Ah! The island of millions of Instagram picutres. I have finally decided to check out Bali and soak up the island vibes. I have decided to join a few tours that offers AC in cars and drives me around the island. Even though the island is small, it’s moutainous terrain, narrow roads, and busy population made it time-consuming to navigate the island quickly. Tours with smaller vans offer good opportunities to explore the island with a small group. Plus, you get to socialize with like-minded people!
My adventure began with a sensory delight at a local coffee plantation. The heady aroma of freshly roasted beans filled the air as I sampled a variety of Bali’s finest coffee. There are many coffee plantations so you can just pick one with a good view. The most controversial would be the kopi luwak(cat poop) coffee produced by caged palm civets. These are actual poop produced by the kopi luwak after eating the coffee cherries. These are go up to more than a thousand dollars a small bag.
My next stop was the Instagram iconic Lempuyang Temple, perched on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. You can’t possibly have not seeing the famous pictures. The journey to the temple involved climbing the famous stairway flanked by the Gate of Heaven, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The spiritual aura and panoramic vistas made this visit truly memorable. This is the Instagram spot. There are so many that wanted the famous photo that there is numbered queuing system in place. The average queue time is 2-3 hours.
You can also find manmade picture-taking park nearby. Depending on your point-of-view, it can be unique or gimmicky.
Tirta Gangga
Another famous Instagram spot was the Water Palace, Tirta Gangga. The lush gardens and crystal-clear waterways created a tranquil oasis. . Built in 1946, this former royal bathing complex is a visual masterpiece. Cascading fountains, crystal-clear pools teeming with colorful fish, and meticulously crafted stone sculptures. many are here to feed and take picture with the fish. I couldn’t help but join in. Though finding a spot without all the people around can be hard task.
Bali Swings
While no one is very sure the origins of the Bali swings, everyone sure has seen or heard ot it. Though the pictures of flowy dress over the rice fields often look similar in nature, there are actual many swing all around the island. The one that I went to is at a restaurant. You can even pay to add on the flowy dress to compliment your future Instagram highlight.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Hidden within a cave, Tukad Cepung Waterfall was a hidden gem. The sun’s rays filtered through the cavern, creating a magical play of light on the cascading water. The trek to reach the waterfall was a journey through lush foliage, adding an element of exploration to this natural wonder.
Abian Desa Rice Terrace
Another must in Instagram picture taking are the terraced rice fields of Bali. I am not foreign to rice fields, however, when in Rome…
Mt. Batur Sunrise
Owing to the size of the island, a hike to the mountain top in Bali often grants you an amazing view of the ocean, sunrise, and even views of another island. A predawn trek led me to the summit of Mount Batur, where I witnessed a breathtaking sunrise. The trek itself is not very long but you will need to start quite early in the morning. The minibus picked me up around 3:30 in the morning. After a short tea break, we started hiking. Alternatively, there are some mortocycles on the trail which you can take to get up the moutain. Though it will definitly cost you.
Around Ubud
There are lots of things to do around Ubud. Lots of bloggers have written about them so I won’t go too deep into it also given that I haven’t spent as long as I’d like. But here are some of the places/foods that I really enjoyed.
Ubud food
In Bali, especially Ubud, eating at Warungs is a great way to taste Balinese food. Some are very local while others are extremely lavish. I would suggest trying both while in are in Ubud. I would recommend Sun Sun Warung for a more refined experience. The fusion of Balinese spices and traditional recipes created a gastronomic experience that delighted my taste buds. As for more local experience, you should be able to find many dotted along the streets. I ate fried fish and rice at Warung Java Timur; a small local restaurant that is also very kind on the budget.
Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung):
A short walk from the market led me to Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung. Stepping through the ornate entrance, I found myself transported back in time. The palace, the official residence of the Ubud royal family, showcased traditional Balinese architecture with intricate carvings and well-preserved Balinese artwork. Especially of interest was the stone statues and carvings around the palace.The serene courtyard echoed with the gentle sounds of gamelan music, adding to the regal ambiance. You don’t need to allocate a lot of time here during the day as the palace is not very big. However, there are traditional dances presentations at night that you may want to attend.
Ubud Water Palace (Pura Taman Saraswati):
Not far from the palace, the enchanting Ubud Water Palace, also known as Pura Taman Saraswati, awaited my visit. Dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the temple featured stunning lotus ponds that seemed to float on the surface of the water. The delicate pink and white lotus blossoms created a picturesque setting, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike. The intricate stone carvings and the peaceful ambiance added a spiritual touch to this architectural gem.
