Les Village, NORTH BALI

Les is a sleepy village located on the quiet Northern Coast of Bali, tucked into the foothills of the Northern Batur mountain range. As I ride up along the long stretch of tree lined road towards the centre of the village, the mountains beyond come into full view. Birds are chirping, kidss are bicycling and adults are milling around in front of their houses, getting ready for the day.

Life is still as traditional as it gets here, with the daily morning market providing fresh produce for the day’s meals. Old men sit in the early morning sun, smoking kreteks and observing the comings and goings. The women dominate the market spacing, buying and selling fresh fish, chicken, vegetables and supplies for the daily offerings that are so integral to every Balinese person’s life.

News are exchanged, jokes are made and the shrill laughter of the women pierces the otherwise peaceful atmosphere. Traffic here is non existent and everyone moves around slowly. There is simply no rush to get or be anywhere.

Riding on just a few minutes beyond the market is Les waterfall, which I reach after an easy 20 minute walk. The path is beautifully planted and dotted with small Warungs offerings young coconuts, local food and massages. The vibe is calm and peaceful, and the water refreshing.