There’s always something fun and new things to do in Bali. It will take you more than 2 weeks to explore every inch of this island. Today, I am showing you some places that might be worth visiting if you are tired of the beach scene and beach clubs and want to actually soak up the Balinese culture, life and experience. To experience all this, look no further than to Mengwi and Ubud, one is less traveled and more local, the other one is known for its yoga and “healing” haven for westerners to go. Both are equally beautiful in their own way and this is my experience spending half a day in Mengwi and Ubud.
From Canggu, these two places are only an hour drive via a moped. It’s not that difficult driving around this area and nor is the road challenging. But if you are not confident about your driving skill, you can ask someone else to accompany you during your short trip to both places.
I started the journey from Canggu quite late. As usual, everything starts pretty late these days. It was also a scorching hot day when I drove the moped to mengwi. I thought the road was going to be difficult but it was surprisingly quite fine and easy. Along the road all I could see was the vastness of rice fields and some balinese houses. That moment, I knew that I bid goodbye to westernized Bali and welcomed the local, authentic Bali living. Seeing all the culture presented in the architecture, I was feeling ecstatic. Canggu life can be quite tedious where it often feels like everyone is partying, socializing and always in cafes. But what I saw around Mengwi was quite refreshing since what I passed through was the countryside with a lot more locals.
Mengwi Taman Ayun Temple
The first destination in mengwi is a temple called Pura Taman Ayun. It’s a temple build on 17th century. You can read more about the temple on the attached link. Like many other temple in Indonesia, this temple is rich in symbolism and philosophy .It is also intriguing to look into if you’re especially interested in architecture and symbolism. But overall, it can be enjoyed on its own. I have visited this temple in the past and was amazed of the place. It was packed then but the day I went there, it was empty. There were only less than 8 visitors and that includes myself. Later on, I learned from the guesthouse owner, that caucasian tourists don’t really visit this place. The temple is often visited by Chinese tourists or Japanese tourists which makes sense now that I learned the one who renovated the temple was a Chinese architect. When I reached the place, I had to pay 15000IDR entrance fee which is quite reasonable for this temple. The temple itself is well managed and is attended by the staffs. Since it was a slow day, some of them were praying inside the temple. For visitors you can only admire the temple from outside but if you are praying, you can get inside the temple and experience the magical vibe surrounding it. I would say that even surrounding the temple, it was quite magical.
That's the first gate to the temple before going into the water fountain and also the main area.
Those are the information on the temple hours and on the left side is the common sculpture that you will find along the temple.
That area used to be even more beautiful with water lilly surrounding it.
Above is the gate leading to the main temple.
A tower like compound in the area. There will be more inside the temple.
A display of Barong Balinese art and dance costume.
Gate to the main temple that are surrounded by water around it. It was a hot day when I got there.
Since you can not get into the complex, you are only allowed to circle the temple.
Below is the stairs leading to the park around the temple. And on the right, is another statue that I reckon is a goddess.
Before exiting the place, you will be shown the diorama of cockfighting. It's funny, I know but basically it's part of the culture in the past where people make bets on these.
Ubud
If you are a yogi, this is the right place for you to go than canggu. It’s much calmer, more locals, and more cultural than Canggu which essentially is a surfer village. But since that day was a short trip, I only visited Pura saraswati which is also integrated with Starbucks. I think that is the best starbucks ever though not the biggest but it’s definitely way better than other starbucks I have been to. The temple is surrounded by lily ponds and fishes. I saw some locals were even fishing in the place though I think it’s actually illegal to do so.
Anyway, in this place not only you can enjoy refreshing Starbucks coffee, you also get to enjoy it with a beautiful view of Saraswati temple. In the past it used to be quite packed but when I went there, it was somewhat empty and only a few passerby. I think that these days are really the best time to visit the country because everything is reasonably priced and also the best time to take pictures because there will only be a couple of visitors around the area.
This starbucks is a must visit in Ubud because it's just really awesome. However, if you don't want to go to starbucks you can simply pass through the door and just check out the temple which is also breathtaking. If you have a lot more time, you can check other famous places in around Ubud or go the off beaten path which is walking through the rice fields in campuhan ridge walk and nearby.
Bali for International Travelers
I got an interesting question from @detlev about Bali. So here’s some information that you can refer to if you want to move to Bali or even visit the country as a foreigner. At the moment, the country is open for nationalities that are listed in the documents I attached below with some requirements. One thing to not these days, people can get a visa through VOA in any airports around Indonesia. Another important thing to note, there are vaccine requirements as well and health insurance.
In the past, you didn’t have to deal with these but now, visiting SEA is like a SEA person going to Europe or America which requires paperwork and a long list of documents to comply. I have not heard many people at the co-working space complaining about it and not to mention, each day, more people are coming into the country because it’s way easier and you don’t have to undergo any quarantine. I heard the quarantine hotel was expensive and was a dreadful experience. Anyhow, once you’re in Bali, the country and other islands are pretty much accessible.
Mac's Pinmapple Travel List
 | Mac is a jack of all trades. A typical introvert in love with literature, books, technology and philosophy. She is also so into nootropics, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity, and languages. Other than that, she is passionate about cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, leave a comment or a feedback. A re-blog is also appreciated. |