Can you spot the tallest Banyan tree in Bali? Would you like to feel its ancient energies and learn its secrets? Let’s go! Starting from Munduk Back Street, we’ll gradually descend down into the fields below to learn about the farmer’s life and the functioning of the UNESCO World Heritage “Balinese Subak Irrigation System”.
• Appreciate crops and spices by walking along the rice field terraces and spice plantations. I will point out healing plants, nuts and fruit that are used to make Jamu Medicine, an ancient herbal medicine passed down from many generations in Bali. Get a glimpse of the local Balinese cows that look like deer, in their bamboo homes.
• Cool down at a small outdoor public bath and speak to the villagers at a small village nearby. Learn how the houses are constructed of local material.
• Share in their daily life activities: gather wood from the forest, prepare the spices for the daily meal, cook on an open fire, or maybe exchange English conversation with the children.
• Trek to the hill top of Gesing Village where you can absorb amazing views of rice terraces below. Find yourself vibrating with the immense bows and root system of the Giant Banyan Tree, Bunut Jero Kengken which is 800-1000 years old! Listen to the stories of how it was strategically used during the war.
• Stroll through Dayang Village’s spice plantations. Finally, we take a dip in the waters alongside the village children eager to mingle with you.
I’m the sixth generation of the original people of Munduk. My grandfather used to tell me stories of the Dutch colonial times when I was little. I enjoyed learning about the old times, and now, am happy to teach you how the Dutch have brought unique architecture and agriculture to this region of Bali.
When I was young, my father became sick and my mother had to support the whole family. I needed to help my family and began working in the tourism industry. I was lucky to have met Ady then. He taught me a lot and today I help him with his dream, to bring education to the children of the poor families in Northern Bali. Ady is currently the Volunteer Balinese Manager of Rainbow Bend and I am one of his assistants.
- Small offering to the Sacred Temple at the Giant Banyan Tree.
- 10% of your payment will go directly to Rainbow Bend, a Dragonfly Charity project (Please see my bio for more information) · 9km, 6 hours / moderate-difficult (a shorter trekking route is optional)
· Meet at your guesthouse at 09:00 and return to your guesthouse at end of tour.
· Bring a light rain jacket for sudden tropical rainfalls, and sunscreen for when it clears.
· Wear good walking shoes and we suggest a hat.
· If you don’t want to swim in your clothes, bring along your bathing wear.
· Carry plenty of drinking water.