BALI (Indonesia) - A recently-held media familiarization tour of Bali, attended by a number of Iranian journalists and social media influencers, was a journey to discover the authentic face of the country’s culture and nature.

The first day began with visits to temples and village homes in Bali, a famed province of Indonesia, where traditional architecture and religious rituals play a central role in daily life.

Later, the group explored rice and coffee plantations, the grandeur of Tegenungan Waterfall, the tranquility of Lake Batur, and the panoramic views of Kintamani village. Each stop offered a rare combination of culture and nature, creating a sense of connection with the spirit of Bali.

Walking into Bali’s rice terraces feels like stepping into a living canvas of green in countless shades. These fields, like a carpet stretching between earth and sky, have for centuries provided not only the staple food but also shaped the cultural identity of the island.

The morning air, cooled by breezes from the mountains, refreshed the spirit, while the gentle sound of water set a soothing rhythm.

Our local guide explained that rice cultivation in Bali is not just agriculture but also a sacred tradition. The Balinese believe in the rice goddess who blesses and protects the harvest. This reverence has preserved the island’s ancient irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showing how people and nature can live in harmony.

As we walked along the terraces, every step revealed a new perspective. Farmers were transplanting seedlings after plowing with ox-drawn ploughs, smiling warmly at us as if proud to host distant guests. The smell of wet soil and freshly cut stalks created an unexpected calm. Drinking coconut water by the fields became an unforgettable part of the experience.

Lunch was served in a rustic village restaurant, where fresh Balinese rice accompanied tropical fruits and aromatic spices. The flavors revealed the richness of the island’s cuisine, though the unfamiliar tastes may challenge some visitors.

For us, the rice terraces were more than a tourist attraction; they were a profound encounter with the way land, culture, and spirituality interweave in Bali.

Our next stop was Kintamani, a highland village with breathtaking views of Mount and Lake Batur. The cool mountain air greeted us upon arrival, and narrow streets lined with thatched-roof houses reflected traditional Balinese life.

Locals welcomed us with warm smiles. In the small market, villagers sold fresh produce, handicrafts, and spices. The guide explained that the market opens around 5 a.m. with morning prayers, marking the start of the day. The bright colors of clothing and the aroma of spices created an energetic atmosphere.

Kintamani is famous for its scenery. Visitors frequently paused to capture the landscapes on their cameras. Temples decorated with carved stone and wood testified to the villagers’ strong religious traditions. Rituals and festivals still revolve around these sacred places.

By the time we left, the midday sun was high, blending humidity, cool breezes, and the occasional sound of passing motorbikes into the rhythm of the village.

Visiting a Balinese coffee plantation felt like traveling back in time. The air carried the scent of damp earth, rain-washed leaves, and ripe coffee cherries. Glossy green trees bore clusters of red berries, sparkling like rubies.

Our guide explained that coffee in Bali is not only a crop but also a way of life. Generations of farmers have cultivated the trees with patience and respect. We watched a villager harvest and grind beans by hand.

After observing drying, roasting, and grinding, we sampled various flavors—vanilla, chocolate, coconut coffee, and local herbal teas. The first sip carried a deep, earthy taste with a pleasant bitterness unlike any coffee we had tried before.

Overlooking forests and distant mountains as rain fell lightly, we sipped fresh brews while the breeze carried the aroma of roasted beans. It was more than a farm visit; it felt like each cup told a story of land, labor, and enduring culture.

By afternoon, in light rain and lingering mountain mist, we headed toward Lake Batur. Nestled inside the crater of Mount Batur, the lake shimmered like a mirror reflecting shades of gray and blue.

Our guide noted its vital role as the main water source for surrounding fields and as a center for traditional fishing. Mount Batur’s volcanic soil has enriched agriculture despite its history of eruptions, symbolizing the balance of danger and life, fire and water.

Around the lake, vendors and small markets catered to visitors, adding a familiar touch of local commerce. The lake, however, remained more than a destination. It was a reminder of nature’s power and beauty.

Tegenungan Waterfall was out next destination, where we in advance heard its roar echoing through the forest. The trail down wound between lush trees, with humidity thickening as we approached.

Tourists crowded the area, some swimming in the murky water, others perched on rocks to watch. The sound of the falls drowned all else, leaving only a sense of freedom.

Our guide explained that the site’s accessibility makes it one of Bali’s most popular waterfalls, also visited by locals for rituals, as water is considered sacred.

The media tour was part of Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy. Starting Sept. 14, it hosted a delegation of Iranian media representatives and social media influencers to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

AM