If I were to write a love letter declaring my unwavering love to a destination, it would undoubtedly be addressed to Bali. It was love at first sight from the moment I stepped onto this glorious island and I have been captivated and utterly entranced by it ever since. There are so many things to adore about this magical locale: a bounty of breathtaking natural backdrops, decorated ancient temples, and rich cultural treasures are really just the beginning. These attributes though, while certianly impressive and wondrous in their own right, are not what initally drew me to Bali.

No, what drew me in within minutes of exploring this blissful land is its people.

Bali is home to some of the most good-natured and hospitable humans we have ever encountered. Throughout our nine-day stay, we were greeted by countless smiles and gestures of kindness nearly everywhere we turned. There’s no question that Bali has bestowed countless blessings upon this world of ours, but perhaps its greatest gift to this planet is the heart-warming and generous people who call this island home.

Number two on my favorite things about Bali list is its devotion to ancient rituals associated with Hinduism. Each morning, tiny offerings, known as canang sari, are placed around a multitude of sites and sometimes practically right below your feet.

From the moment you arrive in Bali, it’s nearly impossible not to notice the canang sari, as they’re practically everywhere:  in front of shops and homes, on top of statues, and at the foot of temples. Over time, these miniature artistic beauties transform from the religious to the worldly, as the petals and ashes are swept and gathered, only to be replaced by the next day’s offerings — a daily reminder of the impermanence of our world.

These vibrant offerings are essential to Balinese culture and to the practice of Hinduism. They are made to thank the God of Indonesian Hinduism for balance and peace in the world. The offerings are created and placed with a prayer.

There is no shortage of things to see, do, explore, and eat on this incredible island. The greatest challenge is striking a balance between doing all of the things and also finding ample time to relax and soak up all of the island’s splendor.

 Lake Batur shimmers inside the caldera of Mount Batur

We were definitely more active than we were idle here, which is consistent with most of our travels. There is just too much to discover to choose to spend all of your days here lying lazily on a beach. In fact, we didn’t go to the beach once. I know. I know. I’m not entirely sure how that happened but to be honest, going to the beach barely crossed our minds.

While we didn’t hit up any beaches, we definitely found many opportunities to relax and took full advantage of Bali’s amazing spa scene.

This photo pretty much sums up the pure elation and relaxation that is the Balinese massage.

Click here to read all about our amazing spa experiences.

 

I wouldn’t have changed a thing about our time in Bali…well, maybe just one thing. See more below for my one big regret. 

Below are the highlights from our time in Bali, one of our all-time favorite trips.

 

TEMPLES, LANDSCAPES & FORESTS

 

Saraswati Temple

 

Saraswati Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple honoring the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, literature and art. The entrance of the temple and the pond full of lotuses on both sides make for a strikingly imposing site.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

 

When many think of lush and green locales, images of Ireland and Kauai often come to mind, and rightfully so, but the verdant island of Bali should also be placed in that same spectacular category. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are visually stunning and dramatic, with their patterned series of terraces spilling out to a picturesque view of rice paddies sloping across the valley.

There are numerous cafes and vendors along the terraces selling handicrafts and light snacks.

Yes, they are a bit touristy, but there’s a reason why they are so popular!  A visit to the rice terraces is a must on any Ubud itinerary.

Gunung Kawi Temple

 

One of Bali’s most distinct archaeological sites, Gunung Kawi Temple is comprised of a collection of ancient shrines carved into the surface of a rock cliff. Embellished by ornate and colorful statues, the imposing temple provides a peaceful sanctuary.

The walk leading up to the temple as well as the surrounding environs are breathtakingly gorgeous–the intensity of the vivid greenery is nothing short of incredible.

It’s important to note that visitors must climb about 290 steps or so to and from the temple, but with backdrops like this, you’ll forget to be tired, I promise.

And the winner of the most awkward posed photo goes to…

Individuals visiting the temple must rent a sarong for a small fee. As the temple is a bit remote and requires additional effort to get to, there were very few visitors when we were there, resulting in a truly magical and serene setting. Highly recommend and so worth the time and endeavor!

 

Ubud Monkey Forest

 

I can’t say that we exactly liked it here, but it’s kind of a place that you have to visit when in Ubud. The pleasant dense forest is a quiet reprieve from the busy streets of Ubud, and the grounds are clean and well-kept and walking paths are clearly marked. What we didn’t love was that it’s pretty touristy and the monkeys are very aggressive. The forest is conveniently located so it’s an easy jaunt that doesn’t require a lot of time, so if you’re nearby, and chances are that you will be, it’s worth a brief visit.

Giant lizard statues loom over the forest

***To read about snow monkey sightings during our Kyoto trip, click here.

ACTIVE PURSUITS

 

Mountain Biking Excursion

 

We loved exploring the Balinese countryside via bike. During our bike tour, we rode through various villages, visited a traditional Balinese home where we met with locals, and traversed various landscapes including lush rice fields, verdant bamboo forests, glimmering lakes, and Mt. Batur, an active volcano that many regard as sacred.

Enjoying the stunning views of Mt. Batur

During our bike tour, we visited a traditional Balinese home, where we spoke with family members and learned about a typical day in their lives.

We witnessed local craftspeople creating intricate Balinese handicrafts made from the area’s thick forests and plantations.

While cruising the countryside’s backstreets, we stopped to get a glimpse into rice harvesting.

We even had a chance to harvest a bit of rice ourselves, where we quickly learned that it’s much harder than it looks!

There are a number of bike tours available and durations and costs vary. We opted for an all-day excursion, which ran for about eight hours.  Check out Viator for a variety of locally-led bike tours.

 

White Water Rafting

 

Whitewater rafting along Bali’s Ayung River is a thrilling and breathtaking way to experience Bali’s untamed and rugged countryside. We used the tour outfitter Bali Golden Tour and were led on an exhilarating and challenging two hour journey through the picturesque Ayung River, where we were surrounded by jaw-dropping panoramic views.

View from the river

The rapids are categorized as class 2 and 3, which were stimulating enough to boost our adventure-seeking endorphins, while simultaneously safe and manageable for us first-timers.

Feeling euphoric with our rafting team and fearless guide

***To read about our whitewater rafting adventure in the beautiful state of Idaho, click here.

Find Your Zen

 

Whether you’re a novice or a long-time practitioner, do not leave Bali without taking at least one yoga and/or healing class.  Bali is often regarded as a “well-being destination” and has quickly become a global epicenter for those seeking spiritual and wellness retreats.

We took an incredible class at the world-renowned Yoga Barn, a full-service yoga studio and holistic healing center. The open-air studio overlooks the center’s lush amphitheater and provides a tranquil and inspiring setting. A variety of classes are offered throughout each day, appealing to an array of levels, practices, and interests. The rustic space is welcoming and relaxed, void of intimidation and judgement. Simply put, this is one of the best places I’ve ever practiced.

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES

 

Kecak Fire Dance

 

One of the most enthralling and moving cultural performances we’ve ever seen. We were fortunate to see The Kecak Fire Dance performed at Uluwatu Temple.

The setting of the temple is simultaneously warm and intriguing. We found ourselves utterly entranced by the performance, barely wanting to even blink for a moment, in fear of missing even a second of the show (you know, kind of like when watching Hamilton). The undulating chorus and arm movements that symbolize fire and wind are absolutely mesmerizing. This was easily our favorite cultural performance of the trip.

Legong Dance

 

This visually extraordinary show is another must-see when in Bali. Powerful and dynamic storytelling is conveyed through graceful dances, vibrant costumes, and hypnotic music. The Legong Dance is an elegant one, with emphasis on intricate finger movements and complex footwork.

Housed in the historical and elaborate Ubud Palace, we found the traditional Balinese dance to be interesting, captivating, and beautiful. Definitely recommend!

FOOD & MARKETS

 

Cooking Class & Market

 

We took a wonderful cooking class that involved a market tour of learning about and picking out a variety of locally sourced ingredients, meeting with local farmers to learn more about the process of harvesting rice, and then of course cooking regional Balinese dishes.

Morning visit to the market

Puspa, our vivacious and knowledgeable guide 

 

Harvesting Rice 101 with co-guide and owner, Wayan

The cooking class takes place in the owners’ stunning home.  Puspa’s and Wayan’s gorgeous open-air kitchen and garden setting is the definition of #kitchengoals. The class was well-managed with step-by-step instructions and background information on the diverse local dishes that each group was assigned to making.

Morning and afternoon classes are offered daily, but market tours only occur during the morning tours, so I highly recommend choosing a morning class.

Finally our delicious lunch is ready and served!

Bali is a foodie’s paradise, and a place for vegetarians and vegans to rejoice! So much of the Balinese diet focuses on local fruits and vegetables, as well as vegan staples like tofu and tempeh. I was in true foodie heaven as eating organic plant-based fare is pretty much the norm here. Below are some of our favorite restaruants in and around Ubud.

Bridges 

Our favorite meal of the trip was at Bridges, a lovely dining venue that offers upscale dining in a casual and picturesque setting. The multi-storied restaurant opens out to scenic views of its rich surroundings and is uniquely situated under a historic bridge. Bridges offers both tasting and a la carte menus and every regional dish was outstanding. Service was affable and attentive and the entire experience was absolutely wonderful. Reservations are recommended.

Casa Luna

Ketut Suardana and Janet DeNeefe are somewhat pioneers of the Balinese food scene and have taken Ubud by storm with their mini-empire of amazing restaurants. Case Luna is arguably their most celebrated creation, highlighting the complexity and boldness of Balinese food. We loved the combination of flavors and textures here.

Indus

Spanning over two spacious levels, the same dynamic duo behind Casa Luna also brings us the stunning space of Indus, an ideal spot to linger for a while and enjoy a long and lazy lunch. Located high above the river, Indus manages to maintain a tranquil space with breathtaking views of the Tjampuhan ridge and Mount Agungr. Their extensive menu features a number of delectable Indonesian noodles, satay, and vegan and vegetarian options, as well as an abundance of teas, smoothies, lassis, and cocktails. We really loved Indus.

Lamak

We had a great dinner at Lamak Restaurant and Bar, which serves Balinese, Asian, and international fare. The traditional Balinese decor beautifully combines local wood, textiles and stones, and the outdoor couch and pillow seating makes for a relaxed and magical ambience.

La View

 

La View at Kupu Kupu Barong Villa offers an incredibly unique and romantic restaurant experience. We enjoyed a private dinner for two while perched upon a floating dock looking over the Ayung River Valley. I’m not sure you could ask for a more perfect setting and service was impeccable. The food was very good–not outstanding by any means, but I can assure you, the remarkable and exclusive setting more than make up for it.

Things to note: Two seatings are offered, 6pm & 9pm; five course tasting menu at $75 USD per person. 

Sari Organik

 

You’ll have to walk about 800 meters through fields and rice paddies to find this culinary oasis, but what awaits is certainly worth it. Sari Organic is an amazing restaurant set amid luscious rice terraces that offers delicious and organic Balinese fare.

Its bevy of vegan options made for one happy eater (me!). For all you carnivores, don’t fret–there are plenty of chicken and fish options. A fantastic choice for lunch!

Where To Stay

 

There are a number of amazing places in and around Ubud that offer luxury accommodations for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere. To this day, our stay at Alam Jiwa is one of the most amazing and memorable in all of our travels.

For less than $100 USD/night, we had a spacious bungalow with an expansive deck, an outdoor shower, private garden, an available driver at all times, and unlimited breakfast (as in you could literally order every single breakfast entree and have it served to you on your veranda every single morning–I write this from experience–T ordered all of the things all of the time).  

Not pictured: Our 10+ daily breakfast platters

The entrance to our bungalow

The exuberant and tropical grounds are meticulously maintained and the staff was some of the warmest and most accommodating we’ve ever encountered. Highly recommend staying here!

Regret

 

Even the most seasoned travelers are subject to poor judgment and we certainly are no exception. My one and only regret of our trip to Bali was riding an elephant. As part of our white water rafting tour, we visited an elephant ride adventure park where we visited with Sumatra elephants and then embarked on a thirty minute ride perched atop elephants.

To be honest, at the time, we saw nothing wrong with riding elephants and thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Moreover, years before our trip to Bali, I rode an elephant during my trip to Singapore, and again, thought nothing of it. But as I grow older, my views on elephant riding has changed. As with most elephant sanctuaries, including the one we visited in Bali, elephants that were once held in captivity are given a second chance at a healthy, normal life.

And I truly hope that is the case, but regardless of whether it is or isn’t, I’ve learned that it’s never okay to ride an elephant. Since our trip to Bali, I’ve read about the brutal training practices that most captured elephants endure. In order to be tame enough before they can be ridden, baby  elephants are often ripped away from their mothers and undergo the process of Phajaan, or “the crush”, where they are are often confined to extremely small spaces, including cages and holes. Then they are often beaten into submission and deprived of proper sleep and nutrition.

So yeah, you can see why I deeply regret ever riding an elephant.

Don’t be like me. Be better, people.

 

Bottom Line

 

In terms of travel, visiting Bali is as glorious and magical as it gets. I hope to one day return to Indonesia to visit its other islands and its magnificent Buddhist Temple Borobudur. Until then, I will relish in my resounding memories of Bali’s incomparable beauty, spirit, and magic.

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