Off The Beaten Track In Bali

There is so much scope for non tourist travel in Bali and Indonesia. One only needs to drive 90 minutes west of the bustling and overcrowded airport of Denpasar and Kuta township to reach a beach where coconuts, surfers, sunsets and the friendly neighbourhood dogs might be your only companions.

There is a richness of ritual that is carried out here every day. Ceremonies on the beach take place regularly producing a scene of fragrant incense smoke, flames, chimes and chants ringing out around a group of crisp white outfits and larger-than-life temple effigies and flower petal offerings.

The innate spirituality of this beautiful island is so deeply magical, thanks to the many sacred rituals that are carried out by the Balinese on a daily basis, and we invite anyone who has ever called Bali a tourist trap to open their eyes to the ‘real’ Bali.

You might have heard the mainstream media beginning their mumblings about Canggu; 18 months ago a less well trodden track took you down to a surf break that was a steady Sunday favourite for those looking for an escape from the easier and more crowed breaks at Seminyak and Legian. Batu Bolong in particular is a thriving scene for the young and hip traveller in search of a cool vibe with space to breathe, with the convenience of an empty (or packed) café for your post yoga or surf avocado eggs and green juice.

Every day a new café pops open with yet another menu of mouthwatering dishes. Nalu Bowls is moving in from Seminyak and Betelnut Cafe are about to open their second restaurant. Another yoga practice, another cross fit and another place to get freshly baked croissants.

Now is the time to visit Canggu – enjoy this special part of Bali while the mix of expats and entrepreneurs can still afford the rent to show their wares in between rice fields, Balinese warungs
and cows in an unceasingly creative and eclectic way.

Stay in Canngu with Inner Temple Retreat for an authentic yoga, massage and meditation experience that honors and connects to the deeper soul of Bali from $895USD.

This article was written by Emma Latham, the owner of Inner Temple Retreat Bali. For more info on her retreats and their Bali holidays visit www.intertempleretreat.com