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This story is about a trip to Ubud Bali to meet Nathan and Beth who are honeymoon in Bali. It’s been their third time coming to Indonesia and we have agreed to meet in Ubud Bali. Nathan and Beth who I have considered as siblings and family, even though we have different mama and papa but our brotherhood will last forever. Okay, let’s start this travel story :
My school friend Hadi and I accompanied me to Bali, by driving a car. We both started our journey in the morning from Jogja to Ubud Bali for family honeymoon in Bali. During the trip we stopped a lot just to have coffee and stretch our legs. We also really enjoyed every moment when we stopped in several cities that we passed. In the car, Hadi, who works as a professional driver, often told me about the joys and sorrows of being a Freeland driver. Jokes and laughter accompanied our journey. Before we knew it, we had reached Ketapang Harbor, one of the connecting points between Java and Bali.
Before entering the harbour, we stopped first at a simple food stall for dinner, we planned to eat nasi tempong. Nasi tempong is a traditional dish from Banyuwangi. It’s famous for spicy sambal and fresh vegetables. The dish consists of steamed rice, various boiled vegetables such as spinach, kenikir, and basil, and a selection of side dishes like fried tempeh, tofu, and corn fritters. The star of the dish is the spicy sambal made from a blend of chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and other spices. The name “tempong” itself comes from the Osing language and means “slap”, referring to the intense spiciness of the sambal. Nasi tempong is often enjoyed as a hearty meal and is considered a must try for anyone visiting Banyuwangi.
Bali I’m Coming
After finishing enjoying the typical Banyuwangi nasi tempong. We immediately headed to Ketapang harbor to continue our journey to Ubud, Bali. Luckily for us, there weren’t too many cars queuing to enter the ferry, so we could immediately board the ship. On the ferry, we were required to get out of the car and head to the passenger seat. On the ship, there were many unique activities of local people there. Ranging from selling rice parcels, coffee sellers, to massage services.
Hadi, who wanted to relax and chose to enjoy a massage on the ferry, I chose to wait while drinking hot coffee. It just so happened that when we were on the ferry at the sunset time. The orange sky decorated the sky above the island of Java. The splendor of the Ijen crater mountain was faintly visible from above the ship. After almost 1.5 hours of travel, we arrived at Gilimanuk harbor, Bali. Just for information, Java and Bali have a time difference of 1 hour.
Gilimanuk Port is a ferry terminal located in the western part of Bali, Indonesia. It serves as the main gateway between the islands of Bali and Java, connecting the two islands via the Bali Strait. As one of the busiest ferry ports in Indonesia. Gilimanuk plays a vital role in the transportation of both passengers and goods between the two islands.
Travel to Ubud for Nathan Honeymoon in Bali
After we got off the ferry, we went straight to Ubud. There are 2 alternative routes to Ubud, through the north side of Bali and through the south side of Bali. Because Nathan and Beth live north of Ubud Center, I chose to go through the north side of Bali, because it was faster and the traffic was not too busy. The trip took about 5 hours from Gilimanuk Harbor to Ubud.
Without realizing it, it was already late at night, we decided to stop for a rest at a gas station because the next day. We would meet a couple who were on their honeymoon in Bali. We chose a gas station that was open 24 hours so that it would be comfortable and usually had more facilities. I slept in the car and Hadi slept in the gas station facility chair. We chose to sleep at a gas station because to stay in Ubud, most hotels are expensive and we only need to rest for a few hours.
After morning came, I woke up, as did Hadi. We will get ready to meet Nathan and Beth at the hotel and we will go out for a walk around Ubud. After finishing our shower and breakfast, we immediately went to the hotel. In Bali, there are many sellers of wrapped rice or nasi jinggo. So for anyone who comes to Bali and is looking for a cheap and delicious breakfast, you can try nasi jinggo.
Loro Blonyo Statues as Wedding Gifts
After everything was done, we headed to the hotel where the couple do their honeymoon in Bali were staying. It only took about 30 minutes for Hadi and I to arrive at the hotel they were staying at. I immediately went into the lobby, with a very happy feeling I waited for them in the hotel lobby. Not long after they came out while jogging towards me, we hugged each other to release the longing that had been pent up for a long time.
They invited me to tour the hotel room and I followed their wishes. They showed me facilities such as swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and beautiful views typical of hotels in Ubud, Bali. Actually I have prepared a gift for those who are on their honeymoon in bali. I brought a Loro Blonyo, which is a pair of ceramic statues.
Loro Blonyo is a pair of traditional Javanese statues depicting a bride and groom, often given as wedding gifts. These statues hold deep cultural significance in Javanese society, symbolizing harmony, fertility, and prosperity in a marriage. The name “Loro Blonyo” itself translates to “two colors” in Javanese, referring to the colorful attire of the statues.
The male statue usually represents Dewa Wisnu, a Hindu deity associated with preservation and protection, while the female statue often symbolizes Dewi Sri, the goddess of fertility and agriculture. Together, they represent the ideal union and the hope for a blessed and fruitful marriage.
Loro Blonyo statues are often placed in the home of the newlyweds as a symbol of their union and a wish for a long and happy life together. The statues are typically made of ceramic, wood or stone and are intricately carved with traditional Javanese motifs and designs.
A Memorable Meeting
Actually I have ordered a statue loro blonyo made of wood for a couple who are on their honeymoon in Bali. But after I saw the results were less than my expectation, so I decided to order another one but made of ceramic and it turned out to be true, the results were better.
After the hotel tour was finished, they invited me to walk around Ubud and have lunch at a local stall. When we arrived at the stall and after we finished ordering food, we chatted about many things while waiting for the food to arrive.
After we enjoyed lunch, we moved to enjoy time together by drinking beer at Tegalalang rice terrace. We immediately drove our car to a cafe on the edge of the rice fields in Tegalalang. We spent time there. That moment was very memorable in our hearts and I will always remember it. That’s a piece of our story about the eternal brotherhood between the UK and Indonesia. Hopefully Nathan and Beth will always be healthy and happy. See you on the next adventure, God Bless You All !!! Thanks
