Assorted hidden gems in Ubud

There are many reasons to look for alternative ways to get somewhere….in Ubud its not just about avoiding  the noise and the speed with which some people travel the  crowded main roads. Its because you just never know what you will find down a back lane or a small gang  (as they are known in Indonesia) or an even smaller path that really is only for foot traffic but seem to include the odd motorcycle as well…. it is a wonderland to explore …..and here is some of what I’ve found ovsr the last couple of days…..

This is in the middle of central Ubud….

On the side of a steep flight of stone stairs…

Sparkling in the afternoon sun…..

Along a narrow pathway….

In a back lane….

Along a small gang….

How creative is that!

I love this doorway…..it  has looked the same,  maybe a little  more weathered each time I have passed it for years…….

And another of the beautiful  tropical forest that continues to survive despite the intrusion of humans into the landscape. 

Orchids such Extravagance!

How lucky am I ….it seems that this is the orchid blooming season in Ubud. Since I arrived yesterday I have seen so many incredible blooms. The gardens here are full of what seem to me to be incredibly beautiful flora. And I have to confess I’m in love with their  colors, their shapes and variety.  Below are some of my finds…..

Aren’t they magnificent……

Gates, fences and vistas

While walking around the neighborhood where I am staying in Sinaraja Bali I realised that many of the houses had unique gates and walls around their kampung (yard). I found them interesting, attractive and utilitarian all at the same time….. sometimes I would be walking and realise that the view was beautiful…..

This was taken from the back of my house …you can see the mountains in the background.

This is looking the other way…..late afternoon.

A walk in the afternoon

Sunday is  a day of rest for most people in Singaraja. The rest of the week they work or go to school. In the afternoon I went exploring around the
neighborhood where I am staying…..this is some of what I found…

A mango tree dripping with mangoes…

Some joyful orchid spikes….

Many frangipani trees – pohon kambodia

Coconut trees abound…..

Bouganvillea dimana mana ( is everywhere). Many different colours and varieties.

Here is a small plot of land being made ready to plant, maybe corn or something like spinach.

Many Hindu families will have a special shrine for security. This is to keep the family and their house safe.

Many houses have elaborate or ornate gates.

More flowers… this one is a weed I gather, but in the sunlight it looked beautiful!

Life in and around a senior highschool Singaraja

I have tried to capture a sense of life going on ….The school is  very large over a thousand students. This is the entrance to the school which is a senior high school.

Most students and teachers ride their motorbikes to school.

Students working hard in an english class…..

Teachers working hard  too…..

Students give thanks to the gods and goddesses of the Hindu faith….

Relaxing in between classes….

Students can head for the canteen during break times….there is always something to eat! Tasty snacks both sweet and savoury are available , often made by the mothers of students as a way of supplementing their income. There is always nasi bungkis….wrapped in brown paper – a serve of rice, some vegetables, some sambal (spices with chillie), maybe some chicken or tempe. Guaranteed to surprise you and delicious.

The school is located in downtown Singaraja…..

To the market

In the early evening we head off by motorcycle  to the market. It seems that there are  markets everywhere in Singaraja, a bit like supermarkets everywhere at home! You can buy most anything at the market….

Corn, snake beans, spinach…..

Many kinds of fish….

Tomatoes, garlic and chillies….

Flowers for offerings…..

Shallots, ubi (like sweet potato)….

Beansprouts……

Tempe…..

Coconut, snake beans……
Most of the produce is local and fresh. People tend to shop daily sometimes in the morning and in the afternoon.

School assembly pagipagi (very early)

This morning I was awake at 5am. Itwas still dark and the sliver of moon that is left was just setting….

When I arrived at school preparations

Were already starting. It was 6:30am..

Soon the students began streaming in

Finally everyone is there nearly a thousand students! Amazing!

Let the assembly begin…

First, it is  the flag raising ceremony…
It is choreographed and disciplined. Every one participates and joins in a national song and a reading of the

Pancasila (like a code for living)

After this a representative from the police addresses the students about the dangers of driving and the best ways to to drive carefully. He outlines the regulations. Its an important conversation as nearly all the students
ride motorbikes to school.

Finallythere was a celebration of the school’s latest achievements and address by the principal.  Pak Suteja held up each trophy and congratulated all those involved. This  week there were many

Well done everyone!!

Soon after this assembly concluded.
We all stood for a long time… I wonder if our students in Australia could do this.

School assembly pagipagi (very early)

This morning I was awake at 5am. Itwas still dark and the sliver of moon that is left was just setting….

When I arrived at school preparations

Were already starting. It was 6:30am..

Soon the students began streaming in

Finally everyone is there nearly a thousand students! Amazing!

Let the assembly begin…

First, it is  the flag raising ceremony…
It is choreographed and disciplined. Every one participates and joins in a national song and a reading of the

Pancasila (like a code for living)

After this a representative from the police addresses the students about the dangers of driving and the best ways to to drive carefully. He outlines the regulations. Its an important conversation as nearly all the students
ride motorbikes to school.

After this there is a celebration of the school’s latest achievements. The principal Pak Suteja holds up each trophy and congratulates all those involved. This  week there were many

Soon after this assembly concludes.
We all stood for a long time… I wonder if our students in Australia could do this.

Onwards to North Bali

A day travelling with friends from home after a leisurely breakfast with other friends from home. We stop for lunch at Kintamani….

On our way to Singaraja. We worked our way through the  mountains.  Beautiful vistas and cool breezes … citrus orchards, rice padi, flowers, corn fields, clove trees and other exotics.

Still quite high up but on the way down…..in the distance you can see singaraja and  beyond the sea.

At Gitgit a beautiful waterfall….

From a distance….close up refreshingly cool, especially after an almost kilometer  walk from the road. It was mostly downhill on the way.

A beautiful little orchid tucked away near a pool of  water..…

Down on the coast a freshwater spring swimming area with shady trees and a stiff tradewind breeze. There was  much to see on the drive along the coast to the east of Singaraja.

Early morning in ubud bali

The view from my room….

Sunlight…

Beauty…

My day begins….. : ) blessed