這次的旅程總共在峇里島待了12天，主要是為了8天的陰瑜珈師資培訓。
還記得當年電影「享受吧！一個人的旅行」大紅大紫的時候，那時的我只對峇里島有個概略的印象，僅僅覺得那似乎是個離我有點遙遠的東南亞國家，對於當時電影想要傳達「找自己」的概念，也只是模模糊糊，沒有很進到心裡去 (可能當時還太小，人生還沒太多值得煩惱的事情)。
這趟峇里島之行前，我還特別在Netflix上把電影找出來複習了一次。好奇自己是否會像Liz一樣，或所有曾經造訪過後深深愛上峇里島的朋友，這麼對峇里島這麼念念不忘。
究竟峇里島有什麼樣的魔力，讓來自全世界的旅客絡繹不絕，甚至想要終生定居在峇里島？
出發之前的我，很是好奇。
這趟旅行回來後，峇里島確實在我心中成為了一個很特別的存在。儘管尚屬開發中國家，論及基礎建設或生活便利程度(交通真的是太可怕了)，峇里島絕對無法和國際大城市相提並論。但是，旅程中自然景觀的洗禮，豐富和純粹的文化信仰，這趟旅程過後帶給我心靈的滿足感，真的是與其他的旅行經驗無法比擬。
我一直在反覆思索，究竟是峇里島的什麼，讓我這麼難以忘懷？
和旅伴D討論了很久之後，得出來的一點結論，就是在峇里島的生活方式可以很簡單。
由於峇里島鄰近赤道，在這裡，最舒適的穿搭大概莫過於寬鬆透氣的運動裝束了。
繁複華麗的衣服，高昂體面的名牌包，在戶外活動不消半小時，大概就會被汗水以及防曬乳弄的又濕又黏。因此走在街道上，可以看到大家都穿得很隨性，大多是輕便簡單的運動服裝，甚至是直接穿著Bikini在外活動。而肩上背的大多是簡單的帆布袋或是方便行動的背包。精緻名貴的服飾及包袋，在峇里島似乎顯得有點突兀 (除非是在Resort)。
沒有人會在乎你身上的行頭。
擁有一身健康的小麥色肌膚、美麗的運動線條及健康的身心靈，似乎才是在峇里島最令人稱羨的事。
熱情的陽光和自然的氛圍，讓世界各地的旅人紛紛褪去了對於原本生活的偽裝，因為在峇里島，沒有必要，也沒有人在乎，自己的舒適是最重要的事。身上的包裝及偽裝少了，心胸似乎也都跟著開闊了起來。
在烏布市區，看見一些似乎已經在烏布待了很久的旅人，抱著台筆電，一間瑜珈會館換過一間瑜珈會館，就算在工作，看起來似乎也都特別zen。在烏魯瓦圖海灘，看著逐浪而居的人們－健康黝黑的小麥色肌膚，精壯結實體脂極低的身材，臉上閃閃發光的笑容真的是太過耀眼。羨慕他們可以活得這麼自由自在，原來在我們以為的線性框架中，還有這麼不一樣的生活方式。
這種自由自在的氛圍，似乎會讓人重新開始思考什麼才是生命中真正重要的事情。也難怪電影「享受吧！一個人的旅行」的故事會發生在峇里島了。
喜歡這種這裡回歸原始、回到生活本質的感覺。
物質生活再豐富，疾病糾纏的身體，失衡吵雜的內心，又能帶領我們走多遠呢？
—
豐沛的自然景觀和獨特的信仰及文化，形塑出峇里島獨一無二的風格。
喜歡山的，許多梯田、瀑布及火山可以健行探索。
喜歡海的，被海環繞的峇里，數個美麗的海灘可以享受海浪的聲音。
喜歡瑜伽的，遍地瑜伽會館俯首即是，各種不同的練習任君挑選。
喜歡文化薰陶的，當地美麗的傳統信仰和藝術瑰寶更是身在其中都是種享受。
—
想念在峇里島生活方的那段日子：
早上起床先去梯田或瀑布享受芬多精的洗禮，
接著享用一頓健康新鮮的阿育吠陀早餐，
然後前往瑜伽教室開始今天的冥想及瑜伽練習，
下課後去海邊走走，享受一頓簡單營養的晚餐。
人生若能如此，夫復何求？
好喜歡這樣簡單純粹，能夠完全卸下武裝的生活方式。
這或許也能解釋，為什麼峇里島這麼讓人念念不忘。
或許大家其實心中都有一個盼望，盼望有天能夠拋開一切現實的價值與評判標準，回到最簡單，最忠於內心的生活。
—
好響往峇里島自由自在的生活方式，不過內心有個聲音告訴我，現在還不是時候。
旅伴D沒有和我一起參加瑜珈培訓，在陪我在烏布待了8天之後，他開始想念新加坡乾淨舒適、井井有條及有目標的生活。
「現在還有應該追尋的夢想，似乎還不是過這種日子的時候」，旅伴D這麼告訴我。
或許人總是矛盾的，筋疲力盡的時候總嚮往超脫塵世的天堂，而當每天生活在天堂之中，又覺得沒有挑戰的生活似乎有點索然無味。
新加坡充滿發展機會的商業環境，亦是峇里島無法提供的。
相信當哪天時機成熟了，我的心會告訴我應該在哪裡落腳。
在這之前我該做的，就是努力使自己成為，有能力選擇在任何地方生活的人。
My recent trip to Bali spanned 12 days, primarily for an 8-day Yin Yoga teacher training.
I still remember when the film “Eat Pray Love” became immensely popular. At the time, I had only a vague impression of Bali, thinking of it as a distant Southeast Asian country. The film’s message about “finding oneself” felt blurry and didn’t resonate deeply with me, perhaps because I was too young and hadn’t faced many life challenges.
Fourteen years later, before this trip, I rewatched the film on Netflix, curious if I would fall in love with Bali like Liz or like so many friends who visited and couldn’t forget it.
What magic does Bali possess that attracts travellers from all over the world, some even choosing to settle there for life? I was very curious before the trip.
After returning, Bali indeed holds a special place in my heart. Although it is still a developing country and its infrastructure and convenience can’t compare to international cities (especially the traffic), the natural scenery, rich and pure cultural beliefs, and the spiritual fulfilment this journey provided me are unmatched by any other travel experience.
I kept pondering what makes Bali so unforgettable. After discussing it with my travel companion, D, we concluded that Bali’s charm lies in its simplicity.
Bali’s proximity to the equator makes loose, breathable activewear the most comfortable choice.
Intricate, luxurious clothing and high-end bags quickly become sticky and uncomfortable after blending with sweat and sunscreen in just half an hour outdoors. Thus, you see everyone dressed casually, mostly in simple sportswear, and some even in bikinis. Most carry simple canvas bags or practical backpacks. Fancy clothing and bags seem out of place in Bali (unless you’re at a resort).
No one cares about your attire.
Having a healthy tan, a beautiful athletic body, and a balanced mind and spirit are what people admire in Bali.
The warm sunshine and natural atmosphere strip away the facades people carry from their previous lives because, in Bali, it’s unnecessary. No one cares; personal comfort is paramount. With less pretence, people become more open-minded.
In Ubud, you’ll see travellers, seemingly long-term residents, working on their laptops, moving from one yoga studio to another, embodying a zen demeanour. At Uluwatu Beach, people living with the waves—healthy, tanned, muscular, and with radiant smiles—are truly dazzling. Envying their carefree lifestyle, I realised that within our perceived linear framework, such a different way of life exists.
This free-spirited atmosphere makes one rethink what truly matters in life. It’s no wonder the story of “Eat Pray Love” is set in Bali.
I love how Bali brings you back to basics. Material wealth and convenience pale in comparison to a healthy body and a balanced mind.
—
Bali’s rich natural scenery and unique beliefs and culture create its unparalleled charm.
Mountain enthusiasts can explore terraces, waterfalls, and volcanoes. Beach lovers will find several beautiful beaches to enjoy the sound of the waves. Yoga practitioners can choose from numerous studios offering various practices. For those who appreciate cultural immersion, the local traditional beliefs and artistic treasures are a delight.
—
I miss the Bali lifestyle:
Waking up in the morning to visit terraces or waterfalls, soaking in the fresh forest air,
enjoying a healthy Ayurvedic breakfast,
heading to a yoga class for meditation and practice,
taking a walk on the beach after class, and enjoying a simple, nutritious dinner.
Life like this—what more could one ask for?
I love this simple, pure lifestyle, where you can completely let down your guard.
Perhaps this explains why Bali is so unforgettable. Deep down, many of us long to cast off all worldly values and judgements and return to the simplest, most authentic way of life.
—
I yearn for the carefree Bali lifestyle, but an inner voice tells me that now is not the time.
My travel companion, D, didn’t join the yoga training with me. After spending eight days in Ubud alone, he started missing the clean, comfortable, orderly, and goal-driven life of Singapore.
“There are still dreams to pursue; it seems it’s not yet time for such a lifestyle,” D told me.
Perhaps people are inherently contradictory. When exhausted, we long for a paradise away from worldly concerns, but when living in paradise every day, a life without challenges seems somewhat dull.
Singapore’s thriving business environment offers opportunities that Bali cannot provide.
I believe that when the time is right, my heart will tell me where I should settle. Until then, my goal is to become a person capable of choosing to live anywhere.
3 comments
I like your writing. Bali is a really amazing place. This reminded me of my good time there.
之前看了「享受吧！一個人的旅行」也好嚮往峇里島，希望之後也有機會可以去看看～
Me too!