We know that Instagram is a carefully curated feed of life and also shows the not so curated side of things depending on the person. This has been a topic of conversation for a long time about how social media doesn’t always tell the reality of a situation. I’m a firm believer that every Instagram feed is different. Some have a built a brand, business and life out of those curated feeds which I admire and respect as Digital Marketer.

Personally, I am just not one of those. Mainly because I am not patient enough and often I like posting in the moment. I also do enough curated content for clients that when it comes to my own feed, I like the easiness of it. That being said, I often use Instagram has a bucket list of sorts which is why Tegalalang Rice Terrace was high on my must see while in Bali.

What is Tegalalang Rice Terrace?

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud is one of the most famous spots for tourists to flock to. It is the beautiful scene of vistas and rice paddies. Tegallalang forms 3 terraced landscapes and offers scenic outlooks. It is breathtaking and it’s not hard to understand why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That being said, between all those breathtaking spots is something a lot of people leave out. The constant “donations” that are asked of you at almost every 10 minutes, the number of tourists and just a whole lot of Bali Swings.

The Instagram famous Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Unpack The Bag

I unpack quickly wherever I am. Even if we are just there for a night. This is how I have always been, even as a child. Nowadays, it is even more important as a full-time digital nomad. I unpack what I need and always put up this framed photo of Sean and I (picture below). That picture has traveled all around the world. I know some of you are probably thinking I am crazy but when you live out of just one suitcase and don’t really have a home, your things become part home. Which is why I love that this time around Sean and I are staying put longer in places with Chiang Mai being the longest we’ve stayed in one location yet. I have loved doing a bit of nesting. One life’s simple but expensive pleasures is the home section of a big store!

I am best when I can get comfortable in a place. Not only does it make me more adventurous but it also helps me to have a routine. I like that the people at our regular coffee stops know us. I like that I know where different street food vendors are depending on the day. I also love that we have a water bill to pay and I also love how easy it is to do weekend trips to different areas. Better yet, I love that I can buy certain groceries and not be worried or annoyed at leaving them behind after a month. Hello, spices!

One of my favorite parts of Ubud is that in the chaos there are these little pockets of serenity from the temples to hidden rice fields in the middle of town. Ten minutes from the center of Ubud where cars are aplenty is the Campuhan Ridge Walk. It is popular with locals and tourists alike. The walk through famous can hold moments of emptiness depending on the time of day. Sean and I found ourselves walking on this path often due to the picturesqueness of it but also it was an easy walk and a way for us to walk on a path without having to pay attention to any scooters or cars around us because there were none! Making it a fantastic way to mentally check out and enjoy the views while getting a little exercise. Plus, sweeping hilltop views are always a go-to and Campuhan Ridge Walk always delivered those every time.

How To Get There

Almost every taxi driver will know how to get there. If you are getting there yourself on scooter or Bike, head to the Ibah Resort and Spa. When you turn into it you will see a road to your left, go down there and you will see two parking lots that you can use. I’d recommend the bottom one as the taxis tend to use the first one and will move your bike if it’s in the way.  Then you will walk down the hill and stay to the right and go down the stairs under the bridge (Away from the temple) and then you will see a sign. Follow the clearly marked path and after about 5-10 minutes of a gradual incline, you will be on the ridge!

Don’t Gotta Be In Shape For This Walk

This walk is doable by almost all ages and fitness levels. What will really get you is the heat and sun as there is no shade on the 2 km walk. Make sure to either go early morning or early evening. You can wear whatever you want really thus, why it is the perfect Instagram spot but I do recommend shoes a bit sturdier than plastic flip-flops.  Don’t forget water and sunscreen either. The sun is very unforgiving if you are walking in the middle of the day!

When I dreamed about planning my wedding, I never thought that my first decision would be about where people would be going to the bathroom. Yet, here I am after making my first wedding decisions (besides where and when) and it was about porta potties. I suppose that is to be expected when you are inviting over fifty people to a rural part of Italy cause I mean, everyone will gotta go pee at some point or another and one bathroom just wouldn’t cut it. I just never knew from all those months of Pinterest planning that would be my first act as a bride-to-be. Also, there are so many porta potties to choose from and they can get expensive!!! Luckily, it was a relatively easy choice (we went for a level above basic and have a decorating budget for it. Thanks google image search for some ideas) but it got me thinking about how for a girl who can take a month on what type of shoes to get… how this is gonna be a beautifully stressful thing to plan a destination wedding while traveling.