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Temples, Statues and Beautiful Bali Scenary
Enough about the Monkeys, lets take a brief look at the Balinese culture and temples.
Besakih Temple (Mother Temple)
This is a collection of temples found in the village of Besakih on the side of Mount Agung and is know as the Mother Temple. It is considered one of the most important temples in Bali and is over 1000 years old. When Mount Agung erupted in 1963 (killing 1,700 people) the lava flows missed the temple by metres, which is seen as a miracle and a sign from the gods.
Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah)
We arrived this spot a bit late, I do have to say it was a bit eeerie… pretty sure this cave was used as a resting place for many.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a massive, unfinished statue in Bali that currently exists in pieces. The statue (if completed) would depict the Hindu god Vishnu (or Dewa Wisnu, as he is known by the Balinese) riding aloft on his winged mount Garuda.
Once completed, the statue will rise 479 feet above the ground, taking first place in the world’s tallest-statues contest (compare it to the Statue of Liberty which stands 151 feet). But to be honest I am not sure if there’s enough budget to complete the project.
I guess when its done it’ll look something like this:
Barong Dance: Fight of Good vs Evil
Finally, I end this photo journal w/ a photo fo Batur Volcano. Having lunch at the edge of the cliff staring at the volcano is an unforgettable experience and a must do if you ever visit Bali. Thanks for looking!
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Monkeys Monkeys Monkeys in Bali Indonesia
About a year ago when U.S. Navy Seals raided and killed Bin Laden in his Pakistan compound, I spent the weekend in Bali somewhat in fear of a retaliation. Bali is well known for its tourism as its among one of the best places to surf, party, and experience the diverse culture it has. Because of all its lucrative offerings, its a well targeted bombing spot.
I was born in the year of the Monkey, naturally I like monkeys; so here’s a quick photo blog of some photos I took showing off the animal.
Some are not so lucky tho… :(
However, I did eat this Asian palm civet’s poo though (pictured above). The Kopi Luwak was not your average coffee you can get at the corner store. I had to give it a try; I can say that it does not taste like poo that’s for sure.
Yummmmmmm…
Monkey’s aren’t the only animal I saw, here’s rest of the photos of some other cuties I was lucky enough to meet.
Thanks for checking this photo Blog out, stay tuned soon as we explore the Beautiful Bali scenery, the rich Culture and its people has to offer.
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Photo 13/52: The Great Walk of China
Finally got to visit the Wall, the longest man made structure in the world. We were fortunate (or unfortunate) to have very little visitors on the day that we went. The wall was beautiful and monument as you would expect. The wall was once used to protect against the intruders of the North, but today it is often used for romantic strolls. -
Photo 12/52: House of the Sun
One of Maui’s most memorable experiences, seeing the Haleakala sunrise from almost 10,000 feet above sea level does take some planning. Forcing to wake up at early hours, drive 2 hours just all before 6am to catch this magnificent view.
Don’t get fooled by the sunny sky, it is actually really cold up here. If you come up, be sure to dress warm otherwise you may need to mummify yourself like Kimmy -
Photo 11/52: Fight of Good vs Evil.
Above photo depicts the fight between good and evil. Barong dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality.
Story goes like this; Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, practiced black magic and summon’d evil sprits to attack Erlangga. Rangda casted a spell that made Erlangga soldiers pointing their poisoned keris into their own stomachs and chests.. Barong would counter that by casting another spell making soldiers invincible against sharp objects. -
Photo 10/52: It Didn’t Quite make it.
This photo was submitted to a contest for a chance to win $5k Futureshop Giftcard. The topic of the contest was “Life on the Canada Line”. It was a lot of fun shooting this and running around chasing sunset since our days were so short during winter. I did not win the contest but it was a great overall experience. Looking forward to enter many others to come.Special thanks to Botalpha for taking few moments to help edit this image.
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Photo 9/52: 2012 End of the World Cliff Jump
Bravery don’t go unnoticed. Ka Lae point (aka. South Point) in Hawaii, is the most southern tip of USA. Here lay the 50+ foot cliff. It is one of the world’s most dangerous jumps because of the strong current and wind that can swift you away. Furthermore, After the free fall you will have to fight against the nasty nature elements and pull yourself up on a fishing rope to the rusty ladder to get back to civilization.
However this does not scare away Bardia the Brave. Koodos.— with Bardia Baghaei at South Point, Big Island Hawaii. -
Photo 8/52: Baba House
Peranakan Homes were to be found in the regions of Malacca City dating back to the 18th century. These homes are actually a combination of European, Chinese and Malay Influences. When the Peranakans of Indonesia and Malacca came to settle in Singapore they made their homes in this traditional style paying close attention to details as similar as it was in Malacca homes.
This stretch of cute homes are located on Koon Seng Road. Be sure to check it out when you Visit this beautiful City.. oh and eat your Laksa!!!This stretch of cute homes are located on Koon Seng Road. Be sure to check it out when you Visit this beautiful City.. oh and eat your Laksa!!! -
Photo 7/52: Yogi’s Dark Enlightenment
Yoga as it is known means the state of perfection, which is attained through the mind. The state of yoga is realized when the sense of identification with the mind’s perception, the false self consisting of the ego, the intellect and our complete record of meaning, is dissolved. State of Santosa.
The path to enlightenment is a path within the yogi, the knower of the mind; but what if somewhere you turn toward the dark arts?
This photo was inspired by Brooke Shaden. Check out her amazing work!!!!! -
Photo 6/52: The Rock
I drive by this road many times during the winter and now more often in the summer as well. We live in such an amazing place and we are so lucky that we never have to drive too far to see such beauty. -
Photo 5/52: Empire State of Mind, China Version
In Shanghai, concrete jungle where dreams are made. There’s nothing you can’t do, now you’re in Shanghai. These streets will inspire you, make you feel brand new, let’s hear it for Shanghai, Shanghai, Shanghaiiiiii.
Was here close to a year ago, took this shot and now looking forward to be back to the mainlands next month. Next stop, Beijing and Guilin. -
Photo 4/52: Temple of Doom
Of course, one of the main reasons for visiting the Big Island is to check out its active volcanoes. Kilauea Volcano has erupted lava almost continuously from its east rift zone since 1983!!! Unfortunately this time there was no molten lava flow hitting the ocean to see the creation/destruction of land. But seeing this crater and the Lava glow is still a fantasy come true for me.
I swear if I were to hop over the security fence, I should be able to find Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Like to say special thanks to Alexis for this amazing opportunity to visit this island and stayed very comfortably during the entire trip. Can’t wait for you to see the Harley photos! -
Photo 3/52: Manual Shutter
This is my first attempt at shooting stars. I had the privilege to visit Mauna Kea Summit while we visited Hawaii, the Big Island. this is approximately 9000 ft above sea level. The amount of stars you can see without light pollution is absolutely stunning. Every minute you can see a shooting star.
One lesson I learn during this shoot is to never forget to bring your remote trigger. I had to hold the shutter button for about 30 minutes. My fingers were just about frozen. Luckily Kimmy got me some hot chocolates to keep me warm. =) -
Photo 2/52: Rise Above.
I posted a photo of this shoot I did. This suite is truly amazing, with magnificent views and beautiful finishes.
Somehow I’m just drawn into shooting interior space and it brings so much satisfaction. Thank you for all the amazing people out there giving me a chance and trusting me to shoot these beautiful homes. -
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