CAA Manitoba Spring 2019 | Page 56

SOLO Travel Bali or Bust Known for its lush greenery, the island of Bali also boasts serene temples and black-and-white-sand beaches. Combine adventure with relaxation as you explore the different corners of the tiny, exquisite island— one of the 13,000 that make up the country of Indonesia. Along the way, you’ll meet skilled artisans, see rice terraces and learn the ancient ways of a peaceful people. 56 Spring 2019 CAA MAniTOBA rice terraces Local guides and your CAA host direct you up jungle-covered moun- tains and through local villages where you’ll dig into fresh and flavourful satays, nasi goreng (stir-fried rice) and other Balinese delights. Take a cooking class led by a master chef to learn island techniques and secret ingredients. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore on your own using a hop on/hop off bus. You might witness the grace of Balinese dancers or just soak up some sun on the beach. A visit to Mengwi’s Pura Taman Ayun with its stunning shrines, spires and fish ponds immerses you in history, while letting you indulge your spiritual side. Meaning “beautiful garden” in Balinese, the temple was built by the ruler of the Mengwi kingdom in the 17th century and was last restored in 1937. Try to catch the sunset behind the temple for picture-perfect golden- hour photos. Head northeast on the Indonesian island to learn the enchanting myths surrounding Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak. Legend has it that the gods created this mountain to house their thrones. Another myth says the gods put the mountain on the island to stop it from wobbling. Whatever the origin of Mount Agung, it’s home to another important religious site: Pura Besakih, the mother temple of Bali. The slopeside temple complex is considered the holiest Hindu site on the island, making it the perfect spot for a final meditation in this tropical paradise. Balinese dancers