Bali’s Yin & Yang

What lures thousands of visitors to the Indonesian tourist hub of Bali? Is it the enticing cheap cocktails, massages and manicures or the smiling ever-eager-to-please Balinese? Perhaps it’s the bargain shopping or the vast natural landscape. Maybe you read about it in ‘Eat Pray Love’ or watched a movie portraying the Island as a tropical paradise. It could be the adventure and water sports, joining the other thrill seekers in chasing that perfect wave. Or it may be your soul you are searching for somewhere in between the plentiful rice fields and yoga retreats. Whatever the reason there is definitely two sides to every story… behold the Yin & Yang of Bali!

Sunset at one of Seminyak’s many beachfront Clubs

Yang- The stronger side of Bali’s tourism consists of large drunken groups of ignorant (and often arrogant) holidaymakers who pump a decent amount of $$ into the Indonesian economy and therefore think they have the right to run riot. Okay, this may be a tad stereotypical however after visiting Bali recently myself I can honestly say this type are very much alive and thriving on the streets of Kuta and Seminyak. It’s these kinds of travelers which not only disgrace themselves and their countries but also contribute to a downward turning spiral of third world meets first world, or East meets West.

Western ways and ideals can be detrimental to vulnerable, poverty-stricken nations such as Indonesia. It’s sad and unfortunate that the Balinese economy relies heavily on these disrespectful and deep pocketed travelers to keep the tourism industry afloat. Tourism is big business in Bali and has seen the Island become increasingly ‘westernized’ in recent years. Personally, I long to experience countries in their raw and traditional form- untouched and immune from outside influences. This is what makes each land intriguing and unique.  For me, travel is all about developing and learning through experience. If everything were the same there would be no broadening of horizons, no breaking out of the comfort zone and no personal growth.

A Caretaker Carefully Cleaning a Sacred monument Northern Bali

Yin- The other side of Bali lives in a blissful existence between rolling green hills and endless beaches. The femine yin of Mother Earth provides calmness within chaos. A smiling face greets you on every corner and you return the gesture with a polite bow of the head. Lush green vegetation provides a perfect arena for an abundance of tropical fruits and exotic animals. Bali is a volcanic island, dominated by Mount Batur the presence of nature it’s never far from sight. The intrepid explorer might consider rising in the middle of the night to climb the active beauty of Batur for a magical sunrise, others may be happy to marvel at the mountain from afar. No matter where you are on the Island you are never far from the coastline, an ocean lovers paradise.

Rice fields scattered throughout Northern Bali’s tropical landscapes

This side of Bali continues to lure considerable amounts of ex patriots who opt for a more simple life. On offer is the freedom to express yourself without the restraints of the fast-paced Western World. It seems Bali provides an appealing alternative to the corporate treadmill and big city hamster wheel in which many of us find ourselves trapped. It’s also very affordable as your dollar can go a heck of a lot further than in the neighboring country of Australia. Although the cost of living is tempting, more important than money is the ability to be free from ideals, expectations and judgments. Empowered to speak your truth, follow your passion, and live your calling. From those I have spoken to this is the true Yang of Bali. Many chose this option and live in peace and harmony with the beautiful Balinese. Only then can love and kindness can received and gifted ten fold.

The balance of Yin or Yang, coexisting in contrast.

Dirk Hartog Island- Western Australia

On the Western most point of Australia lies a remote and isolated Island paradise. Dirk Hartog is Western Australia’s largest Island yet still widely unknown and unexplored. Having spent two weeks in early September on the same blissful shores which Captain Dirk Hartog first discovered in 1616 I have a new-found respect for nature in all its forms. The Island became a National Park in 2009 and has since become an increasingly sought after destination for fishing, camping and four-wheel driving enthusiasts. Acting as a protective barrier to the World Heritage area of Shark Bay, Dirk Hartog is home to very few people and a large number of creatures.

Spending the sunset with dolphins, whales, dugongs, rays & turtles

As with all laws of nature, with the good also comes the bad and there are many risks involved in exploring such a wild and volatile habitat. Snakes, spiders, stingrays and sharks are everyday encounters on Dirk Hartog. Safe to say my days of floating around and snorkeling in the warm waters were very limited! The natural ecosystems on the Island are home to a wide range of rare and endangered species. Dirk Hartog hosts the largest breeding colony of loggerhead turtles in Australia (check out the video below for brilliant footage of these guys in action). Covering 63,000 hectares the Department of Parks and Wildlife are active in eliminating pests which threaten the natural habitat. In particular, capturing and eliminating feral cats which will allow smaller and more risk averse animals to flourish and make it possible to reintroduce threatened species. With the motto “Return to 1616” the island is kept as untouched as humanly possible, something of a rarity these days. Even the number of vehicles on the Island at any one time is strictly limited, ensuring that the landscape remains raw and visitors have a peaceful experience.

Dirk Hartog Eco Lodge

Dirk Hartog balances recreation and conservation perfectly, the saying “…leave only footprints and take only photographs” has never held more truth. There are two options for travelling Dirk Hartog, you may bring your own 4×4 and arrange a barge to transport you from the mainland for a good old-fashioned camping trip. Or you can stay with the friendly Wardle family who live permanently at Homestead Bay and run the Dirk Hartog Eco Lodge accommodation and tours. Kieran and Tory Wardle are giving their three children the most amazing childhood whilst dedicating their time ensuring everyone who visits them leaves with great memories. They also have history with the land as Kieran’s grandfather owned one of the Island’s earlier sheep stations. These days however the only source of income comes from tourism. Interested in experiencing WA’s premier eco tourism spot? Find out more here

If sea crossings aren’t your style, never fear there is also an enjoyable plane charter which can deliver you from Denham (Monkey Mia) down a bumpy sandy runway.

Dulkara, Janine and I with our transportation of choice

My days were spent rising with the sun, jogging on the beach, kayaking across the horizon or engrossed in a good book. Hours turned into days and weeks as I explored rock pools, climbed sand dunes, strolled along cliff tops, paddle boarded between reef sharks and gazed out to the ocean. To me Dirk Hartog is a mystical place full of enchanting creatures. It became very clear to me that in this environment the animals hold the power and deserve the utmost respect. Certain activities were limited for this reason, however instead of viewing this as an inconvenience it was refreshing to flip the coin and see things from an alternative point of view. Growing up in an industry which exploits vulnerable animals for profits my eyes have been opened to seeing nature through a different colored lens. A lens which shows all of the earth’s creatures as equals.

As the calmness of water lapping at the shore fades into a pleasant memory I am grateful that magical places like Dirk Hartog still exist in the manic world we live in. Sometimes sanctuaries such as this are all we need to cleanse the soul and recharge life’s creative batteries. Even on cloudy and stormy days the Island stood proud as a place full of overflowing energy and activity. To experience a simple yet fulfilling existence is what being on holiday and taking a break is all about. Should you find yourself drawn towards a unique, no frills, fun adventure look no further than the ultimate Aussie paradise, Dirk Hartog Island.

Need the proof? Check out this amazing video created by my sister in travel and spirit, Dulkara Martig.

http://http://vimeo.com/107332871