Magnificent Ubud Bali: Discovering Hidden Treasures

Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting realm of Ubud Bali, where every corner holds a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. In this guide, we unveil the magnificent wonders of Ubud Bali, from the exhilarating heights of the Aloha Ubud Swing to the breathtaking vistas of the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Dive into the ancient mysteries of Goa Gajah, immerse yourself in the sacred waters of Tirta Empul, and surrender to the cascading beauty of Tegenungan Waterfalls. Join us on a journey through Ubud Bali’s captivating landscapes and uncover its most treasured secrets.

Soaring High: Experience Adventure at Aloha Ubud Swing

ALOHA UBUD SWING is the best swing in the Tegallalang area, offering a theme and amusement park experience with spectacular views of rice fields and agricultural activities. If you plan to visit, you can either book on the spot or make a reservation in advance. The optimal time to go is in the morning between 9 am and 11 am to avoid crowds and long queues, though this may vary depending on whether it’s peak season or not.

You can take advantage of facilities for taking pictures and drone shots. The friendly and helpful Balinese staff will warmly welcome you with loud and clear greetings of “ALOHA, ALOHA,” which means love, affection, and peace in both Hawaiian and Balinese culture.

If you have your own gadgets like a DSLR, camera, or mobile phone, it’s best to use them. However, ALOHA also provides very talented photographers, though you’ll need to pay them at the counter if you choose to use their services. Reserving a photographer is not compulsory. After your tour in the park, you can easily obtain the pictures (soft copies) at the counter.

Before engaging in any activities, the staff will provide you with a waiver that you need to fill out. This form outlines the park’s rules and regulations. The price depends on the package you choose. This place comes highly recommended for friends, family, and group tours to experience the warm and magical moments on the swing.

You can try all the swings you want. There are 5 types of unique swings, each varying in height: 5 meters, 10 meters, and 15 meters away. Additionally, there’s a swing designed for couples or groups. Just a friendly reminder, don’t forget to bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, your gadgets like drones and mobile phones, comfortable slippers, and local currency (rupiah). Wear your perfect outfit so you can make stunning posts in your photos.

Exploring Ubud Bali’s Iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces

After the fun and enjoyment at Aloha Park, we headed to Teba Sari, a Resto-Bar Lounge located in Tegallalang, for lunch. The place is relaxing and beautiful, offering a good experience. The food is tasty, complemented by live band music. Refreshing cocktails are also available, perfect for enjoying the moment. Reservations can be made online or on-site. The restaurant itself is impressive, with outdoor seating overlooking a small fish pond under a sunny sky.

Next, we made our way to the Rice Terraces in Tegallalang as our next destination spot. The best way to navigate this area is via taxi, though it’s important to negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand to avoid overpayment. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter or a private car. We recommend visiting this place in the morning, from 8 am to 11 am, to avoid crowds, though it’s worth noting that the terraces are open 24 hours.

We were pleasantly surprised by the greenery landscape of the Rice Terraces. It reminded us of a similar area in the Philippines known as the Banaue Rice Terraces in the province of Ifugao. Both places feature traditional irrigation methods, with water drawn from irrigation canals above the terrace clusters. For nature lovers, the Rice Terraces in Tegallalang are a must-visit attraction when in Bali. Entrance fees are reasonable and contribute to the maintenance of the terraces.

The rice terraces are one of the best things to do in Ubud, and you can certainly spend a good few hours at this top attraction. You can also bring some snacks and water to avoid dehydration if you plan to stay there for long hours. Additionally, bring your cameras, mobile phones, and drones so you can capture the nicest spots in the greenery.

Unveiling Goa Gajah: Bali’s Enigmatic Elephant Cave

As we continue our journey, our next destination is Elephant Cave, a historical site and one of the top caves in Bali. It is located in Alan Raya Goa Gajah, Pejeng Kawan, Tampaksiring, and Gianyar. The best time to visit is from 8 am to 4 pm as they are open daily. Elephant Cave in Ubud serves as a sanctuary for Buddhist and Hindu people, offering a tropical, quiet, and calming ambiance. At the Elephant Cave attraction, you can see the Kalamakara and Dwarpala Statues.

When you arrive at the entrance, it is mandatory to wear traditional Balinese clothes, called a sarong. This is the appropriate attire for visiting the temple. Upon entering the area, a guide will provide you with the clothes for free, but you must return them when you’re done. The entrance fee is about $1.20; you can check and convert it into Rupees currency..

As you enter, you will notice a demon face carved into the entrance of the cave mouth in stone, believed to ward off evil spirits. Inside, the cave resembles a T-shaped prayer room. The designs within are appreciated for their interpretation, with some seeing an elephant-like form, while others relate it to the Hindu God Ganesh, who has the head of an elephant. Ganesh’s form is charming and mesmerizing, with his cute, chubby, boy-like body and elephant head inspiring devotion and love. This symbolism also represents wisdom and understanding.

Around the area, as you step down, you will encounter the sacred or ceremonial bathing site. However, it appears that this site is no longer in use, as the area has been preserved as a historical site. This provides a good overview of the surroundings, with statues and carved fountains dotting the landscape.

I attempted to take some water to wash my face, as the water holds sacred significance for them. Visitors are also permitted to take photos and videos in this area.

Tirta Empul Temple: Experiencing Spiritual Renewal in Ubud Bali

Tirta Empul, located in Tampaksiring, Bali, is a sacred place where Hindu families perform purification rituals and prayers. Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, visitors can bathe in the holy spring water and participate in blessing rituals with a sarong and offerings. Sarongs can be rented at the temple entrance for a small donation. However, women are not allowed to enter during menstruation.

The temple offers a pleasant atmosphere, especially for tourists, where you can explore quickly or sit down and unwind. The shrines are brightly decorated, contrasting with the starched white clothing of the Balinese worshippers. The temple features a large Koi Fish Pond, which is walled off from the rest of the complex, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Activities such as taking photos are also popular here. During our visit, we observed two purification pools, which were overflowing with people due to the peak season in June. Local Balinese believe in the magical powers of the water and come here to purify themselves.

If you plan to visit Tirta Empul, there are other highly recommended temple grounds nearby. Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is located in Central Bali, while Pura Gunung Kawi is located in North East Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

Tegenungan Waterfalls: Cascading Beauty in the Heart of Ubud Bali

Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the great attractions where you can spend some time relaxing by refreshing natural waterfalls. This huge and famous place is a must-visit while in Bali. It is located at Tenegungan Kemenuh village, in Gianyar, North of the capital Denpasar and close to the artist village of Ubud. The waterfalls are open from Monday to Sunday, from 06:30 in the morning till 06:30 in the evening Bali time. There is no entrance fee. The waterfall includes varying heights that can be climbed after descending a hundred stairs to reach it.

Once you reach the bottom of the falls, take a deep breath and be surprised by the beauty of the waterfalls and blooming trees that you’ve dreamed of.

Since it’s peak season in Bali, we expect a high volume of tourists at the Tegenungan Waterfall. This attraction features a viewing point of the jungle and a waterfall at the main entrance. Most drivers are familiar with this place, and you can reach it by private car since there is no public transportation available. Alternatively, you can hire a scooter or motorbike. Some Bali motorbike rentals offer a 24/7 hotline for roadside assistance, so you don’t have to worry if you encounter any problems on the road. However, make sure to check and read the guide on how to rent a scooter in Bali beforehand.

The most fascinating aspect of these attractive falls is the picturesque view and the amazing natural scenery. On the other hand, this is your chance to capture stunning drone shots and take photos due to the extensive area available for exploration.

You can engage in various activities at the falls, such as swimming, even if the water is flowing fast. Many tourists enjoy this and have fun. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to try swimming because we forgot to bring additional clothes at that time. Some brave tourists also jump from the top of the falls, which is considered the best spot on the island.

On the road or near the parking areas, there are lots of shops where you can buy cheaper souvenirs to bring back to your home country. Public facilities such as toilets, food, and drink stalls are also available here.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through Ubud Bali, we can’t help but reflect on the unforgettable encounters and hidden treasures we’ve discovered along the way. From the tranquil rice terraces to the mystical temples and bustling markets, each moment spent exploring this enchanting town has left a lasting impression on us.

We encourage you to embrace the magic of Ubud Bali’s treasures and embark on your own adventure. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant destination. So pack your bags, open your heart to new experiences, and let the beauty of Ubud Bali captivate your soul.

With each step you take, you’ll uncover a new hidden gem, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So don’t hesitate—explore, discover, and immerse yourself in the wonder of Ubud Bali today!