Ubud is absolutely the place to go in Bali. We spent our first couple days exploring the south and stayed in Kuta, but I was so happy to get out of the city and up into the jungle of Ubud. The jungle is probably my favorite type of environment and the intense colors were so well-paired with the delectable food.
Move
Hiking to the top of Mount Batur, one of Bali’s two active volcanoes, for sunrise definitely made it onto our list of things to do. Fast forward to 4am, an hour and a half from our hotel, at the base of the volcano. Our group is standing in a TORRENTIAL downpour in total darkness. We can’t see the volcano, let alone a couple feet in front of us, and we are trying to discern the safety of the trek in such a thunderstorm.
Finally, we decided to do it and commenced the hour+ hike/scramble up the fairly steep mountain. We stuck close to the guide as the visibility was terrible and I knew we’d lose him if he got more than five meters ahead of us. When we finally got to the top and the sun cracked over the horizon, I looked down and couldn’t believe what we had just scrambled up. I felt proud of us that we had woken up at 2am, managed to keep up with the front guide, and were able to see the sun rise over the crater despite the heavy rain.
Taste
Bintang. The fact that this local beer has a small cult following of travelers to Indonesia should tell you something. Perfect after a day of trekking or rafting. Definitely recommended alongside a plate of stir fried noodles, which are sweet and salty with the taste of the Indonesian kecap manis sauce.
Move
We took a day trip rafting in the center of the island. Being in the middle of the jungle gave me such life and our guide was the coolest (and did most of the work). I could have done this a handful more times during our week and a half in the country.
The Wayfaring Wren 