3 Things I Love about Ubud
3 Things I Love About Bali
Destination: Ubud, Bali
I first had the pleasure of visiting Ubud in the 90s! Let me tell you, it was a much different place than it is today. There were no cars, very few scooters and, of course, not nearly as many tourists, restaurants and hotels. There are definitely pros and cons to all of the changes and growth that has happened since my first visit, but there is a part of Bali and Ubud that will always have my heart.
So much so, that Maya and I moved to Ubud 3 years ago, in January of 2017. The original inspiration was for her to go to the Green School. While that never happened and we just decided to move anyway.
Best. Decision. Ever.
I decided that we’d try it for a year, check in and see how we were feeling about being in Ubud. Fortunately, we both fell in love with Ubud and Bali. Though over the last 3 years we’ve been in and out, some planned, some not so planned. Regardless of our reason for leaving or the length of time away, we have always been pulled back.
Even though we no longer live on the island of Bali, it’s always a treat to visit. All of this has inspired this blog post … maybe I’m missing Ubud a bit, I haven’t been there since the end of November! Here are the 3 things I love about Bali <3
The Culture
Bali is the only Hindu island in Indonesia. Ubud is the cultural center of the island and there is a constant stream of ceremonies.
There are even ceremonies for cars and houses … to bless them.
It is also the healing center and there are all kinds of Balians ~ the traditional healers that treat physical and mental health issues as well as removed spells and channel. I had to go and check a few out! I found them to be incredibly wise and in tune. They were on target and helped me with the different issues that I went to them for.
New Year’s
My absolute favorite celebration of the year … anywhere in the world I think. On New Year’s Eve there is a parade filled with ogoh-ogohs ~ the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade. They are mythological creatures or demons. The idea is that by parading these ogoh-ogohs through town, they will confuse any bad spirits that might want to harm anyone in the village so they will leave. The ogoh-ogohs are burnt as a symbol of purification.
While this is fun and completely different than anything I’ve experienced before it’s New Year’s Day, Nyepi, that I really love.
It’s a day of COMPLETE SILENCE (a full 24 hours starting at 6a.m.)!
You can’t leave the house/hotel, the internet is shut down (at least in the villa we rented, I have read that at a hotel you might have internet) and the airport is closed for 24 hours. If I’m not mistaken, I believe that this is the only international airport that closes for a holiday. If you’re local ~ no electricity is to be used. If you’re a foreigner, they ask you to be mindful of using it ~ close your curtains at night and use the lights sparingly. We got candles in honor of Nyepi, which was beautiful.
It’s almost eeire at first, NO SOUND ANYWHERE. When does that ever happen in the real world? No motorbikes, no music from the temples, not even the neighbors! Nothing, nada, zip, zero zilch. But then I just allowed the quiet ~ had to resist binging on podcasts ~ and just be. I spent the day journaling, reading, meditating, doing yoga, coloring, swimming (we had a pool) … I don’t really remember what else I did. It was a beautiful day knowing that THE ENTIRE ISLAND was quiet.
Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all started the New Year with so much intention. The purpose of Nyepi is to pray that the human world and universe be purified. Shazam!!
The People
Maya and I both fell in love with the people of Ubud and Bali. They are so warm and welcoming even when we, the tourists, take over their beautiful island. Yes, it brings them a lot of financial prosperity. Unfortunately the cost is high. The pollution, plastic everywhere, people not always respecting the culture or way of life, the bad motorbike driving, etc. The list is long. They are always warm and welcoming. We have had such wonderful experiences.
Some of my favorite countries in the world are my favorites because of the people and how open and warm they were. Indonesia is no exception to that.
I’d love to hear from you if you’ve been to Ubud! What did you think about it? What were your impressions? I’d love to hear the POSITIVE.
