BALI (Indonesia) - Bali, an island whose name is inseparably linked with both serenity and adventure, revealed the many faces of its nature and culture on the second day of our media tour.

This enigmatic land offered us four completely different experiences in a single day: the thrill of rafting down roaring rivers, the spiritual calm of a thousand-year-old temple, the freedom of flying over green rice terraces, and the comfort of resting in one of the island’s most luxurious hotels.

Each attraction opened a new window into Bali’s spirit—a place that can raise your adrenaline, soothe your soul, connect you to the earth, and leave you with a lasting taste of beauty and refinement. This report is a narrative of moments that can only be lived in Bali—moments between water and sky, between history and nature, between life and dream.

The Ayung River in Bali is a destination that sets every adventurer’s heart racing at the mere mention of its name. Winding and rushing through tropical forests and towering cliffs, this river offers more than a water sport—it is a blend of excitement, natural aesthetics, and a glimpse into local life. Rafting on the Ayung is not just recreation; it is an experience that lets you feel both the rush of adrenaline and the deep calm of Bali’s wilderness.

Our inflatable boat was lowered into the water and we climbed aboard one by one. Within minutes of setting off, the first collision with the waves came. Yet the Ayung is not only rapids and thrill. At times the current slows, and the boat glides over a mirrorlike surface. In those pauses, we could truly take in our surroundings: towering stone walls draped with ferns, coconut palms reaching skyward, and birds darting among the branches. The quiet, broken only by trickling water through rocks, brought an indescribable calm.

At journey’s end, the adventure was over, but its memory will last. The only real challenge for visitors is the many steps leading to and from the river—a climb that tests your stamina but does little to dim the magic of the ride.

When people think of Bali, many picture its iconic stepped rice terraces—fields that climb the hills like an endless staircase. Among the most famous and beautiful of them are the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, known not only for their natural beauty but also for the giant swings that have become symbols of freedom and exhilaration. This is a place where you can both feel the tranquility of nature and the thrill of soaring into the sky.

Looking closely at the terraces, you see how water flows in order across each level, bringing life to the rice seeds. This rhythm and harmony transform the fields into more than farmland—they become a living artwork, a cultural landscape.

Leaving Tegallalang, you take with you not just countless photos and videos, but also a deep sense of connection with the earth. That is why Bali stands out as a special destination worldwide: a place where you can both fly above the land and feel rooted in it.

The next stop on our tour was an ancient temple, spoken of with reverence: Gunung Kawi Sebatu. At the entrance, what struck us first was the lush greenery and the soundscape of birdsong and flowing springs. Stone steps led us inside, flanked by turquoise ponds where koi fish swam beneath dancing reflections of sunlight.

The temple’s architecture is a union of Balinese tradition and the sanctity of nature. Moss-covered stone walls seemed to have grown out of the mountain and forest itself. The air was heavy with the scent of sandalwood and incense smoke.

Our guide explained that this temple is not only a tourist site but also a living place of worship. Many Balinese families come here once a year for ceremonies and rituals, keeping centuries-old traditions alive.

For those seeking the most luxurious, serene, and dreamlike stay in Bali, the name Viceroy tops every list. This five-star hotel, perched above the deep valleys of Ubud’s tropical forests, combines the grandeur of Balinese architecture with modern comfort.

From the moment you arrive, the experience feels different. A majestic wooden entrance with high ceilings, a forest breeze drifting in, and the warm smiles of staff offering a traditional Balinese welcome all hint that you are about to enter a world of peace and elegance. Guests are not treated as mere visitors but as part of the extended Viceroy family.

One of the hotel’s highlights is its renowned restaurant, located on a hill with sweeping jungle views. Here, Balinese specialties meet international cuisine in a refined setting.

For those eager for adventure or cultural immersion, Viceroy offers private tours to rice terraces and ancient temples, Balinese cooking classes, cycling through traditional villages, and even hot-air balloon rides above the forest canopy. It is a bridge between the most luxurious hospitality and the most authentic experiences of Bali.

AM