Welcome to Ubud, a green oasis littered with waterfalls, rice fields and Eat, Pray, Love enthusiasts.
I explored Ubud during a Wanderlands tour across Indonesia and the stunning landscapes, vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural experiences made it a personal favourite.
To make the most of your time in this Balinese paradise, here are some tips, tricks and big no-nos when heading inland, into the jungle.
- Monkey steal, monkey do
When in Ubud, you must go visit the monkey forest. With playful monkeys swinging from branch to branch and nibbling on bananas, it’s a heartwarming opportunity to see how the human-like animals live. However, as friendly as they seem, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First off, do not look at the monkeys in the eye! They interpret this as a sign of aggression and may want to pick a fight. Of course, watching the monkeys is why you’re there so don’t be afraid to admire them doing their thing. It’s when your loving gaze turns into a hard stare that they may seem a little bit uncomfortable – and who wouldn’t?
Another tip to remember is to not take water bottles or food into the forest. If the monkeys see something they like, they’ll take it. Free food? A fun little water shaker? They’re all about it.
- Traveller meet bug spray – it’s time to get acquainted
Like any tropical paradise, there are gonna be a few creepy crawlies around, namely mosquitos. Because of Ubud’s dense forest and many water sources, they’re a lot more prevalent.
So, one of my biggest tips is to buy some Balinese bug spray, not the stuff from your hometown pharmacy. Mozzies in Indonesia are a different breed and require local repellents to keep them at bay, especially during rainy season.
- How’s the weather up there?
Bali’s dry season is between April and October and the wet season is between November and March. Both seasons hold an array of benefits and drawbacks, and in Ubud, the weather can determine what your itinerary looks like.
I loved visiting Ubud in the rainy season! The atmospheric rainstorms in the jungle were unparalleled and emphasised how spiritual the place was. However, because of the heavy rain, there were a few excursions I couldn’t do, such as exploring the rice fields, which were flooded with water and mud.
This is why you should carefully consider the activities and experiences you want to do when picking a time to visit Ubud.
- Do the sunrise hike, but be prepared for a no-show
Doing the sunrise hike up Mount Batur has been the highlight of many travellers’ trips to Ubud. But for a few, the experience didn’t pull through. Here’s why.
It takes a little bit of commitment and planning to take part in the hike. The early morning wake up at 3am, the hour-long bus commute there and the big hike up the mountain – not for the faint of heart – requires a fair bit of grit. But seeing that bright pink and orange beam peek through on the horizon – a surreal image to store in the memory bank – makes it all worth it.
However, for the unlucky few, there are days plagued with rain, fog and clouds that make the hike a little bit of a trudge and the sunrise, well, non-existent.
My advice: keep an eye on the weather reports before booking your spot. And pack a sweater – it’s unexpectedly chilly on top of the mountain!
- Chuck the bikini and check your menstrual cycle when visiting the temples
Learning about the faiths, customs and history of a place is so important when travelling, and there’s no better way to connect with Bali and her people than by visiting one of the breathtaking temples. However, there are a few things you need to know beforehand.
Bali’s warm climate often sees its visitors shed clothes to keep cool. Walking around in bikinis, shorts and cover-ups is fine when you’re discovering Ubud, however if you want to explore some of the temples, waterfalls and religious sites in the area, you’re gonna have to layer-up. When visiting these places, it is important to cover your shoulders and knees. Some sites will even provide you with sarongs and shawls with a small hiring fee.
When entering holy spaces, visitors must also take off their shoes, avoid public displays of affection and be careful not to step on the offerings.
Another thing to remember when visiting certain holy spaces is that people who are menstruating are often not permitted to enter. Balinese Hinduism considers blood or periods to be impure, and therefore not welcome in these sacred locations.
It’s important to always respect these traditions, as a show of respect for the people and the country you are visiting.
– Author: Megan Watts
