The morning sun poured golden light over the emerald rice terraces of Ubud as Ethan sat on the porch of his homestay, sipping his last cup of kopi Bali. His journal lay open on the table beside him, filled with sketches, thoughts, and details of his adventures over the past few days. The pages seemed alive, brimming with the magic of Bali—the warmth of its people, the serenity of its temples, the humbling grandeur of its landscapes.
As much as Ethan felt he could lose himself forever in Bali's rhythm, the traveler in him was eager to move on. The world was vast, and there were countless stories yet to unfold. Today, he would say goodbye to the Island of the Gods and begin the next chapter of his journey.
A Morning Stroll Through Ubud
Before packing up, Ethan decided to take one last walk through the streets of Ubud. The town was coming to life, its streets filled with the buzz of motorbikes, shopkeepers opening their stores, and locals placing morning offerings of canang sari on doorsteps. The fragrant mix of incense, flowers, and burning coconut husks filled the air, a scent Ethan had come to associate with Bali.
He wandered into the Ubud Market, where colorful sarongs, wooden carvings, and silver jewelry were displayed in a vibrant maze of stalls. He picked up a small carved wooden mask as a souvenir, its intricate details a reminder of Bali's artistic soul.
Ethan also stopped by a small warung for breakfast, savoring his last plate of nasi campur—a fragrant medley of rice, vegetables, spicy sambal, and tender grilled chicken.
"Where are you going next?" the warung owner asked with a smile.
"Not sure yet," Ethan admitted. "I'm thinking maybe Yogyakarta or Hanoi."
"Wherever you go," the owner replied, "carry Bali in your heart."
Farewell at the Homestay
Back at the homestay, Kadek and her family gathered to see him off. They handed him a small bundle wrapped in banana leaves.
"Take this for your journey," Kadek said. Inside was a portion of lawar, a traditional Balinese dish made with minced meat, grated coconut, and spices.
"Thank you for everything," Ethan said, genuinely moved by their kindness. "Staying here has been… unforgettable."
"You'll always have a home here," Kadek replied warmly. "Bali is not just a place. It's a feeling. Wherever you go, let it guide you."
As he strapped his backpack onto the scooter, Ethan realized how much this family had become a part of his story. He waved goodbye, promising to return one day.
To the Airport
The ride to Denpasar's Ngurah Rai International Airport was bittersweet. The road wound past familiar sights—dense jungles, rice paddies shimmering under the midday sun, and towering banyan trees adorned with black-and-white checkered cloth. Ethan took it all in, etching the images into his memory.
Arriving at the airport, he returned his rented scooter and checked in for his flight. He had chosen his next destination: Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It felt like the natural next step—a place steeped in history and culture, home to the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan.
Reflection in the Air
As the plane ascended over Bali, Ethan looked out the window. Below, the island's rugged coastline and azure waters gleamed in the sunlight. He thought about all he had experienced: the sunrise at Mount Batur, the cleansing waters of Tirta Empul, the tranquil beauty of the rice terraces, and the countless small moments that had made the trip unforgettable.
He opened his journal and jotted down a single line:
"Bali is not just a place—it's a heartbeat, a rhythm of life that stays with you long after you leave."
The thought comforted him as the plane leveled out, and his focus shifted to what lay ahead. Yogyakarta promised new adventures, new stories, and new lessons.
Next Stop: Yogyakarta
Landing in Yogyakarta later that afternoon, Ethan was immediately struck by the change in atmosphere. The city buzzed with energy—a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modern life. Motorbikes zipped through the streets, and the air carried the aroma of spices and street food.
His first task was to find a place to stay, and he opted for a cozy guesthouse in the heart of the city, near the famous Malioboro Street. After dropping off his bags, he headed out to explore.
The streets were alive with activity. Vendors lined the sidewalks, selling everything from batik clothing to street snacks like satay and bakpia. Street performers played traditional Javanese music, their haunting melodies mingling with the chatter of passersby. Ethan couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of excitement.
Tomorrow, he planned to visit Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple and one of Indonesia's most iconic landmarks. For now, though, he was content to wander, letting the city reveal itself to him one moment at a time.