This time, two Dutch travelers tell about their experience of traveling around in Bali. They are the couple Winand Spekman and Georgina Spekman. They came to Bali for the second time and stayed in Sanur area precisely at the Gya Kana Gallery, a property owned by a Balinese photographer, Ida Bagus Sutadi.

Winand and Goergina have a favorite place in Bali, namely Sanur. The village has indeed looked modern since the tourism began to develop. However, people still preserve their customs. The hotels established in the region remain to preserve Balinese architectural style. “I like best to stay in Sanur as located close to the beach, so that I can see the sunrise here,” said Georgina.

Similarly, the community, added Georgina, was very polite. As the simplest thing, Balinese people in general would lower their body when walking among the sitting people as a sign of respect and courtesy. “When passing in Sanur especially in coastal areas, people are friendly and diligent to greet guests,” she said.

Other than Sanur, this retired couple has also enjoyed the cool air of Bedugul tourist attraction, Tabanan. Bedugul is one of the tourist attractions having become an option of family vacation as it offers affordable price. At the location, travelers can see Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu Temple, Eka Karya Botanical Garden and picking strawberries directly from the garden. Aside from strawberry, local communities also sell a variety of fresh vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, corn, tomatoes, potatoes and many more. However, for practical reason, travelers can purchase them at the local traditional market. “At Bedugul, we saw a lot of beautiful sceneries,” she said.

I.B. Sutadi also took the couple to Singaraja, Tanah Lot tourist attraction and visited several ceremonies such as wedding. “In Bali, we also see Balinese Dance and many people present the offerings. It is very unique,” added Winand.

Meanwhile, their vacation on the Island of a Thousand Temples was inseparable from food delights. “We have tried several Balinese dishes and almost like all of them like satay and roasted suckling pig,” she said. “For my beloved Bali, when we come back here again for a vacation, we want that Bali remains to maintain its local wisdom. The island is very small, so that keep Bali for Balinese people,” she advised.
Winand and Georgina will return home to the Netherlands on December 2, where they have spent a month-long holiday in Bali. As planned, next year they will be back to Bali to visit some places that have not yet been visited. (BTN/ocha)