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.
19 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
Phil & Michaela
The people are incredibly friendly, loving it here 😄
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 🙂 !
Phil & Michaela
We were also quite concerned about the mass tourism here but if you try hard you can avoid most of it and we are finding lovely the Island and its people are. 😀
Alison
It’s good to see you making the most of Bali. There is a place called Jatiluwih Rice fields which is not touristy. It looks like back breaking work in those fields but they always have a smile on their face. Sadly it’s hard to walk down the main street now. I remember going to see the monkeys, they can be quite viscious
Phil & Michaela
Yes we had read about Jatiluwih so wish we had chosen that one, oh well, can’t get it right every time 😆
Alison
Just follow your nose 😬
Miriam
Bali is wonderful, you just need to know where to go and where to avoid. We loved Ubud 34 years ago but had heard about the over tourism and didn’t bother this trip, preferring to stay out in the villages like Sideman. Such beautiful people, culture and countryside. Keep enjoying. Love those pics of the monkeys!
Phil & Michaela
Thanks Miriam, and we have made the right decision on our choice of beach area in the south as you will see later 😄
Miriam
Sanur?
Phil & Michaela
Yes, Sanur it is 😄
MrsWayfarer
Cute monkeys and nice lush of green
Toonsarah
I’m glad you managed to find places that felt like the ‘real’ Bali 🙂 The temples are beautiful, as are the rice fields, and I love the macaques!
Phil & Michaela
Aren’t their faces gorgeous 😊 More temples to come soon
Lookoom
It’s hard not to be distracted by the monkeys.
grandmisadventures
incredible pictures from Bali!
WanderingCanadians
Loved the pictures of the monkeys!
ubudtourpackages
I am Gede, a native of Ubud. Thank you for visiting Ubud and sharing your holiday experiences in Bali. This is very helpful for future visitors planning their tour itineraries.
Phil & Michaela
Thank you, Bali is a beautiful Island 😊