Photo Journal – Puri Taman Ujung, East Bali

by Barrie | June 30th, 2011   Tweet

One of my favourite places to visit in Bali on the east end of the island is Taman Sukasada; more commonly known as Puri Taman Ujung. Surprisingly it is a place not frequented by tourists on a large scale. This delightful place is located 5 kilometres south of Amlapura. Built in 1921 by the last Raja of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah, Taman Sukasada with its recent renovations is a pleasure to visit.

I can well remember a few years back it was in a sad state of disrepair, however, now it is a pristine and attractive destination firmly secured on the tourist routes. Of the water palaces in Bali this is the largest and set in beautiful gardens with spectacular lakes and pavilions. Puri Taman Ujung is a definite must-see when you visit Bali and one that you will enjoy. This picturesque park is open from 7am to 6pm and the entry fee is only Rp10,000.

Clouds of Bali – A Photo Journal

by Barrie | May 1st, 2011   Tweet

Everybody knows that Bali is a photographers’ delight with so many colours; in the landscapes, the people and their dress, markets, the culture, and of course, the fabled sunsets. How many times have you bothered to actually look at the sky in detail when it’s not a clear day? You would be surprised at the poetic images created; especially in the early morning and at dusk.

As a kid I used to love looking up at the sky on a cloudy day and try to imagine animals and other features in the sky. Yes, we all did it! Bali has a unique location in this world being in the tropics. Storms are prevalent yet rain may not fall. This atmospheric action combined with the sun’s rays hidden behind the clouds provides some spectacular and colourful images.

Lombok: A Photo Journal

by Barrie | October 11th, 2010   Tweet

Lombok is the island located directly east of Bali across the 1300m deep Lombok Strait. Anyone who has visited Bali and Lombok will tell you the latter has a fraction of the tourism of Bali. The sister island to Bali has so much on offer to see and do. The environment is pristine with natural, curving bays and high mountains affording spectacular views.
Many people have said to me that Lombok is like Bali was twenty years ago and, they are correct. There are many things I basically liked about Lombok; no traffic jams, the peace and quiet, delicious cuisine and an intriguing culture that I found quite absorbing.

Lombok is easily reached from Bali via boat or air. Being only a half hour flight away, Lombok is a delightful place to visit even if only for a few days. The neighbouring Gilli Islands are reached by boat from Lombok and are a definite must-see for any lover of snorkelling, surfing or just plain chilli’ out on the pure white stretches of sand.
Lombok’s Sasak culture isn’t as colourful and demonstrative as the Balinese culture but short term tourists don’t usually care about culture, other than as a pleasant backdrop. Lombok has the raw materials at hand and room for expansion of its tourist industry. Within the next couple of decades Lombok will look completely different.

Lombok: A Photo Journal

Lombok is the island located directly east of Bali across the 1300m deep Lombok Strait. Anyone who has visited Bali and Lombok will tell you the latter has a fraction of the tourism of Bali. The sister island to Bali has so much on offer to see and do. The environment is pristine with natural, curving bays and high mountains affording spectacular views.

Many people have said to me that Lombok is like Bali was twenty years ago and, they are correct. There are many things I basically liked about Lombok; no traffic jams, the peace and quiet, delicious cuisine and an intriguing culture that I found quite absorbing.

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