Discovering the enchanting locations: Where in Bali was 'Eat Pray Love' Filmed?
- Olga Kurak
- Mar 22, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Hello,
On my first trip to Bali, almost all of my friends jokingly asked, "Are you off to find your Brazilian?... Bardem?" and so on. Truth be told, they were onto something because, indeed, I did meet my Brazilian on that trip.
Their inquiries all stemmed from one common source – everyone had seen the movie "Eat Pray Love."
So today, I'll share details about the film "Eat Pray Love" and the locations where it was filmed in Bali.
For those who might not be familiar with it, here's a brief introduction to the film:
In 2006, the book "Eat Pray Love" by author Liz Gilbert was released worldwide and immediately became a bestseller. The book is autobiographical and tells Liz's real-life story of how she decided to radically change her life: getting divorced, traveling to Italy, India, and later to Indonesia, to Bali; during her trips, she finds new friends, enjoys delicious food, seeks answers to her questions, and eventually finds love. In 2010, Columbia Pictures adapted the book into a film starring the incredible Julia Roberts and the charismatic Javier Bardem. The film was also a huge success among audiences.
I read the book first, and when the film came out, of course, I watched it too. The adaptation differs slightly from the book's plot, but overall, the atmosphere of the book is well conveyed through the excellent performances of the actors and the beautiful landscapes of the countries visited by the main character.
Why did the book and the film become so famous worldwide?
In my view, the answer is simple: there are countless women worldwide who dream of making radical life changes – leaving behind everything familiar, fearlessly exploring the world anew, and, of course, finding true love. It sounds like a fairy tale, doesn't it? Yet, Liz turned this dream into reality, inspiring others – if not to emulate her, then at least to immerse themselves in her story by reading the book. The writing style of the book is very light, it's like having a conversation with a friend over a glass of wine, where she tells you her story and you simply enjoy listening to her. Liz describes people, places she visits, and her descriptions of food are a masterpiece. I still remember her description of the ravioli she tasted in Italy, which she devoted almost two pages to in the book.
She ponders a lot. Her key question to herself is "what do I want?" and she tries to find an answer to it.
Whenever I delve into an autobiographical book or watch a film based on real events, I always find myself searching online to see how the real-life characters and places appeared.
This is how the real-life heroes and actors looked in the film.
Where is Eat Pray Love filmed in Bali?
Two years ago, we decided to go to Ubud for my birthday. As I've mentioned before, organizing our trips is my responsibility. I started looking for accommodation where we could stay. And so, by chance, I stumbled upon a villa on Airbnb, which stated that this was where the movie "Eat Pray Love" was filmed, where according to the plot, Julia Roberts' character lived. I began searching online for more information about where the film was actually shot. And yes, it was indeed that villa.
We booked the villa. You can do the same here.
The villa isn't an exact replica as seen in the film. But the owners certainly utilized the film to its maximum for promotion and marketing. There are signs with the movie's name, many photos printed where guests hold stills from the film against the backdrop of the same places in the house: here's where Julia Roberts gets a pedicure, and here she meditates, and so on.
We spent the weekend at this villa, and one evening I suggested to Santi that we watch "Eat Pray Love," and he even enjoyed it. I think one of the reasons for his positive impression (because such films are definitely not his usual preference) was that we were at the villa where the filming took place, and the atmosphere was festive. Then he understood why my friends joked about the Brazilian when I went to Bali.
Photos from the villa where the movie Eat Pray Love was filmed
Is it worth visiting the villa? Absolutely. The villa has a very atmospheric vibe.
The only thing is, it's quite far from the center of Ubud, so it's more convenient to have your own transportation.
I also want to add the latest news about the villa.
In February 2024, social media in Bali was buzzing with news: local residents from the surrounding areas of the villa were concerned because russian developers had started massive construction nearby, which could destroy the cultural value of the property. The villa is indeed located in a green zone, surrounded by locals' farmland where they grow rice and vegetables. It was impossible to drive to the house by car, only by foot, bicycle, or scooter. I don't know the current situation there, but it's certainly very sad news. The situation with chaotic construction in Bali is truly critical. Some foreign companies ignore the island's specifics and culture, building modern high-rises more suitable for a metropolis like Dubai than for Bali. Therefore, unfortunately, beaches, green areas, and cultural sites are being destroyed. If the local government doesn't take action, this construction situation on the island could have critical consequences.
Link to the article here.
But let's get back to the film, where exactly was it filmed in Bali:
We saw in the film how Liz (Julia Roberts) rides a bike along the rice fields. The shooting of this scene took place in Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud.
When I visited the rice fields, there were a lot of tourists. They say there are even more people now. So your walk won't look like in the movie because you'll have to look for a place with fewer crowds or wait in line to take a photo. Often, as an alternative, recommendations suggest taking a walk on the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Of course, you can walk there, but it's nowhere near Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud. But the walk here has its advantages: the opportunity to walk without car traffic, along the way there are truly beautiful views of the mountains, you can visit galleries with paintings, sculptures by local artists along the road, or have a coffee in a cafe overlooking small rice fields or lily ponds.
After their first encounter, Liz and Felipe meet again at a beach party. The filming process took place at Padang-Padang Beach on the Bukit Peninsula, where in Bali 'Eat Pray Love' was filmed
The bar you saw in the film doesn't actually exist there; it was set up for filming.
It's a beautiful small beach with a gentle entrance and clear water. A great place for those who are just learning to surf. The location is very convenient, with many good restaurants and cafes around where you can enjoy delicious food. It's best to come in the morning when there are fewer tourists.
In one of the scenes, Julia and Javier stroll through the Ubud Market.
This bustling market caters to tourists, selling a variety of local items and souvenirs. While it's a fun place to visit for the local vibe, you can find cheaper souvenirs at shops nearby with a wider selection and fewer crowds.
One of the reasons Liz went to Bali was to meet Ketut, a local healer who predicted her divorce a year earlier and her return to him.
After the film's release, Ketut became very popular. Crowds of tourists came to him for their "answers." In June 2016, he passed away at the age of 100. Today, you can visit the house where he lived.
When Liz fell off her bike, meeting Felipe for the first time, and scraped her knee, Ketut sent her to a local woman named Wayan, who treated her with ancient Balinese remedies, massages, herbs, and various infusions.
Like Ketut, Wayan became a star after the film. And she skillfully used it, opening her own small healing and educational center. I haven't been there, reviews are mixed about her and her business: some are very impressed, while others are completely disappointed. It's up to you whether you want to go there.
Recommendations:
I wouldn't organize a separate tour of the film locations, but if you're in Ubud, I recommend spending a night at the villa. And Tegallalang Rice Terraces or the Ubud market is a must for tourists. It's not worth going specifically to Padang Padang Beach; I recommend spending 2-3 days in Uluwatu and combining different activities: visit Uluwatu Temple, besides Padang Padang, go to other beaches (Bingin, Nyang Nyang, Thomas Beach, etc.) - it will definitely be interesting.
And finally, I want to tell you what happened to Liz and Felipe later in life. Films of this kind always end with a happy ending, where the heroes live happily ever after – that's how we imagine it. Liz and Felipe lived happily, but not for long (relatively, of course, because for someone a year of a relationship is eternity), in 2016 Liz wrote on her Instagram that they had separated from Felipe.
I'm telling you this not to sadden anyone but to remind myself and you that this is life – and it's constantly changing. And that's okay :)
See you soon,
Olya.
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