Bali Diaries: Unforgettable Ubud
Ubud is Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart, where lush jungles, terraced rice paddies, and sacred temples blend into a tranquil haven.
Ubud is a magical place set amongst rice terraces, tropical forest, and ravines. As the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, there are numerous temples around town. Many visitors come to Ubud to find holistic living and wellness thanks to the many yoga studios, meditation centres, and day spas. The lush surroundings encourage you to enjoy and reconnect with nature, taking a slower pace to smell the roses and be grateful for life’s little joys.
Here is Ubud, we reunite with my good friend from California who is on her own healing journey from a family bereavement. Ubud has a special way to heal the soul with its beauty and hospitality. I am so grateful to spend time in Bali with my family and dear friends.
Between all these yoga studios and healthy restaurants, you may wonder if Ubud is good for kids? The answer is yes! Especially so for families looking for a more enriching and cultural travel experience. Being a Hindu island, Bali is a perfect way to introduce Lady Yeya to her grandfather’s religion of Hinduism. That said, if you are travelling with kids, it is important to plan accordingly as the intense tropical heat is unforgiving. I recommend doing sightseeing and excursions in the early morning or late afternoon with pool time or kids club during the day.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Everyone should visit the Sacred Monkey Forest but it is a must-do for families. Set over 10 hectares of forest with three Hindu temples, the sanctuary is home to over 1,200 Balinese long-tailed macaques. These cheeky monkeys can roam freely around the forest so it is fun to observe them in their natural habitat.
We set out in the late afternoon so we can walk back to Ubud town for some shopping and an early dinner. The lovely foliage provided refuge from the afternoon heat but unfortunately we got caught in a tropical downpour. In fact we found ourselves in an oversize tree with a huge alpha male monkey! Top tip: avoid eye contact with the monkeys and keep a close eye on your belongings!
Ubud Market
Right in the heart of Ubud, Ubud Market is a fantastic place to buy Balinese souvenirs, crafts, and textiles. Whilst Kenz bargained for some Saraswati and Ganesh handcrafted wooden carvings, Lady Yeya and I browsed for gifts for her little friends. She purchased some wooden butterfly and turtle keychains and a knitted dog toy for our beloved Buddy. Whilst open from 10am – 5pm, we only visited around 4pm browsing around the “touristy” western section for silk scarves, wood carvings, and jewellery. Bargaining is expected so be sure to shop around before making your final purchases.
Temples and Rice Terraces Near Ubud
We arranged for a private driver to take us to see various awe-inspiring temples near Ubud. Picking up my friends enroute at their boutique hotel, the first stop was to the beautiful Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Whilst hot and humid, walking around the stunning rice terraces and taking in the view was worth it. Many beauty spots and swings for all those Instagram-worthy photos!
Then it was on to Tirta Empul, the sacred water temple where Balinese Hindus perform purification rituals thanks to the healing powers from the spring-fed pools. A funeral was taking place at the complex. A serene sanctuary for peaceful reflection and retrospective. Next up was the impressive Gunung Kawi Temple, located down the river gorge. Down the 371 stone steps through lush foliage to the Pakerisan River, there are giant rock-cut shrines carved into the cliff. The peaceful surroundings are simply beautiful with rice paddies and mini waterfalls. The last stop was to the off the beaten path, Pura Kehen, a miniature version of Bali’s most significant and sacred temple, Pura Basakih. Built on an incline with steps to the top, Pura Kehen consists of inner courtyards flanked by tiered thatched shrines.
Ramayana Show
Bali is a perfect way to introduce the Sanskrit epic of the Mahabharata. In Ubud, you cannot miss the famed Ramayana cultural dance. It retells the story when evil Ravana abducts Sita, and Rama’s courageous efforts to rescue her with help from Hanuman. The most popular one is held at Ubud Palace, starting at 7pm. For 1.5 hours, enjoy the rhythmic dance movement of this epic Hindu mythology.
If you have extra time, it is well worth visiting the nearby Pura Taman Saraswati or Ubud Water Palace. The lotus-filled ponds and ornate temples dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess for knowledge, is a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Enroute to Ubud, we stopped off at Tegenungan Waterfall to see one of Bali’s most accessible and photogenic waterfall. In the village of Kemenuh, Tegenungan tumbles from 15 metres into a refreshing pool fed by the Petanu River. The short scenic walk to the base has plenty of gorgeous viewpoints. Picturesque and totally Instagram-worthy. The refreshing mist will cool you down as you hike your way up. If you are chasing waterfalls, make it Tegenungan.
Ubud is a truly unforgettable place for creating new family memories and cultural experiences. A magical place blending nature, spirituality and serenity. Immensely grateful for this special time with my dearest family and friends amongst the lush ravines, ornate temples, and stunning terrace views. Unforgettable, indeed.
