Holiday In Bali: Ubud

Time for the next adventure…

There’s a bustle and frequency in every city, Bali is no different. Heading out of Bali to the semi-rustic scene of Ubud. Loaded up in a small SUV Sveta and I climbed in the back and Buan drove. Looking out the window we could really take in the city and all its differences. For me, I can only compare it to Thailand with the above-ground power lines, and the many different concrete structures both modern and ancient sitting next to one another. What struck me were the small hotdog stand-like carts selling 1-liter glass bottles of petrol for vehicles. I guess that is one way to fuel the transportation industry on the island. But kind of makes sense with all the motorbikes moonlighting as taxi services. At least that’s my best guess. Soon enough we made our exit out of the city and the natural varying hues of nature greeted our eyes in almost every direction in the form of soaked rice paddies.

On the road to Ubud, we stopped by the Sahadewa Barong Dance (a theatre company) to watch the remainder of their production about the myth of Barong. Barong predates the massive Hindu and Islamic influences in the area. Barong is said to be a good spirit and a guardian of the forest. Maybe Barong could help pick up the rubbish off the beach… No matter.

I grew up in the theatre. Watching a form, I only learned about at Uni was a treat I didn’t expect. The show has adult themes and adult humor but really most kids would enjoy the spectacle. The language barrier did not take away from the action of the players playing out in front of us. After the show Pictures were defiantly had with Barong and the garden-like grounds surrounding the theatre space.

But hop back to the SUV so Buan could get us the rest of the way to Ubud. The city had only just recently put in traffic lights or, so I was told. However, this is still an Instagram influencer’s dream. Folks, even though I think influencers are ridiculous do not ever stop taking all the pictures you can on your journeys. Snap and post and show the beauty of this planet. Years later you will re-look at all the pictures and hopefully smile at where you romped and played about.

 

The Tiered Rice Paddies are a must-see. An absolutely breathtaking view and such a juxtaposition from Bali. But beware of the mud. It is not so conducive to keeping clothes or thongs (flip flops) clean. Rice in this part of the world is the same as grain in the Western world. The very life and power of nations were built upon this precious crop. Sometimes, humans cultivate and enhance the beauty of nature. This is a place where form, function, and agriculture meld perfectly together.

We romped down and through the paddies for the perfect pictures in our own unrealized ignorance of those moments… Hey man, everyone else was doing the same thing so have your Kodak moment. Life is too bloody short not to partake… and post.

The Alas Harum Agroo Coffee Plantation was our next stop. If you are not a coffee aficionado, then you may not be familiar with Kopi Luwak. But think back to the Jack Nicolson and Morgan Freeman movie “The Bucket List”. Ring a bell? No matter… 

Civets are a feline-like creature that eats the coffee cherry and then poops out the partially digested and fermented cherries. Don’t let that process gross you out too much because anyone who enjoys coffee needs to try Kopi Luwak – After all it’s the shit! Honestly hands down the best coffee I ever tried. After a whole sample of various coffees and teas, we headed off. Down the footpath and passing a few caged Civets for more pictures near the various swings and viewpoints. Folks, you can really get some legendary pictures here. And we did. Sveta was always up for more pictures, and I was hapless in getting them right. But being a Buddhist herself, she was ever kind at my inability with a camera phone.


Next on the docket is Monkey Forest.

Ever seen Planet of the Apes? Kinda the same environment but filled with cheeky wild monkeys. This sanctuary is nestled in the village of Padangtegal. Yes, there is some signing of papers and fees. Also, word to the wise – follow the rules on not taking outside food and drinks (omit water) into the place. Oh, and never scream at the monkeys… They can take this as a sign of aggression. Everyone was warned that the monkeys will find the snacks and the snacks become Curious George’s snacks. I think a young girl took a “fuck-all” before crossing the bridge into the Forest filled with ancient ruins. A male monkey grabbed her drink, she screamed, and he took off with half the beverage spilled on him up a tree with about 4-5 smaller monkeys right behind him. I assume none had their morning brew. Comical only because no one got hurt. Still not smart on her or her parents’ part.

  

Continuing and meandering through this beautiful place you can observe monkey families in their natural habitats. Sometimes babies cling to their mother’s bellies as their mom saunters on all fours across trees, ledges, vines, etc… Sometimes you see monkey love… Sometimes you see monkey ED… And sometimes you have a monkey land on your shoulder like one did on me. Keep calm and walk on folks. The little one landed on my left and then strolled across my shoulders to my right then jumped off and went on his/her way. No screaming in the face… Kinda cool really.



The day was coming to an end, but we had time for one more stop. The 25-meter (127 ft) waterfall of Tengenungan. A cool-down was needed. Tropic humidity takes the energy right out of you.

Follow the crowd and down the footpath steps and you’ll be greeted with cool water and a massive waterfall. Truly a sight for anyone living in a city. Getting the rest of the way is a mild obstacle of wooden planks and wet rocks. Floating near the waterfall itself was a roped-off area for the safety of the masses. While being rinsed off or holding a lover under a waterfall is still a dream for many the floating rope is for the safety of inexperienced tourists. Hey folks, there are kids here too so don’t get too handsy or act too foolish… Monkey see monkey do type of maturity needs to be had. Don’t be too shy either… The humid tropic temperatures of ~30-33˚ C of Indonesia that cool water from the falls will rinse off the sweat from the day. Seriously, you’ll be glad you did.

Phones out and ready your best model poses. Here you do your best to try to get a picture of the background without people in the shot. A real challenge! This was before the various apps that let you edit people out of aspects of your photo. I tried my best but we both knew I was not getting the right shots of her, and my phone’s hard drive was getting full… I mean really maxing it out. Some pictures had to go. I hope I managed to capture what she was going for. Walking up the stairs past the crowds headed down and to the entrance of the queue sat a small food stand. Between the heat of the day and romping about the charcoal fires roasting seasoned corn on the cob was a yummy treat. Sitting at a park bench munching down our snack was a peaceful break from the near-constant walking. I am still not sure if there was much of a continued language barrier between her and me but it didn’t matter.  At least not to me. We were doing and seeing things we may never get to again. Living in the moment is a challenge. Some never even try. Most don’t even know how.

Buan waited patiently in the car park. Driving back to Bali as the sun slowly sat and seeing the dusk light hit the rice paddies. The scene reminded me a little of the same in Indiana. Only the crop wasn’t rice, it was corn… Or maybe I was still thinking about the fire-roasted corn. It was so good.

No regrets about any of it, especially with my adventurous companion spending her holiday time with me vs her friends that she came with. That night I met one of her mates. Some courteous conversations and I still smile about her friend’s clear distaste for the current POTUS – I don’t blame her in the least. A quick dip in their hotel’s pool and that cashed me out for the night. Sveta and her mates went off to listen to a Kazakhstani DJ spin a set. The invite was there I declined. Everything was catching up to me and sleep was needed even though it was the last night in Bali.

Another day and evening of well-chosen places, adventure companions, and taking life in the romp.

Dustin J. Casey 2023©