This is the best way to get the real feel for the rural life of Bali and to soak in the beauty of the fields without the crowds. We met some locals, walked through breathtaking scenery and along the way Koman explained us how the rice terraces were built and irrigated.
We saw how the Balinese farm their land, what they grow, from Avocados, Papayas, Bananas, Rambutan, Passion fruit to Coffee and Cocoa…and so much more…just about everything grows right here in this fertile, little paradise.
Koman also brought us to the sacred spring that feeds the Tirtagangga water palace…a peaceful place in the middle of the jungle. On our way home we passed the hut of dear friend of Koman, a eighty nine year old Balinese woman, almost completely blind, living all by herself in the jungle. Amazing how graceful she is in her looks and content in her being.
In the afternoon we looked for one of the beaches in East Bali that remains blissfully undeveloped. A small, curvy and deserted road leads to this white sand beach, a rarity along this stretch of the coast. Due to the volcanos most other beaches have black sand. Pasir Butuh beach is long and curved, flanked by cliffs and backed by fields of coconut palms where local kids playing soccer share the grass with cattle.
The far end of the beach is lined with fishing boats, where women weave nets and men build boats…a peaceful place. We loved our massages at the beach just before having a delicious seafood lunch….life is good!