Photo Galleries

Ubud Guesthouse

September 2008

For 10 days we stayed at the Batik Sekar Bali Guesthouse in Ubud, a block of four brand-new rooms at the back of a family compound and batik workshop on a quiet street (Jalan Segriwa) on the edge of downtown Ubud. The family that runs the guesthouse did their best to make us feel like family. For details about some of the structures shown in these photos, see our post “Behind the House Gates,” which describes the layout and significance of a Balinese family compound.

Ibu Putu, daughter-in-law of the family that runs the Batik Sekar Bali Guesthouse in Ubud, sweeping a courtyard in her family compound (the broom is made from the spines of palm leaves)

Looking through the gate of Batik Sekar Bali Guesthouse in Ubud, where we stayed for 10 days

The fountain just inside the gate

The fancy house used by the oldest generation in the family (Ibu Putu's father- and mother-in-law). The statues show Balinese people in traditional temple dress.

The smaller house used by younger generations (Ibu Putu and her husband and children)

The pavilion near the front of the compound used for family ceremonies, including childbirth and death rites.

Looking from behind the ceremonial pavilion at the carport and batik workshop (the family's main business)

Looking into the batik showroom (where sarongs and bedspreads and other painted textiles are sold)

These chickens woke us up early every day until we remembered to use earplugs

A kitten liked to nap on the compound wall near our room

The kitchen and storage building (with the white guesthouse building behind it)

More batik workshop space

The main family shrine (near the front of the compound, facing holy Mount Agung)

The small front garden (with another chicken)

Melissa's sketch of the layout of the compound, as described to her by Ibu Putu

The matriarch of the family (Ibu Putu's mother-in-law), who was a celebrated dancer in her youth, teaches traditional dance to her granddaughter and other local girls in the front courtyard