THIS week Monday Miles is taking a little detour as we bring you a special Tuesday Travels. My name is Dillon Pillay, and I am the journalist for the Southlands Sun newspaper. Although we have a different name for our special edition, do not worry because I am still taking you on my adventures across the ocean. Today’s special edition is coming to you from the tropical wonderland of Bali, Indonesia.

Also read: Monday Miles: Be our guest at Disneyland Paris [Video]

As your resident wanderer, storyteller and somewhat coffee connoisseur, today we will explore some of the most iconic visual spots in Bali. When we visited in September 2023, we managed to book something called an Instagram tour which took us to some of the most aesthetic places. From rice terraces to sacred temples in the sky and even a cup of the world’s most expensive “poop coffee,” today’s journey is a real adventure.

Often referred to as the Island of the Gods, Bali is the place where spirituality and serenity meets scenery. With its yearlong traditions, lush landscapes and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, Bali was one of the standout locations of my trips.

Tegalalang rice terrace

One of the most breathtaking sights in Bali is the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace, just outside Ubud.

• It is known for its lush, tiered rice farms cut into the hillsides
• UNESCO-recognised cultural landscape

Standing there, with the terraces draping along the hills, you can’t help but feel like you are literally immersed in another world.

Tukad Cepung waterfall

The Tukad Cepung waterfall was one of my favourite spots because it was tucked away hidden by the tall bushes and requires a 15-minute trek to get there.

• While the trek is tiresome with steep stairs and uneven paths, it made for a good mini hike.
• Along the way down, there were some pretty unique cafes that served as stopping points.
• Once you reach the bottom you follow a river walk that leads into a sunlit cave with a waterfall.

Once inside the cavern, the waterfall appears through a narrow opening in the rock and it feels like a secret spot hidden by earth. Huge boulders on the walk also allowed for some top tier photos.

Lempuyang temple – Heaven Gate

Lempuyang Temple is not only a visual gem but an iconic spiritual spot. It is incredibly popular for its world famous “Gate of Heaven” shot. The picture is taken at the split gate that features a background of Mount Agung

• What makes the image popular is the illusion of the reflecting water which is actually a mirror trick by local photographers
• The temple is also one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bali

Poop coffee

Apart from our fun adventures on the Instagram tour we made a quick stop and tried the world’s most expensive coffee, which is found in Bali. We visited a Luwak coffee and tea tasting at one of the plantations.

So, I am sure you are still wondering how is poop coffee considered the most expensive coffee. Well that’s largely due to how it is made.

How it is made:

• Coffee cherries are consumed by the civet cat
• The waste of these civet cats is collected, washed, dried and roasted
• It is given time to ferment which gives it its popular smooth taste.

I tried it, purely for journalistic purposes of course, and honestly did not mind it at all. Once you mentally get over the poop thing, it truly becomes some of the smoothest coffee you will taste.

Another part of the experience that was a highlight for me was getting to try the different types of teas, which included pandanus tea, ginseng tea, coconut tea, mangosteen tea and ginger tea.

After a full day of exploring and trying new things, I was already in love with the customs and the cultures of Bali. The views and aesthetics were just mind blowing.

That is all we have for this week’s special Tuesday Travels, and I will see you guys next week for the final edition of the Monday Miles for the year.

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