Summary
Approximately five minutes from Pura Bratan in Bali lies an increasingly recognized location, nearly achieving the status of an iconic landmark within Bali. Notably, this site serves as an entrance to a golf course.
Indeed, it is!
Countless times I had encountered images of those gates and contemplated their destination; little did I expect them to lead to a golf course.
Although rather anticlimactic, we found ourselves stopping by for a closer inspection on our journey back after lunch.
For what it’s worth, the gates are indeed quite captivating in person. Their intricate details and impressive height create a majestic entryway leading to what is heralded as an opulent estate.
However, it must be noted that it is merely an entrance gate. Unless one is inclined towards golfing, there are limited activities available in the area. This duality makes it convenient to visit yet not necessarily a worthy diversion requiring extensive travel.
Fortunately, this site was conveniently located on our route to a more thrilling destination—the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls!
From the images I had encountered, the waterfalls appeared truly spectacular. Nevertheless, my experiences in Bali had indicated that visiting waterfalls often entailed considerable hiking in both directions.
This instance was no different.
The journey involved off-road driving, traversing a path barely wide enough for a single vehicle, which culminated in our arrival at a small village. Emphasis on “village” is made due to the fact that it comprised only four or five houses in the vicinity where you would stop.
The trek then leads down into the jungle, navigating uneven steps along a trail where it is advisable to carry a walking stick. I opted against bringing one; maneuvering two cameras—one for photographs and another for videos—proved challenging enough without the additional burden.
Eventually, one reaches the Twin Waterfalls!
Despite their remote location, the reward is that you may find yourself practically alone there!
The water is invigorating and refreshing; considering the exertion required to reach it, it serves as the ideal cooling spot!
Concluding our visit, we enjoyed the next hour engaging in playful splashes and marveling at the natural beauty around us. (*It may appear trivial, but you will be genuinely impressed upon your visit).
Upon our departure, an amusing event occurred. After changing into dry attire, Chris noticed a leech had adhered to his foot. Screeching like banshees, we quickly stripped off and had at least one friend check us for leeches! The fright was genuinely palpable.
Fortunately, Chris was able to remove the leech immediately, but if left unattended… well, we all dread to think!
After we regained our composure and erupted into laughter, I conducted a brief search about leeches, discovering they are not typically found in the water. Instead, it seems most often one acquires leeches while trekking through the forests—confirming previous reports regarding hiking in Nepal, where notorious leeches there can reportedly penetrate through socks to reach your skin.
With our leech incident behind us, we enjoyed a peaceful ride back to our villa in Ubud; following a brief dip in the pool, we prepared to witness a performance at Ubud Palace.
I have mentioned previously my reservations regarding theatrical performances—there is nothing more displeasing than investing in an underwhelming experience while being compelled to endure it.
To my gratification, the show at the Palace was an exception. I reviewed the entire leaflet provided (which offered context about what to expect) and thoroughly appreciated the performance.
Lloyd and Georgia were somewhat perplexed by what they were witnessing, leading me to regularly provide explanations regarding each scene (Chris opted out of attending the performance; he remained at the villa).
In truth, watching with Lloyd and Georgia parallels viewing Game of Thrones alongside them—much of the viewing time is spent elucidating character relationships and emotional connections.
As mentioned previously, I genuinely appreciated the performance and would advocate it as a delightful option for an evening of entertainment (plus, it is affordable, making it a worthwhile endeavor).
After the performance concluded, we wandered along a street whose name evades me in pursuit of dinner (indeed, I do not think I have ever truly known the name; I merely remember discovering it while in search of drinks and massages one evening).
