Bali Picnique: Belimbing Trekking

The Real Bali Discovered by Foot and Wheel at Belimbing Villages

Belimbing Village is perfectly suited to cater to all your outdoor adventure needs, being situated in the stunning scenery of the highlands of Bali surrounded by unspoiled nature. The temperature here is cooler for sports whether you choose to explore the jungle, rice terraces or quiet picturesque village roads by foot or mountain bike – all with your own guide.

You may even decided to explore the untouched coastal scenery down at Soka Beach, where our mountain bike tour concludes, and where an impressive temple is found as well as a huge bat cave.

Whichever tour you choose, you will not be disappointed. Bring along your camera, provisions and smiles for an outing you will never forget.

Hindu Priest Blessings, a Monkey Forrest, a Sacred Temple and Two Waterfalls

A Unique Tour

6 hours – Fit, Healthy & Adventurous

Start: Belimbing Village

Provided: Water and light snacks. Sarong and sash.

A refreshing walk from Belimbing Village starts in the cool of the morning. You will be brought through the rice terraces and into the jungle, by your personal, experienced guide who will fill you with the knowledge and wonder of the area by pointing out fruits, trees, spices, plants and even butterflies, birds and insects along the way to the first point of interest that is soothing First Water falls. You will cross streams on bamboo bridges, or by stepping stones, have a few steep inclines and descents and take in mother nature at her finest.

You may call into some very traditional cottage industry businesses en route, still in extremely simple conditions, such as basket weaving, palm sugar production, and cacao or other spice preparation for sale, on your way. These farmers are simple, charming folk who will not hesitate in making you feel welcome and of sharing their very humble abodes with you. Dogs, chickens, pigs and other domestic animals are also very much part of the traditional way of life. Although the dogs bark a lot, they are not aggressive, just sounding the warning to their owners and the village that you are there.

Once at first Water falls, you will take a rest and take in the scenery. This waterfall tumbles about 30-metres from above, into a carved out cave of natural rock. The sunlight breaks through the trees and overhanging large bamboo creating a stunning light canopy. Reposing, this is the perfect place to gather thoughts and be at peace.

Your guide will then lead you to a little bale (open wooden but roofed rest spot) up on the next hill that overlooks the most amazing views. Here you will have some refreshments and light snacks and take in the breathtaking surrounds, in preparation for the next leg of the journey onward to the second water falls. This is where your camera will definitely come in to use - all to the gushing sounds of the first waterfalls not far.

Continuing to the next waterfall your guide will lead you through charming local villages, with people going about their daily life, through jungle, rice terraces and quiet lanes, once again informing you of all the nature around you.

You will arrive at the second waterfalls through a rice terrace with amazing views and onto a small piece of secret forest. This waterfall is considered very Holy, and many ceremonies are held here. To the right of the waterfall, on a plateau further up you can see a temple – it is here that many purification and blessing ceremonies are conducted. This waterfall is higher and perhaps more impressive than the first at about 40-metres, and around it you will notice placed bamboo pipes, that are actually makeshift showers for the local villagers to bathe, as well as some other naturally flowing water sources. Again, this is the time for refreshment and quiet contemplation at one with the nature around you. From the waterfall you will climb the gentle slopes of the forest to a shaded meditation hut made from antique Javanese wood, and if you like, your guide can once again offer you a light snack.

Moving on, a shorter hike will take you once again through the jungle, quiet lanes and villages where you will arrive at Pura Mekori (Mekori Monkey Forest and Temple). Your guide will dress you appropriately in a traditional sarong and sash to then receive blessings from the Hindu Priest before entering into the Monkey Forest. The monkeys are harmless, but nonetheless are wild animals, so please respect them and their environment and keep a courteous distance.

Your guide will lead you through to the very impressive Mekori Temple in the middle of the forest, of which some trees are over 1,000 years old and are enormous. The temple is used for major ceremonies drawing the surrounding villagers on auspicious days.

After your temple and forest visit, your guide will lead you back to the chauffer driven car where you will be brought back on a 1.5 hours journey to Sanur, Kuta, Ubud, Jimbaran or you can stay at Cempaka Belimbing Villas ( 085100451178 / 79 ) just 10 menutes from Mekori Temple.