I prepared for the journey to Bali like most others: I scoured the internet for off-the-beaten-path trips and cannot-be-missed sites, I poured over a guide book, dogearing what I thought Evan and I would both enjoy, I screenshot-ed Instagram photos from popular Bali travel accounts. But there was really only one thing I was truly looking for…the authentic Bali.

Evan and I were warned of the crowds, we were prepared for that. So we made the effort to scout out accommodations that were more secluded, and avoided cities and towns like Kuta and Seminyak where we already knew we would be bombarded by drunken parties and expensive night clubs. Definitely not our scene.

Our guide book tried desperately to show us the real Bali. But cliffside bars overlooking crowded surf spots was not our idea of “real”. Luckily, we had a great host at our place for the first three nights, who recommended several tours that gave us a true taste of rural, cultural Bali. One of those places was Jatiluwih rice terrace, a world heritage site that was complete vacant of tourists, and only occupied scantly by working locals.

This is where we found solitude. This is where we felt the spirit of Bali that so many come here in search of: a quiet retreat, a natural peace.

In the stillness of the afternoon, no breeze, no sounds of machines, just the gentle hum of insects. Our driver dropped us off at the entrance, a unassuming stand with one person accepting a small fee to this world heritage wonder. With a wave, our driver signaled to just wander our way through, follow the signs if you like, and meet him at the top of the hill when we’re done. Alright then.

Off we went, wandering down a paved road that turned into a dirt trail. Postcard views all around, not a soul in sight. Occasionally we came across a few workers in the field, but mostly we explored alone. We met up with a couple dogs, but we always seem to find animal companions no matter where we go..

At times, Evan and I went separate ways. He took the camera, I armed with the GoPro. I would pause to listen for signs of humanity, but nothing returned to my curious ears. Little did we know that this would become our only real encounter with the serenity and peace that draws so many folks to this island. The only real escape from everything. But we weren’t running.

Every part of Bali that we explored was beautiful and serene in its own way, but this rice terrace was unlike any other place we went.  Humbling, really. One thing we learned about the rice fields is that the Balinese irrigation systems, subak, is designed to start in the mountains and hills, and run down into the valleys. It never leaves a brother or neighbor without water for its crops. Each person shares the system, and each field is supplied by the same source as the next. How beautiful is that?

This was the true essence of Bali. And we experienced it in a manner of solitude unlike anywhere else we visited on the trip. This was solitude I never found in yoga while in Bali, something Evan never found while surfing in Bali… it was a connection with God and the earth that came from simply just being present in His creation.