Was picked up by Made (brother of Dewa who was recommended from the forum) and his cousin Nyoman to bring us for a day's trip to Bedugul. Started from seminyak and first stop was at the Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple. Paid Rp6k for 2 but you can't enter the temple complex. Had a viewing tower and you can walk round the moat to take pictures. Next stop was Lake Bratan. On the way, we stopped at a viewing point to take some pictures of the rice terraces and valley. The air here was so fresh and cool and was definitely a welcome change from the hot town of Kuta.
We proceeded to Mentari for the obligatory buffet lunch at Rp50k. I know its a tourist trap but not willing to offend our driver we did so. Pleasant and cooling though but food was ordinary. Went over to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and paid Rp20k for 2. Lovely place and took many pictures. Compared to some postcard pics, however, i noticed that the temples are no longer surrounded by water but by a lawn. Anyway you could get pretty close for some nice pics. Once we were done, we went to the botanical gardens for a drive through and panoramic view of Lake Bratan which cost us Rp15k. Many families were here for picnics or just a family day out. Was pretty nice to see the lake from a hill and just watch local families enjoying a nice sunday afternoon.
Our driver did ask us if we were interested to see monkeys and bats at Alas Kedaton but we weren't so interested in furry animals and we went off to Tanah Lot. Paid Rp20k to get in and bought a hat to protect us from the sun. Its really hot here but the views are spectacular. Walked down to the temple itself and wifey got a blessing from the priests (i think). That allowed her to go up the steps somewhat and get some nice pics. I wandered around the place taking in the waves coming in. There was this holy snake but din go near there. Walked back to the other cliff to get a panoramic view of tanah lot as well as the other cliffs on the other side. It was really breathtaking views. Left around 4pm+ when most tourists start to come. Took a 'shortcut' route to Ubud bypassing lovely paddy fields and later artists shops.
Checked in at Ubud Village Hotel and wanted to go to Zen spa but was fully booked. Ended up at Bali Ratu spa and paid US40 per pax for 1 1/2 hr spa. Free transport was provided and took us to Bebek Bengil (original at Padang Tegal) for dinner. Really lovely restaurant, dimly lit yet romantic setting. Had the crispy duck (Rp50k per pax) and both of us loved it. Walkaround the place. In the day, you would be sitting among paddy fields enjoying your meal. They provided free transport back to the hotel and walked around. Cafe Wayan was next door, nice place but we were too full. TBC...