Making Each Day Count

After an adventure-packed day 2 where we climbed Mount Batur, our last full day in Bali took on a more laid-back pace.

Our guide picked us up early for a drive to Ubud, Bali. We stopped at Ulu Petanu Waterfall, a lovely find nestled within Bali’s lush greenery. Leading to the falls was a section with colorful fish, and a few meters onward was the cascading water which looked so tempting to jump into. There were only a handful of tourists then which allowed us to connect with nature. We took time admiring the tranquil surroundings and taking photos.

Our next stop was Canting Bali Cooking Class, where we got hands-on experience learning the secrets of Balinese cuisine. The class started with an introduction to traditional spices and cooking techniques, and soon we were chopping, grinding, and stirring our way to creating delicious dishes. We made an array of authentic Balinese dishes taking turns and working in pairs. The highlight, of course, was sitting down together to enjoy the feast we had prepared. It was not only a lesson in cooking but also in culture—an experience that deepened our appreciation for Bali’s rich culinary traditions. Here are the photos of some of the food we prepared and enjoyed.

With satisfied tummies, we headed to downtown Ubud, the heart of Bali’s arts and crafts scene. Walking through the bustling streets, we browsed through batik fabrics, intricate wood carvings, silver jewelry, and aromatic Balinese coffee. I bought a souvenir to take home. The energy of Ubud was infectious, and despite our relaxed agenda, we found ourselves caught up in the lively atmosphere, chatting with friendly shop owners and munching on tropical fruit while we waited for our guide to pick us up.

At sundown, we gathered for a final dinner at The Sayan House Restaurant, recapping our favorite moments from the trip and toasting with our Bintang beer. The evening was the perfect ending to our journey.

Bali had given us so much—beautiful landscapes, immersive cultural experiences, and most importantly, cherished memories with friends. As we packed up that night to prepare for our morning flight back to Manila, we knew it wasn’t a goodbye, but rather a “see you again” to an island that had captured our hearts.

Here are some Shorts that I made to recap my recent Bali trip with friends.