Thursday, June 30, 2011

Temple Etiquette

Here are some rules that have to be observed by the visitors in visiting a temple in Bali. I always give my tour members sarongs and sashes when they arrive in Bali.

You must dress decently for temple visits, which means a sarong and sash. If you don't have a sarong, at least wear long pants for men and women a dress that covers knees and shoulders for women (or a skirt with a blouse, etc). At most temples there is a donation box with a book for registering at the entrance. You should always put a donation in the box. A couple dollars in rupiah.
  • Do not climb onto the temple buildings or walls.
  • Do not stand or sit higher than a priest.
  • Do not stand directly in front of the priest, or walk in front of the kneeling congregation. You must also not remain standing when people kneel to pray.
  • If people are praying, avoid getting between them and direction in which they are praying.
  • Use camera with discretion. Do not uses flash when the devotees are praying, it will be better not to use flash at all.
  • By ancient law, menstruating women are banned from the temples, due to general sanction against blood in holy area same prohibition applies to people with open wound.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Volcano Climbing in Bali

I have climbed Mt. Batur and also Mt. Agung and prime volcano climbing season is approaching in Bali. There is nothing like watching the sunrise from the top of Mt Agung. Mt. Batukaru in the west is also a climbing destination. Always hire a guide and avoid climbing during the rainy season.
  • MOUNT AGUNG (3142 meters)
  • MOUNT BATUR (1717 meters)
  • MOUNT Batukaru (2020 meters)
Here is the schedule for your Mt.Batur Climb:
0200am: Pick up service from your hotel. Drive for about two hours, we arrive in Penelokan. The drive down from the Penelokan to the Toya Bungkah, where we begin our trek.
0400am: A local guide will lead us reach the peak of Batur Volcano. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach the peak
0500am: A stop will be made for short break and drink
0600am: Arrive at the peak, while wait for the sunrise, we will host you with the packed breakfast
0615am: Enjoy the beautiful sun rise with an opportunity to view the three lakes in the side of the island and the Rinjani Volcano in Lombok
0700am: Descend the path down to the lake, with another stop en-route, drinking water is provided
1000am: Arrive back at the shore, refresh and take swim
1115am: Return to Penelokan for luch at local restaurant
1300pm: Return to your hotel

Mt. Agung Climb
Towering 3,142 metres above sea level, Mount Agung is the highest mountain on the island of