Bali Trip Day 2

We woke up the next morning, feeling all fresh with the gentle cooling breeze and chirping of the birds outside the chalet. As we opened the door, we were thrilled by the tropical Bali feelings round the chalet area. These scenes were so familiar, in the movies, magazines, novels, commercials, cafes, clubs etc.. the "Bali" style; now we're experiencing it in person.

- Abangan Bungalow -

- Our chalet a.k.a villa -

- The walkway in the hotel -

- Other types of villa -

We ordered our breakfast, scrambled eggs, toasts, fruits and coffee. It was a real relaxation having breakfast at the chalet balcony, looking at the greens. I love this feelings, away from hassle, away from workloads, away from problems. Ah, so divine. :)

- Relaxing on the couch, outside the villa, after breakfast -

After breakfast we took a stroll down at the Ubud streets. First I saw the signature Bali gate, I was thrilled! "Take photo! Take photo!" I shouted..

So, I posed and took photo.

Then, I posed again, and took photo again.

Then we walked down the street, the signature Bali gate is ALL AROUND Ubud!! So, I stopped posing at the gate to take photo then. Haha.

We walked pass the Ubud Palace, not knowing it's a palace at first. There was a dancing class going on for the Balinese kids in the palace compound. So we watched how these kids dance gracefully (some not..) while adults were coaching them. Many "mat salleh" were around catching a video on this event. So I did too!

Our stomachs were growling at around 12pm, it's time for lunch. What's for lunch? Of course it's Mr. Wilson's beloved food: pork! We headed to the Babi Guling (Roast Pork) stall "Ibu Oka" opposite the Ubud Palace. It was so crowded even before lunch time, crowded with foreigners like us! We knew the price for the food won't be cheap. We ordered 2 sets of Babi Guling for ourselves. I tried the pork, amazingly it was not as bad as I thought, still acceptable~

- The plate of Babi Guling, most famous local delicacies in Bali -

After lunch, we headed to our first destination. By the way, we chose to travel on our own; as we have all week to slowly moveabout in Bali and take our own sweet time. Engaging a tour guide to complete the Bali tour in 4 days 3 nights was not our choice since we wanted REST and not rushes! About half an hour drive away from Ubud, we reached Goa Gajah, the elephant cave. Goa Gajah is located in a steep valley just outside of Ubud; near the town of Bedulu. Built at least 700 years ago, the cave was rediscovered in the 1920s and fully excavated 30 years later. Out of respect for the temple, visitors are requested to wear sarongs. It was our first sarong wearing session, so my sarong looked funny here.

The famous cave entrance is elaborately carved. Inside the cave is a statue of the Hindu character Ganesh (Ganesa) - half elephant, half boy - from which the temple gets its name.

Behind the temple is a rice field where they grow rice used in temple ceremonies.

About an hour drive from Ubud, we reached Tegallalang. This place is known for their beautiful paddy terrace views. It is a must visit for all tourist into Bali. The terrace looks extremely beautiful, I felt at peace looking at the greens hilly contour.

- It was fun walking, trailing along the paddy field, maybe not so fun for Wilson ;P -

Before heading back to Ubud, we stopped by the road side as we spotted something interesting! Balinese uncles with their pet roosters! Around 4-5 uncles were sitting around at the road side, each showing off their strong, bad tempered rooster and chat their evening off. I kept wondering, what is the fun of sitting there brushing the fur of the rooster? Only they know..

- Or perhaps Wilson knew too? -

After that we headed back to Ubud for our dinner. Wanting to taste all the local delicacies, we chose a Masakan Padang stall nearby Ubud. It was Islam cuisine and honestly, all of us thought the food sucks. Limited choices and tasted like overnight food.

After dinner, we headed off to a nice cafe, Tutmak for tea session. The cafe we had our tea seasion was very happening and we did enjoy the desserts served; especially the Rum & Raisin Ice Cream! Way too yummy, compared to Baskin Robbins!

After tea time, it was pass 9pm. Night life here in Ubud is minimal and past 10pm, it will be all dark and gloomy. We got back to hotel for a shower and rest. Called it a day then, a very fruitful day. We were in deep sleep within seconds and really looking forward to the next day!

:)