Post-Trip Recollections - Oh! Ubud!

Despite being a frequent visitor to Bali, I had previously only been to Ubud once. Yes, just once. Thus, when I traveled to Bali in December 2023, I decided that I wanted to visit Ubud. This was only my second time visiting Ubud in more than 10 previous vacations trips to Bali over the years.

Religious festival; this photograph was taken with a zoom lens because I was observing from a distance, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (2023)

A simple day trip to Ubud will not suffice for me. I wanted to immerse myself in the vibes of Ubud. I also wanted to do walking trips around the vicinity of the hotel I was staying in. To explore the area, observe the local lifestyles and better understand the local culture unique not just to Bali, but also to Ubud.

Located north of Denpasar, Ubud is well known as the centre for traditional crafts. It is surrounded by rainforests and padi fields are everywhere in the area. Some of these can be beautiful terraced fields while others may just be a small plot of land where padi is grown. In short, Ubud is an extremely photogenic part of Bali.

Padi field, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (2023)

During my visit, I stayed for 3 nights at the Kalyana Ubud Resort. Using the hotel's location as a starting point, I managed two walking tours of the area over the next 2 days. The first was a walk from the resort, northwards all the way to Ubud Town Centre and back, a total distance of about 8km, both ways. The second was a walk in a south-east direction from the hotel towards the outskirts, passing by local shops, eateries, cafes as well as several restaurants and accommodations. In this second walk, I covered a total distance of about 11km, both ways. Both walks were extremely fruitful and enjoyable, including chancing upon a colourful local religious festival. 

Religious offerings commonly seen along the road or sidewalks, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (2023)

Of course, I did not just walk. I took breaks in-between; enjoying coffees at the local cafes, lunch at the restaurants, snacks at stalls selling local food and also bought some nice smelling incense. And, I also went into a local barber shop for a quick haircut!

I came to Ubud expecting to be just a tourist, walking alone and taking photographs of the area. What I experienced was totally different. Friendly locals who chatted with me, sharing their personal stories and career ambitions. I experienced what it was like dining at roadside eateries with the locals, I respectfully observed a religious procession from afar and I learned a lot about the Ubud lifestyle and culture from the locals. Ubud is a beautiful place within a beautiful Bali. I wish I had visited Ubud more  often in my previous vacations to Bali. 

Photo collage of my room and its private pool and garden at the Kalyana Ubud Resort, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (2023)

A local stall by the road where I dined on delicious local Mie Bakso, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (2023)

Stone sculpture at the foot of the steps to a temple, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (2023)

Freshwater crabs can be found in flooded padi fields, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (2023)

Photograph of myself admiring the sunset in the middle of a padi field, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (2023)