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Tag Archives: Ubud

From Laid-Back to Energetic, Exploring the Cities of Lovina and Kuta in Bali

1 April 202222 September 2024

It was my last morning in Lovina and I was traveling south to explore the popular tourist city of Kuta.  I said goodbye to the beach, joined the Sunarsas as we caravanned our way for a two and a half hour journey.

61 D8 Pura Gunung Menak Batur, 1.6.13

Passing through the town of Batur, we could see the Ulun Danu Temple with its numerous statues.  Dedicated to the goddess of rivers and lakes, Dewi Danu, it is the second most important temple in Bali.  Pura Gunung Menak is set in the beautiful region of Kintamani at the base of Mount Batur and is one of Bali’s nine directional temples.  The devastating eruption of Mount Batur left the local villagers to rebuild their town yet miraculously its most important shrine survived.

60 D8 Pura Manung Ganuk Batur, 1.6.13

The nine temples on the complex are categorized by each god and its purpose.  For example, Pura Taman Sari represents all matters relating to agriculture while Pura Sampian Wangi is dedicated to the making of various crafts.  The Balinese Hindus leave offerings at the designated temples and pray for blessings depending on their specific needs. Throughout the temples, there are statues of monkeys, representing Hanuman, a heroic god of Hindu legend.  His likeness represents bravery, strength and perseverance, a symbol of loyalty and selflessness.

_DSC1677

The spectacular scenic view from the temple overlooks Lake Batur and the mountain.  The weather was a bit overcast, but the vantage point from here on a sunny day is nothing less than spectacular.

62 D8 Mount Batur, Bali, 1.6.13

I was a little disappointed that I could not see the top of Mount Batur because of the clouds.  A trek to the top to view the sunrise is a popular excursion for many tourists.    We gathered back into the car for the remainder of our drive, deciding to make a stop in the artistic town of Ubud to take in the view of its famous rice terraces in the heart of the city.

67 D8 Shops Near Rice Terraces, 1.6.13

The drive seemed to fly by as we entered the town of Ubud.  We found a parking spot close to the rice fields and hurriedly walked towards the restaurant where Wayan had made plans to meet some friends for lunch.  This little artist community is abundant with Balinese restaurants and we planned to browse the assorted clothing and art shops after our meal.

64 D8 Famous Rice Terraces near Ubud, 1.6.13

Having finished my order of delicious bakso soup and a side of rice, the Sunarsas and I walked around the corner to the Tegallalang Rice Terrace.  This location was made popular by the film Eat, Pray, Love.  I am fascinated by the vivid green layers of rice plants that create a set of stairs on the side of the hill.  The local owner of the terraces offered us coconut milk from his trees and encouraged us to buy some of the artwork and souvenirs from the nearby shops.

The view from the street was surreal as we descended a set of stairs taking us closer into the fields.  Wayan’s children decided to take the walkway down so that I could take their photos.  Having a few minutes for visiting the shops, it was finally time for our departure.

_DSC1704

The character and charm of Ubud can be seen in its amazing architecture. Walking back to the car, we strolled through the stone pagodas and sacred buildings.  The subdued colors seem to blend in with the earthy surroundings as tourists made their way into boutiques and coffee shops for a moment to relax.  I love the laid back atmosphere of Ubud, but I am looking forward to checking out the upbeat crowds of the south before flying back to the United States.

What type of vacation do you prefer?  A relaxed, laid back journey or a fast-paced energetic adventure?  I would love to hear about your perfect idea of a vacation if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my fabulous trip to Bali!  Wishing you many Happy Travels of your own!

What to See and What to Do: 

Ulun Danu Baratan Temple
Jalan Bedugul, Singaraja, Candikuning
Baturiti, Kabupaten, Tabanan, Bali, 82191 Indonesia
Telephone:  +62 368 2033050

Updated Information since my last visit in January 2015! 

  • Admission Fee:  Adult: 50,000 IDR (Indonesian Rupiahs); Children: 25,000 IDR. There is an additional charge for parking:  Motorbike (2,000 IDR), Private car (5,000 IDR), Bus (10,000 IDR). There may be additional fees for activities associated with the temple and gardens.  At the time of this update, the exchange rate was 15,000 IDR to the US dollar.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 8AM to 6PM
  • Amenities:  Access to the temple grounds, lake activities to include fishing, speed boating, traditional Jukung boating and pedal boats.  There are additional opportunities to have your photo taken with a local wild animal, shop for gifts and enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the temple and Lake Bratan
  • Length of Time to Spend Here:  Approximately 2 -3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Lake Bratan is about an hour and 30 minutes from the popular tourist areas of south Bali.  Bring a change of clothes for participating in the water activities.  Dress appropriately for the temple ensuring that your shoulders and knees are covered.  Note that some of the areas may be closed to accommodate local prayers or religious ceremonies.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours:  Open daily, 24 hours
  • Amenities:  Nearby restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafes.
  • Scenic View:   Spectacular views the terraced rice farms
  • Length of Time to Spend Here:  Less than 1 hour to see the rice fields and additional time set aside for shopping and dining
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The rice terraces are located about 15 minutes outside of Ubud. For a tour guide, contact Ubud Adventures at www.ubudadventures.com or by email at admin@ubudadventures.com for more information.

Where to Stay:

Puri Sebali Resort (affordable)
Jalan Raya Sebali
Banjar Sebali, Desa Keliki
80571, Ubud Indonesia
Telephone: + 62 81 808 889 028

Where to Eat: 

Bridges Bali
Campuhan Bridge
Jalan Campuhan
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone:   +62 361 970095

Traditional Balinese style food overlooking the Campuhan River.

What to Eat: 

  • Babi Guling:  Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
  • Bakso Soup:  Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
  • Gado-Gado:  A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
  • Nasi Goreng:  Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
  • Pisang Goreng:  Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
  • Sate Ayam:  Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
  • Spring Rolls:  Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

  • Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
  • Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
  • Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
  • Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
  • Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for South Bali:

  • The Edge Hotel in Uluwatu, Bali is amazing for spectacular cliff views.
  • Rock Bar Bali is the perfect location to watch the sunset over Uluwatu
  • Ulu Cliff House is a beach club located in Uluwatu that provides incredible views of the coastline
  • OMNIA Bali’s infinity pool
  • Gili Trawangan Swings at Ombak Sunset
  • The Ayana Pool at Ayana Resort
  • Sea Circus in Seminyak for breakfast
  • La Brisa Bali located in Canggu is the popular location to watch the sunset
  • Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud
  • Tegalalang Rice Fields for the gorgeous scenery and the Love Bali sign
  • Thomas Beach Uluwatu
  • Bingin Beach Uluwatu
  • Motel Mexicola for its colorful exterior
  • Bambu Indah Hotel in gorgeous Ubud
  • The Monkey Forest in Ubud
  • Hidden Hills Villas
  • Nusa Penida for the cliffside views
  • La Laguna Bali in Canggu
  • Mt. Batur for its sunrise (north Bali)
  • Crate Cafe at Canggu

68 D8 Art Shop in Ubud, 1.6.13

Artwork in Bali

69 D8 Vines Hanging from Trees, 1.6.13A Jungle Atmosphere on the Streets

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Temples, Monkeys and Seafood in South Bali

11 February 202222 September 2024

As we left Ubud and traveled towards Kuta, it was quite clear that we were headed back to city life.  With a short drive through rush hour, we saw several buses, cars, dump trucks and a large number of motorbikes. Soon we arrived in the city of Kuta with its beachfront hotels and upscale restaurants.

D10 Traffic in South Bali, 1.8.13

Since I wasn’t sure how long I would be staying in northern Bali, I did not make hotel reservations for the latter part of my vacation.  Arriving in Kuta, I stopped by the Hard Rock Hotel where I stayed the first night, but unfortunately, there were no rooms available for a short term stay.  Hotels in Kuta book up fast, even in the off-season.

D11 Kuta Puri Bungalows and Spa, 1.9.13

I was hoping to find a place where I could relax and hang out by a pool, so my friend Wayan suggested we try the bungalows located around the corner.  With a setting of solace and quiet, I was happy that the Kuta Puri Bungalows had space available.  The property and location was perfect and happened to be one of the best accommodations I had ever experienced, staying a few nights in the Luxury Bungalow.

Bali 887

Waking early, I enjoyed the hotel’s complimentary breakfast and decided to make plans for seeing more of South Bali.  I wanted to visit the Uluwatu Temple, known for its spectacular ocean views and resident monkeys but my friends had already left to go back to Lovina Beach.  With the help of the hotel, I was able to find a local driver who would take me to the temple, wait with me until I had completed my tour and could recommend a seafood lunch on Jimbaran Beach. D10 Pura Uluwatu, 1.8.13

As my driver dropped me off at the temple, I was welcomed by a troop of monkeys.  I watched them as they eagerly taunted a group of visitors, stealing their belongings in the parking lot.

Before entering the temple, I wrapped the sarong around my waste to cover my knees.  Many of the Hindu temples are strict about the dress of visitors and require that the shoulders and knees are covered prior to entering.  Several of them loan out sarongs as a cover-up which can be returned at the end of their visit.

It was windy outside with overcast skies, and I was excited to visit one of the most dramatic temples of Bali, perched on a cliff high above the sea.    D10 View from Uluwatu, 1.8.13

A pathway following along the coast led me past a steep cliff before arriving at the temple.  I could hear the faint sound of waves crashing against the rocky bluff.   The crystal blue waters with their white foam disappeared into the cave-like tunnels beneath the craggy rocks.

The temple was closing in and I could hardly see the tourists in the distance.  I was nervous in anticipation as I thought about standing along the edge of the cliff.  Climbing higher, the wind began to pick up so I started to hang on tightly to the railing until I reached the top.  The view of the ocean extended for miles and looking down made me weak in the knees.  What an exhilarating experience!  Bali 914

I slowly wandered to an adjacent open-air building where monkeys were playing, begging from visitors and sharing their food with their friends. Tourists were tossing fruit and coconuts towards them and those that had their fill went back to playing around and grooming each other affectionately.

D10 Baby Monkey at Uluwatu, 1.8.13

While the adult monkeys were eating, it was the baby monkeys that stole the show.  Tumbling over each other and playing a lively game of tag, their energy was adorable. Their big brown eyes and tiny features made them all the more lovable.   I could have stayed here for hours but it was time for lunch along the beach and I was looking forward to sampling some of the Iocal seafood.

D10 Lunch on Jimbaran Beach, 1.8.13

Jimbaran Beach was not far from the temple and the wind was beginning to die down.  I was looking forward to having lunch outside along the beach, enjoying the scenic view of the coast.   A large selection of restaurants lined the shore so I trusted my driver to provide a recommendation.  He suggested the Bawang Merah Beachfront Restaurant where I ordered the red snapper with rice.

Bali 961

Blackened and grilled, my red snapper arrived and I could smell the heat from the spices.  The fish was tender and the rice prepared perfectly.  Enjoying my meal, I reflected on my Balinese vacation over the past two weeks and the amazing memories I had made in such a short period of time.  Sitting along the beach, I thought about how much this opportunity taught me culturally, physically and spiritually.  I made a mental note to take in the scenery at this very moment and promised myself never to take for granted this spectacular journey of a lifetime and promised myself that one day I would return.

What was your most recent journey that made a huge impact on you where you wanted to return again soon?  I would love to hear your experience, so kindly leave a summary in the comments section below!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Uluwatu Temple
Pecatu, South Kuta
Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

  • Admission Fee: 35,000 Rupiah (IDR) to enter the temple and 50,000 Rupiah (IDR) for the kecak performance;  $5 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians, cash only
  • Hours:  Open daily from 9AM to 6PM.
  • Amenities:  Sarong rental to ensure appropriate dress, kecak fire dancing performances in the evening,
  • Scenic View:   Spectacular views of the temple on the cliffside and of the ocean below
  • Length of the Hike:  1 to 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Please be aware of the monkeys at the temple.  They may try to steal your belongings, so ensure that your sunglasses, hats, water bottles, etc. are secure in your possession.  Hiking up to the temple, stay on the pathway as there are dangerous cliffs around.   This is an amazing location to watch the sun set.

Where to Stay:

Kuta Puri Bungalows
Jalan Pantai Kuta
Poppies Lane 1
Kuta, Kubupaten, Badung, Bali, 80361, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 751903

Where to Eat: 

Bawang Merah Beachfront Restaurant
Kelan, Jimbaran Bay, Bali, 80361, Indonesia
Telephone:  +62 361 770210

I ordered the grilled, blackened red snapper which was incredibly fresh and absolutely delicious!

What to Eat: 

  • Babi Guling:  Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
  • Bakso Soup:  Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
  • Gado-Gado:  A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
  • Nasi Goreng:  Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
  • Pisang Goreng:  Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
  • Sate Ayam:  Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
  • Spring Rolls:  Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

  • Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
  • Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
  • Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
  • Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
  • Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for South Bali:

  • The Edge Hotel in Uluwatu, Bali is amazing for spectacular cliff views.
  • Rock Bar Bali is the perfect location to watch the sunset over Uluwatu
  • Ulu Cliff House is a beach club located in Uluwatu that provides incredible views of the coastline
  • OMNIA Bali’s infinity pool
  • Gili Trawangan Swings at Ombak Sunset
  • The Ayana Pool at Ayana Resort
  • Sea Circus in Seminyak for breakfast
  • La Brisa Bali located in Canggu is the popular location to watch the sunset
  • Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud
  • Tegalalang Rice Fields for the gorgeous scenery and the Love Bali sign
  • Thomas Beach Uluwatu
  • Bingin Beach Uluwatu
  • Motel Mexicola for its colorful exterior
  • Bambu Indah Hotel in gorgeous Ubud
  • The Monkey Forest in Ubud
  • Hidden Hills Villas
  • Nusa Penida for the cliffside views
  • La Laguna Bali in Canggu
  • Mt. Batur for its sunrise (north Bali)
  • Crate Cafe at Canggu
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An Overview of Blog Posts from 2015

29 December 201522 July 2024

What a great year for travel!  Here are some of my adventure blogs for 2015:

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL: 

Bermuda

Hamilton, Bermuda

Grand Cayman:  Stingray City,  Afternoon Drive on Grand Cayman,  and Hell

Stingrays at Stingray City

Honduras:  Untouched Beauty, Underwater Photographs

Gorgeous Honduras Beaches

EUROPE: 

Wine Tasting in Tuscany

+0927 Table cloth for Wine Tasting

Wine Event at Fattoria il Poggio

UNITED STATES:

United States:  Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

United States, California:  San Francisco Downtown

San Francisco Chinatown

United States, California:  San Francisco Golden Gate

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

United States:  Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

United States, Michigan;  Holland, Michigan

Tulips in Holland, Michigan

 

United States:  Ohio

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati:  Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cleveland:  The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland:  Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus:  Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

 

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Hiking the Rim Trail

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

I hope you enjoyed this recap of my blog posts and travels for 2015.  Stay tuned for more adventures to come in 2016!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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