#15 Back to Ubud and Authentic Exploration: Festivities, Craftsmanship, and Discoveries

Jumaa
Mar 3
3 min read

Back in Ubud, we were lucky to witness a local celebration—a truly colorful and unforgettable experience.

The city was beautifully decorated for the occasion: penjor, the tall bamboo poles adorned with coconut leaves and intricate ornaments, swayed gently in the streets, creating a magical atmosphere.

The locals were dressed in their beautiful traditional attire—kebaya for the women and sarong for the men. The temples came alive with ceremonies, as offerings were placed on every corner, accompanied by chants and ritual dances.

Part of the city turned into a vibrant festival, a true living portrait of Balinese culture.

The next day, we treated the kids to a special moment just for them at KidFort, an interactive space designed for little explorers.

This innovative play area offers games suited to all interests and features immersive projections on the walls, creating a spectacular visual experience.

(PS: Don’t forget your socks! 😉)

👉 KidFort Bali Instagram

Ubud’s Nightlife

The nights in Ubud are just as lively as the days. Distant tropical storms rumble on the horizon—and sometimes, way too close!—lighting up the sky with spectacular flashes.

But the real soundtrack of the night? The unmistakable calls of the tokay geckos, which are everywhere in Bali. Anaïs and I often find ourselves whispering a "shhh" in the middle of the night, hoping to quiet down our noisy little neighbors. It’s all part of the local charm!

Heading to Keliki

To explore further, we took a Grab—the Asian equivalent of Uber—a practical and budget-friendly way to get around Bali. Our destination: Keliki, a small hidden gem just a few kilometers from Ubud.

Keliki is nestled between lush rice fields and rolling green hills. The village is famous for its miniature paintings, a unique Balinese art form that depicts scenes of daily life, Hindu myths, and nature with stunning detail. The streets are peaceful, offering a completely different atmosphere from Ubud’s lively energy.

An Authentic Stay with Ganyar

For two unforgettable nights, we stayed in the family home of Ganyar, an energetic and welcoming woman who mainly hosts French-speaking travelers.

Ganyar didn’t just open the doors to her home—she introduced us to Balinese traditions and daily life. With passion, she explained the layout of Balinese homes, from inner courtyards to family temples, and the hierarchy of rooms within the household. Did you know that Balinese first names reflect birth order? It’s a fascinating cultural tradition that we’ll explore in more detail in an upcoming special edition post!

Check out Ganyar’s Instagram: @lebalideganyar

A Simple but Meaningful Experience

Spending the night at Ganyar’s house means trading a bit of modern comfort for a truly immersive experience. The nights were warmer than in a hotel, and the sounds of nature reminded us that we were at the heart of authentic Balinese life.

But this simplicity is what makes the experience so special—a genuine connection to Bali’s traditions, culture, and daily rhythm.

Traditional Activities: Coconut Oil & Offerings

We had the amazing opportunity to get hands-on with two emblematic Balinese workshops:

🥥 Coconut Oil Making: From cracking open fresh coconuts to extracting the fragrant oil, the whole family got involved. It was a fun activity for the kids and a fascinating learning experience for us.

🌿 Making Offerings: Ganyar guided us through the delicate art of weaving palm leaves and assembling petals to create the beautiful handmade offerings that Balinese people present to the gods every day.

These experiences blended knowledge, tradition, and connection, leaving us with unforgettable memories.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Offering Procession

We also had the rare privilege of witnessing an offering parade, linked to the festivities we had seen in Ubud.

✨ This event, which happens only once every 30 years, was an incredible display of devotion and unity within the Balinese community.

Dozens of men and women marched in a grand procession, balancing towering offerings on their heads, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of chants and percussion.

It was a breathtaking moment—a true celebration of Balinese spirituality and tradition.

Plus tard, Nous avons eu le plaisir de découvrir Akasha, un restaurant niché au milieu de la nature, entièrement construit en bambou. L’architecture seule mérite le détour : une véritable œuvre d’art qui se fond parfaitement dans l’environnement luxuriant.