Monkey Forest
The monkey forest near Ubud is home to a large troop of Balinese Macaque monkeys as well as a series of impressive stone carvings. The Best time to visit is before the crowds arrive in the morning allowing you to explore the forest paths in peace. They feed the monkeys several times a day and near the Temple complex there are locals selling food to feed the monkeys- be warned that within seconds the food will be taken from your hand and a monkey will be sitting on your head.
Central Countryside
The winding road between Ubud and Mount Batur snakes through a series of pretty villages and some beautiful tropical countryside. Here is the real Bali, a world away from the tourist resorts of the south. Below are some pictures taken from the road side and from a coffee plantation.
Mount Batur
The active volcano Mount Batur is the second highest point in Bali. It is possibly one of the most beautiful natural places I have visited although sadly present are possibly the most persistent and annoying street vendors on the planet. They simply will not leave you alone and polite refusals mean nothing to them. I took these pictures and left as quickly as I could, which is sad as I would have loved to have spent more time enjoying the views. I was told before visiting that many people who do visit swear they would never return, unfortunately I am now one of these people.
Tirta Empul temple
Far more relaxing is the Tirta Empul temple complex north of Ubud. If you are in Bali and visit only one temple then this is the one I would suggest you visit. It is an active temple and it is possible to watch ceremonies whilst looking round the massively impressive complex. The water here is considered to be sacred and pure and there are a series of bathing pools open to visitors. The temple can be quite busy but the complex is so large that it does not feel crowded.
Stop for Lunch
After the Tira Empul I asked our guide to take us to a good local restaurant. He took us to a Warung set in a rice paddy field which served the best Duck I have ever eaten. The Warung had some civet cats (Luak) in cages, presumably to make Luak coffee- the Luak eats the bean but cannot digest the husk, it passes these out undigested which are cleaned dehusked and made into some of the finest coffee available.
Gunung Kawi Temple
Another of Balinese temple of note is the Gunung Kawi complex, one of the oldest on the Island- so much so that there is debate over who, wen and why the temple was created. There are ancient statues carved into the cliff face as well as a few small temple buildings. The complex is located in a steep valley down a long series of stairways, easy to go down but quite a challenge to climb back up in the afternoon heat. I found the complex itself to be a bit of a let down compared to Tira Empul, although the setting in a valley of rice terraces is extremely beautiful.
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