Our last two nights were spent in Ubud, inland on the Eastern side of Bali. Although we were not there for very long, I genuinely loved Ubud. I would definitely go back. The area is covered in lush jungle and surrounded by rice fields. On every street there are Hindu temples and small bamboo baskets full of offerings to the gods.
The temple and wishing well at Monkey Forrest- Ubud, Indonesia.
The main tourist street, Jalan Raya as well as everyone's Scooters. Its pretty common to hire scooters and travel around Bali. -Ubud, Indonesia.
One of the highlights of our stay was 'Ketuts place', a bed and breakfast up the hill from the bustling street of Jalan Raya. As it was our last stop, we decided to chuck in a extra $5 each (hardly a sacrifice) and got a place with a pool. It felt like moving from camping to the Four Seasons. It was in stark contrast to our roach infested hovel on Gili T island. I would recommend Ketut's Place to anyone visiting the area. As part of the $22 dollars each a night, we got fresh pineapple and coconut pancakes as well as freshly squeezed juice served to us on our own private balcony each morning. It also included a king sized bed over looking the Balinese gardens. Ketut himself was extremely friendly and helped us to book taxis and recommended places visit. He appears to be the second generation living on the land, as their was a private Hindu temple exclusively for his parents.
On first evening we went to watch a traditional Balinese- Hindu dance. The dance is called a 'Kecak" dance (said like chuck chuck). Essentially over a hundred men, dressed in traditional clothing, sit in a circle around lit candles and create a rhythm with their singing. Although the dance has no explanation or words, the story is fairly easy to follow as a Hindu princess is kidnapped. The highlight for me was watching a man run across hot coals and not have burnt feet afterwards. I wont lie- we cringed and looked away a moments as his feet dragged across the red hot embers.
The dancers in their intricate costumes. These particular characters were members of the royal family. -Ubud, Indonesia.
On our second day we went to 'Monkey Forrest', about a 20 minute walk down the road. The forest is full of naughty monkeys and their babies surrounded by ancient temples in the jungle. It felt like Tarzan would swing by from vine to vine at any second. At only $3 dollars for entry, its a fairly decent and affordable stop.
A bridge at Monkey Forrest. We were impressed at the roots hanging off of it - Ubud, Indonesia.
A male monkey, sitting as cool asa cucumber. Not remotely worried about the people around him. -Ubud, Indonesia.
Entrance to Monkey Forrest -Ubud, Indonesia.
The Monkeys, sitting on top of a cement monkey (Gabi called it 'Monkey-inception' - Ubud, Indonesia.
Most of all, I enjoyed haggling in Ubud. I was able to buy a painting that was priced at 400 000 Rupiah, and reduced it all the way to 110 000 Rupiah ($11). Gabi and I tried to see it as a sport. I think because I'm a pale skinned and freckly foreigner, many of the locals assumed that I had a lot of Euros to spent. With the ever dipping South African Rand, my haggling skills had to be on point. Gabi managed to bargain a Ukulele down to a 5th of the price. She hadn't even originally wanted a Ukulele, she just didn't want to miss the opportunity! I think we have been watching Suits for too long. My advice, never take the first offer and go in with a strategy. We had a guy follow us down the street a few blocks trying to sell a set of carved chopsticks. He said it would make our food taste better (we'll have to let you know when we try them).
Fried noodles and prawn crackers anyone? -Ubud, Indonesia.
As sad as it is, Our time in Indonesia has come to an end. I had such a blast with my sister, Chris and my old college friend, Gabi – we have made some unforgettable memories (que 'Time of My Life' from Dirty Dancing lol). But... whats left to do now? As reality kicks in, I need to go back to South Africa and look for a job hopefully in design (a genuinely scary concept). However, after this awesome month in the sun surrounded by beaches, stingrays, turtles and temples – I think I will be okay!
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