Hetal Chirag
When we were travelling through Bali, we stopped by Tegallalang Rice Terrace on our way to Ubud Monkey Forest.
As soon as you catch a first glimpse of the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, it feels like you are witnessing something straight out of a fantasy story book. Lush green hills covered with layered rice terraces provide a stunning panoramic view that is unlike anything we have ever seen. Since the entire rice terrace area is so well maintained, it looks like a giant green layered cake from a distance. We were lucky to have a very friendly and informative tour guide who walked us through the entire Tegallalang Rice Terrace area.
We also met a few local farmers along the way who offered us fresh coconut drinks for a small fee. They also let us try on their big hats made from coconut leaves. If you are interested in exploring Balinese craftsmanship, you can find some great sculptures made from wood in local village shops.
After visiting the serene rice terrace, we went to say hello to friendly monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest. As you stroll through the jungle it feels like you have entered a dream world with moss-covered ancient sculptures and hanging roots from tall banyan trees. You can also say hello to monkeys swinging from one place to another while exploring the lush green forest.
Feeding tiny bananas to the monkeys was also a fun experience. You just have to hold a banana in one hand and stand still. Monkeys will literally climb on your body and take the banana from you. Did you know that Ubud Monkey Forest is home to around 700 monkeys and more than 180 species of trees? This unique forest also contains three ancient Hindu temples dating back to 13th Century.
When we were in Bali, we also visited spectacular sunsets at Uluwatu Temple as well as Pura Tanaha Lot. If you are planning a trip to Bali, make sure you go for at least a week or so.
From historic temples to gorgeous rice fields, waterfalls and sunsets, Bali is definitely a place to be.
