Welcome to Bali!
Mollie Hand
Published January 07, 2026
5 Minute Read
Sensory Bali
After our long travel day, Addie and I woke to the sound of a rooster's crow. Soon other bird song joined in. We walked out to an overcast morning with the many green colors greeting our eyes. Then our taste buds were treated in the compound's kitchen with a delicious breakfast of rice, savory chicken, mildly spiced vegetables, and not-too-sweet pancakes. We washed it down with Balinese coffee. Then came the Preschoolers to visit and learn Gamelan. It was a wonder to see the transformation of the 13 preschoolers starting with utter chaos and soon finding a group rhythm led by the gifted guru, Pak Made as he brought out the emereging leaders in the young group.
After the morning's adventures, our driver Ar took us to the Bali Botanica Garden.
Culture and Nature
The garden is the largest in Indonesia, and it's close to Pak Made's compound. It's a center for conservation and research. The orchid garden was my favorite, but the indoor cactus garden was gorgeous, too. Not only is the garden another treat for the senses, Ar told us about some of the Hindo statues and tembles in the garden.
Temples, spices, Rice
The afternoon was spent at a family temple where we were treated to a delicious lunch. We were given some sarong to borrow so we could show our respect as we visited. The following day we went on a walk among the rice fields, visited a spice plantation, and enjoyed a hot springs. We filled our two days together with so many sights, sounds, scents, tastes, and feelings.
