Bali Life

Ubud for the Heartbroken

There’s never a good moment for a break up. But my story happened over the summer holiday when we were supposed to visit Bali. He broke up with me because we have “unresolved issues” and he cannot compromise.

I don’t know which celebrity gossip magazine he got the line from but I was crushed.

“But Bali is for couples!” a friend exclaimed, trying to dissuade me from traveling solo, worried that being alone in a sea of honeymooners and lovebirds would further drown me in my pain and sorrow.

Luckily, my logic played the money card; let’s not waste the air ticket, was my excuse as I boardedmy flight to the Island of the Gods.

 

Search for the drug

I mean the love drug to be exact. I was in a mission to comfort my heart. It’s not fair if it’s only dedicated to those in love. Chocolates should be the recipe for the broken hearts club with its Phenyl ethylamine known as “love drug.” See! Who needs it more?

My friend recommended I visit the Pod Chocolate Factory that has rave reviews as the best chocolate in the world. If you visit the factory, located within an elephant camp, you’ll be taken on a tour detailing how cocoa beans are harvested, and the processes that make them into chocolate. You can even try making your own chocolate bars and of course make the most selfish chocolate purchase of all time!

Photo by Pod Chocolate Factory

 

Scream at the top of your lungs

My next suggestion is not for the faint of heart. It’s a big swing at the Ayung River. Zen Hideaway, located in a traditional Balinese village about 20 minutes from the center of Ubud. At such great height, and with sweeping views of the jungle, the Ayung River, and even a mini waterfall, you are guaranteed to have the most thrilling swing of your life.

I did not say his name at the top of my lungs. Neither did I scream out the F word. But the feeling of my broken soul leaving my body was so liberating.

 

Walk Away

Well I already did, from him. But this one is a delightful walk known as Campuhan Ridge Walk. Be sure to do it early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it is cooler. The light is also better at dawn or dusk if you are into photography. The walk is pretty easy going and takes you through some amazing winding pathways, rice fields and their surrounding open spaces.

Strike a pose for Instagram-worthy images and make sure you do not caption them with “Wish you were here.” I surely did not wish so.

Photo by www.balibudgethousing.com

 

Get a massage

“The Spa” at Padma Ubud has a special and highly recommended three-hour long treatment. It is called Essence of The Spa and is a ritual of body scrub, milk bath, herbal revival massage, and a facial. Not soothing enough? Spare another hour polishing your toes and nails. But pick something red and nothing nude, please.

 

Namaste

Ubud is all about the spiritual world and there are few better ways to experience that than a yoga class. Yoga Barn is probably the best known studio in Ubud. But as a pretend extrovert, I opt for something a bit quieter such a private yoga session.

Photo by www.balispaguide.com

 

Eat your heart out

The eating scene in Ubud is just endless. Meat lovers will be relieved that it’s not all organic and vegan-driven. Just google “Where to eat in Ubud” and salivate with the options on offer. And if you think you have overdone it on the binge eating, do more yoga or take another walk through the rice fields.

Photo by @mikaryn1

 

Shaken and stirred

Yes, Martinis!More specifically, the “Padma Rose Martini.”. The bartender immediately offered me one when I asked for something relaxing, sweet and tangy, and pretty looking.

And I was hooked so I asked him to pour me another one. It was a gorgeous evening too at the hotel, overlooking the surrounding lush greenerywith a drink in hand, and a friendly bartender for company.

 

Heartbreak Hotel

I am glad I decided to stay somewhere nice and spoil myself. Padma Resort Ubud was my protective nest during my stay, where I played Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel over and over again before falling asleep to his dulcet tones.

Its cocooned location, enormous pool (and the heated one!), high tea, and glorious food were the main attractions.

Someone told me that Travel is said to be the cure-all for a broken heart – the quickest way to step above the rising waters of sorrow and find the strength in your heart to move forward into your new and exciting future.

I remember feeling refreshed and excited about life after my trip, looking forward to my next life adventure.

No more regrets…Well, there’s one.

If only I was not planning to go back to Padma, I would have scored that bartender’s phone number. Oh well..

 

Alexei Andersen

(her broken heart repaired)

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