Discovering Bali – Part I

If you are considering a trip to Bali or simply want to savor a slice of Balinese culture this post is for you. This Indonesian island is so charmingly diverse that I couldn’t fit all the tips and photos that I wanted to share in a single post so here you have part 1. During my stay, I visited some beautiful landmarks and like all my travels, felt most alive while discovering something new. Hope this helps and if you have any questions please feel free to drop me a line. And remember, wherever you end up going, most importantly, go with someone you love!

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

This is one of the most famous rice terraces in Ubud with some jaw-dropping views where you can easily get lost among the green scenery, sit down, and relax. I always make sure to go to the very touristic places early in the morning to avoid crowds and take some memorable shots.

Satria Coffee Plantation

Being a coffee lover, this visit was one of my favorites. Not only do you get to taste all types of coffees and teas but you get to indulge yourself in the lush vegetation. You can also taste what is known as the most expensive coffee in the world: the kopi luwak that comes from processed coffee beans that have been excreted by the Asian palm civet.

The Ubud Market

Prepare yourself to get lost in this street full of Balinese handicrafts and souvenirs! You will be amazed by the colors and setups of all shops and stalls. You will see a lot of woodcarvings, woven baskets, straw hats and bags, woven skirts, Balinese style paintings, and jewelry. The market opens daily from 8:00 AM till 6:00 PM and prices vary depending on your bargaining skills! It is almost a rule to always bargain and never settle for the first price they offer you.

Waterfall Kanto Lampo

I love discovering hidden gems when I travel and Waterfall Kanto Lampo was definitely one of them. It is only 30 min from the heart of Ubud and not as touristic as other waterfalls. The flow of water on the rocks is magical and you can have a little swim there and you can find perfect spots for stunning pics!

Ubud Monkey Forest

Walking around 600 monkeys is bound to be an unforgettable experience. This natural habitat is also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. There are some things you should know before going there:

• Don’t touch the monkeys
• Don’t feed the monkeys
• Don’t run or panic
• Don’t look the monkeys in the eye
• Don’t bring paper or plastic bags
• Take care of your personal belongings like sunglasses and cell phones

Pura Taman Saraswati Temple

A must visit spot. It is a beautiful water temple in the heart of Ubud surrounded by lotus ponds and a water garden making the scenery breathtaking. This temple of typical Balinese architecture is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning.

Ubud Royal Palace

This palace was the official residence of the Royal Family. The beautiful Balinese architecture for more than 300 hundred years is what attracts tourists to this site. Take time to appreciate the stone carvings! In the evening, visitors come to watch Balinese local dance performances.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Certainly one of the best waterfalls in Bali and only 20-30 min away from Ubud. On your way down the waterfall, you will find many Bali signs and photo spots that will make your way more entertaining. You can also swim over there if the weather allows. There is also a swing that is perfect for couple photos.

Bali Swing

Swings have become so popular in Bali that you can now find a swing in almost any Bali touristic attraction. The most common swing is the Bali swing. There is also a nice one in the Tegallalang Rice Terrace but as I wanted to avoid crowds I went for the swing in the Satria coffee plantation where I got my adrenaline rush. What a feeling!

Bali Spa and Massages

Who can say no to a relaxing massage? Bali is famous around the world for its amazing Balinese massages and treatments and they are available in almost every corner so don’t leave the island without trying some of the Balinese massages and their exquisite flower baths.