Though we had planned yesterday to start off the day little early, I guess the hotel rooms are too comfy to leave that early! With great effort we made it to the travel desk on time, SP were the next to join. Inquired about the trip around the island and decided upon covering Batubulan - famous for batik art and paintings, Mas - known for unmatched craftsmanship in wood carvings, Ubud - identified as one of the major arts and culture center of Bali along, and then traveling through the Monkey Forest to visit Tanah Lot temple before wrapping up the day. We finalized the day's itinerary with the travel desk and booked a cab to take us around. AS joined us soon over the breakfast and we were all geared up for the day outing. Our cab was already waiting for us when we reached the travel desk and were greeted quite warmly by our driver-cum-guide-cum-consultant Ketut Suryawan - who helped us settle well in the Toyota Innova. In no time we were unwinding the city roads towards Batubulan.
The stop over in Batubulan was at a big art gallery with an in-house unit for demonstrating the art of Batik Painting. The painting is finished in stages with wax coatings at each stage covering up areas on the base material to prevent the color bleeding. Each stage applies colors in the sketched areas on the material. Finishing the material is boiling it to remove all the wax revealing the beautiful colorful painting. We went around the gallery and came across a wonderful piece with five faces reflecting distinct emotions. Liked at the first sight, bought in the second. A little expensive, but surely worth it. Picked up a couple of silk scarfs too before heading out to the next destination - Mas!
As you start nearing the Mas village, a number of small and big roadside establishments catch your attention with amazing carvings. Though advised by Ketut on bargains and negotiations, we decided not to stop over for these shops and instead headed to a main wood carving gallery. Its was our first time looking and wood art, and I must admin that it is very difficult to make head or tail out of it. Every carving had something about itself and an excellent piece of craftsmanship. 
There were a few from the junior artist, but the difference between the them and the one carved by a master was quite evident. We learned quite a few tips about assessing the artwork like differentiating between the types of woods used, the finesse of the craftsmanship, etc. and the things made quite some sense in checking out the vast variety and hundreds of pieces of artwork. Carving of Buddha, Hindu gods, birds, dragons, reptiles, copulating humans, mythological faces, etc. were the main attractions - different shapes, sizes, and colors. The native specialty of wooden masks fascinated us a lot, with idol of meditating Buddha being the second thing that worked up its priority on our shopping list. But the particulars one we liked in the shop were of ebony wood and crafted by the master himself, were quite expensive and way over our budget. Even though we did not pick anything ourselves, the overall experience was quite appeasing.
There were a few from the junior artist, but the difference between the them and the one carved by a master was quite evident. We learned quite a few tips about assessing the artwork like differentiating between the types of woods used, the finesse of the craftsmanship, etc. and the things made quite some sense in checking out the vast variety and hundreds of pieces of artwork. Carving of Buddha, Hindu gods, birds, dragons, reptiles, copulating humans, mythological faces, etc. were the main attractions - different shapes, sizes, and colors. The native specialty of wooden masks fascinated us a lot, with idol of meditating Buddha being the second thing that worked up its priority on our shopping list. But the particulars one we liked in the shop were of ebony wood and crafted by the master himself, were quite expensive and way over our budget. Even though we did not pick anything ourselves, the overall experience was quite appeasing. 
It is afternoon now and in plain words, we all are feeling very hungry. Reaching Ubud was marked by our anxiety to reach out the first decent restaurant and cater to our appetite on an immediate basis. We soon found ourselves sitting at the Bumbu Bali local restaurant opposite the Ubud Palace entrance, and soon were concentrating on munching away to glory. Though the place did not appeal that much on the first looks, the food was good and delicious. Fully recharged now, the next destination was most obvious - the shopping streets - the main attraction of Ubud. The cotton dresses are unique, graceful and quite appealing. Picked up a few and realized in time that we need to refuel our wallets with more local currency as not all small-time retailers accept dollars. Found a ATM, unfortunately to realize that both the options for language selection - English and Bhasha Indonesian - resulted in Bhasha Indonesian! Did not want to take risk with our already constrained funds, delayed the withdrawal to a later time. 
So the tip is to make sure you refuel your wallets sufficiently before hitting any local market as your would find lots and lots of stuff that you wanna buy! Besides dresses, the place is full of unique handicrafts, copies of all wood carvings that you would see in any of the authentic galleries of Mas, masks, accessories, paintings, n' all. Our search for Buddha is still on - we are looking for neat Buddha statue which we liked in Mas, but all copies were below the craftsman ship that we were expecting. I think the main reason is seeing the best of the works which has raised the expectations. And now all copies are falling way below the expectations; even though they were dirt cheap, we could not make up our minds to settle on one. Bargaining is the key, start with 40% of the quoted price and you can easily settle up around that price. Thanks to Ketut for sharing the tip with us.
So the tip is to make sure you refuel your wallets sufficiently before hitting any local market as your would find lots and lots of stuff that you wanna buy! Besides dresses, the place is full of unique handicrafts, copies of all wood carvings that you would see in any of the authentic galleries of Mas, masks, accessories, paintings, n' all. Our search for Buddha is still on - we are looking for neat Buddha statue which we liked in Mas, but all copies were below the craftsman ship that we were expecting. I think the main reason is seeing the best of the works which has raised the expectations. And now all copies are falling way below the expectations; even though they were dirt cheap, we could not make up our minds to settle on one. Bargaining is the key, start with 40% of the quoted price and you can easily settle up around that price. Thanks to Ketut for sharing the tip with us. 
We had already hit our deadline to leave the place and be at the Tanah Lot temple in time for the sunset, though not by a very large margin. Tanah Lot temple is know of its beautiful and serene sunsets. Started soon to continue our journey.. The cloudy weather was not very appealing, continuously shaking our plans to see the sunset. Anyways, we crossed our fingers and carried on directly to the temple, dropping the plans to spend some time at the Monkey Forest as initially planned. A line local shops lead us to the entrance of the temple and the first view brought big smiles on our face. 
The entrance point is relatively on a higher ground gradually leading downwards to the beach on one side, and leading upwards on the right to a cliff top! A beach on one side, temple in the middle and the sea waves splashing against the hard cliff walls make up an amazing sight. The Holy Water Spring site was a huge rock on the beach with temple on the top and a small cave inside. The cave has a sweet water spring which did surprise us - there is lot of water around - all but salty sea water - even if you dig a well, natural filtration won't be enough for taking out all the salt.. 
But yet, the spring water is fresh water - sweet to be honest. Unbelievable! Offered our little prayers, took the blessings from the water, and started enjoying the scenery around. Explored the scenic surroundings for some time, enjoyed watching the sea playing with the rocks, sending waves across to us. Listening to the waves is altogether a different experience - brings a feeling of endless peace and tranquility - makes you feel relaxed and refreshed! Before we figure out, the time had run out, it was getting dark and difficult to shoot any pics too!
The entrance point is relatively on a higher ground gradually leading downwards to the beach on one side, and leading upwards on the right to a cliff top! A beach on one side, temple in the middle and the sea waves splashing against the hard cliff walls make up an amazing sight. The Holy Water Spring site was a huge rock on the beach with temple on the top and a small cave inside. The cave has a sweet water spring which did surprise us - there is lot of water around - all but salty sea water - even if you dig a well, natural filtration won't be enough for taking out all the salt.. 
But yet, the spring water is fresh water - sweet to be honest. Unbelievable! Offered our little prayers, took the blessings from the water, and started enjoying the scenery around. Explored the scenic surroundings for some time, enjoyed watching the sea playing with the rocks, sending waves across to us. Listening to the waves is altogether a different experience - brings a feeling of endless peace and tranquility - makes you feel relaxed and refreshed! Before we figure out, the time had run out, it was getting dark and difficult to shoot any pics too! 
Ketut suggested to try out a Balinese restaurant near out hotel for dinner. Fantastic idea after a long day's outing, who could refuse! We got dropped in front of Kecak Bali - the Balinese restaurant at a stone's throw away from our Aston Bali. While we munched on the complimentary sea food crackers, our food was on its way to our table. The choose the typical Balinese preparation Ayam Betutu - a grilled chicken dipped in a bit of sauce served with white rice, while she choose to feast on her all time favorite Cap Cay - one of the few known vegetarian dishes. Good preparations, but a bit dry if compared to the Indian cuisine, but for sure not lacking in taste! Hitting bed was as usual preceded by a drink or two at the beach in our hotel, walking on the cool sand, the waves calling you out to the sea, sea itself shimmering like quick silver in the moonlight.. A difficult decision to go back to the room, but have to, got an early day tomorrow at water sports and birds park.
Good Night.. :)
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