The town of Ubud proves to be the perfect place for me to relax and recover from surfing injuries. Full of spiritual and kind Hindu vibes, it has so many temples that some of them have turned into guest houses.
Temple in Ubud
Street side offerings
Meanwhile, the intrepid Marilynn braves scooter clogged streets and relentless traffic to venture outside of the city and into the mountains and jungles.
Traffic Bali
Into the Mountains
I made Marilynn a cup of Nescafe prior to her two o’clock morning pick-up for a sunrise hiking excursion up Mt Batur. Off she goes, to climb this active volcano that last erupted in the year 2000. Her group ascends to 5600 ft (1707 m) in a line of flashlights snaking straight up a rocky trail. Resembles the long lines of climbers on Mt Everest, only in the dark.
Sunrise from Mt. Batur
She makes it to the top in time for sunrise, feeling empowered and drenched in sweat.
Sunrise on Mt. Batur
Mt Agung, which last erupted in 2017 (1963 eruption killed 1500 people), looms across the valley from Mt Batur, next to a volcanic lake. The mountain and clouds accent the colors of the rising sun.
Views of Mt. Agung
Hiking around Mt. Batur Crater
Meanwhile, I managed to venture out into town for a Balinese oil massage, followed by a beer. I also found what could be the only Harley Davidson rider in this sea of small scooters!
Ron found a Harley
I greet Marilynn back in the comfort of our balcony with cold beers. “Whoever called this hike moderate has never hiked it before,” she says. “You’re lucky you didn’t go with that injury. It was like three “Piestewa Peaks” (a hiking trail in Phoenix, AZ). My pulled groin would simply not approve of such a walk.
Cannot keep this intrepid woman on the balcony for long! Off she goes, on another adventure. This time to the Island of Nusa Penida, 7.5 miles (12 k) from Bali. I would not have gone with her on this venture even if able. Not fond of overcrowded Indonesian ferries. Besides, another Balinese oil massage followed by a beer might help speed up my recovery.
Mob scene at the Ferry Terminal
Taking the ferry to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is said to be home to demons and warlocks. They used to send criminals from the Kingdom of Klungkung there. Touted by tour materials as “largely over-looked by tourists” turns out to be incorrect. The island is overrun by day-trippers from Bali. None the less, Marilynn has a talent for photos that find beauty amongst the chaos.
Broken Beach, Nusa Penida
Angel’s Bilabong, Nusa Penida
Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida
Above Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida
Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida
Beers on top of the ferry after a long day sightseeing on Nusa Penida
Cannot leave Ubud without a visit to a rib shack for traditional Balinese barbeque. “Naughty Nuri’s” fills with character and sweet-smelling meats.
Naughty Nuri’s
It exceeds expectations. We devour what could be the best barbequed ribs ever and bring a rack home to our hotel for later.
Ribs at Naughty Nuri’s
While we could not stay in Ubud forever, we could definitely stay longer. Alas, the time has come to make the long journey home and tend to personal affairs. I wonder where we will go next.
Adios Indonesia!
Thank you, Abundant Universe!
Love this! Glad to hear Naughty Nuri’s didn’t disappoint. Safe travels – and if you make it out of the Singapore airport let us know.
Thank you so much for the great referral Dr. J! Boarding plane to Singapore now, where we zombie in the airport from 10:00pm to 10:00am, which I’m sure that you guys are familiar with. Maybe next time, ya never know!
Thank you, Ronnie and Marilynn. I will never ever go to these places and oh so appreciate you sharing your adventures.
You are so very welcome, Mary, and we truly appreciate your comments. We currently look pretty ragged just arriving in Singapore airport at night for a 12 hour layover, then a 16 hour flight to San Francisco, then a couple of hours to Phoenix! Got to really want to go, to go through all that for sure.
Thanks for sharing your travels, as always! Have never been to Indonesia and has been high on my list since the 1980s, although I’m sure much changed since then. I met a young couple in Belize in…2004? who had recently honeymooned in Bali, and they raved about Ubud. This was a couple years after the 2002 bombings in Bali, and they said hardly any foreign travelers were there and it was not crowded at all (it was also before Eat Pray Love was published); the locals there were grateful for the few travelers who were starting to return. I always wished I’d hopped on a plane there not long after seeing them. Anyhoo, hope to perhaps cross paths in the year ahead or catch more here. I’d say safe travels, but I assume you’ve already traveled. Ciao!
People are beyond welcoming and friendly here. Haven’t run into any American tourists in our short time here, but mostly Australian and Asian. Unbelievably cheap prices on everything that I failed to mention in blog posts. Currently waiting for the 16-hour flight from Singapore to San Francisco. Ciao!
Jill, After this experience in Bali, if I were to return to Indonesia I would definitely go to an island less well known. I can’t imagine what Bali was probably like in the 80s, but it had to be amazing. The world changes so quickly… And with recent world developments, well my advice to anyone interested in travel is -GO NOW! While you still can. Marilynn
Really love all the beach pics and the beautiful blue waters ( obviously right up my alley ) and I hadn’t realized surfing would have such an outcome to knock you out of commission for a couple adventures but then again we’re not young pups these days either hahahahaha. Not sure I’d be much of a fan of the crowded driving there either but ya gotta take the good with the bad right ? Safe travels back home and as always looking forward to the next excursion in your continuing journey around the globe .
Knew that you would love the beach stuff. There are so many islands here I’m sure that you could find your paradise. But then there’s the crazy long flights. I thought that I was too old to learn surfing down inside, and maybe that was not the best attitude to start with. Just glad that I didn’t drown!
We always look forward to your comments Glenn and always think of you when we are on a beautiful beach! Wish we could “beam” you over 😁🌴🏖️🩴
Marilynn
This is amazing in about a million ways…
And it’s still amazing, just woke up from sleeping on floor of airport in Singapore during 12-hour layover. Having coffee. Top of the morning to ya!
Marilyn it is such a treat to live vicariously through your adventures and travels around the globe. Many of us can only imagine the beautiful places and sights that you and Ron have woven into your lives personal tapestries. I pray for a lifetime of continued great health and beautiful adventures that await you. 😘
I am so glad you are enjoying traveling along with us Viv! And thank you for your good wishes. We appreciate your comments more than you can imagine. One of the best parts of our travels is being able to share them with others. Take care and we will see you on our next adventure 😘.
Marilynn
Too bad you didn’t spend more time in the various temples and attend a cremation service. That is the real reason to go to Ubud where the culture is so rich.
In truth we did a lot of that in India and Nepal and simply had more interest in the jungles, mountains and beaches. So much to see, so little time!
It is interesting to note, along these lines, that many locals complained about the recent influx of Russians who don’t respect their culture or religious practices. However they tend to stay on the beaches to the south and avoid Ubud. Definitely could have spent more time exploring the culture in Ubud! Marilynn
Thanks for sharing another amazing adventure. Such beautiful pictures that we all love … it really is a beautiful world we live in.. glad I can see it all through your amazing picture..Marylinn, you are truly gifted in photography .. safe travels home❤️
Thank you, Patti. Certainly is a big, incredible world and we are thrilled to be able to share some of it!
Love this Bali blog! More
Wonderful stories to enjoy from you. The photos are beautiful. Love the squaw peak reference. I could relate to that explanation! Keep up the blogging.
Thanks Jeri ! I know a few folks who can definitely relate to the PIESTEWA PEAK reference. This hike has reminded me to keep that hike in my regular rotation so I’m ready for the next Mt Batur lol!
Marilynn
Marilynn,
You rock! As a strong woman and photographer. Love it!
Ahhhh, Stacey you are too kind ❤️.
Marilynn
Bro, didn’t know you took to surfing?
Neither did I. May have missed my window.
I have never seen such a passionate blogger like you.
Neither have I.
good pictures
Thank you!