In a world full of picturesque places, why wouldn’t you want to explore every uncharted corner.
My trip to Ubud, Indonesia was a long 28 hour journey. A journey quickly forgotten once there as elation surpassed my exhaustion. I felt energized and eager to take in the culture.
When arriving at customs you will be required to show your visa along with your passport. If you forgot to acquire a visa, like I did, they have a separate area next to customs where you can purchase one. This is called a VOA or visa on arrival and the cost is about 35 USD or 500,000 IDR. After getting through the long customs line, I was finally able to start my vacation. I had already hired a private driver for the week which was only a mere 25 USD. You will find in Bali, our dollar goes a long way. According to my driver, Ketut, the Balinese consider American tourist rich. Far from the truth, but the value of the US dollar there sure made me feel as if I were.
On my way to the villa I took in the sights of the city. I saw a lot of poverty along the way. There were broken down homes and huts. People worked with their hands; planting, carving, and building. I felt humbled and curious about there way of living. Almost everyone in Ubud rode a motorbike. I learned this was the main form of transportation because it was more affordable than a car. Be warned, there are no speed limits here and they drive on the opposite side of the road. As if that wasn’t shocking enough, children ride on these bikes with no helmet. With that said, I shouldn’t have been surprised when I was told to transition to a motorbike. This was necessary to continue the rest of the way to my Villa. Yes, luggage and all.
When I arrived to the villa, I opened the beautiful wood carved door..
This place is breathtaking. It’s a Bohemian themed one bedroom villa. The villa is partially outdoors. Outdoor shower, my own pool, outdoor dining area and a beautiful lounge space for me to journal and relax. The owners of this airbnb also own the Yellow Flower Cafe right around the corner to it. You can get a delicious meal here for $3.50 and if you choose not to leave the villa, you can order room service from them as well.
Here are my must sees in Bali:
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall: Known as one of Bali’s best virgin waterfalls. Forty minutes from Ubud and a twenty minute trek down hundreds of steps, you will find this breathtaking waterfall. Standing under it seemed like magic and made the whole world disappear. Entrance fee is 10,000 IDR which is about .60 US cents.
- Bali Tirta Gangga : A water palace and a heritage site of Karangesem Kingdom. Truly a magnificent place. Known for it’s koi pond, lush gardens, spectacular statues and serene ponds. Feeding the hungry koi fish was my favorite part of this majestic place. Entrance fee is 70,000 IDR which converts to $4.25 plus parking 2,000 IDR (12 cents). If you are part of a tour, you benefit in two ways. The tour guide gets a discount for being a local. Parking is free.
- Keramas Black Sand Beach: A completely free way to spend the day in Bali. Have lunch with the locals at Keramas Surf Camp Beach Front. They cook the fish in front of you. You can choose your own lobster. How’s that for fresh?! Upon entering you are greeted warmly and taken to a Moroccan style table with pillows to sit on. Your view is the ocean and miles of black sand. If you are brave you can try fish skin chips and other cultural dishes.
Let your mind breathe and your soul heal.
When I wasn’t busy sightseeing, I set my focus inward. I followed my intention to truly experience the healing powers of Bali.
Just a short stroll down the path from the Yellow Flower Cafe, you find the Intuitive Flow Yoga Studio. Here you can focus on your prana energy in their sunrise yoga class. The room is surrounded by windows overlooking the lush green gardens of Bali. Just stepping into the class immediately puts you into a zen state. For only 110k IDR ( 6.74 USD) you can afford to practice yoga everyday.
Balinese believe that self care should include harmony with nature , balance, and living in the moment.
After leaving my Hatha class, I decided to continue my day of self care with a Balinese Swedish massage. Ninety minutes of bliss topped off with a cup of herb filled tea all for 25 USD. Fully relaxed and ready to explore, I took a stroll to a nearby market for a little shopping. When I had my fill of retail therapy I hitched a ride on a motor bike to a restaurant called The Traveler. Owned by an American from California, this innovative restaurant took you on a tasting around the world. I was warmly greeted with a cool towel, Popsicle, and a glass of wine. Well now, it’s hard not to feel like royalty. Seated at a seat overlooking the rice fields, I looked over their menu. It offers tastings of enticing dishes from all around the world. It wasn’t hard to indulge. The perfect way to end my last day in paradise.
I travel to escape it all. I travel seeking the things that Bali has given me. A sense of belonging among people who believe that there is no humanity without love. Where there is no judgment. No greed. No status. No segregation. Just an open door, a smile, and a kind heart. My transformative trip to Bali left me feeling grateful.