Ubud Uncovered: Temples, Traditions, and Tranquility
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| Ngurah Rai International Airport |
Bali had always been on our bucket list, and when we finally touched down at Ngurah Rai International Airport, it felt surreal. Over the next few days, we explored everything from peaceful temple grounds and coffee plantations to rugged island cliffs and flavorful local dishes. From Ubud’s tranquil charm to Nusa Penida’s dramatic coastlines, Bali gave us a mix of spiritual depth, natural beauty, and cultural warmth we didn’t expect—but deeply appreciated. Here’s how our unforgettable journey unfolded.
Before you land, please make sure to fill out Health Declaration Form - Kemenkes (Ministry of Health, https://sshp.kemkes.go.id/) and Custom Declaration Form - Kementerian (Ministry, https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/) - both of these are requirements when you enter Bali, ID.
Before you land, please make sure to fill out Health Declaration Form - Kemenkes (Ministry of Health, https://sshp.kemkes.go.id/) and Custom Declaration Form - Kementerian (Ministry, https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/) - both of these are requirements when you enter Bali, ID.
✈️ Arrival in Bali: First Impressions
We finally landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali! After a long flight, we were excited (and slightly exhausted) but couldn’t wait to dive into our Bali adventure. Our first stop: the cultural heart of the island—Ubud.
From the airport, we went straight to our cozy Airbnb tucked away in Ubud’s lush greenery. This would be our home for the next three days before heading south to the beach side vibes of Kuta. You can check their website Gatra Ubud Inn at https://gatra-ubud-inn.ubudhotelsbali.net/en/ - they are located at the center of Ubod Jl. Sugriwa No.16, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571).
Bali felt oddly familiar. The locals looked just like us—warm, expressive, and always smiling. Everyone greeted us in Bahasa, and we smiled back… a little confused but genuinely delighted. (Cue the nervous giggles and blank stares. Lol.)
We finally landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali! After a long flight, we were excited (and slightly exhausted) but couldn’t wait to dive into our Bali adventure. Our first stop: the cultural heart of the island—Ubud.
From the airport, we went straight to our cozy Airbnb tucked away in Ubud’s lush greenery. This would be our home for the next three days before heading south to the beach side vibes of Kuta. You can check their website Gatra Ubud Inn at https://gatra-ubud-inn.ubudhotelsbali.net/en/ - they are located at the center of Ubod Jl. Sugriwa No.16, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571).
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| Gatra Ubod Inn |
Bali felt oddly familiar. The locals looked just like us—warm, expressive, and always smiling. Everyone greeted us in Bahasa, and we smiled back… a little confused but genuinely delighted. (Cue the nervous giggles and blank stares. Lol.)
Despite the language gap, we felt instantly welcome.
What stood out most? The architecture. Bali breathes tradition. From majestic temple gates to humble home entrances—even street corners hold spiritual charm. It’s like walking through a living museum where culture isn't just remembered—it's lived. And you get the feeling the younger generation takes pride in preserving it.
🌄Day Trip to Lempuyang Temple – Gate of Heaven
We woke up before sunrise, fueled by excitement (and caffeine), and left Ubud at 6 AM in our private car for the long drive to Lempuyang Temple, famously known as the Gate of Heaven. The two-hour ride took us through quiet villages, lush rice fields, and winding mountain roads.
We thought we arrived early at 8 AM to avoid the crowd. Spoiler alert: we didn’t. The queue for the iconic photo was already long. What we expected to be a 1.5-hour wait turned into 3 hours under the sun. It was hot. We were tired. But we stayed.
And we’re so glad we did.
Though Mount Agung stayed hidden behind the clouds, the majestic gates were still jaw-dropping. The peaceful setting, spiritual energy, and sheer beauty made every minute worth it. We truly felt like we were standing at the edge of something sacred.
☕ A Surprising Stop: Balinese Coffee Plantation
On our way back, we stumbled upon a local coffee plantation—with zero expectations. But it ended up being one of the most unique experiences of the day.
A friendly guide gave us a short tour. Turns out, it’s more than just coffee here! We walked past cacao pods, tea leaves, ginger roots, cinnamon trees, and even avocados. It was like wandering through a tropical kitchen garden.
Then came the star: Kopi Luwak—aka civet coffee, or as the locals call it, Puwak coffee.
Yes, it’s the one where the beans are eaten and, uh, passed by a civet cat. The process might sound wild, but the taste? Rich, earthy, and surprisingly smooth. We even got to try the “male” version, which they claimed was the strongest. It definitely had a kick!
They gave us a tasting flight with 14 flavors—from spicy ginger tea to creamy coconut coffee to turmeric brews. A total treat for caffeine lovers!
💧 Tirta Empul – A Spiritual Pause
Later that day, we visited Tirta Empul, one of Bali’s most sacred water temples.
Though we didn’t bring extra clothes to fully join the purification ritual, we still took part in a small way—drinking and washing our faces with the holy spring water. A simple act, but one that left us grounded and grateful.
There’s something humbling about being in a place where tradition isn’t just preserved but shared openly with visitors. Ubud was the peaceful beginning we didn’t know we needed. 🌺
What stood out most? The architecture. Bali breathes tradition. From majestic temple gates to humble home entrances—even street corners hold spiritual charm. It’s like walking through a living museum where culture isn't just remembered—it's lived. And you get the feeling the younger generation takes pride in preserving it.
We woke up before sunrise, fueled by excitement (and caffeine), and left Ubud at 6 AM in our private car for the long drive to Lempuyang Temple, famously known as the Gate of Heaven. The two-hour ride took us through quiet villages, lush rice fields, and winding mountain roads.
We thought we arrived early at 8 AM to avoid the crowd. Spoiler alert: we didn’t. The queue for the iconic photo was already long. What we expected to be a 1.5-hour wait turned into 3 hours under the sun. It was hot. We were tired. But we stayed.
And we’re so glad we did.
Though Mount Agung stayed hidden behind the clouds, the majestic gates were still jaw-dropping. The peaceful setting, spiritual energy, and sheer beauty made every minute worth it. We truly felt like we were standing at the edge of something sacred.
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| Lempuyang Temple |
On our way back, we stumbled upon a local coffee plantation—with zero expectations. But it ended up being one of the most unique experiences of the day.
A friendly guide gave us a short tour. Turns out, it’s more than just coffee here! We walked past cacao pods, tea leaves, ginger roots, cinnamon trees, and even avocados. It was like wandering through a tropical kitchen garden.
Then came the star: Kopi Luwak—aka civet coffee, or as the locals call it, Puwak coffee.
They gave us a tasting flight with 14 flavors—from spicy ginger tea to creamy coconut coffee to turmeric brews. A total treat for caffeine lovers!
💧 Tirta Empul – A Spiritual Pause
Later that day, we visited Tirta Empul, one of Bali’s most sacred water temples.
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| Tirta Empul |
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| Tirta Empul |
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