Today we had an early start with a tour arranged through our hotel. We had a private driver called Gama who has been at the hotel since it opened 20 years ago and he took us around the local area for the morning.

What a fabulous trip. We’d asked to see some specific places but left it up to Gama to decide how best to do this.

First stop was Purah Puseh Batuan Hindu temple at just after 8am this morning before most tourists got up. It was so tranquil. All villages have their own temples that the villagers maintain together. They also have their own family temples at home. It is respectful to cover your legs when visiting so we were shown how to wrap our sarongs for our visit. There is a lady way and a man way.

The Balinese Hindi faith is a little different to the Indian Hindu – different names for their gods although there are similarities. The Balinese believe very much in reincarnation and a balance between good and evil. In Bali you cannot sell your homes as these belong to your ancestors so homes stay in families for ever. If a family has no dependents then the home is offered to another young couple on condition they then take over the ancestors and maintain and pass on the home to their future families.

All temples have statues guarding them. Looking a little like gargoyles these are gods guarding the temple and the ancestors. Festivals and worship follow rituals and the moon – with at least a special event every six months with offerings, dancing, singing and blessings.

On then to see wood carving in action at a local gallery where we were shown the different wood types. We were very taken with one of the local woods – from the Hibiscus plant. It’s a very strong wood and two tone colours. There were some VERY expensive pieces and our hosts told us all about the process for carving.

Next stop was a local waterfall and more Koi Carp. In 1942 Bali was under the control of the Japanese, until they lost the Second World War in 1945 and Bali became an independent country. The Japanese introduced Koi Carp and they have become very popular.

On then to a coffee plantation to sample locally produced teas and Bali coffee including one of the worlds most expensive coffees – Luwak coffee which has coffee beans eaten off the plants by Luwaks who then poo them out. The poo is collected by hand, the beans separated from the other poo’d substances (fruit) washed them dried then ground. Luwak coffee is higher in protein and lower in caffeine than other coffees and a very smooth taste. We got to sample all the different teas and coffees in beautiful surroundings.

Our final stop was Tegalalang Rice Terrace, popular for all those Instagrammers who want to pose on a big swing while wearing a hired long flowing brightly coloured dress. Not withstanding the posing and pouting people, this is a UNESCO heritage site with terraces of rice fields that have been in use for centuries and is owned by all the villagers. It’s beautiful and breathtaking with many steps!

A wonderful morning spent with our lovely guide!