Tegalalang, Tirta, Gunung & Dance

We explored a little closer to Ubud today with the first stop at Tegalalang rice terrace. Similar to Jatiluwih, Tegalalang is a stepped rice terrace fairly central although unlike Jatiluwih, Tegalalang is a bit more of a tourist attraction that a functioning field. Nonetheless, it’s an impressive area filled with lots of vegetation and plenty to see. Overlooking the terrace to one side are restaurants and cafes, some of which have long swings strung up high between palm trees. It’s a relatively small area but great to explore with lots of climbing up and down. There were farmers around although some keen you took a photo with them for a small fee, others asked an entrance fee to get onto their land both of which most likely bring in more than farming itself. Unfortunately being so near to the increasingly popular Ubud, this looks like a prime spot that may become overrun with tourism in the near future. Whilst walking through the fields we noticed a zipline being constructed, things like this would most likely spoil the landscape and atmosphere. Despite all this, it was worth the visit although a bit of responsible tourism management would help. Unfortunately looking back, the photos taken of Tegalalang do not do it any justice at all mind you.

After Tegalalang, we rode to Tirta Empul Temple, a temple site with holy water used to clear sins. You can take part in a ritual where you dress up, make an offering then cleanse yourself in the holy water. The water was freezing so we agreed to watch instead, noticing everyone shivering on exit - not quite the point I know… Just by the water was a pond filled with hundreds fish which we just had to feed. Not particularly grand but the temple was full of incredibly detailed and intricate work, very similar to much of Ubud itself.

Afterwards we rode to another temple called Gunung Kawi. An unusual one as the 11th century complex comprises of 10 rock cut carvings cut into a 7-metre cliff face either side of a gently flowing stream. Walking around we noticed Bali offers a range of craft souvenirs, actually quite nice compared to the usual stuff seen in the rest of south east Asia. We found the coconut shell carvings impressive as were the very intricately detailed cow bone carvings, almost looking like they’d been 3D printed.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at one of Ubud’s highest rated restaurants called Melali before watching a traditional Balinese dance show for an hour and a half later that evening. To be honest, I’m not quite sure I got it as it told a story apparently but the costumes were interesting and the way the dancers move their eyes with the music was weird. A great day and starting to understand Ubud a little more now.もっと詳しく