BALI DIARY: My personal Ubud experience
After a few busy days in Bangkok, I landed in Bali on a Wednesday evening — full of excitement and curiosity. A driver arranged by my hotel picked me up at the airport and took me straight to Ubud — a place I’d heard so much about but had yet to experience myself.
✨ First Impressions: A Slice of Paradise
After the busy energy of Bangkok, arriving in Ubud felt like stepping into another world — calm, green and full of life. The drive from the airport already hinted at the beauty to come: lush landscapes, glimpses of temples and winding roads framed by jungle. I didn’t know it yet, but I was about to discover a place that would completely capture my heart.
I stayed at Calma Ubud for five nights, and from the very first moment, I was in awe. The hotel is surrounded by rice fields, with a serene pool framed by palm trees and that lush jungle atmosphere that makes Bali so special. The staff were incredibly warm and attentive — I felt instantly at home. I can 110% recommend this place and would absolutely book it again.
Mornings here began with a choice of beautifully prepared breakfast meals – from light and fresh to hearty and filling, there was something for every mood. While drinks weren’t included, I happily treated myself each day to a rich cup of coffee and the most incredible papaya juice. Honestly, the papaya juice was super tasty – fresh, sweet and full of tropical flavor. It quickly became my favorite way to start the day.
🧖♀️ Day One: Wellness & Flavors
The hotel offers a truly impressive selection of relaxing and rejuvenating massages, set in a tranquil, lush environment. From the moment you arrive, everything is designed to help you unwind — a perfect start to the journey. I can highly recommend treating yourself here — pure relaxation in a beautiful setting.
A dreamy ritual to end the treatment — soaking in warm water filled with vibrant flower petals while surrounded by nature. Peaceful, fragrant and utterly soothing.
Later, I joined Ketut’s Bali Cooking Class, where we learned to cook authentic Balinese dishes from scratch — like satay skewers with peanut sauce, nasi goreng and a traditional vegetable curry. It was a fun, hands-on experience and I left with a full belly and new cooking skills to bring home.
🌾 Days Two & Three: Jungle Adventures & Rainy Views
On Friday, I visited the stunning Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Walking through the terraces was magical — the views, the peacefulness and the vibrant greens made it one of my favorite experiences. Photo opportunities everywhere!
I also stopped for a jungle coffee, cacao and tea tasting — a tasty and unique dive into Bali’s local flavors. It was fascinating to see how each of these is traditionally grown and processed right in the heart of the jungle. The rich, aromatic flavors made it a memorable experience that added an authentic and educational touch to my day, deepening my appreciation for Bali’s vibrant agricultural traditions. The day ended at Tis Café, perched right above the terraces. Even when it started to rain, the view remained breathtaking. Watching the rain fall over the rice fields was surprisingly calming.
On Saturday, I met up with a friend at Cretya Ubud, a trendy poolside café and day club. It had a great atmosphere, but I have to admit — it leaned a bit too much into the “Instagram scene” for my taste. It felt like most people were more focused on content than the actual experience.
Infinity pool views over the lush rice terraces — stunning, but definitely designed for the perfect photo moment.
Later that day, I visited two waterfalls — both beautiful and peaceful. That’s the beauty of Ubud — it’s full of hidden natural gems waiting to be discovered. Afterwards, I also visited the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a mystical spot where ancient trees and temples blend with the playful energy of hundreds of monkeys. It was a fun, slightly chaotic, but unforgettable experience that added a wild little twist to the day. I attended a relaxing yoga class at the Solana Luxury Retreat in Bali – a wonderful experience surrounded by tropical nature.
🌸 Last Morning: Yoga & Ubud Treasures
On Sunday morning, just before leaving for Canggu, I joined a session of puppy yoga. And yes — it was just as adorable, joyful and heartwarming as it sounds. After that, I made a quick stop at the Ubud Art Market, one of the best spots for picking up unique, handmade souvenirs. From woven bags and batik fabrics to wooden carvings and silver jewelry, shopping in Ubud is truly a colorful and fun experience — perfect for finding gifts or a little something for yourself.
The perfect way to end my time in Ubud on a high note.
Why Ubud Will Always Stay With Me
Ubud truly stole my heart. From the lush landscapes and deep-rooted traditions to the amazing food and kind people — it offered everything I had hoped for and more.
But my Bali journey didn’t end there: I also explored Canggu and Uluwatu, each with its own unique charm and vibe.
If you’re curious about those parts of the trip, you can read all the details in my full Bali travel diary.
