Bali – Ubud, rice terraces, temples and monkeys
So now we are in Bali, short ferry ride from Ketapang, Java to Gilimanuk Bali. Then a 5 hour taxi to Ubud, the cultural and spiritual centre of Bali. Our home for a few days is tranquil and overlooks rice fields yet just a short walk to an array of bars and restaurants. This is Bali, a place of beauty coupled with mass tourism, will we like it? Only time will tell.
We have now seen two sides of Ubud, Bali. The first was a quick stop at the famed Tegallalang rice terraces. (Couldn’t bring myself to take photos here) Once a place of beauty, now more of a theme park, the beautiful terraces blighted by swings, ziplines screaming people etc & obsessed selfie brigades, highly unedifying! In contrast, we went with a local guy to his village, he showed us around his traditional house and walked around the rice fields, just beautiful. Little shrines dotted around with many offerings to pray for a good rice harvest. Such a beautiful and peaceful place, this is Bali…..the real unspoilt Bali.
Monkeys and 14th century temples of monkey Forest, Ubud. These Balinese long-tailed macaques are wild and free, however the do get fed corn and sweet potatoes so they are used to seeing us humans. The monkeys are so amusing to watch and the temples are beautiful.
2 Comments
Steven Berger
I know you’ll enjoy it more as you get out into the countryside. The people are friendly, the colors are vivid, the temples are beautiful and the monkeys are just so much fun.
Stay safe,
Steve
Eha Carr
Sunday afternoon in the Highlands – I’m laughing and ‘bawling’ at the same time 🙂 ! I was afraid when I knew you were going to Bali. I have read so much and seen so much and shaken my head about not wanting to go to such a tourist hotspot! Then you and your camera managed to act like a get-well pill . . . Michaela, you have managed to show us a Bali to admire and love . . . and, for goodness sake > how on earth did you get the monkeys to pose so brilliantly . . . thank you, thank you, thank you 🙂 !