Landscape & People

Most people who have visited Bali say that the real Bali can be found where the rice grows. In Bali rice fields can be found almost everywhere, and the Balinese people have depended on this method of agriculture for almost 2000 years. The terraced rice fields were carved by hand, with the help of some simple tools, and are being maintained by succeeding generations. Imagine yourself watching the sun rise through the mist over a rice field or taking a hike through their lush greenness. It is a must thing to do in Bali to visit at least one of the numerous rice paddies.

Walking around the rice fields, even sometimes through them, far from the classic tourism circuit, you often do the best encounter. I ones was invited by a family to see them working, even worked with them ! I asked if I could take some pictures and they happily accepted. It was a really nice sharing time. Here are some portraits I took of them.

While you continu to walk across the rice field, you might end up deeply in the mountain where the best waterfalls are hidden. You can find them in lush rainforests and deep mountain valleys in the island’s central highlands. They’re among the great sites to add to your list of adventurous things to do in Bali. Most are at the end of scenic routes, usually requiring treks past rambling creeks, and you may sometimes need to cross wooden bridges and descend a series of rocky steps. Upon discovery, these popular Bali waterfalls reward you with immersive experiences. You can take a dip in the pebbly pools under cascading falls for a soothing break. Some of Bali’s best waterfalls let you take in their magnificent views from down at their surrounding base or from above adjacent hilltops.

While you get lost into Bali deepest area, sometimes your only chance to manage your way home can be by asking locals. And Balinese people are very kind and helpful. I loved to get lost in the streets, locals were often really charming and I could meet great people.

Ceremonial are very important in the balinese culture and by walking along the beach at sunset, I passed by a group of local sitting there and watching a big fire in front of the sea. By curiosity I sat with them, soon I realised a whole community was sitting all around me, maybe 100 people. I started to take some pictures but I didn't wanted to be rude or unrespectul regarding the ceremony so I tried to find someone speaking english around me to get more information about what were happening. I finally find someone able to explain me what I was witnessing. It was the cremation of a member of the community. I am sharing with you a few intimate shot I was able to take in the respect of the ceremony and the community.

All these images were taken with a Nikon D800E and a Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4. I processed them with Lightroom and for some of them made more fine adjustement with Photoshop and Luminar 4.