Bali: Ubud

Selamat Datang di Ubud! (Welcome to Ubud!)

Bali is one of my favorite places on earth. For starters, it’s beautiful—the architecture speaks to my soul. The vibrant culture is warm, friendly and welcoming. The food is delicious and the town is full of cute cafes, healthy options and unique flavors. Nature permeates this town and its surroundings making it and any hike in the area breathtaking.  Embarking on a journey to Ubud, Bali, should definitely be on your bucket list of places.  I put together a little recap of my trip to Ubud-where I stayed, what I liked and what I would recommend doing while there. I stayed at the Komaneka at Monkey Forest, visited the curious monkeys at Monkey Forest, had rejuvenating classes at the Yoga Barn, explored the mesmerizing rice fields, and engaged in delightful dining experiences at some of the cutest cafes in town.

STAY

I stayed at the Komaneka at Monkey Forest Hotel-a perfect location in Ubud, Bali. Staying at this hotel provided a luxurious and serene base from which to discover the town’s rich heritage and natural beauty.  Nestled in the heart of Ubud, Komaneka at Monkey Forest is a boutique resort that began as a residence for artists behind the prestigious Komaneka Gallery, specializing in fine contemporary Indonesian and Balinese art.

The daily morning breakfast and fresh juices was the perfect way to start every day and something I looked forward to each day. For some relaxation time, you could book a service at the space or unwind by the gorgeous infinity pool.

These places are also worth checking out!

Como Uma Ubud is a boutique hotel surrounded by rice fields. Their luxury suites are tucked along green planted corridors and exude traditional Indonesian charm. They offer daily yoga classes and guided walks around the rice fields every day. According to their website, the hotel’s “design is clean and simple, with the lobby, pool and bar at its open-spaced heart. This openness contrasts beautifully with the narrow paths which run between tall, lushly-planted walls to each room and suite. Interiors were originally designed by Japanese designer, Koichiro Ikebuchi and completely refurbished in 2012 by Bali-based designer, Maximilian Jencquel, to feel like those of a rural hillside home”. That sounds like a space worth indulging in!

The Bisma Eight hotel is a boutique hotel, located right in the heart of Ubud, Bali. I would describe the hotel as offering an industrial and warm vibe, making it feel modern yet inviting. It has won numerous accolades amongst the popular travel channels and websites and looking at all it has to offer in addition to its iconic surroundings, it’s no wonder why!

DO

Monkey Forest

A short stroll from my tropical oasis lead me to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to over 700 long-tailed macaques. This unique place is located right in the heard of Ubud, Bali. Here I was able to wander through the serene forest, marvel at ancient temples, and enjoy the company of these cute and curious animals.  You have to remember to secure your belongings, as the monkeys can be quite mischievous and have no problem coming up to you and taking what they want. It happened to me!

YOGA

If there’s one thing that Ubud, Bali is known for, it’s yoga. I am not a regular yoga attender but knew to put this activity on my list here. I took a nice morning flow class at Yoga Barn. It has been one of my favorite yoga classes and I loved that it is an open-air studio in Ubud. This place is one of Ubud’s most renowned yoga centers. Offering a variety of classes suitable for all levels, it’s the perfect place to stretch, breathe, and find your zen amidst the tropical surroundings in their open air studio. It’s not one to miss if you enjoy yoga. Yoga is not my most frequented fitness activity but I wish I would have had time to take more classes.

RIDGE WALK

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is another must-do activity when in Ubud, Bali! It’s a picturesque trail offering stunning panoramic views of lush hills and valleys. The gentle path is perfect for a morning stroll, or a post-yoga walk, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty of Ubud. A great place to stop on the walk is Karsa Kafe for a fresh juice or snack!

RICE FIELDS

One of the mornings began with a walk through the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces. These terraces are about a 20 minute drive from Ubud in the village of Tegalalang. They are renowned for their stunning landscapes and traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system. Meandering through the terraces was another trip highlight. Photos do not even capture the unique and breathtaking landscape. This area has become touristy so you will see souvenir shops and cafes around.

If you want a more peaceful and less touristy rice terrace to visit, consider visiting the Kajeng Rice Fields, which are located within walking distance of Ubud’s city center. You also get to marvel at the traditional Balinese agriculture and The walk is relatively easy and provides beautiful views of the rice paddies, especially during the early morning light or sunset.

DANCE

One evening I went to see a traditional Balinese dance performance at Ubud Palace. The intricate movements, vibrant costumes, and captivating music provide an intricate insight into Bali’s rich artistic heritage. The Barong dance depicts the struggle between good and evil. The Barong represents the good and appears as a combination of a big shaggy dog and a lion. He is a playful spirit and must become a protector when confronted by the evil witch. This is just such a unique performance that you should experience if you have the chance. Check out this video to see a snippet of a performance.

Goa Gajah – The Elephant Cave

One very cool location I visited was Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave as it is commonly known. The origins of Goa Gajah date back to the 11th century during the Bali Kingdom era. The site was rediscovered by Dutch archaeologists in 1923 and is adorned with intricate stone carvings depicting menacing faces, believed to ward off evil spirits. The site has long been a place for meditation and spiritual practices and features numerous bathing pools and fountains on its grounds.

SHOP

A stroll through Ubud’s Market is a fun activity to do as well. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products to gift to friends and family or add some interesting pieces to your décor at home.  Traveling is one of the best ways to score unique pieces for your home and whether it’s a cool piece of art or interesting object, it will always remind you of your trip. These pieces are always spark joy!

While in Ubud, I made it my mission to go into every pretty little shop that seemed caught my eye. I love the jewelry in Bali and it was during this trip that I found a store I still purchase from today, Ananda Soul. Her pieces just spoke to me when I saw them. I loved all of the intricate details of the pieces, the materials, and most of all the intentionality of the meaning behind each piece. The owner sustainably sources her materials and empowers local women through her endeavor, which is just the cherry on top.

EAT

Cafes are plentiful in Ubud. This town fully embraces the clean eating philosophy. You will find fresh juices, fruit and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Ubud is very walkable and for any destination that might be a little far, renting a scooter or a bike is easy enough. After spending a couple of weeks traveling, the food in Bali was a refreshing and a welcome change. To sum it up, I absolutely loved the food! I haven’t been to Australia yet but my culinary experience in so many Australian cafes here made me even more excited to go. Ubud remains one of my favorite food destinations to-date.

COFFEE

Along with all of the fresh juice options, coffee was great here too. I stopped by various coffee shops during my stay and was not disappointed. Seniman Coffee Studio is a must visit for coffee lovers. It is located in the heart of Ubud and is a great place to start your day or take a post-yoga coffee break during the day. Renowned for its innovative brewing techniques and commitment to quality, Seniman translates to ‘artist’ in Indonesian, reflecting the café’s creative ambiance. It also features unique furniture and glassware available for purchase. The Not So Innocents Abroad wrote a post about this place that is definitely worth reading!

Cafes

Sari Organik specializes in growing organic vegetables and rice as well as making other products that can be processed from local produce. It was one of the first organic spots in Ubud. Located in the middle of a rice field, it is not the easiest place to get to but you can enjoy your delicious meal while marveling at the view.  They offer a ton of healthy fresh juices and local vegetarian cuisine. Enjoy beautiful views and spend your lunch hours on a daybed or go about and admire the surrounding organic farm.

There are plenty of spots in town that are going on my list for next time:

• Milk & Madu Ubud is a popular Australian-style cafe known for its delicious brunch and pizza offerings.
• Sala Bistro, another popular Aussie brunch spot, is a relaxed and casual café serving serving a variety of healthy options, western options and a few traditional Balinese dishes.
• Lazy Cats Café is a casual and cozy vegetarian café. The ambiance is perfect for unwinding after a day of travel and exploration.
• Kafe Ubud, a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offers a diverse menu with plenty of healthy options. It’s a great place to unwind.
• For dinner try Honey & Smoke – a modern Australian restaurant in Ubud. This wood-fired bistro offers flavors kissed by smoke coupled with a speakeasy ambiance.

Additional Tips:

• Weather: Ubud experiences warm and humid weather year-round. Light, breathable clothing is best, along with comfortable footwear for walking. Given the tropical climate, it is advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat, especially during the rainy season. I wore a lot of flowy dresses, yoga leggings and tank tops!
• Transportation: While many attractions are within walking distance, consider hiring a scooter or a private driver for destinations like the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. So worth it!
• Cultural Etiquette: When visiting temples or attending cultural performances, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. A sarong is often provided at temple entrances if needed. You can also buy one at the local market to use and keep as a souvenir!

My visit was short (although I ended up extending my stay because I loved it so much) and there is so much more to see on the island, so until next time. I hope this little taste of Ubud, Bali inspires you to plan your trip. Selamat jalan!

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