In July 2011, I stayed in Ubud which is just north of the main city, Denpasar. Ubud is noted for its arts industry with studios doing every possible shape and form of artwork located in a relatively small area around Ubud. This industry has attracted people from all over the world with strong representation from European countries (and a few Aussies inevitably). As a result, Ubud has become an interesting mix of Asia and Europe. Bali is also unusual in that it is follows Hinduism whereas most of Indonesia follows Islam. The Hindu culture is very much evident around Ubud with numerous temples – some very old and interesting.

In 2013, I went to an Island off Bali called Lembongan which is famous for its diving and surfing. To see the best, you need to have scuba capability (which I did not have). Nevertheless, snorkelling was enjoyable with lots of pretty fish, reef creatures and coral.

The following photos show the scenery around Ubud and also scenes of Lembongan.

Monkey Forest (“Andrew” on the right…!)

Resident of Monkey Forest

Hindu temple …did not go inside..!

Hindu temple…typical steps up to heaven

Bamboo artwork

Launching kite as part of kite festival

Me in eatery strip on Jimbaran Beach south of Kuta

Sunset over Jimbaran Bay

View from Villa where I stayed in Ubud

Typical street in Ubud

Terraced rice paddies

Coconut Bay

Coconut Beach (regrettably not too clean)

Main street in local village Jungut Batu

Coconut Beach looking back at area where I stayed (on hill)

Garbage on Coconut Beach

View from Villa with Bali Island and Mt Agung in distance

Villa in Lembongan with pool