Solo in the Islands of the Gods, Bali.

Crizzle Caliva
Jan 10, 2019
4 min read

You're probably asking why Bali? Why not?

Bali is everything that my soul and spirit was yearning for, okay lets not bullshit I was honestly inspired by Eat, Pray and Love. I red the book and related with Liz Gilbert in so many ways, having everything that I needed but still feeling lost and unfulfilled.

So I went on my journey to Bali, alone. It wasn't my first time however I only spent 4 days when I was out there back in June. So this time I'm spending a month in the Islands of the Gods.

Where I stayed:

Every village in Bali has a different feel, a different vibe. I decided to stay in Ubud and Canggu but I spent most of my time in Ubud, for me, it encompasses a lot of what I see as ‘authentic Bali’, from its visual presentation to the interactions and experiences on offer in this culture rich village. This is where you will find the traditional Balinese homes, locals performing their daily offerings and rituals. Even though it's a city that is growing and becoming more civilized, the locals managed to hold onto it's roots. Whether you’re looking for an exclusive villa overlooking the rice paddies, or a basic bed in the hustle and bustle, Ubud can cater to all of the latter.

I stayed right at Tirta Tawar (streeet name), right in the middle of Ubud, away from the city center and surrounded by rice paddies. Found it on Airbnb for about $40 a night I stayed in this zen haven for 3 weeks. Definitely enjoyed my stay, plus the host was beyond amazing.

Don't mind my video (still learning how to edit videos but I wanted to put this content out so here's the raw video that I recorded);

My morning walks would take about 30 minutes to get to my destinations in Ubud center. I usually get up at 6:30am, I'd meditate (or try at least) then take a walk to the center. I was too scared to ride a scooter and Gojek usually ask for way too much just to pick you up and drop you off within a mile radius. These are what I captured during my morning walks to the yoga studio or the gym.

My days in Ubud are usually filled with a lot of walking, exploring on foot, practice yoga, meditation, check out different cafes, drink Bintang and maybe some arak here and there, and eat.. when is say eat, i mean eat three to four times a day. Who could blame me?

Ubud is full of all the restaurants that you could think of, from vegan to raw vegan, to fast food or a traditional Balinese restaurant or a Warung (small eatery, usually ran by a local almost like their kitchen). Bali cater to all sorts of people and what you're hungry for. (check out my next blog for places to eat in Bali). Those are my daily routine, but of course I toured around.

After 2 and half weeks, I checked into Sayan Terrace Hotel. It's still in Ubud but on the other side of the village, a couple miles further from the center. It's a hotel, so I got the luxury of room service, free breakfast, bar with a view and overall great customer service. But the best part of it all, is the view.. it's to die for.

Then I spent the rest of my time in Canggu, it is a pretty hip town to hang out in if you’re young or looking for a fun, laid back taste of life. There’s lots here to suit beach, SURFING, music, food and yoga fans, hipster cafes and indie vibes. I stayed in a two story bungalow and I had the top floor, right on the main street, just about a 10 minute walk to the beach.

I think Canggu might be one of the pioneering places in the world if we’re talking healthy stuff with their collection of vegan and raw restaurants, plenty of exercising possibilities and spas that will make you as zen as you can be. Don’t worry, you can party till dawn as well. If there’s one thing you should do it’s surfing. Batu Bolong beach is ideal if you’d like to learn how to surf. Canggu also has one of the best sunsets I've ever seen.

Where I practiced yoga:

I went to two different places when I was in Ubud, I went to the Yoga Barn and Radiantly alive. Both have multiple huge yoga spaces, with lush greenery views, incense smoke, juice bar in the facility, props, yoga mats, extensive classes and what not. However I only attended one class at the Yoga Barn, I didn't feel too connected. There was way too many student in the class, the instructor didn't seem to pay much attention. So I tried Radiantly Alive and that's where I got my 10 day pass. The vibe is just better all together, I attended a few Ashtanga Vinyasa classes, Pranayama, QiGong, Hatha, Kundalini, I cried a few times, but I always left happier than ever.