TOUR BUDAYA: BALI

Trip to Bali : Day 1

The journey started when I woke up at 2 AM. We all gathered at Bandung Station at 4 AM, and by 5 AM, the train was on its way. We were given some fruit and water right away, which was nice. We had 11 hours to kill on the way to Surabaya Station, doing whatever we wanted: sleeping, eating, praying, watching movies, or scrolling through TikTok.

We got to Surabaya at 4 PM, then after a 30-minute break, we continued by bus to the port. Unfortunately, the bus ride wasn't that great for me because I got motion sickness. At 2 AM, my class was one of the first groups to arrive at the port. Too bad we couldn’t catch the sunrise on the ferry since it was still too early.

Luckily, I didn’t get seasick on the ferry, so the 3-hour trip was way better than the bus ride. Since we were the first group to step foot in Bali, we got to shower and have breakfast peacefully until 7 AM.

Tanah Lot : Day 2

Our first destination in Bali was Tanah Lot. We arrived at 9 AM and got back on the bus around 11 AM. This place offers breathtaking views of the beach and ocean, surrounded by coral and rocks. There's also a temple perched on a small coral island, which is a popular spot for photography.

Tanah Lot truly dazzles with its natural beauty. We strolled around enjoying the sea breeze, listened to the crashing waves, and of course, took photos with the iconic temple in the background. It’s not just about the stunning scenery; the place also has a peaceful and calming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. The two hours we spent there flew by because there were so many interesting things to see and do.

Jimbaran : Day 2

Our second stop was the opening event for our class, with a dinner by Jimbaran beach. We had delicious seafood and fresh coconut water. After eating, we played in the water at the beach. Once the opening event was done, we kept having fun by singing and jumping around to some songs while beautiful fireworks lit up the sky. It was such a blast!

When the event finally wrapped up around 9 PM, we took a group photo and then headed back to the hotel by bus.

Tanjung Benoa : Day 3

Our third destination was Tanjung Benoa, which is known as the watersport center of Bali. There are more than 12 types of water activities here, like banana boat, parasailing, seawalker, diving, and many others. Besides that, Tanjung Benoa also has some interesting attractions, like Turtle Island, the Mangrove Forest, Caow Eng Bio Temple, and Dalem Ning Lan Taman Beji Temple.

We arrived there around 8 AM and stayed until 10 AM. Since we only had 2 hours and I was already wearing my uniform for the next event, I didn’t do any watersports. Instead, I visited Turtle Island by crossing the sea in a boat. At Turtle Island, you can interact directly with various types of turtles, such as green turtles, olive ridley turtles, flatback turtles, and hawksbill turtles.

Besides turtles, there are also other animals there, like pythons, bats, iguanas, and various kinds of birds. From 9 to 10, we spent time playing on the beach before heading back to the bus.

Devdan Show : Day 3

The next destination was the Devdan Show. We arrived there at 11:30. This show showcases various Indonesian cultures, including those from Bali, Papua, and Kalimantan, along with other entertainments.

As soon as we stepped in, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere. The stage lights sparkled, and the music started playing, boosting our excitement. The show began with mesmerizing Balinese dances, complete with beautiful traditional costumes. Each scene transported us to different regions of Indonesia, showcasing the incredible cultural richness.

There were also impressive acrobatic acts that left us in awe and high-energy contemporary dance performances. The dancers were incredibly talented, and every move they made felt alive. One of our favorite moments was when they presented the Papua culture with colorful costumes and spirited dances. We were truly immersed in the atmosphere, feeling like we were traveling across Indonesia in one night.

Moreover, there were spectacular stage effects like fire and water, making the show even more thrilling. The two-hour duration felt so short because we were enjoying every moment of it. After the show ended, we left feeling satisfied and filled with admiration for Indonesia's cultural richness. The Devdan Show truly was an unforgettable experience!

Uluwatu : Day 3

Our fifth adventure was Uluwatu. We arrived around 11:30 in the morning. Pura Luhur Uluwatu, also known as Uluwatu Temple, perches dramatically on a steep cliff overlooking the sea.

This temple is believed to be a spiritual pillar of the nine cardinal directions and is dedicated to the manifestation of Lord Rudra. As we entered, we were immediately struck by the ancient aura surrounding the temple, feeling a sense of reverence for its sacredness.

But the adventure didn't end with just exploring the temple. We also had to abide by the rules of the site, which included wearing sarongs and sashes as a sign of respect. And let's not forget about the mischievous monkeys roaming the area! They were known for their antics, often snatching belongings from unsuspecting visitors.

Despite the monkey business, we couldn't help but be enchanted by the breathtaking views from the cliffside. The crashing waves below and the golden hues of the sunset created a magical ambiance that we'll never forget. Uluwatu was truly a blend of spiritual serenity and natural beauty, making it a highlight of our Bali journey.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) : Day 3 

Our sixth adventure took us to Garuda Wisnu Kencana. When we arrived, the Kecak dance had already begun at 5:00 PM. We were immediately captivated by the thunderous music and mesmerizing movements of the dancers. They brought mythological stories to life in such a captivating way, immersing us in the enchanting culture of Bali.

After the show ended, we didn't miss the chance to take group photos and class photos beneath the majestic GWK statue. One moment that will always stick with me is when we were the first group to take photos before the lights started to dim. We managed to capture a lively video and cheerful photos, but unfortunately, the groups that came after us missed out on the lights as the event had ended. They even teased us jokingly, saying we took too long with our photos, causing them to miss their chance.

But that's not the only thing we remember from this visit. The magnificent beauty of GWK also left a lasting impression on us. The towering statue of Wisnu alongside the legendary bird Garuda facing the sea created a truly awe-inspiring sight. After that, we continued by buying souvenirs at Krisna. We were there from 10 PM to 11 PM.