On our trip up to the volcano of Mt.Batur, we had to stop in Tegallalang. When you visit Bali and travel to its highlands, as we did, you cannot but be amazed by the beauty of the thousands of hectares of lush green paddy fields that cascade in terraces from the upper reaches of volcanoes down to the deep valleys below as if sculpted from the mountain side.
Indeed, Bali is blessed with 150 rivers and streams that provide water year round to irrigate this most important staple. We stand in awe at the wonderful spectacle of rich green rice fields undulating over valleys and across mountains.
Climbing up steep and winding roads, we finally reached the mountainous region around Kintamani, centering on the spectacular volcanic caldera of Mt. Batur (1412m) with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, is very fertile and rugged with a high and wild beauty. Wonderful mountain air and dizzying views in all directions, as well as several important temples, makes this area a memorable stop on our journey across Bali.
The largest lake in Bali is nestled inside the island’s most active volcano. As we wanted to explore the inside of the volcano, we drove down a steep road, which took us to a place right at the shore of the lake where we swam and relaxed in natural hot spring water pools…what spectacular scenery.