Well, to begin with…first of all, I have NEVER been in volcanic areas. That’s why I have eagerly taken part in volcanic journey with Expedition Bali team. Destination: Mt. Batur. And here we go….
It seems hard to believe, but in spite of its paradise fame, the island Bali has very severe volcanic origin. It’s of no use going seeking here for white coral sand coasts. True Bali is all about volcanoes, ancient temples and tropical rainforests. That’s why Expedition Bali team’s mission is focus on unique nature of Bali, its culture and traditions.
This travel project was launched in 2014, but in less than a couple of years it has become well-known in Bali and beyond it. The owner and founder of Expedition Bali, Roman Denisenko heartily shared the secret of success (answering my question why the project is gaining high recognition): “It’s pure attitude. We love what we do. Offroad tours by Expedition Bali are original. Quite out of stereotypes. Each guest (and even children) feels like a true adventure seeker travelling with close friends while taking part in journeys. It’s not a plain excursion to crowded places, that’s real life is all about. These things are on one side, and careful arrangement, attention, responsibility on the other”.
Adventure spirit is also based on driving original vintage 1970s Toyota jeeps. Basically, I was astonished with their awesome condition. People fond of classic vintage cars would be surely impressed! And so was I. It’s like flying back in the past with the time machine. 40-year-old jeeps look new due to remarkable work of Expedition Bali technical maintenance staff. Four driving wheels and high clearance provide excellent passability in any terrains and out of them as well. Frankly speaking, it was the first time when I travelled in a jeep! This unexpected journey was definitely to broaden my outlook and grant me new volcanic experience.
So, the journey started. Together with Expedition Bali team, we were riding the Toyota jeep (by the way, 1976 YOM). Mt. Batur is located in the middle of ancient caldera in Kintamani area, and surrounded by the lake Batur on its right side. This is UNESCO’s global geopark. The caldera looked quite small on the map, but its real size was impressive. The height of Mt. Batur is 1717 m, and the climate around is not that tropic, but rather dump and cool. That’s why Expedition Bali team always recommends the guests to wear jackets and comfortable boots!
Slopes of Mt. Batur are covered with layers of lava, volcanic tuffs and volcanic bombs (huge pieces of magma, released out of volcanic pipe). This was due to volcanic explosions in different years of the 19th and 20th centuries. The last explosion of volcano Batur happened in 1974. Hazardous lonely mountain with fire inside it… Breathtaking view.
The slopes of Mt. Batur also contain a great number of caves. One of these caves was devoted to Ganesha – elephant-headed Hindu deity of prosperity. Believe me – that was really a mystic place. No one negative thought or vibe was able to survive inside this cave. This can be explained due to the fact that the mountains are considered to be sacred places, “dwellings of gods” in Hindu religion.
Let me get back to vintage jeeps. If an average person is able to drive a car, driving a jeep may seem quite simple, but it isn’t true. Jeeps require another driving style. It is a hard task, but Expedition Bali team is skilled and experienced in driving this type of cars. Nothing to worry about! And it was high time for me to relax and indulge myself in viewing “moon landscapes”. No trees, no grass, petrified lava only. Do you know that lava can be coloured in variety of shades? Its shade depends on dominating chemical element. Red shade points to ferrous iron, yellow means sulphur, dark grey and black mean basalt.
Finally this adventurous day came to the end. I was deeply impressed and completely blown away with everything I had seen during this journey. What else can I say? Nothing but to say thanks to Expedition Bali for breaking the limits and fabulous views of true Bali. These people love everything they do and you can’t but perceive it! If you are adventure traveller, seasoned tourist, or even perfectionist, Expedition Bali is definitely an exceptional choice.