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Bali Volkswagen Safari Tours
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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 Manado
mixture horses willingly trotted past the newly
opened Waka 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 jewelry.
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. For further
information, simply E-mail
us.
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