Panoramas of Bali, Indonesia

Believe it or not, this is my third trip to the islands of Indonesia within the last third of this year. Having visited Java and Sumatra previously, it was time again to visit Bali. Although this trip was about music, that did not deter me from doing a spot of sightseeing as well. The coastal Hindu temple of Pura Tanah Lot has to be the most hyped up and photographed sight in the whole of the Bali. That is not surprising given its highly picturesque location, situated on a headland which was previously joined to the main island. The rocky bridge has already be eroded by the constant bashing by the sea, and all is left is the island and a few stony steps. It is still possible to wade to the island when the tide is low.

Tourists arrive by their busloads, and it is most crowded in the evening when people come to view the temple at sunset. Morning is not a such as bad time to come, but the sun is blazing hot. However, one is able to take some nice and dramatic shots of the temple at this time when the sun is eastward rather than directly overhead. Is Tanah Lot much ado about nothing? Maybe, but it remains one of Bali's most beautiful and romantic spots.

The view of the promontary opposite
of Tanah Lot and lots of tourists!

The mountain that dominates
much of the West Bali coastline is Batukaru.

A view of another temple, Pura Gede Luhu Batungaus,
located south of Tanah Lot,
as seen from the lush gardens of
Villa Ombak Laut at Cemangi.

The idyllic swimming pool of Villa Ombak Laut.

Every villa has its own temple.

The sea-front view of Villa Ombak Laut and Tanju Bali.

The villa of Tanju Bali.

A great view of Pura Gede Luhu Batungaus at low tide.

The glory of the sea, carving fissures
through the rocks on the sea off Cemagi.

Another view of the sea off Cemagi.

BALI CLASSICAL NIGHTS II @ Villa Ombak Laut

The second evening of Bali Classical Nights (29 December 2012) was a totally informal affair, held away from the media glare in the far more congenial environment of Villa Ombak Laut in Cemagi, the island hideaway of the Franks family. All the performers from the previous evening had returned, and after a sumptuous dinner spread topped up by delectable chocolate mousse, the music began.

Korean flautist Hyun Ju Juno Lee joined members
of the Prima Vista String Quartet
in Mozart's Flute Quartet in C major.

Then it was the turn of the host Neil Franks,
who performed the solo part of J.S.Bach's  Piano Concerto
in F minor (1st movement) with the quartet.

Four hands on one piano: Neil Franks and his teacher Boris Kraljevic  
with Dvorak's first two Slavonic Dances from the Op.72 book.

More piano music, with Tou Liang in Debussy's Clair de lune.

Korean soprano Sung Hee Park is joined by flautist Soyoung Lee
and pianist Boris Kraljevic  in Mendelssohn's On Wings of Song
with variations and Caccini's Ave Maria.  

The Prima Vista String Quartet then played Joplin's The Entertainer
and transported the audience to Vienna with Strauss'  Pizzicato Polka,
On The Beautiful Blue Danube and the Radetzky March.
If you can't make the Vienna Philharmonic's
New Year's Day Concert, Bali will do nicely!

All Bali Classical Nights end with its signature tune,
when all and sundry play Wilhelm Ganz's  
Grand Gallop de Concert, Qui Vive. 
A great way to close the old year and great the new.

PIANOMANIA'S NEW YEAR'S EVE IN BALI!

Its 31st December, the last day of the year, and this is how Pianomaniacs do it in the mystical isle of Bali. The six hands of Boris Kraljevic, Neil Franks and Tou Liang are now put to good use for the purpose of rowing! We went white water rafting on the Ayung River, near Sayan where the legendary Colin McPhee built his thatched house in Bali.

Team Pianomania: The Changs, Neil Franks and Robert.

Team Boris: Ong Khian Heng, Milan Stevanovic, Beomjae Kim and Boris.

A dramatic shot, one fits for the books.

Team Pianomania is the champion! (largely thanks to Neil, Robert, Janet and Ming)

Last sunset of the year 31 December 2011, Pura Gede Luhu Batungaus on the Balinese coast off Cemagi, just southeast of Pura Tanah Lot.

New Year's Eve dinner at Villa Ombak Laut, home of Neil Franks, where the gracious host carves a fantastic Pavlova.

The new year 2012 is greeted with yet another piano soirée, with two, four and six hands at the piano.

PIANOMANIA wishes everyone a happy and prosperous 2012.