- Tunjukkan perjalanan
- Tambah ke senarai baldiKeluarkan dari senarai baldi
- Kongsi
- 7 Sep 2022, 9:43 PG
- ⛅ 25 °C
- Altitud: 402 m
- IndonesiaBaliTegalalang8°26’4” S 115°16’46” E
Tegalalang & Temples, Ubud
7 September 2022, Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
Similar to Jatiluwih, Tegalalang is a stepped rice terrace located far closer to Ubud. Unlike Jatiluwih, Tegalalang is more of a tourist hotspot than a functioning field. We didn’t see half as many farmers at Tegalalang although did notice the place was geared more towards tourists, for example there were large swings over the terraces as well as many cafes to entice people in for a drink. It’s a relatively small area but great to explore with lots of climbing. There were a few farmers around and some were keen for you to take a photo with them for a small fee, whilst others asked an entrance fee to get onto their land, both of which most likely bring in more than the 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 and it’s tourist activities like these that will most likely spoil the landscape and atmosphere. Nonetheless, it was worth the visit although a bit of responsible tourism management would help. It was pretty (and looking back at photos, they really do not do the area justice) but due to Tegalalang’s emphasis on tourism we are so glad to have visited the Jatiluwih terraces the previous day.
A quick rainfall break in a cafe was in order before a trip to Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi. At Tirta Empul, you can take part in a ritual where you dress up, make an offering then cleanse yourself in holy water. Lots of visitors were doing this, moving one step along to rinse their head under many flows of water. Although tempted, the water was rather chilly and given the on/off rain we thought we would give it a miss. A bit of a cop out we know. Just beside the water was a pond filled with hundreds of fish that could be fed and we had never seen so many fish frantically swim to the surface as food was scattered from above. Although the temple was not particularly grand it was full of incredibly detailed and intricate work, a reflection of Ubud itself.
Next stop, Gunung Kawi which is another sacred place for the Balinese people. An unusual one as the 11th century complex comprises of 10 rock carvings cut into two 7-metre cliff faces. Walking around we have noticed Bali offers a range of craft souvenirs, actually quite nice compared to the usual stuff seen in the rest of southeast Asia. We found the coconut shell carvings impressive as were the very intricately detailed cow bone carvings.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner at one of Ubud’s highest rated restaurants called Melali before watching a traditional Balinese story dance show later that evening. To be honest, we weren’t quite sure we understood the storyline however the costumes were impressive. The dancing was extremely complex with dance movements so precise, even down to the movement of eyes and fingertips. A great day and we feel we are starting to understand Ubud a little more now.Baca lagi