Road Trip To Amed

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Today I want to wrap up my Bali stay with the best moments I had during the last two months. I left the island two days ago and I had a rather tropical welcome to the Philippines.

The Uncharted Road has led me to Manila.

First, I want to share a long-form video about my road trip to Amed Bali. I launched a new YouTube Channel! Yei! 😜🤙🏻

This is my second attempt at a YouTube channel after my first one failed.

For a few years, I would have felt embarrassed to admit this, but as I write these words, I feel liberated from that burden. I've come to truly value my failures, as they have paved the way for my current endeavors, including our conversation right now.

I truly appreciate that.

And then there is the realization that you can´t really fail at telling your story as long as you don´t quit!

Just practice, improve, and reiterate.

Like, share and subscribe! 😁 

Seven Things You Can Only Experience In Bali

Just to be clear, I am not talking about the typical Tripadvisor or tourist attraction advice.

I'm talking about the personal and unique Bali stuff you only get there—those moments that stick with you, making you smile when you're old and looking back.

None of these were costly or even materialistic but invaluable and, most importantly, unforgettable

1) Receiving a Balinese woman's blessing

Just two days before I left, I was driving to the northern-eastern part of Bali to a small diver spot called Amed.

On my way there, I stopped at the feet of a temple staircase with some gorgeous scenic views. I decide to sit down for a moment and a kind-looking woman opens a conversation with me. She explains that I had to wear a sarung to get into the temple and as she continues, she puts a flower behind my ear and starts blessing me. Can you find the scene in the video? 😀 

A completely unexpected moment I won´t ever forget

2) Eating snake fruit on the balcony, watching sunrise

Snakefruit or Salak, as its name is in Indonesia, was one of those things I had never tried before. I later found out that it also exists in Thailand, Malaysia, etc., but they don´t taste alike.

Balinese Snakefruit has a sweet-sour taste and also differs in consistency. So it has become a ritual for me to buy a few, sit down on my balcony and just watch the sunrise uninterrupted.

I love those, but there's only one problem: if you eat too many, you end up like a traffic jam on a one-way street during rush hour.

And yes, I mean in the toilet.

3) Wake up to the noise of a rooster 

Bali has a rich tradition with roosters, not just in the context of rooster fights, which, while controversial, are also a deep-seated part of Balinese culture.

More pleasantly, the crowing of roosters is a common way to start your day on the island, especially in rural areas. It's a natural alarm clock that symbolizes the break of dawn and the beginning of life's hustle. This sound, which admittedly can be nerve-wracking if you want to sleep, is also characteristic of Bali and is definitely part of its charm and unique character.

However, I know of at least five roosters that have pushed me towards fantasizing about severing their ability to perform their sunrise solos.

4) Participating in the Galungan ceremony and spending a day in silence during Nyepi Day

Galungan is a significant Balinese holiday that celebrates the victory of dharma over adharma, or good over evil.

Being part of this ceremony gives you a deeper insight into the spiritual life of the Balinese. I felt honored to be invited to participate in the preparations, where you can see firsthand the making of the 'penjor', an ornate bamboo pole with offerings suspended at the end.

Then, Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, offers a stark contrast. It's a day when the whole island shuts down; no one works, travels, or even lights a fire.

The silence and lack of light pollution present an unparalleled opportunity for introspection and to witness the stars in the night sky like never before.

That day, I had an epiphany moment. I was able to let go of a ton of emotional baggage I was carrying around.

5) Spending time in a bird sanctuary and taking photos

There is a small bird clinic and sanctuary in Putulu, Ubud, where they offer food and coffee too.

The sanctuary is home to heron birds, including other species that are endemic to the region. The various bird calls and songs that fill these sanctuaries while you're walking through them create a calm, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

It's a perfect opportunity to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, capture some stunning wildlife photographs while enjoying a coffee and also make friends.

@romanlbinder

Lets help Wayan with his bird rescue and come here with the family #bali #ubud #birdrescue

6) Explore hidden gems and waterfalls completely alone

While it is true that Bali has a very busy and crowded side, there are still a lot of places where most tourists never go.

One of the best experiences to me is hiking through the lush jungle and spending time next to beautiful waterfall, just enjoying the sound of birds and forest around you.

This is an experience you can´t miss and if you get up early, you don´t even have to go to far away from the tourist centers

@romanlbinder

Its about the connections you make along the journey that make your struggles worth it #travelstory #waterfall #bali #photography

7) Zipping through rice terraces and temples left and right 

Bali is renowned for its breathtaking rice terraces, like those in Tegalalang, which offer a picturesque snapshot of Balinese agriculture and way of life.

Riding a scooter through these terraces with the wind in your hair is an exhilarating experience. The green hues of the rice paddies, interspersed with the bright colors of the temples and the traditional Balinese penjor flags, create a vibrant tapestry of colors and sights.

It's a thrilling way to explore the island's natural beauty, culture, and architectural wonders, all while feeling the freedom and adventure that come with navigating Bali's scenic backroads and pathways.

Thank you for reading !

See you next week from the asphalt jungle of Manila!

Roman

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