Indonesia

Bali: Floating in seventh heaven

Swinging into life: Jungle swing over the rice terraces for lovers

(Bild: kitzcorner)

Unwind high above rice terraces surrounded by palm trees - the new vacation season in Bali is off to a refreshing start.

Lush greenery as far as the eye can see. The storm clouds of the rainy season have cleared away and the happiness hormones are sprouting. Couples and families in love romp around on the rice terraces of Tegallalang in the north of the small town of Ubud. These scenic features are among the most beautiful sights on the Indonesian island of Bali. These "hottest" Instagram spots in the world will make your heart beat faster.

Guests who relax and watch the scenery in the open-air restaurant go into raptures. "Women float high above the fairytale-like natural backdrop on a swing, the extra-long trains of their special dresses in bright red or orange fluttering impressively through the air with every swing," describes one young observer with fascination. A popular snapshot for postings!

Inner contemplation in the temple kingdom

(Bild: Karl Grammer)

Despite the rush of visitors, the price remains on the ground. 150,000 Indonesian rupiah, just under nine euros, for five minutes on the jungle swing is affordable. Those who prefer to avoid dizzying heights will find other tempting photo opportunities around the rice terraces. In the dreamlike arena, couples can capture emotional pictures for eternity at a heart-shaped water oasis or in "love nests" made of lianas.

The gods are favorable to holidaymakers
Bali is often called the island of the gods. The journey between Ubud and Denpasar gives an impression of the imaginative richness of the Hindu world of faith. For 30 kilometers, the narrow road winds its way through almost seamless rows of villages, with artisans' workshops of all kinds lining the way. At a leisurely pace, the cab passes jewelry, furniture, paintings, carvings and unique stone carvings.

Elephant god Ganesh watches over natural beauties such as the Tegenungan waterfall.

(Bild: Karl Grammer)

There are often masterfully crafted sculptures of the more than 300 celestial beings who are said to live in 5000 places of worship on the island in the Indian Ocean. Ganesh, one of the three most powerful gods, watches over everything. "He is wise, clever and means well with us," reveals taxi driver Oka with a reassuring smile. For one day, he drives us everywhere in a minibus for 24 euros per person - including tips on local restaurants with delicious national dishes for three euros each.

INFO

ARRIVAL: Fast and cheap flights are usually with Emirates, Turkish Airlines or Qatar from Vienna to Denpasar.

ACCOMMODATION: Resorts such as Hotel Komune & Beach Club Bali directly on Kerama beach offer comfort and a good location at fair prices.

MOBILITY: Taxi drivers, who are available for two passengers for a whole day for 45 to 70 euros, are often cheaper than rental cars.

GENERAL INFORMATION: www.bali.de

What a monkey business with the tourists!
In fact, friendliness reigns in Bali. The island is considered safe. Vacationers are taught otherwise in the eventful "Monkey Forest". A US tourist was too focused on her husband's cell phone camera when she posed in front of a jungle tree without paying attention to her half-opened handbag.

Up close and personal with little macaques

(Bild: Karl Grammer)

A cheeky long-tailed macaque did not miss this opportunity. Swish, the purse was gone. Sitting smugly in the fork of a branch, the thieving primate indulged in the frenzy he had caused. The monkey casually plucked one bank and bank card after another from his wallet and dropped them. Experienced gamekeepers finally coaxed the prey out of him.

Paradise on land and under water
There are many natural gems to discover around Ubud, such as the Tegenungan waterfall and hot springs. The trip to Tulamben takes 2.5 hours. The tour is particularly worthwhile for snorkelers and divers. The famous US shipwreck "Liberty", torpedoed in 1942, lies directly on the coast.

Tegenungan waterfall

(Bild: Karl Grammer)

The coral-strewn wreckage is a hive of marine activity. Only the former "reef lord", a two-meter-long barracuda that posed like a vain film star in front of underwater cameras, has disappeared. In contrast to the runaway, vacationers in Bali are happy to return.