![](https://www.biancaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Bianca-Images-09-1080x608.jpg)
December 21, 2015
I leave Manila a few days before Christmas. The thought of being alone wasn’t the least bit bothersome. Instead, I was overflowing with excitement and gratitude. I will be able to spend the holidays celebrating life and caring for the person I have occasionally neglected in the past – me.
I started my 2-week Balinese retreat in Kayumanis Ubud. A luxury resort deep in the heart of Ubud, Bali. And I say deep because it’s a wonderfully long drive from the main road to the lobby. The exclusivity makes you feel like you’re in for some intense self loving! Surely enough, I spent my long 2 days there swimming in my private pool, taking a cooking class, going on a village tour and getting the most amazing massage at their world class spa. I guess you could say I was on a honeymoon with myself, too. I was kidding around with the hotel staff that Kayumanis Ubud is the perfect place for baby-making… or hiding by yourself (like what I did). Merry Christmas to me, indeed.
This is just the beginning of a long series of my Bali adventures.
![kayumanis ubud P1020501](https://www.biancaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P1020501.jpg)
One of the many walkways covered with lush greens. You barely see other people walking.
![P1020509](https://www.biancaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P1020509.jpg)
The entrance to my villa.
![P1020451](https://www.biancaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P1020451.jpg)
My private pool and outdoor living and dining room. It also has a kitchen where I did my Balinese cooking class.
![P1020606](https://www.biancaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P1020606.jpg)
Best duck dish ever! Stewed then roasted and served with long grain rice and sambal.
![I learned how to cook soto ayam! Traditional Indonesian chicken soup with glass noodles.](https://www.biancaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P1020784.jpg)
I learned how to cook soto ayam! Traditional Indonesian chicken soup with glass noodles.
![Also cooked my favorite chicken curry with fresh curry paste we also made.](https://www.biancaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P1020802.jpg)
Also cooked my favorite chicken curry with fresh curry paste we also made.
![Klepon is a dessert made with glutinous rice flour, dipped in desiccated coconut and has coconut sugar in the middle.](https://www.biancaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P1020804.jpg)
Klepon is a dessert made with glutinous rice flour, dipped in desiccated coconut and has coconut sugar in the middle.
![Urap Urap Sayur is a vegetable dish made with grated coconut, chilli, kefir and cassava leaves.](https://www.biancaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P1020806.jpg)
Urap Urap Sayur is a vegetable dish made with grated coconut, chilli, kefir and cassava leaves.
Stay tuned for the rest of my Bali adventure.
I’m a new reader! (but long time IG follower) Please keep the posts coming, I love your blog!