Ubud, Bali: A Dream of Nature, Tradition, and Warm Hospitality
Bali, the Island of the Gods. After our exciting time in Singapore, our journey took us to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. Known for its lush rice terraces, artistic temples, and spiritual atmosphere, Ubud immediately captivated us. However, what made this place truly special was not just the stunning landscapes or the beautiful temples, it was the warmth of the people and the deep-rooted Balinese culture that completely enchanted us.
Our Accommodation: A Small Paradise with a Balinese Family
Our stay in Ubud was nothing short of magical. We had the privilege of staying in a small family-run estate, where we had our own private little house with a pool and a beautiful terrace where we enjoyed breakfast every morning.
The best part? We were the only guests! The family welcomed us with open arms, pampered us with home-cooked meals, and shared stories about their culture and daily life. It didn’t feel like a typical accommodation, it felt like we had become part of their family.
One of our favorite moments was starting the day on our terrace, enjoying fresh tropical fruits and Indonesian coffee while listening to the peaceful sounds of nature.
Balinese Culture: Open, Warm, and Deeply Spiritual
Of all the cultures we have experienced on our travels, Balinese society impressed us the most. The people here are incredibly friendly, open, and welcoming.
Everywhere we went, we were greeted with warm smiles, people took time to talk to us, explain their traditions, and integrate us into their daily life.
Bali is a unique mix of tradition and tourism, and the locals have found an amazing way to balance both. Almost every household consists of small temple complexes, where families gather to pray daily. Spirituality is deeply rooted in Balinese life, which can be seen in the daily offerings placed in front of houses, on streets, and in temples.
Our Experiences in Ubud: From Temples to Waterfalls
A Magical Temple Celebration with the Locals
One of the absolute highlights of our trip was participating in a traditional Balinese ceremony at the village temple with our host family.
It was a great honor for us to be included in this sacred event, as such celebrations are usually reserved for locals. The family dressed us in traditional Balinese attire, and we made our way to the temple, where we experienced chants, offerings, and dances.
This day allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in Balinese culture, a magical moment we will never forget.
Visiting a Traditional Balinese Village
We had the opportunity to visit a traditional Balinese village, which surprised us in many ways. Bali’s unique architecture was fascinating, every village and home consists of small temple complexes, where families worship daily.
What impressed us the most was the incredible craftsmanship: We watched local artisans create intricate wood carvings, woven baskets, and metal jewelry, all handmade with great passion and precision.
The Rice Terraces, A UNESCO World Heritage Site
A trip to Bali wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Bali’s unique Subak irrigation system is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The terraces stretch across vast landscapes, offering breathtaking views. We walked through the fields, watched farmers at work, and enjoyed the stunning scenery.
Cooking Class & Silver Jewelry Workshop
Since we both love cooking, we decided to join a traditional Balinese cooking class. We learned how to prepare authentic dishes like Nasi Goreng, Satay skewers, and Gado-Gado, a fun and delicious experience that gave us new recipes to try at home!
Another exciting experience was the silver jewelry workshop, where we had the chance to design and create our own pieces. It was an incredibly rewarding and creative activity.
Exploring Ubud Art Market & the City
The Ubud Art Market was an absolute dream for art lovers! The colorful stalls were filled with handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and traditional carvings. The city itself was vibrant, full of small cafes, temples, and artistic murals.
Coffee & Tea Plantation: A Treat for the Senses
One of the most fascinating stops on our journey was a coffee and tea plantation, where we got to sample a variety of local brews.
We even had the chance to try Luwak coffee, one of the rarest and most expensive coffees in the world. This coffee is made using beans that are eaten and naturally fermented in the digestive system of civet cats before being collected and processed, a unique and exotic experience!
Spa Day: Balinese Massage & Sound Bowl Therapy
No trip to Bali is complete without experiencing a traditional Balinese massage! After days of exploring, we treated ourselves to a relaxing spa day, which included a sound bowl therapy session, a deeply meditative experience that helped us unwind and reconnect with ourselves.
Monk Meditation: A Spiritual Experience
One of the most unique experiences of our trip was participating in a meditation session with Buddhist monks. This peaceful and spiritual moment allowed us to disconnect from the outside world and focus on inner balance and mindfulness.
Chasing Waterfalls
Of course, we couldn’t leave Bali without exploring its stunning waterfalls! We visited some of the most famous ones, including Tegenungan Waterfall and Tibumana Waterfall, incredible natural wonders that provided the perfect escape into Bali’s lush jungle.
Teaching at a Balinese School: A New Experience Worth Every Moment
During our time in Bali, we had the incredible opportunity to teach at a local Balinese school, a completely new experience for us, but one that quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of our journey.
From the moment we stepped into the classroom, we were greeted with bright smiles and eager eyes. What stood out the most was the immense respect the children showed toward us and their teachers. They listened attentively, engaged enthusiastically, and truly appreciated the opportunity to learn from us.
It was heartwarming to see how excited they were, even about simple lessons. Their curiosity and gratitude made every moment in the classroom special. Unlike in some places where education is taken for granted, here in Bali, it was clear that the students genuinely valued every bit of knowledge shared with them.
This experience taught us just as much as we taught them. It reminded us of the power of education and the importance of sharing knowledge across cultures. Teaching in a Balinese school wasn’t just about lessons it was about connection, mutual learning, and making a small but meaningful impact.
Would we do it again? Absolutely!
Bali: A Double-Edged Sword
As much as we love Bali, we also noticed its challenges. While the island is undeniably beautiful, the rise in tourism has brought environmental issues, particularly concerning waste and pollution.
However, what stood out to us was the strong sense of community among the Balinese people, who work hard to preserve their culture and nature.
One of our favorite things was exploring the island on a scooter, giving us the freedom to discover hidden gems and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes at our own pace.
Final Thoughts: Bali, We’ll Be Back!
Our stay in Ubud was a perfect blend of nature, tradition, and relaxation. The kindness of the people, the deep spirituality, and the stunning landscapes completely stole our hearts.
One thing is certain: this won’t be our last visit to Bali, we will definitely return to explore even more of this magical island!
Next Stop: The Philippines!
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