TRAVEL STORY: JACUZZI IN THE JUNGLE!

TRAVEL STORY: JACUZZI IN THE JUNGLE!

A private jacuzzi in the jungle topped off my 3rd day of circumnavigating Bali by bicycle. I was actually visiting a bustling public hot spring in the lush mountains of north Bali, but I’d managed to secure my own private open-aired jacuzzi. I immersed myself in soothing natural hot water while gazing at coconut trees, rattan palms, banana fronds, bamboo, an exceedingly tall jungle tree and the vast blue sky. Ahhhh, paradise.

I had actually been to this hot spring 10 years earlier, during my first cycle tour of Bali. I vaguely remembered that it was a strange place, though the details escaped me. This time, as soon as I’d arrived my memory was immediately jolted into recognition: everywhere I saw screaming, yelling, racing, splashing, laughing, jumping children! Ahhh- ha! This place was a locals’ public water playground.

I don’t know about you, but that particular scenario I generally find entirely stressful, annoying and pointedly UN relaxing. I had gone to the hot springs seeking relaxation, quiet and peace after a long day of cycling down a volcanic mountainside. The amusement park atmosphere of the place was a pity, I thought, since the hot springs were situated in such a beautiful and potentially serene jungly hillside.

And it just goes to show, yet again, a truth I discovered many years ago regarding tourist attractions: simply venture 100 M beyond the ‘attraction’ and, Voila, you’re in your own private paradise!

Reporting from one such paradise, Lash

QUESTIONS:

Have you ever enjoyed a jacuzzi in the jungle or forest? If so, where?

If not, what was your favorite Jacuzzi or spa experience? 

You might also enjoy my Cycling Bali series, my daily account of circumnavigating Bali island.

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Interested in being guided around Bali by an expert of the island?

Come join me on my 2-week small group tour of Bali in June, 2014. Four to ten guests will accompany me on a fun culture and nature immersion tour of the Island of Gods: Bali Nature & Cultural Tour.