Ubud: Dance, Relaxation, and a Magical Sunrise

Our stay in Ubud continues, blending leisurely strolls through the charming alleys around the Art Market with peaceful moments by the pool. As night falls, Ubud transforms—its best outfit comes on, and the restaurants, each more beautiful than the last, light up in a magical glow.

With bamboo, teakwood, and soothing music, the atmosphere is truly calming, inviting us to slow down and enjoy. We’ve found some great spots to eat, and the kids have already developed a little routine—heading to Korner every evening for their scoop of ice cream.

A Night at the Ubud Palace: The Hypnotic Legong Dance

Last night, we attended a traditional Legong Dance performance at Ubud Palace. It was mesmerizing to watch the dancers move with such grace, but what made it truly unique was their way of dancing with their hands and their eyes. Every movement was precise to the millimeter, their eyes constantly shifting, creating a visual symphony that captivated us. The kids were thrilled—especially at the end when they got to try the traditional instruments themselves! A must-do experience.

Our Last Day in Ubud – Relaxation and Little Surprises

For our final day in Ubud, Anaïs decided to treat herself to a wellness break with a yoga session at Ubud Yoga House. She loved this little moment of peace and serenity. Afterward, it was time for some pampering, so we all went for a foot massage. And guess who loved it the most? Little Martin! It was his first-ever massage, and he giggled the whole time with the masseuse. We did too!

Mount Batur – A Sunrise Above the Clouds & Lava Fields

Then, the alarm went off… at 2:45 AM! 😴By 3:00 AM, we were on the road, heading towards Mount Batur, one of Bali’s active volcanoes. Its last eruption was in 2000, but today, it’s famous for offering one of the most breathtaking sunrises in the world.

After an hour-long jeep ride through the chilly early morning air, we started our hike to the top. And once we reached the summit… absolute wonder. Watching the sunrise above the clouds, from the top of a volcano, was a one-of-a-kind experience. We took our time, soaking in every moment of this incredible natural spectacle.

Afterward, we explored the 2000 lava flow field, now listed as a UNESCO heritage site. This vast black, rocky expanse is a stark reminder of nature’s raw power, offering surreal, otherworldly landscapes. Walking on a ground shaped by lava that flowed just a few decades ago was both fascinating and humbling.

Hot Springs – A Natural Spa in the Mountains

Next, we headed to the Hot Springs, where steaming 35°C natural pools awaited us—the perfect way to soothe our muscles after the hike. The pools, set on the edge of a lake, offered a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. We all loved this relaxing moment, soaking in the warm waters while admiring the stunning scenery.

On our way to Munduk, a small village in northern Bali, we stopped at a tea and coffee plantation. Even though we’re not huge coffee drinkers, it was fascinating to learn about the different coffee-making techniques. And yes, I even tried Kopi Luwak, the famous coffee made from beans that have been… digested and excreted by a civet.

Quick Wikipedia moment: Kopi Luwak is made from coffee cherries eaten by the Asian palm civet. The fruit’s pulp is digested, but the beans pass through the animal, undergoing fermentation in its stomach before being collected from its droppings. Yep, you read that right!

It was definitely an experience!

The plantation was also surrounded by hydrangea fields and exotic plants like avocado, vanilla, and ginger. We had the chance to taste a dozen different types of tea and coffee—a real treat for the senses.

Arriving in Munduk – A Peaceful Retreat in Nature

Finally, we arrived in Munduk, where we’ll be staying for four days of peace and nature. The plan? Rice terraces, waterfalls, and some well-deserved rest.

Well… as much rest as possible with the little ones! 😆

For now, we’re soaking in the beauty of our surroundings before heading off to the next stage of our adventure.

See you soon for more stories from the road!