Did you know that in Bali, you will know if the people are the oldest or the eldest in the family?
The firstborn child is named Wayan, Putu or Gede, the second is named Made or Kadek, the third child goes by Nyoman or Komang, and the fourth is named Ketut.
If a family has more than four children, the cycle repeats itself, and the next 'Wayan' may be called Wayan Balik, which means 'another Wayan'.
The guy who took the selfie was the owner of the hostel and his name was ‘Made’ :) So that means he is the 2nd child in his family
ubud
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Ubud is the heart of Bali. it is like a small European city nestled in nature! There is a lot of traffic going on, but the energy of this place is so different that it is even unobtrusive.
if you know how to ride a scooter, I recommend that you leave the idea of a car after you arrive at your accommodation, because the time it will take you to go places with a scooter is doubled in a car. There's really solid traffic!
Even Ubud has plenty of traffic, this does not make walking impossible. A few places you can go on foot;
-saraswati temple-
at this Balinese Hindu Temple, it is impossible not to be impressed by the archeology of the temple, which is among the lotus flowers. You can also get the chance to watch Bali's famous Kecak dance here.
WHAT IS KECAK DANCE?
Kecak is a form of Balinese Hindu performance of the love story of Rama and Sita. 30-50 men sitting on the ground in a circle while in the middle the musical drama is unfolding. Hypnotic and transcendental chanting goes like acapella. It’s definitely something you will see only in Bali.
-SACRED MONKEY FOREST SANCTUARY-
This place is also a big temple, but it is in the forest and at the same time it is the home of monkeys.
Watch out for small items like wallets, glasses and snacks! Because these little thieves snatch everything from you without you’re realizing what's going on.
They are so used to people that they take pictures together, it is not a problem at all, but still, try not to act aggressively.
-campuhan ridge walk-
2 km short trail. A magnificent nature walk in the forest, among the rice fields, through the temples. Not to mention the chance to relax and enjoy nature with the cafes at the beginning and end of the hiking!
-tegallalang rice terrace-
the place where there are rows of rice fields. It’s probably one of the most touristic spots. Here you can swing over the fields and take beautiful pictures. You can also drink Luwak coffee, the famous coffee of Bali.
WHAT IS LUWAK COFFEE?
Luwak coffee is also known as the most expensive coffee in the world.
Coffee beans comes from the red or purple coffee fruit that Asian Palm Civet eats. No, you don't get the seed from the fruit, Palm Civet eats the fruit and defecate it; there you go, your coffee beans!
first process is to let the beans dry, then they roast them 5 to 45 minutes. the final process is crushing them in the mortar and sift the good ones. finally, it’s ready to drink!
-GOA GAJAH-
This is one of Bali's oldest temples, dedicated to the Hindu God Ganesha.
People usually wants to take pictures with you because you are blonde or simply different than them.
Some travelers even wants money to let them take their pictures!
more in ubud
for yoga
Radiantly Alive, Yoga Barn, Ubud Yoga House, Taman Hati
for food /drink
Clear Cafe, Sayuri Healing Food, The Seeds Of Life, Sawobali, Monsieur Spoon, KAFE, Sage and many many more… (Seriously everything is delicious)
for nightlife
CP Lounge, Paradiso Ubud
Be careful when taking pictures in the temples at night! Some people believe that the spirits are trapped in the photograph when taken at night(!)
The girl who is the owner of the hostel told us this because we had told her about a man who pulled a big knife on us while we were taking the photo on the left. (I didn't see it, my friend next to me saw it and didn't say it so as not to scare me).
The man came up to us, and I started to chat very sincerely, he must have been convinced that we are good people, so he did not wave a knife at us! Of course I didn't know that at the time, I found out when I got back to the hostel!
also be careful when you’re walking or riding a motor on the streets where no one is late at night.
While we were returning to the hostel (same night), another driver approached us and grabbed the phone and power bank from my hand. So deserted places can be dangerous anywhere!
canggu
Canggu is one of the favorite spots of those who love to sunbathe with its beaches and to surf. Especially Batu Balong Beach is a hangout spot for young people and mostly tourists.
A classic must-do in Canggu is a party night at the Old Man when the sun goes down. Since Canggu and Kuta are next to each other, taking a walk on the beach is another option.
If you are looking for more active alternatives other than surf and walking; “The Canggu Studio” and “Body Factory Bali” are among the places you can go for working out or yoga.
While you're in Canggu, don't forget to eat ice cream from "Mad Pops". For food, I preferred "Island Bagels" and "Ruko Cafe".
seminyak
Seminyak is located inside the Kuta district, this is Bali's shopping and nightlife hub. There are a lot of fancy restaurants and bars.
Also, Seminyak's beaches are a much more convenient place to sip your drink; Like La Plancha!
Some of the yoga studios I went to; Yoga 108, Olop Yoga Studio, Jiwa Yoga and Bali Pilates Studio.
For food; Neon Palms, Shrimps, Sisterfields, Nalu Bowls, Cafe Organic, Shelter Cafe Seminyak.
If you want both food and nightlife, definitely La Favela! As soon as you enter inside, you feel like you have entered the amazons. Also, the street where La Favela is located where the nightlife is lively; so you’ll have plenty of options.
