Bali: Kuta Beach

Wrapping up Ubud, we made our way to the beach, specifically Seminyak and Kuta.  We had one night in Seminyak and one night in Kuta.  Rock Star in Dhaka appropriately compared Seminyak to Miami’s South Beach and Kuta to an Australian spring break.  I would say these descriptions are fairly appropriate, but it also doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy my time there.  Bali just knows how to do tourism.

Also, a shout out to the place we stayed in Kuta: Danny’s Homestay.  It is not too far from Kuta beach and it’s new (which means it’s clean!) and generally lovely.  You should go before too many other people discover it.  Right now, there is not even a sign to advertise it.

Keep Bali Beach Clean

White Sandy Beaches. But the sand is HOT!

Kuta Sunset

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Bali: Mount Batur

Also around Ubud is an active volcano: Mount Batur.  Fortunately, it wasn’t active while we were there.

Mount Batur. The volcano is on the left. Check out the lava on the sides.

Pura Batur Temple

Gold!

Rice Paddy Terraces. Sarongs for sale. Luwak Coffee.

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Bali: Gunung Kawai and Pura Tirta Empul

And the tour of Bali’s temples in the Ubud area continues…..

First, Gunung Kawai.

Rice Terraces....And a long walk down to the temple. Which means a long walk up hill to get back to the car.

For some reason, this temple reminded me of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, even though I think that was filmed somewhere in the Middle East. Go figure.

Goods for sale.

Second, Pura Tirta Empul.

A Natural Spring that produces crystal clear water.

Praying in the Water

Sneaking a glimpse at me when he should be praying.

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Bali: Goa Gajah

There are a number of famous Hindu temples around Ubud.  They are definitely worth checking out.  We spent the day going to a few of them.

Goa Gajah is one of the closest temples to Ubud Village.  It dates back to the 11th century.

Ah! Don't be scared.

Ladies in the fountain.

Sleeping while mom sells her wares.

Coke is it! Especially on a hot day walking around the temples.

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Bali: Ubud Village

Bali is a fantastic vacation.  It’s perhaps not as idyllic as some people might imagine and it is VERY touristy.  But that can be a good thing since the hotels and restaurants are good and the tourist industry is developed.  I really enjoyed it.

The first stop we made was Ubud, which is in the middle of the island and is known as the cultural heart of Bali.  It’s packed full of Hindu temples, massage parlors, restaurants, and knick-knack shops, but I found it charming.

The Ubud Palace

Members of the local royal family still live in Ubud Palace so you can only wander aimlessly in parts of the palace. The rest you can just peak into.

Funky Wall Decor

Pura Taman Saraswati

These Hindu Temples look so different compared to temples in South Asia.

This is my favorite 'Lil Guy out of all of these statues that sit in front of the temples.

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