Ubud’s Terraced Rice Fields and Rakhi Celebration
Wednesday was a day to catch my breath, at least in the morning. I had decided to wait until Thursday to go to the Monkey Forest, so that allowed for a leisurely start to my day.
I decided to have lunch at a WiFi restaurant and take care of a little internet business.
I walked back to my hotel wondering what the rest of Ubud looked like, where was the town, where did the people live? Where were the famous terraced rice fields?
So far all I had seen was up and down Monkey Forest Road, and a few surrounding blocks. And it was all commercial shops, hotels, food.
When I got back to my hotel I ran into Wayon, my hotel manager, and I said to him “I have heard of the terraced rice fields, are they very far from here?”
He replied “Yes, very far”. “Hold on” he said. He disappeared for a moment inside his room, then came back out and proceeded to tell me he had a friend who was willing to take me to the rice fields. He said I could also take a Taxi, but they would charge me 50,000 rp, and his friend would only charge me 30,000 rp.
He said his friend Made (pronounced Mah-day, meaning second born) could take me and drop me off, and I could spend what ever time I wanted, and I wasn’t sure if he was saying his friend would come back and get me, or that I could get a different ride back.
I decided to have lunch at a WiFi restaurant and take care of a little internet business.
I walked back to my hotel wondering what the rest of Ubud looked like, where was the town, where did the people live? Where were the famous terraced rice fields?
So far all I had seen was up and down Monkey Forest Road, and a few surrounding blocks. And it was all commercial shops, hotels, food.
When I got back to my hotel I ran into Wayon, my hotel manager, and I said to him “I have heard of the terraced rice fields, are they very far from here?”
He replied “Yes, very far”. “Hold on” he said. He disappeared for a moment inside his room, then came back out and proceeded to tell me he had a friend who was willing to take me to the rice fields. He said I could also take a Taxi, but they would charge me 50,000 rp, and his friend would only charge me 30,000 rp.
He said his friend Made (pronounced Mah-day, meaning second born) could take me and drop me off, and I could spend what ever time I wanted, and I wasn’t sure if he was saying his friend would come back and get me, or that I could get a different ride back.
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Either way, it would give me an opportunity to see a little of the countryside. I decided I would just pay close attention to where we went so I could find my way back if need be. I told him that would be great
I climbed onto the back of Made’s motorbike and we were off. What a thrilling ride it turned out to be! We drove through blocks and blocks of commercial streets. Even though the areas were all commercial, each area had a slightly different feel to it. Location wise, I was glad I had chosen the area on Monkey Forest Road for my hotel. We drove through many different neighborhoods, all filled with the extraordinary architecture that is Bali.
Soon we were out on a stretch of road, and rice fields began to grace the landscape with their incredible beauty. Made asked me if I would like to stop and take a photo, and I said Yes, please! That would be great!” 
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We made several stops along the way. When we finally arrived at the terraced rice fields they were in fact quite far, as Wayon had said, definitely not within walking distance. But I loved every minute of getting there, and being able to see the surrounding landscape. The terraced rice fields were in fact quite impressive and beautiful. |
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While I was scampering around trying to get a good photo of the terraced rice fields, Make was patiently waiting for me. I was so relieved when I realized he was waiting for me, and I would not have to try to find a way home!
On our way back to Ubud Make drove through a neighborhood that was filled with street decorations and many, many people, and I realized it must be the Hindu celebration that I was told about when I was in Lovina Beach.
Since it was a religious celebration, I was offered a traditional sarong to wear over my clothes so I could walk through the area and take photos.
It was the Hindu festival of Rakhi, a celebration of the relationship between brothers and sisters. It is a very happy occasion, with all family members celebrating and having a good time.
The area was quite beautiful with all of the decorations,
On our way back to Ubud Make drove through a neighborhood that was filled with street decorations and many, many people, and I realized it must be the Hindu celebration that I was told about when I was in Lovina Beach.
Since it was a religious celebration, I was offered a traditional sarong to wear over my clothes so I could walk through the area and take photos.
It was the Hindu festival of Rakhi, a celebration of the relationship between brothers and sisters. It is a very happy occasion, with all family members celebrating and having a good time.
The area was quite beautiful with all of the decorations,
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We had caught the tail end of it, they were starting to take down some of the booths that had been set up, and people were beginning to disperse, but it was still quite exciting to see and feel the joyous atmosphere. The musicians were still playing, and people were still milling around.
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Even though I had missed the main celebration, it was a treat to catch the tail end. As shy as I am about taking photos of people, I probably would have been uneasy if I had been in the midst of their celebration trying to take photos.
I returned the Sarong, and we jumped on the bike and headed back to Ubud, again passing all the beautiful rice fields, and passing through the surrounding neighborhoods of homes. Another wonderful day in Bali. |
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