VW Safari Bali Tours
Go Topless - VW Safari Tours definitely isn’t the type of tour that just
anyone can appreciate, especially those creatures of comfort who are used
to traveling in full air-conditioned vehicles. But, if you have an adventurous
streak and inkling to see the ‘real’ Bali, then you are in for a treat.
Recently Bali Tribune had the opportunity to participate in a VW Safari
tour along with four other visitors from England and Australia. We left
the dust and crowds of Kuta behind and traveled in a rainbow convoy of
three vehicles along the winding back roads of Seminyak. Once away from
the tourist hustle and bustle, the drivers stopped briefly to let down
the canvas roofs. It was a perfect day, the sky almost cloudless with just
the right amount of breeze to splay ones hair in every direction.
Although the VW or Volkswagen, as it is more commonly known, has a
fairly noisy engine it was surprising the speed that our 1976 machine displayed.
Our humble Balinese driver/guide, must have been a rally driver in a previous
life as he expertly maneuvered the vehicle around sharp bends.
The convoy traveled through some quiet unknown roads and past some
spectacular rice fields in the various stages of harvest. Workers were bundled
in layers of clothing and conical hats to protect them from the harsh tropical
sun as they thrashed sheaves of dried rice stalks. Groups of small village
children laughed and waved as we droved by, obviously amused at the crazy
tourists in the noisy machines.
Our first stop point was on the isolated Tabanan coast at Yeh Gangga Beach. After a refreshing cool drink and snack of lightly fried bananas, our group alighted two large horse drawn buggies for the five-minute trek to the beach. We were greeted by several majestic looking horses in shades of chestnut and black who were to be our companions for the next hour or so. The ride along the black volcanic sand beach was invigorating and the Menado mixture horses willingly trotted past the newly opened Wakka Gangga Resort, with stops at an ancient temple, small waterfall, bat cave and back through the sleepy village. The time atop our four-legged friends flew by and before long we were back in our newly painted cream, yellow and fluorescent orange VW’s.
Once again we wove and bumped through a series of small and un-serviced
roads observing quaint villages and weather worn temples. The particular day
that we were out was an auspicious day on the Balinese calendar and was
especially good for a groom and his entourage of family to pick up his
prospective bride from her family compound. We saw numerous processions of such
with everyone decked in their finest sarongs and gold jewellery.
As our vehicles steadily proceeded through the Tabanan Regency the air became
distinctly cooler in the higher altitude. The surrounding vegetation here was
richer with deep red hibiscus flowers growing wildly along the roadsides
alternating with tall shoots of bamboo. Our descent was steady until we reach
the most stunning emerald shaded rice terraces on the island. The area of
Jatiluwih has been relatively untouched by technology and comprises of literally
acres of fertile land with a minimum of houses scattered in between. We had a
rest at a small hillside café constructed from rods of bamboo and were served
cups of sweet muddy Balinese coffee.
The last leg of our trek the drivers must have been hungry as we spiraled
down from the mountainous location through villages of smiling children to our
lunch destination at the Ayung River Rafting headquarters. Set on the lush
sloping riverbank, the area is home to a host of chattering monkeys and a
handful of regally poised camels who have adapted perfectly to their tropical
environment. After a delicious buffet lunch downed with icy cold drinks we were
offered the chance to participate in the afternoon river raft. On a full stomach
nobody had the energy to venture the stone steps down the bank to the river. So
we sat back and relaxed in the restaurant with its backdrop of splendid
greenery.
The flexibility of the drivers from VW Safari’s makes a refreshing change
from normal tours. They are quite willing to stop off for photos or anywhere
that happens to catch the guests’ eye. There is none of the usual mundane stops
at the overpriced art shops and silver dealers, where prices are hiked to give
guides a slice in the commission pie.
On the trip back our group was more than a little merry, noses reddened from
exposure to the sun and drunk from the sights and sounds of the ‘real’ Balinese
countryside. The sky overhead was darkening with rain lurking close by. It was
time to put up the canvas tops and return home.
Go Topless - VW Safari Tours operate daily with both half and full day tours
starting at a very reasonably priced US $ 49. 00 Max. 3 passengers / car. The
tour we experienced was the Tabanan Tour and guests have the option at the end
of the day to stop off at Jimbaran Bay, in the south of Bali, for a succulent
beachside BBQ dinner at the Bamboo and Baruna Seafood Café. An alternate route
is the Kintamani tour, which also travels through some splendid natural terrain
and stopping off at places of interest.
Go Topless - VW Safari Tours is a wonderful visual experience with perfect scenery for budding photographers. If you can handle windblown hair and the roar of the vehicle’s 25-year-old engine, then you’re in for a great day out. Sunscreen and cameras are a must.
