Thursday we travelled to Ubud. This was a whirlwind day with so much going on.

Kirstie finally got her backpack from the airport after 4 days!

We got in the cramped mini bus and took a 2hour ride from Bali to Ubud.

As you arrive in Ubud you instantly recognise how calm and peaceful it is compared to Kuta. There are temples everywhere Indonesians actually live within them. It is a very safe place and the locals are really friendly.

Our hotel was really nice, the room was luxury and it was set in tropical gardens with temples at the front. Only 5mins walk to the Main Street. Unfortunately we only had 1 night here so it was a quick pit stop but I would recommend at least 3 days.

So we got to our hotel at 3 and at 3:30pm we headed out on a private half day tour that the lovely woman at our hotel hooked us up with for a cheap price. We managed to fit in loads of things and was well chuffed!

1. Luwak coffee - saw all the tea, coffee, chocolate and herb trees then got to sample around 12 different teas and coffee's such as coconut, vanilla, ginger, lemon grass and other ones that I had never heard of. Most of them were pretty good. Then out came the 3 chocolate samples - milk, orange and vanilla. Yum yum.
Cost: free

2. Tegenungan waterfall - this was a nice waterfall with a small walk down some steps to get to the bottom. You cross a few dodgy bamboo foot bridges to get across and your there! You can swim in it but just don't got too close to the falls. We were on a mission to get round everywhere so didn't go in but it looked fun. I would recommend a bathing suit.
Cost: 12,500Rp

3. Goa Gajah - This was a beautiful historical elephant cave temple. There is also a holy bathing temple there so people can bless themselves. Sarong needed.
Cost: 15,000Rp

4. Tirta Empul - this is a Hindu temple where me and kirstie decided to take a dip in the purifying pools. There are fountains that come out into the pool and you have to go along them all and wash the water over your face and head. We had the whole pool to ourselves as it was quite late and practically dark there were also small fish swimming around. It was such a unique experience and I would definitely recommend it. Sarong needed.
Cost: 15,000Rp

We finished off a packed day with a quiet meal at a local restaurant just up the road from us. It was called Putu's wild ginger warung. It has such a nice story behind it and the owners are so nice and friendly. This food was the best I have tasted yet. I ordered Nasi Campur a local dish that has a bit of everything from curry, spicy veg, tofu & noodles rice etc. Well worth a try.

The next morning we woke up early to take a walk to the monkey forest. Ended up getting lost and had to get a taxi but got there in the end.

It's basically just walking around a forest with a few temples and seeing monkeys everywhere! Luckily we got out without one jumping on us. They were so active and cute out I can imagine them to be nasty if they want. It's got to bee on the must see list though and it's only 30,000Rp.

Next stop Gili T.
Xoxo