06/06/2019 to 10/06/2019 - Ubud / Bali / Indonesia

On 06/06/2019, at 1 o'clock in the morning, we landed at Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia, after flying from Kuala Lumpur. After going through all the immigration formalities and driving to the hotel in Sanur, we went to bed around 3 o'clock in the morning and slept in. We had a relaxed breakfast, rented a scooter, and drove to Ubud. Situated in the highlands of Bali, the city is known as a center for traditional crafts and dance. It is surrounded by rainforests, rice terraces, waterfalls, and numerous Hindu temples. Bali is the tourist hotspot of Indonesia. Although it's not yet high season, many tourists from all over the world are already spending their holidays in the small town of Ubud, and getting around the streets, even with a scooter, can sometimes be challenging. We checked into our huge room at the Radha Phala Resort & Spa, walked around the streets of Ubud, and had our first delicious dinner. In Ubud, you can find all kinds of Asian food. After almost 2 months, we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to try something different.

Dinner at Seasoned - Cheese Tapas appetizer, Tuna Sashimi with stir-fried vegetables, Tagliatelle with Broccoli & Blue Cheese, Garlic Shrimp, Apple Pie

On 07/06/2019

Early in the morning, we visited the royal tombs of Gunung Kawi. To reach this temple and burial complex, we had to descent approximately 300 stairs. Lined with many small souvenir shops, which were not yet open at this time. The complex is situated in the fertile valley of the Pakerisan River, surrounded by rice terraces, and consists of 10 memorial stones carved into the rock. It is said that they were scratched into the rock by the giant Kebo Iwo using his fingernails. Wearing a sarong, we walked through the rice terraces, past a small waterfall, and thoroughly explored every section of the complex. After about an hour, we made our way back, climbing up the 300 stairs. By now, we encountered several tourists coming down and the souvenir stands were offering their masks, dragons, and refreshing drinks.

We then went to the Hindu water temple Pura Tirta Empul. It is mandatory to wear a sarong in the temple, long hair should be tied up, and women are forbidden to enter the temple during their menstruation. We followed all the rules and entered the temple because we wanted to take a bath in the holy springs. According to Hindu belief, this ritual brings spiritual and mental purification. Today, there were many tourists and even more locals. So our cleansing ritual in the quite cold water took some time. Immediately afterwards, we were able to witness a temple festival in Tirta Empul. Appropriate clothing is mandatory. Women wear colorful lace blouses and a sarong with a sash. Men wear a sarong with a sash, a white shirt on top, and a head covering tied in the front. All offerings were placed inside the temple and the believers sat around them. The ceremony was accompanied by a gamelan orchestra. This temple exudes a very spiritual power.

In the afternoon, we drove past the green landscape around Ubud and through small villages until we reached the Tukad Cepung waterfall. We descended several stairs, crossed a riverbed and a canyon, and were standing right in front of, well almost inside, the waterfall. We enjoyed the nature a bit longer and by the time it was dinner, we were back in Ubud ;-).

Dinner at Famous - Tuna Sashimi, Pizza with Arugula and Duck Breast, Spaghetti Carbonara

On 08/06/2019

Today, we visited some traditional arts and crafts. First, we went to a silver workshop. Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, picture frames, ships, and even Torajan houses - so many beautiful things are made here. We continued driving through the streets and arrived in Mas. The small town, slightly south of Ubud, is well known for its woodwork - beautiful tables and chairs, wooden cutting boards, drinking cups, animals, masks, and much more. We strolled through various stores and found many interesting things. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough space in our luggage. Then we came across a huge workshop. Ten women were working diligently on various animals, while they were chatting and laughing loudly. We walked through the aisles and found animals that don't even live in Bali. Meerkats, lions, squirrels, and even horses for Jamaica are being made here. Orders come in from all over the world.

In the late afternoon, we went to the Goa Gajah Elephant Cave. The reason why the cave has this name is not quite clear. Perhaps because researchers saw the relief as an elephant head or because there is a statue of the Indian elephant god Ganesha inside the cave. In any case, there were no elephants living in Bali at that time. We also saw several temples, water pools, and Buddha statues. The whole complex is set in a beautiful nature.

Lunch at Twist - Mushroom Burger, Egg-Avocado Burger

Dinner at Famous - Bruschetta, Tuna Sashimi, Caesar Salad, Pizza with Arugula & Ham

On 09/06/2019

Today was a day for sleeping in - it was Sunday after all. We strolled through the streets of Ubud. Hundreds of small shops selling postcards, clothes, and souvenirs to the countless tourists, but also many small restaurants and cafes. In the afternoon, I treated myself to a traditional Balinese massage. 90 minutes of pure relaxation.

Lunch at Melting Wok - Chicken with Lemongrass, Coconut Milk Curry, Chocolate Fondue

Dinner at Seasoned - Tagliatelle with Broccoli & Blue Cheese, Oyster Mushrooms with Beetroot and Stir-fried Vegetables, Espresso Chocolate Cake

On 10/06/2019

On a Monday, you can sleep in again ;-), but we turned this Monday into a work day. We settled in a small coffee roastery and made further vacation plans.

Lunch at Who's Who - Pea Soup, Pumpkin Soup, Penne Salad, Black Tiger Shrimps, Chocolate Mousse

As you can read, we explored all the culinary possibilities in Ubud. You can eat very well here for little money.