Indonesia, Bali – Waterfalls, Buddhist temple, Coffee & Rice Terraces: Gems of Central Bali

We continue our two-day itinerary through central Bali, exploring some of its most beautiful highlights. Yesterday’s journey from Lovina Beach to Munduk was packed with unforgettable experiences: the Aling-Aling waterfalls, a visit to Bali’s Buddhist monastery, and a refreshing dip in sacred hot springs. On this second day, from Munduk to Ubud, we stop to enjoy a tasting of traditional Balinese tea and coffee before heading off to discover the stunning Jatiluwih rice terraces. Let’s go!

Day 2 of our itinerary in central Bali: panoramic view over Twin Lake

Sunday, February 08

After a hearty breakfast, we head back out with Agus to continue our visit of central Bali. The road takes us high into the mountains, where we find ourselves in thick, impenetrable fog. But when we arrive at the Twin Lake viewpoint, a break in the clouds allows us to take a few photos of the view over the mountains of Bali.

Bali Handara Gate: the famous Balinese gates

A long traffic jam then slows us down. Eventually, after an hour, we realize that this endless traffic jam was actually caused by tree trimming along the roadside! Agus then drops us off at Bali Handara Gate. When we came here in 2017, the place was empty and free. Today, you have to park in a small lot, check in at the booth, and pay 50,000 IDR per person as an entrance fee, about €2.50. All that just to take a few photos in front of these beautiful Balinese gates. They have become an essential stop during a visit to central Bali, made famous by social media. We take turns posing in front of the gates until the guard at the entrance comes out with his megaphone and shouts “Next!”, signaling that we must give way to others.

Coffee plantation in Bali: tasting and discovery of Luwak coffee

Next, we head to Hidden Garden. A very brisk guide takes us in charge. She talks extremely fast at the front of our small group of five, then moves on determinedly, leaving us to relay the information like a game of telephone. “What did she say?” “What is this?” We walk through the gardens, where all kinds of plants, herbs, and unimaginable fruits grow: mangosteen, durian, avocado, coconut, papaya, vanilla, turmeric, ginseng, cocoa, and of course coffee.

Luwak Coffee production process

She introduces us to the production process of Luwak Coffee. The luwak is a small furry animal that feeds on coffee cherries in the plantations. It eats the pulp, swallows the bean, digests it, and then excretes it 💩. The droppings are then collected, cleaned to extract the coffee beans, which are roasted and ground. And that’s how one of the most expensive coffees in the world is made!

Tasting Balinese tea and coffee

After visiting the gardens, it’s time for tasting: mangosteen tea, lemongrass, ginger, ginseng, turmeric and red rice, then coffee with vanilla, chocolate, coconut, avocado, ginseng, ginger and of course traditional Balinese coffee. But not the luwak coffee, which is paid separately! We choose not to taste it, as many ethical issues surround luwak coffee, like any economy based on animal exploitation. Indeed, nowadays luwaks are often kept in captivity and mistreated, living in cages and being fed exclusively coffee cherries.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: the most beautiful terraced rice fields in Bali

For long minutes, we play along with the tasting experience. We even become food critics! This one is too sweet, that one too bitter, this one too strong, that one too spicy. We even do blind tastings to see if we can recognize each type (we can’t). Finally, back at the shop, we end up buying a few tea/coffee/vanilla pod souvenirs. And under a rainstorm worthy of the best of Bali’s rainy season, we head back to the car. Next stop in our visit of central Bali: one of the island’s most famous gems, the Jatiluwih rice terraces!

Jatiluwih rice terraces are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The half-hour drive lets us leave the rain behind, and under a grey but clear sky, we discover the incredible terraced rice fields so typical of Bali. The landscape is stunning, with vibrant green tones and volcanoes in the background. Incredible!

Hiking in the heart of the Jatiluwih rice terraces

A small hiking trail takes us into the heart of the rice fields. How beautiful! The plantations are still young, but they have grown enough to cover the landscape in a beautiful green. We love this color!

Ubud: next must-see stop on our Bali trip

After this beautiful walk through the Jatiluwih rice terraces, we settle in a restaurant offering a breathtaking view over the fields. Unfortunately, the food is quite disappointing—one of the downsides of highly touristy spots like this. But no worries, we’ll make up for it tonight. Our journey through central Bali is far from over. We now hit the road toward the next stop on our itinerary in Bali, which we are really looking forward to: Ubud, the true cultural heart of Bali, known for its artistic vibe, temples, and vibrant local life. A whole new side of Bali is waiting to be discovered.