The early bird experiences the best.

Today, the alarm clock rings early as well. After avoiding the tourist crowds yesterday by getting up early, we're doing the same today. We're already on our way to the Tegalalang rice terraces at sunrise. When we arrive half an hour later, we're almost the only tourists. We park the scooter and take a walk through the rice terraces. Beautiful! You can't even imagine how crowded it gets here around noon when buses from all over the world bring tourists here.

We stroll around and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. After the terraces, we drive to Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu. A temple complex that is located a bit outside and borders the rainforest. At the entrance, we rent a sarong (a piece of fabric skirt), as this garment is mandatory for both men and women here.

Here too, we are almost alone and can take our time to explore the temple grounds. Fascinating colorful decorations on the walls and pillars, a beautiful main temple, holy water pools, and a badminton court. Yes, a badminton court. Apparently, even the faithful Balinese people need some exercise now and then.

After our early morning tour, we head back home. We're back at 10 o'clock and focus on planning the rest of the trip.

We go out for lunch and lounge by the pool. Since the food from lunch will stay with me for the next 1 ½ days, we're saving the pool loungers for that time.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, we will continue to the small island Gili Air. The island, which can be comfortably walked around, is located between Bali and the larger island of Lombok. After our days on Gili Air, we will spend 6 nights on Lombok and of course keep you up to date with photos and reports.