To finish off we were invited into the farmer’s home (a beautiful traditional Indonesian designed home surrounded by Bonsai trees) to try seaweed crackers in the garden. They are made in the style of prawn crackers but taste even better. We bought some to fry up back home.
If you’re afraid of heights [like me] this spot may be a bit of a challenge, but is worth it to see the beautiful views. This was by far the most crowded spot we encountered, but I’d still recommend stopping by to take in the views and get a picture. If you’re staying longer you could head to the beaches or treehouse.
If you’re brave enough you can also go on the zipline. It costs around $80USD. There was no line up so David got straight on. I wouldn’t vouch for how stringent the safety measures are [with a cracked old archway being the anchor point and a very young attendee securing the ropes] but our experience was good. It’s not super fast, but it’s certainly extremely high and you get a 360 video at the end.
Included in our day was this lovely little lunch spot overlooking greenery. They had a very nice selection of local foods [as well as American or Italian fare if you prefer]. It was a quiet, relaxing and shady spot to sit and rest. Like most places in Bali the quality produce really stands out.
To enter the cave temple you’ll need to be dressed appropriately, which you can pay someone to help you with that at the shops out the front. By the time you walk up the many flights of steep stairs to the entrance you’ll be very grateful that someone is waiting at the top to flick holy water in your face.
After making a small donation, you’re guided to the temple entrance – a tiny opening in the rocks. The only way in is to slide down through the tiny opening. Our guide said the legend is even the biggest person can fit f=with the right intention, but even the smallest won’t with the wrong ones.
[Note – you will be asked if you are on your period and are not permitted to enter if you are. ]
Once you’ve lowered yourself down through the entrance and crawled a short way, you’ll suddenly find yourself in a large, dark expanse. This quiet and mysterious place is a beautiful sight, unlike anything I’ve encountered elsewhere.
A winding path leads through the cave and passes the main temple stairs [where you cannot enter as a tourist]. We passed shrines and classes of students. It’s a marvel, particularly to someone like myself, reflecting on my own relationship to God and expression of faith. Being in a vastly different theology and form of worship swells interesting questions about the pursuit and discovery of God.
This final leg of the journey was not part of the standard tour, but I’m so glad the team suggested it, because Tembeling is well worth the visit. [Note – we went here instead of seeing the ‘Tellytubby Hills’ which were apparently dry and not so pretty at this time.]
The only way to reach this spot and probably the only reason it is not completely overrun by tourists [although you will certainly see other tourists there] is on motorcycle. With no helmets and some seriously steep not-so-well-trodden paths, the motorbike journey is a little harrowing, but a lot of fun.
Winding stairs lead down to two secret beaches and a couple of clear water natural pools. There are enormous and beautiful old trees, a little swing, crashing waves stunning cliff faces. It felt like the perfect little escape to end or window into Nusa Penida.
Visiting Bali? Look out for articles coming soon.
