Bali-2)North Ubud highlights: Tirta Empul Temple, Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Bill hired a driver for our day trip.  We told him where we wanted to go and he make the drive plan.

The driver behaved like a travel company, first stop, he took us shopping where a local woman explain how their manufacturing fabric is colored as well and manual labor waving process.  Then took us to the store.  

After wards, he took us to Tirta Empul Temple*. 

After Tirta Temple, we visited a Rice Terrace, another tourist set up.

After wards, the driver took us to another place for shopping at a coffee plantation.  We did not see the plantation but only were introduced to their special coffee Kopi Luwak**.  We did some tea and coffee tasting there but did not buy anything.

From there, the driver took us to a Rice Terrace, Tegallalang Rice Terrace (also spelled Tegalalang).

Typical Driving Experience

First Stop for shopping

A woman explaining how the fabrics were colored

Tirta Empul Temple 

Dressed up for the purification ritual

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

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*Tirta Empul Temple is one of Bali’s most sacred and spiritually significant Hindu temples, best known for its holy spring and purification rituals.

Located in the village of Manukaya near Tampaksiring, about 30 minutes north of Ubud, Tirta Empul was founded in 962 AD during the Warmadewa dynasty, making it over a thousand years old.

“Tirta Empul” means “holy water spring.” According to Balinese Hindu belief, the spring was created by the god Indra, and its water is considered sacred, possessing cleansing and healing powers. Locals and visitors alike come here to perform melukat, a traditional water purification ritual meant to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit.

The purification ritual: The heart of the temple is a long stone pool fed by 30+ water spouts, each with a specific symbolic meaning—such as purification from negative energy, healing, or blessings for prosperity. Worshippers enter the pool wearing sarongs and move from spout to spout, bowing their heads under the flowing water in prayer. Some spouts are traditionally reserved for locals, and guides or signs help visitors follow proper etiquette.

**Kopi Luwak is coffee made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by a small animal called the Asian palm civet (a cat-like mammal, but not actually a cat).

"Kopi" means coffee in Indonesian. "Luwak" is the Indonesian name for the civet

Bali - 1) Baruna Beach front Resort

The resort I stayed at Baruna Bali is about 5 min drive or 20 min walk from the airport.  The beachfront resorts in Baruna, Bali feel like a parade of leisure and beauty. A long stretch of well-maintained beach lines the coast, and in October the weather could not be more pleasant. You can stroll along the pedestrian walkway, but be aware that motorbikes also use it, which can be quite annoying at times.

For a more peaceful experience, walk directly on the sand along the shoreline. Swimming in the ocean is refreshing, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.

Bars and restaurants line the beachfront, bustling with tourists throughout the day. In the evenings, some resorts host cultural performances by local artists, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. It’s easy to imagine spending an entire vacation simply relaxing at one of these resorts.

Here are some photos taken along the beach. I especially love the sunset hours. Enjoy!

Indonesia Impression and Experience

Why I Wanted to Visit Indonesia 

 

A couple of years ago, I saw photos of Borobudur Temple shared by my friend Harris, an expert in rice agriculture who had visited Indonesia for research. From the moment I saw those images, I was captivated by the temple’s unique architecture. A seed was planted then—one day, I knew I had to visit Indonesia and see Borobudur for myself. 

In 2025, while I was traveling in China, visiting Indonesia felt like the most convenient and logical next step. From China, Indonesia is relatively close, making the decision feel almost effortless. 

 During my travels, I had also heard countless stories about Bali. Everyone I met who had been there spoke of its beauty and charm. Naturally, curiosity got the best of me. As a result, my Indonesia trip included two destinations: Bali and Yogyakarta (where Borobudur Temple is located). 

My Impressions and Experiences 

Indonesia reminded me of what China felt like before the 1970s—poor and underdeveloped, yet full of life. In both Bali and Yogyakarta, I often saw rundown houses lining the roads that led to major tourist sites. 

 Public transportation is essentially nonexistent. The only practical way to get around is by hiring a car with a driver. Most roads are single lane, except in central Bali and Yogyakarta, and the majority of vehicles on the road are motorcycles. Unlike in Kunming, China—where almost all motorbikes are electric and relatively quiet—motorcycles in Indonesia are loud. The constant noise can become unpleasant at times. 

 Before the trip, I did my homework and downloaded Grab, Indonesia’s equivalent of Uber. I also downloaded Gojek, another popular ride-hailing app, but never had the chance to use it. Once I got used to Grab, I saw no need to confuse myself with another app. 

 I booked a hotel in Bali near the beach, attracted by its ambiance and beachfront resort setting. What I didn’t realize was how inconvenient this location would be for sightseeing. Reaching most tourist attractions took anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours one way. My advice to future travelers: always check the distance between your hotel and the sites you plan to visit. Traveling by car in Indonesia can be exhausting. 

 The good news is that hiring a private driver is a major industry in Indonesia. Most drivers speak decent English and are responsive, reliable, and well accustomed to working with tourists, which makes the experience far more manageable.

Indonesia Arrival Card (e-VOA)

You need to fill it out online 72 hours before arrival

Seoul, Korea — A Few Street Snapshots

November in Seoul is full of color, and the city truly comes alive. These are a few street snapshots from the Myeongdong shopping area, along with views from the bus ride from Myeongdong to the airport.

Seoul, Korea- Myeongdong Comic/Cartoon Street

Little did I know at the time when I checked into my hostel, the next street is Myeongdong Comic/Cartoon street. On that rainy day, I walked to admire the artworks. Glad its a rainy day and in the early morning that the streets were not crowded. It is near Myeongdong Station Exit 3 in Seoul there’s a fun and colorful mural street often called Jaemiro (재미로) or Myeongdong Comic/Cartoon Street — a little hidden gem of street art tucked just off the main shopping area. This alley running up toward Namsan from Exit 3 is decorated with bright, playful murals and comic-style artwork on walls and buildings. If you like colorful murals and a playful art walk, this alley by Exit 3 is one of Myeongdong’s most Instagrammable hidden spots! Here are some I captured with my camera: