Kyoto, Japan (Part II)

Kyoto is a place where you can see a lot of local Japanese ladies wearing kimono or yukata (casual kimono).

Kyoto is also the most famous Geisha or Geiko in Kyoto dialect district in Japan. The word consists of two kanji, 芸 (gei) meaning "art" and 者 (sha) meaning "person". After the release of the film Memoirs of a Geisha, Kyoto became even more popular and attracted a number of visitors. There are a lot of shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where Geiko and Maiko (Geiko apprentices) entertain. 

There may still be some confusion about the nature of the geisha profession. Geishas are regarded as prostitutes by many non-Japanese. In fact, legitimate geisha do not engage in paid sex with clients. Their purpose is to entertain their customer, be it by dancing, reciting verse, playing musical instruments, or engaging in light conversation.

Beside Geisha and Maiko, I also had a chance to watch a Samurai sword performance by a 83 years old Samurai.

Previously posted... Kyoto, Japan (Part I).

Awaji Island, Japan

Awaji Island or 淡路島 in Japanese, is an island in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. It is connected to Kobe on Honshū by bridge ever since the completion of Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge on April 5, 1998. Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge is the longest (3,991m) suspension bridge in the world.

Maybe because of the island is surrounded by the ocean, the amount of fresh seafood can be found here and it's quite popular with its fish too.

It's also a good place suitable for agricultural crops because of its mild climate. It has mountains and hills which taken up to 65 percent of the island and also you can find some rice terraces here. It's quite popular with their onions and strawberries too.

I have also visited the whirpools of the Naruto Strait between Tokushima Prefecture and the southwestern side of Awaji Island by Uzushio Cruise. The Naruto whirlpools form in the strait between Naruto, Tokushima and Awaji due to the difference ways the tides and flow in the Seto Inland Sea and Pacific Ocean.

There are quite a number of nice hotels around here such as The Went, The Westin, Ebisu Hotel, Sports Hotel Athena Awaji, Higashiura Sunpark, etc. I myself was staying at The Westin Awaji Island. Fortunate enough, my room is facing the sea with a beautiful sunrise too !

Generally, Awaji Island has a lot of places worth a visit to enjoy the natural scenery besides big cities in other parts of Japan. Why not give it a try ?

Bali Island revisit (Part IV)

First of all, I would like to introduce you to a famous drink in Bali, the Teh Botol (bottled tea). It's actually a popular Indonesian drink of sweetened jasmine tea which is also sold worldwide. You can easily get it in most of the places selling beverages.

Secondly, I would like to recommend Babi Guling at Ibu Oka, Ubud. It's a suckling pig serves with rice, crispy pork cracklings and spices. It costs around Rp 20,000 per plate.

The next "must try" would be Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner). It was first opened in 1990 and has quite a good rating from the customers. We ordered the Bebek Bengil (Crispy duck) of course. It's served with Indonesian spices, sauced potatoes and side salad or rice with Balinese vegetables. Besides, we also ordered Gado-Gado which is actually steamed mixed vegetables with tofu, egg and peanut sauce. The whole meal costs us around Rp 200,000 which also include a soup and drinks.

After we visited the Mount Batur in Kintamani, we went to a strawberry farm. Due to a cooling temperature, there are quite a lot of strawberry plantations. So we tasted their strawberry juice and strawberry pancake with ice cream.

Lastly, the Soto Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Soup With Noodles and Aromatics) and Ayam Betutu (Balinese Spicy Braised Chicken) are also worth mentioning here. Ayam Betutu is made of chicken with spices inside consisting of turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, galangal, onion, garlic, cassava or salam leaves and chilies.

By the way for those who are from western countries and miss your home food while you are in Bali, I would recommend some nice and cheap western foods at Bamboo Cafe at Poppies Lane 1. I did try it out on my last day in Bali.

So this ends my post on Bali Island.

Previously posted... Bali Island revisit (Part I), Bali Island revisit (Part II) & Bali Island revisit (Part III).

Bali Island revisit (Part III)

Kuta is one of the main tourist destination in Bali island. It is located near Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport which is about 15 to 20 mins away. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach with minimum rocks or coral, varied accommodation, restaurants and bars, and also a well known destination amongst surfing lovers.

To get around, you may get a scooter (Rp 30,000 - 40,000 per day rental), taxi (Bluebird or Bali Taksi) or you may experience getting in a horse carriage.

When I was on the way to Ubud, I stopped by at Pasar Seni Sukawati. It has a double storeys market and maze of stalls selling souvenirs, artifacts, foods, paintings, fabrics, batiks, clothing, etc. It's the best place to shop in Bali in my opinion but you will definitely need to bargain down to a very cheap price.

Ubud is more to a cultural centre of Bali. In Ubud, you will be able to see a more greenery side of Bali. From Ubud, you will be able to see rice paddies at Tegallalang village, Mount Batur at Kintamani, volcano, temples, statues and monkeys too.

Coming up next is Bali Island revisit (Part IV)... I'll be posting about foods.

Previously posted... Bali Island revisit (Part I) & Bali Island revisit (Part II).

Bali Island revisit (Part II)

Bali island is also known as the Island of the Gods or the island of the thousand Temples. Balinese Hinduism has roots in Indian Hinduism and in Buddhism. Balinese Hinduism is deeply blended with art and ritual. Ritualizing states of self-control are a notable feature of religious expression among the people, who for this reason have become famous for their graceful and good behavior. There are a few temples worth visiting such as Besakih Temple (Mother Temple), Tanah Lot Temple, Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, Pura Tirta Empul and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. 

This is my first time to visit the Besakih Temple during my second visit to Bali. Besakih Temple is known as the most important, the largest and holiest temple of Hindu religion in Bali. Maybe this is the reason why they call this the Mother Temple and you may expect a 30 mins to an hour walking.

Beside Besakih Temple, I would recommend Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. It is a major Shivaite and water temple located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. It's located 1200 m above sea level so it has a cold tropical climate.

I have also stopped by and made my second visit to Taman Ayun Temple when I was on my way to Bedugul.

Coming up next is Bali Island revisit (Part III)... I'll be posting more of Kuta and Ubud areas.

Previously posted... Bali Island revisit (Part I).