Looking at a map of Bali there is a wealth of possibilities for someone returning to Kuta from the north coast. One of the things to keep in mind in Bali, if you are planning a trip, or are the driver, is distances are deceptive and people require food and drinks about every 3 hours. Add a young kid to this and you pretty much have to stick close to the main road unless something extra special is drawing you from it.
Suggesting that we take the relos on a boat ride in Lovina, not the morning ‘dolphin patrol’ but a more leisurely cruise to enjoy the ocean and the coastline. At no time did I mention throwing anyone in, but my mother in law was not keen as she is scared of boats. No worries, my plan is to head east from Lovina, through Singaraja to the junction at Kubutambahan. This road leads up to the Batur crater, passing the temple of Pura Puncak Penulisan, said by some to be the highest temple in Bali. My relatives will probably not want ot look at temples, being Muslim, but for those with the time its a cool spot, with ancient stone carvings.
Circling the western rim of the Batur crater, we might get a look at the lake and the volcano, if weather conditions allow. A pit-stop at Penelokan, the ‘place to look’ as locals call it, will be in order for a hot cup of tea and toilet break. After that I’ll take them through the peaceful forest section I did recently, dropping down through Rendang to Klungkung. Connecting with the coastal Bypass I might try to make a stop in Sanur, as local families congregate at the beach on Sundays, it could be fun.
Incidentally, the same trip could take a route through Ubud, via a number of roads extending south from the Batur rim, the most pleasant of which being the one starting just to the east of the village of Batur and going through Payangan. Batur itself has a magnificent temple, Pura Ulun Danu Batur. Other temples that could be visited with a slight detour include Pura Kehen in Bangli and Pura Besakih, following the road to Rendang.
