Ubud: A Place of Connection with Nature and Your Inner Self

Sometimes you just need some time spent in nature to hear your inner voice and to set free your authentic and wild self.

The whole trip to Bali had such a big impact in me, the way I think and feel about many things in life, but the two days spent in Ubud really transformed me. I just felt a pure connection with the nature, the culture and with myself.

Unlikely other parts of Bali, which are known for its amazing beaches, Ubud is known as the cultural and spiritual center of Bali. It gives you the opportunity to get to know the culture, by visiting temples, joining local rituals, experiencing the food, and simply connecting with local people. For some reason, I simply felt more at peace here, which allowed me to experience everything more intensely.

Right from the first moment, Ubud left me astonished with its natural beauty. As we were traveling from Canggu, we could see ourselves entering a “green zone”, surrounded by trees and forest, and it instantly gave a different feeling from other parts of Bali.

The first “wow” moment was the Forest Monkey. Although we skipped the touristic tour to visit the monkeys, we stayed in a gorgeous villa right in front of the forest, and every morning was spent in contemplation of this gorgeous view, while discovering new sounds of animals, birds and insects. I was even able to create a deep admiration for each little (and big) insects I was finding during my staying. For the first time, I felt myself really deep in the nature, and I felt part of it.

On the next day, we decided to do a guided tour in order to make most of the short time we were spending in Ubud. And it was definitely worth it. We booked our tour in Airbnb https://www.airbnb.pt/experiences/456412 (and went for the 1st experience, UBUD HIGHLIGHTS WATERFALLS AND TEMPLE). Not only the guide was the kindness person ever, who really shared with us so much of his culture, but also took us to such a beautiful places, that we wouldn’t make it by our own.

The tour started early in the morning and finished by 5 pm. The first stop was the “Swing Experience”. From the entire tour, this is the most touristic moment, which actually was optional, so we decided to skip it. The idea is for you to have a professional photoshoot in the famous Bali Swings.

Our next stop is where all the magic began. The famous rice balinese rice fields. The view itself is absolutely stunning, but as you walk through the fields you actually get to meet the locals working there (which will offer you their tools, such as baskets, in case you want to take photos).

As we walking, our guide (Budy) explained to us all the process of how the rice was produced and how many different types they cultivate (apart from a very interesting and funny conversation he had with my boyfriend about different ways and combinations for eating rice).

After the rice fields, we followed to the Tirta Empul Temple, where we had the chance to experience the local culture in such a depth. This was probably one of the most spiritually magical moments I’ve ever experienced. I felt the moment with such intensity, that it is impossible to describe. To begin with, we had a short tour around the temple, and then Budy guided us, step by step, though the whole Purification Ritual. In order to enter the temple we had to wear a sarong (you can get these for free at the entrance), and then rent a special sarong just for the ritual (about 2$).

After the praying and making an offering to the temple, we proceed to the purification pools. In the first pool there are 13 different fountains, however, the fountain number 1, 11 and 12 are not to be used by the living people. At the each fountain fold your hands together and place them on your forehead while you do your praying. Then cup your hand and gather some water from the fountain to rinse your head and face. Then you will follow to the next pool and do the same ritual. Having a local with us really helped us to make most of this experience.

Leaving the Temple with a deep sense of peace and stillness within, we proceeded with our tour. Next we went to the Waterfalls: Kanto Lampo and Tucked Cepung. This was another breathtaking experience. I felt like the Purification Ritual was just continuing, and to be honest, I’ve never experienced such a deep connection with water like this day. And during a moment like this, it’s like something that has been long asleep within you, awakes. A part of you that has been craving forever for such a connection with nature. Thank you Ubud for setting free my wildest self.