What it’s like to live in Ubud, Bali in 2013

So… What’s Life in Bali Really Like in 2013?

I’ve been asked the question dozens of times:
“What does your life in Bali look like?”

Every time, I launch into a passionate description of Ubud — the spiritual, artsy town we now call home. Yet somehow, people still look at me blankly and say,
“I still don’t really get what you’re doing there… but you sound happy.”

Fair. Words don’t always cut it. Sometimes, you need the full sensory package — the smells of incense, the taste of dragonfruit, the daily scooter rides through rice fields, the gentle hum of jungle life in the background…

But until we invent scratch-and-sniff storytelling, here’s my best attempt.

We live in a house surrounded by a lush tropical garden where flowers and fruit grow wild and free.

Eating out is cheaper than cooking at home. And since most of the food is fresh, organic, and full of flavor, we take full advantage. We eat out almost every day.

The food may be healthy, but temptation is everywhere — think shakes, bakes goods, pizza, homemade ice cream, and chocolate that even Belgians would approve of. I try to balance out the indulgence with jogs, dance classes, and yoga. Try, being the keyword.

We both work from home — in comfort, and on our own schedule. We work every single day, 7 days a week… unless we really don’t feel like it. That’s when we “do weekend.” On a Tuesday, maybe. Ubud time is… fluid.

Ubud is small and walkable, in theory. But walking under the midday sun feels like a slow roast in a human oven. We ride a scooter instead — wind in our hair, dodging the dogs and potholes like pros.

When I’m not working, I take yoga classes and chip away at learning Indonesian.

I treat myself now and then to a fancy coffee or a spa session.

Our evenings and weekends look a lot like they did back in Europe: concerts, talks, parties, outings with friends. Only now the backdrop is a little more exotic.

Ubud is an artistic haven. Both locals and expats live and breathe creativity here. Inspiration flows and it’s contagious.

The Balinese are deeply spiritual. Every day, they place offerings to the gods — small handwoven trays filled with rice, flowers, incense, sometimes even coffee and cigarettes. You’ll smell sandalwood and frangipani everywhere. There’s always a stick of incense burning somewhere, and it wraps the town in a quiet, fragrant reverence. You catch yourself exhaling:
“Ah… Bali.”

Now, Ubud is also home to a growing New Age crowd. You’ll find energy healings, crystal shops, breathwork sessions, cacao ceremonies, Kirtan chanting, tantra workshops, Tibetan bowl meditations… You name it, someone’s offering it.

Now I do have an open mind about expolring spitiruality — truly. I’ve dabbled in a few of these things myself. But I must admit that I’ve been stunned (and occasionally amused) by some of the more… creative healing methods on offer in the “neo-hippie” community.

Of course, it’s not all frangipani and fresh coconuts. Traffic jams can be horrendous. Ants swarming up your kitchen as soon as you attempt to prepare a salad. The construction noise is relentless — something is always being built, knocked down, or drilled. The centre of Ubud is wildly touristy, and not always in the charming way. And no matter how many times I walk the same street, I still get at least ten “Taxi? Maybe?” before I reach the end.

But despite the few negatives, I love living here.
Ubud is messy and magical, peaceful and noisy, ancient and Instagrammable, all at once.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Have you ever lived abroad? Would you like to?

The post “What it’s like to live in Ubud, Bali” first appeared on Travel Cake.

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