentioned that every six months, temples celebrate for five to six days, prompting us to eagerly accept his invitation to join this festive experience.

As we entered, we donned traditional sarongs that Putu provided, immersing ourselves in the rich local culture.

An Authentic Experience in Bali

Stepping through the gateway of the Balinese Hindu temple, we found ourselves surrounded by local worship. The aroma of traditional offerings and the sounds of Balinese music enveloped us.

This experience allowed us to connect with genuine practices beyond staged exhibitions often found in cultural centers.

Gunung Batur – Batur Volcano

To conclude our first day, we embarked on a scenic drive to witness breathtaking views of Gunung Batur, one of Bali’s largest active volcanoes.

Kawi Temple Complex

We rounded off the day by exploring Ganung Kawi, an 11th-century temple complex featuring stunning rock-cut shrines and beautiful rice paddies.

Day 1 Conclusion: Bali is Awesome.

Our second day with Putu continued to impress, incorporating our discussed plans alongside added surprises.

Bali Itinerary Day 2

• Taman Ayun Temple
• Local cockfight tournament
• Lunch at Red Rice in Jatiluwih
• Rice paddies in Jatiluwih
• Hanging out with local rice harvesters
• Tanah Lot for sunset

Taman Ayun Temple

The morning began at Taman Ayun Temple, the largest complex we visited during our stay. Our next destination was Jatiluwih to explore the famous rice fields.

Attending a Cockfight in Bali

While traveling through a small village, we learned that a cockfight was occurring. After confirming our interest, Putu took us there, and we entered a lively setting resembling a mini-carnival.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with booths serving local delicacies, drawing us deeper into this cultural experience.

Inside Betting

As the fight approached, we witnessed the locals engaging in various betting practices. The excitement surged as the roosters were prepared for the match.

Outside Betting

With the calls of “Sotu! Sotu! Sotu!”, the roosters dashed against each other, showcasing their fierce instincts. We observed several matches, engulfed in disbelief by the intensity of the event.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Despite the detour, we successfully reached Jatiluwih, just in time for lunch and to explore the stunning rice paddies.

Impromptu Stop

On our return to Tanah Lot for sunset, Putu made an unexpected stop when he spotted two women harvesting rice. We engaged with the locals, gaining insight into their traditional farming methods.

Tanah Lot

To wrap up our whirlwind two-day exploration of Bali, we enjoyed the spectacular sunset over Tanah Lot. Thanks to my tripod, I captured beautiful photographs of the sun setting over the horizon.

Day 2 Bali Conclusion: It’s Already Over?

We couldn’t have asked for a better experience with Putu as our guide. Many claim Bali is overrun with tourists and resorts; however, by venturing off the beaten path and connecting with locals, you’ll discover Bali’s hidden treasures.

The wonders of a journey consist far more of such intangible experiences and unexpected situations than of factual things and events of material reality.
– Lama Anagarika Govinda – The Way of the White Clouds

For more on Putu, check out his website at http://balifriend.net/about_bali_driver.html. You can also e-mail him at putuarnawa@aol.com