Bali Basics
I have wanted to share my experience in Bali for a hot minute, it is exquisite. But have kept that door intentionally closed. Like with a lock, key, deadbolt and alarm system closed.
I traveled to Bali solo in November 2017, post explosive messy, “breakup but its complicated so we are not quite broken up yet” experience with my then boyfriend in Dubai, China, and Thailand. (Yes we spanned our breakup over five countries, in three continents, finalizing it in the U.S.) But once I had arrived in Bali to spend much needed time with girlfriends, I got sick, really sick and my then boyfriend flew in from Thailand for what we thought would be one day. Just one day. That day was the same day that the volcano Agung erupted plummeting smoke and ash thousands of feet into the air, closing down the Denpassar airport indefinitely, and keeping us there together stranded in passionate resentment, lust, love, and hatred at one another.
We got out, we broke up and two months later said ex maxed out two of my credit cards, and took his new assistant to Bali to find himself, I suppose. So, I have happily turned the other cheek at Bali, and let him own that place in the energetic fields until now. The universe knows when you are ready to dive back into to something, and a good friend asked for some Bali travel tips last week, so here goes. I also feel we all deserve a giant energetic high five after kicking ass on months of self love, reflection and work to get through hard times. And a double high five for coming out the other side radiating. So, compiling this list of Bali basic travel tips for me is just that. An ode to healing, living my best life, and tipping my hat at so many more adventures to come sans drama.
Here are Bali basics, mainly focused on the experience of staying in Ubud, in the center of the island rich in hippie, healthy glory.
Where to stay: Ketut Kasta Guest House. This place is a trip-changer. The location is central but yet just around the corner from the super buzz so you still have some space. It is a “guest house” which means a family lives in the front in a temple-like structure then behind a wall and right next to a stream in the jungle are these what appear to be new, condos. Each unit has a giant bed, mini kitchen, and big bathroom with a walk-in shower.
The best part- they deliver a homemade Bailnese breakfast to your door every morning at the time you want with tea and coffee.
Transportation: You can rent a moto-bike from the family or get taxi service. I think it was around $7/day for a bike. This location is pretty central so you can walk most places just watch out for the giant gaps in the sidewalk sometimes.
From the Airport: You can get a cab to Ubud and it’s about 45 minutes to an hour. The cab ride will be around 250,000 which is about $17
Exchange rate: 1 Indonesian Rupiah = 1 USD So don’t be shocked when things are 150,000. That is actually just $10.2. Whatever the price is, example: 150,000 RP times that by .000068
Food: CHEAP! Best part about Bali, specifically Ubud is the quality for the price. Fresh fruits, vegan and vegetarian options, gluten free, all for inexpensive rates.
FAVES:
- KAFE: you can get a full meal with a wholesome smoothie for $5 USD. Plus their internet is fast and reliable and the scene is local bohemian, hipster. Food is Eugene- vegan tofu scrambles, quiche lorraine, pesto pasta, YUM bowls with black beans and yams and packed with fresh veggies.
- Habitat Cafe: I discovered this because it is directly under HUBUD co-working which I found to be extremely expensive to access so instead opted to use Habitats fast wifi and delicious food to fuel my online work.
Places to see:
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Walk through a lush jungle filled with monkey that will come up and eat bananas out of your hand. I found this terrifying but also amusing. Right in the center of Ubud.
- Tegallang Rice Terrace: about a 20 min moto ride but worth it. Beautiful rice terraces you can explore that are like the pictures you see in magazines. You pay a few Rupees when you cross the path of a farmer to be courteous but other than that, free. Great shopping next to the Terrace too. I found some beautiful dyed dresses that became my choice outfit everyday while in Bali.
- Pura Tirta Empul: Pura means temple so you will notice a lot of “Puras” around the Bali map. This one is particularly special because it has purification pools. You can participate in the ritual cleansing by stepping into each of the pools. NOTE: plan on wearing a long skirt to all temples. They offer them at the entrance but there are so many it is nice to have your own each date. This temple is another 15 minutes from the rice fields and a fun drive if you rent a motorbike. You pass through lush forests and fields. It is stunning.
- Besakih Temple: This temple is PHENOMENAL. It is at the base of the grumbling volcano and has multiple tiers of sacred rooms and passages. It is a 45 minute to 1.5 hour moto bike trip from Ubud. You can stop at the beach on your way there for lunch.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: beautiful scenic walk in the heart of Ubud bustle. About 1.2 miles of cobbled stone path on a rolling hill with a giant swing halfway through to stop and take it all in.The entrance is at the gates of a gorgeous temple. You will notice a theme, temples are everywhere. You constantly have to pinch yourself because you feel like you are in a movie.
