When it came to writing about Bali, I don’t think I could have progressed with writing about any other city had I not started with Ubud. When I go through memories of my trip to that Southeast Asian island, my mind always takes me back to the place that felt like a friend, the place that reminded me to treat myself with the same love and respect I give others, the place I left a small piece of my heart: Ubud.
I’ve read the books, seen the movies and heard the stories but nothing can describe the feeling of being in a place like Ubud until you experience it yourself. I guess that’s why they call it a feeling… because it’s not meant for words. You just have to feel it 😉
NEED TO KNOW
Language: Most Balinese are bilingual if not trilingual: this includes Indonesian, Balinese and English.
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah.
Where to Access Your Money: Upon your arrival at the Bali airport (Ngurah Rai International) there are ATM’s that are safe to use. You will also have access to ATM’s in the village center of Ubud.
Climate: Average temperatures are in the 70’s to 80’s year round. Keep in mind that the rainy season is between the months of November and March.
WHERE TO STAY
Bamboo Indah
Translated to “beautiful bamboo,” Bamboo Indah is the most magical resort I’ve ever been to. Rather than staying in a room, you reside in your own house, most of which are historic traditional homes built by native Indonesians over 100 years ago. The on-site restaurant harvests it’s ingredients from the organic garden on the grounds of Bamboo Indah and each meal is completely homemade. The grounds overlook the rice fields, the swimming pond is a chemical free green pool and exploring the secret garden brings me back to my childhood. Bamboo Indah is a peaceful paradise that influences your connection to yourself and the life around you. Staying here, honestly, was life changing.
WHAT TO DO
Yoga Barn
Nestled in the mountain village of Ubud you will find a special spiritual space called, The Yoga Barn. Listen people, I’ve done a lot of yoga in my day but nothing compares to what I experienced here. Filled with warm welcomes, serene vibes and spectacular classes, Yoga Barn is a nurturing environment for the mind and body. When your soul calls you to Ubud, a practice like this is exactly what you’re looking for.
Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
Caution: This is a SERIOUS hike. I’m talking scaling-the-side-of-a-rocky-mountain-at-3am-for-two-hours-until-you-reach-the-summit kind of hike. The journey is not for the faint of heart but waiting for you at an elevation of 5,633 feet is a warm cup of tea and the most beautiful sunrise. Watch the sun peak over the mountains and cover the land in a golden good morning. I’m not gonna lie, the hike was a bit rough, but 100% worth it.
Tegalaland Rice Terraces
The rice fields are a significant piece of Indonesia’s puzzle. They provide jobs, food, goods for export, tourism and tools for worship. After your visit to the rice paddies you will further understand the importance of this key cultural component. I spent an afternoon here running around barefoot, humming John Mayer and chasing butterflies with my best friend.
Pura Tirta Empul
Thirty minutes North of Ubud you will find Purta Tirta Empul: a Hindu Balinese water temple. In the center of the temple, surrounded by tropical foliage, you will find an outdoor bathing area containing holy spring water for ritual purification. My visit to Tirta Empul was by far one of the most impactful experiences I had in Bali. The temple was flooded with people that came from all over the world to worship, pray, devote, cleanse, reflect, laugh, cry… no matter their beliefs each soul was there to touch something higher, powerful and beyond themself. It was really beautiful and I strongly recommend the visit to all others!
BE
The last, and most important of my Ubud favorites, is to simply “be.” With no agenda and no expectations have I ever been so happy just to be with myself. Give yourself the time, patience and respect you give others and devote this experience to getting to know YOU a bit better.
“You are not your age, nor the size of clothes you wear,
You are not a weight, or the color of your hair.
You are not your name, or the dimples in your cheeks,
You are all the books you read, and all the words you speak,
You are your croaky morning voice, and the smiles you try to hide,
You’re the sweetness in your laugher, and every tear you’ve cried,
You’re the songs you sing so loudly, when you know you’re all alone,
You’re the places that you’ve been to, and the one that you call home,
You’re the things that you believe in, and the people that you love,
You’re the photos in your bedroom, and the future you dream of,
You’re made of so much beauty, but it seems that you forgot,
When you decided you were defined,
By all the things you’re not.”
-e.h.