We arrived in Bali, it was 2:00 in the morning. It was our first night at the airport. Indeed, we decided not to take a hotel room for just a few hours of sleep. We waited at the airport for the first bus time. Apparently it's a classic thing because we were not the only ones sleeping here, far from it! This first night was not more relaxing but we were still ready for the new adventures that awaited us in Bali.
Our arrival in Bali: Direction Ubud, Hotel and first meal
After this atypical first night, we took a bus to get to our first destination in Bali, namely, Ubud. I prefer to warn you now, moving to Bali turns out to be complicated even if several possibilities are available to you such as mini-vans, taxis or even the scooter. By cons, we did not find "big" bus as was the case in Malaysia to move on the island. If it was again, we would take a scooter throughout our stay to be free to be completely independent of tourist transport.
An hour and a half later, we finally arrived in Ubud. The city is known to be the cultural center of Bali. I can not wait to see all this, but first, head to the hotel, Ojek's Homestay, which is located just minutes from our bus stop.
We are seduced by the architecture of the establishment and the garden. We discover our room which was very big but with just a huge bed inside. No bedside table, no wardrobe where to put his things. The bathroom and toilets were shared, that said for less than 10 euros a night including breakfast, we were not expecting a luxury.The hotel had a nice common area to relax and have breakfast as well as his own place of prayer.
The luggage was finally deposited, we had a hurry: go eat! We had nothing in our stomachs since the day before! We took full eyes by the colors of the dishes and cocktails of this first meal.
It is really very easy to get around Ubud and especially around the city with a scooter. We enjoyed the scooter for 3 days to explore the surroundings and there is plenty to do!
The Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest is in the city, it is very easy to get there. This is a large park where monkeys are kings! Beware of the little clever especially if they are very close to you! You will be able to admire many statues as well as places of prayers.
After discovering the park, here are the monkeys! Treat yourself!
The rice terraces of Tegalalang
It is impossible in Bali to pass in front of the rice terraces without stopping there, especially when they are really beautiful! You can find many rice fields in Bali, including those of Jatiluwih which are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Some of them are paying (Jatiluwih for example) but if you decide to go hiking in Bali, you can admire rice fields for free. Being in Ubud, we visited the terraces of Tegalalang and it was a nice surprise. They are placed on the roadside. The landscapes are just fantastic.
The rice fields offer many varieties of flowers all more beautiful than each other by their colors, sizes and shapes. I'll let you discover some of them:
Some activities are set up such as big swings where you let yourself go in the void (count 100 000 rupees for this experience), free tastings of tea and coffee where your host explains the different plants used.
We were able to observe cows between two paths of the rice field as well as offerings exposed everywhere in the terraces. We were able to take our time, ask us about the views, admire funny things present on these places.
And finally, I wanted to tell you to simply take the time to wander between the terraces!
The Kopi Luwak
Have you ever heard of Kopi (or coffee) Luwak? It is the most expensive coffee in the world made in Bali as well as other islands of Indonesia and the Philippines. The luwak is an animal that will eat the berries of coffee, will then direct them to reject them in their excrement. This method would improve the coffee.
Regarding the conditions of detention of animals, it seems to be a hell for them. They are in cages too small for them, who need space to stretch.
Here are in image the different stages of the production of the kopi luwak:
After the visit with the guide, we had a tasting of teas and free coffee in front of a beautiful view of the rice fields.
My favorite? The mangosteen tea, rosela tea, lemongras tea, coconut coffee !!!
The monkey forest, the rice fields and the kopi luwak are must-sees in Ubud. Put a little flat on the Ubud's kopi luwak, because I had the opportunity to visit another which is in the protection of luwak with total absence of cage. But this is in another post;)
Et maintenant...
Cost of accommodation, and excursions:
- Public transport and Grab: 251 000 Rp = 15,59 euros for 2
- Hostel Ojek's Homestay: 340 000 Rp = 21, 12 euros for 4 nights with breackfasts included
- Meal, shopping: 580 500 Rp = 36,06 euros for 2 persons
- Rent of motorbike: 70 000 Rp for 1 day = 4,35 euros
- Parking for rice fields: free
- Entrance of the rice fiels of Tegalalang: 20 000 Rp = 1,24 euros for 2 persons
- Entrée and tasting at Kopi Luwak: free
Comments