Where Art and Tradition Thrive: A Guide to Ubud
Ubud. This isn’t just another stop; it’s a destination that uniquely embodies art, culture, wellness, and nature, drawing a diverse tapestry of individuals – from artists and yogis to spiritual seekers and those yearning for a more authentic Balinese experience. Sabine and I intentionally planned our visit to Ubud, deeming it the central hub of Bali, a place to arrive at after exploring much of the island. Here, we settled into a charming homestay near the town center, confident that Ubud would unveil a much deeper and richer sense of Bali.
From Ubud, it was about an hour and a half’s travel to the magnificent Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. The journey itself was incredibly pleasant, surrounded by vibrant green landscapes everywhere you looked, slowly transitioning from the terraced rice paddies to the cooler, more mountainous regions.
We arrived at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, having enjoyed the beautiful landscape along the way. After purchasing our tickets at the counter, we rode our bike in and parked it near the front gate. From there, we walked through the impeccably maintained gardens, admiring the neatly trimmed lawns and the plants sculpted into various artistic shapes.
In the center of the park stood a magnificent bird structure, surrounded by a vibrant display of yellow flowers, offering a warm and inviting welcome to the place. Hundreds of people were already there, capturing photos and simply enjoying the serene atmosphere. We took the pedestrian path to the left, which led us to a cave-like structure enveloped by water. Inside the hall, a fascinating collection of different types of cacti was displayed. We walked through it, emerging on the other side, and then took the same path back to continue our exploration.
The bird structure and the cave faded behind our footsteps as we approached the magnificent Ulun Danu Beratan Temple area. The temple itself is stunningly surrounded by water, with vibrant flowers enhancing its beauty. However, the temple was closed. While traveling in Bali, I’d noticed that many temples here only open every six months for specific festivals, and this seemed to be one of those times.
We walked closer to the temple and sat down. Despite the lively noise from the surrounding premises, it was surprisingly peaceful right near the temple. I observed that the tops of the temple structures were thatched with hay, a construction style I’d noticed in most Balinese temples. Nearby, a photoshoot was taking place in front of a small gateway. The girls were adorned in the most beautiful Balinese clothes, showcasing how wonderfully the Balinese people blend tradition with the new era – it’s truly amazing.
1.how it started
What can I say about Banyumala Twin Waterfalls? Wow – nature has truly blessed this place with abundance! As my hunt for waterfalls continued, Banyumala was my next destination.
As is typical, you’ll need to purchase a ticket from the counter. They’ll also ask if you want a bike ride down; there’s a bit of a walk involved, so if you’re up for it, I highly recommend walking. As we navigated the undulating path, it felt like we were strolling through farmland. After walking for about ten to twenty minutes, we reached the first checkpoint, where we had to show our tickets. Water bottles were available there; definitely grab one, as you’ll need it on the way down.
The ticket collector allowed us to proceed. Steps led us downwards, and we passed people coming up from the other direction. As we got closer to the falls, the path grew noticeably slippery. After a turn from the straight descent, we were finally in front of the waterfall. This particular waterfall is gentle, almost harnessing your thoughts and emotions.
We settled into a nearby hut. The water from the fall was chilling, and the rain clouds overhead added to its soothing ambiance. We walked around the fall, dipping our legs into the refreshing water. I was simply enjoying the moment, keeping my camera safely tucked away in my bag. The mist from the fall, blowing directly onto my face, wonderfully kept any wandering thoughts at bay.
1.how it started
It was a rainy morning, but we didn’t change our plans; we headed straight for Tegenungan Waterfall. As we reached the vicinity, however, the sky dramatically changed its color, turning into a beautiful sunny day.
As you now know, every waterfall in Bali comes with an entrance fee. We walked down a well-maintained pathway. After just a couple of minutes, we arrived at a popular picture-taking spot—a “selfie nest” of sorts. The attraction was well-designed, and we snapped some photos there, though the main waterfall wasn’t visible from that point.
As the steps continued downwards, the mighty cascade of Tegenungan finally revealed itself. Due to the recent rain, the water was quite muddy, but still powerful. We navigated wooden planks, eventually reaching a concrete area that brought us incredibly close to the falls. The mist from the waterfall touched our GoPro lens, creating spectacular glowing rings in the pictures. While you can typically swim under the waterfall, only two or three brave souls were in the water due to the heavy flow from the rain.
We then walked to the other side of the waterfall, where we found a small cafe. Feeling hungry, we ordered some snacks and soon struck up a conversation with a couple from India. They had just gotten married, and upon talking a little more, we learned they were from Jammu and Kashmir. Sabine’s Hindi instantly delighted them, and we had a wonderful chat.
Meanwhile, I thought it would be nice to go to the top of the waterfall for a different view. We ascended the stairs, only to find a man sitting there who informed us we’d need yet another ticket to see it from above. This was the moment I felt a bit of a “scam” vibe – it seemed like they just wanted money for everything. I suggested to him that it would be much better if they informed visitors at the main gate and collected all fees there. With that, we stepped back down and began our walk back towards the main gate.
1.how it started
For most Indians, as well as people around the world, Bali is often seen as a quintessential honeymoon destination. And the next waterfall we were heading to felt perfectly in sync with that romantic, picturesque vibe.
Our waterfall adventures continued, and our next stop was the truly unique Kanto Lampo Waterfall. Unlike other falls, Kanto Lampo stands out for its beautiful, terraced rock formations, over which the water gracefully cascades, creating a truly picturesque scene. It’s become incredibly popular, especially for its unique photo opportunities.
The journey to Kanto Lampo typically involves a walk down a series of steps and natural paths, often becoming a bit slippery as you get closer to the wet rock face. But the anticipation builds with every step, fueled by the sounds of rushing water and the lush, green surroundings.
Upon arrival at the base, we changed our clothes and carefully placed our bags on a nearby rock. In my mind, I was thinking there would be no “monkey king” here to take our belongings, and I also made sure they wouldn’t accidentally fall into the water.
Indeed, beauty often comes with a price, and at Kanto Lampo, that price was patience. There was a long queue in front of us, with each group seemingly allowed only five to ten minutes at the main waterfall – the primary goal, of course, being to capture that perfect photo.
Sabine and I initially opted to step to the side, where a smaller, quieter cascade flowed, and we enjoyed our time there. After a while, however, we decided to brave the main queue and take our turn. While waiting, I met other Indian couples, also in Bali for their honeymoons, and we chatted as we slowly moved forward.
When our opportunity finally arrived, we quickly got in and started clicking pictures. Time was truly limited; others were waiting behind us. I found myself wondering, Am I just here to take pictures and make others believe I was here? Anyway, after about five to ten minutes, we were gently asked to move on.
We then ventured further downstream from the main waterfall. It was surprisingly quiet there, with far fewer people. Sabine and I swam in the shallow water, enjoying the peace. About ten or twenty meters away from us, we noticed a couple engaged in what appeared to be some form of “tantra performance” in their own unique way – a rather unexpected sight!
As the day began to wind down and the light started to fade, we eventually made our way back to our homestay.
1.how it started
This next waterfall, unlike the more famous ones, felt like a hidden gem. It wasn’t one of Bali’s most renowned, and as the gatekeeper informed us, it’s actually part of a private property.
As usual, we paid the entrance fee and walked in. Banana plants lined the path, and it was only a short stroll before we reached a deep set of stairs. Along the walls and rocks, we were immediately struck by beautiful, intricate carvings. To reach the waterfall itself, we had to cross a small river, where the water was about knee-deep. We waded across, and I can tell you, this is one of the most peaceful waterfalls in Ubud.
We stepped into the cool water. I had a lingering doubt in my mind whether it might be a man-made fall, but regardless, it was amazing. Nearby, two women were quietly meditating or practicing Reiki; we made sure not to disturb their peace.
We then made our way to the waterfall. Directly in front of it stood a striking statue of a woman lying down, her legs open. As I walked around it, I observed that water flowed down through a vaginal-like opening – it was a very unique and powerful piece. Meanwhile, Sabine was contentedly sitting in a corner, simply enjoying the serene ambiance of the place.
I continued to explore, finding the area full of more carvings, some partially hidden by the grass and not entirely visible. They had also created other statues depicting various human emotions. All in all, this waterfall in Ubud truly offers a peaceful escape, a tranquil spot away from the hustle where you can truly connect with nature.
1.how it started
Our time in Bali was drawing to a close, the days for our visa nearly counted. As a place renowned for its spirituality, my partner Sabine had a heartfelt desire to visit a Shiva temple, eager to understand the subtle yet profound differences between Indian and Balinese temples. This curiosity was amplified by our previous travels, where, to our dismay, most temples we encountered in Bali had been closed.
Undeterred, we embarked on a two-hour journey from Ubud. The ride itself was a balm for the soul, winding through endless green paddy fields and lush nature, a vibrant tapestry unfurling around us. With the trusty aid of Google Maps, we navigated our way to a hillside temple – remarkably, the only place during our entire trip where we weren’t asked to pay an entrance fee. Beyond the temple grounds, the forest began, a wild green expanse hinting at untamed beauty.
Stepping inside, we found a small, serene garden, but our excitement was quickly dampened. The temple itself was under extensive renovation. The main deity, Shiva, was obscured, and venturing further inside, we found only the skeletal framework of construction. A wave of sadness washed over us; we had traveled all this way, through such beauty, only to find our spiritual quest unfulfilled. It felt like we had journeyed all that distance for nothing.
However, just outside the temple, a striking statue of Ravana caught our eye. His form, powerful and intricate, immediately transported my thoughts to the ancient stories of the Ramayana. The tales of his immense strength, his kingdom, and his complex character filled my mind. Turning to Sabine, a new idea sparked, overriding the day’s disappointment. “Let’s go next,” I declared, “to Ravana’s Golden Lanka!“
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This is my travel through the beautifull waterfalls in bali
thank you
Rahul
