ubud rice fields, bali

cascading terraces of green and scattered pavilions. even the requisite smattering of souvenir shops – we bought an indigenous instrument, a kalimba (also known as a finger piano) – add to the charm of this place. I can’t imagine what it’d be like at high tourist season, but for now it was quiet and peaceful – truly beautiful.

goa gajah: elephant cave, bali

no elephants here – it’s so named for the grandness of the architecture, and it’s a beaut. an amazing carved stone temple, a trek amidst temple ruins and a stretch of padi fields, and the quiet beauty of balinese floral offerings.