Finding the real Ubud
Those that know us know we love our hikes. We set of at ‘stupid o’clock’ to walk the Campuhan Ridge which is close to Ubud. It was around a 10km round trip from our homestay so we set off with water, sunscreen and a hat.
I can safely say that hiking 10 km in 100% humidity, pushing 40 degrees (well, maybe 34) is no easy task but it was worth it. We finally managed to get away from the scooters, cheap sarongs and the ‘taxi, taxi’ hawkers and go back to basics, the surrounding areas which is the real Ubud.
We saw some stunning rice terraces, lush green forests and deep misty valleys. The highlight for us was being able to stop and chat with 
some local villages erecting a shelter which was to be used as a dance stage for the upcoming Galungan Ceremonies which takes place in April. They were laughing as they were trying to stabilize large bamboo poles for the roof to rest on. We couldn’t work out who was boss but figured it must be guy sitting down watching them. No OSH officer in site.
Now I wouldn’t normally pose for a photo with a guy brandishing a 20″ machete on his hip (well not in South Auckland anyway) but his toothless grin was infectious and we had a good old chat and a few laughs.
Walking the Outskirts
We loved the hike so much, the next morning we again set off at 6am and headed in a direction we hadn’t explored before. Well after another 10km we found our way home but we did discover where all the locals hang out, buy their produce, eat and live. You always know that there aren’t many tourists in the area when you get stares and friendly ‘good mornings’ from the old and young.
Ubud Overview
This is our first time we have stayed in Ubud and of course you conjure up an image of what it is like in your mind before you get here. It was a little different to what we expected. It is busier than first thought but there are still many ways you can peel back the touristy layers and revel the Ubud which existed a few years ago.
Ubud is cashing in on the tourist dollar by promoting it as the spiritual and cultural centre of Bali. There are yoga and health spa’s everywhere along with the vegetarian and vegan cafe/restaurants springing up. Infrastructure can struggle to keep up with demand and the roads are heavily congested with westerners on scooters and some who really shouldn’t be on the roads at all.
Maybe a few years ago tourists would have had a way different type of experience staying here. However, it hasn’t been a negative experience for us. We have still found the real Ubud, which lay just beyond the central town limits. The people, the food and the vibe are still amazing and we have not regretted coming for a visit.
The tourist industry is clearly what is putting food in the mouths of the locals and there are still enough family run business’ surviving to ensure that the money is going back into the local economy.
Onward and Upwards
It’s farewell to Ubud tomorrow for us as we make our way to the far north, staying at a little fishing village called Pemuteran. I think it will be a world away from life in Ubud and we are really looking forward to being by the ocean. So if you were getting sick of the Bintang photo’s standby to be photo bombed by the sunset shots.
Click here for more photos of Ubud
