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Traveller Tales from Ubud
Bhaves Abbott
22 September 2016
The whole trip of two days to Bali was in fact not enough to explore the place! I should have opted for some more days over here, we had to cover many things in just two days, and otherwise all the arrangements were super cool and up to mark. I took my family on this short two day tour and my teenage kids enjoyed it to the best more than me and my wife. The trip and experience of staying out was simply remarkable, this is our first overseas trip and so I planned for a small two day tour to Bali. After being picked from our hotels on day one we were shown many temples that included – Taman Ayun temple, Tanah lot temple (all these temples depict the Bali architectural skill), from here we were driven to the monkey forest ( there are more than thousand habitats of monkeys over here), my daughter has captured all these in her Smartphone. Next was my wife’s favorite – we got to witness the panoramic view of rice terrace and plantations of Bali, and again there were few more temple visits and we headed back to our hotels. The next day was drive to the Tamblingan Lake, Buyan Lake and to the adjacent beaches and waterfalls. My son loved the Lovina beach as he indulged in many water sports here. The trip wouldn’t become complete without visiting the Batur Volcano and holy spring temple. A great experience is what I have got to say of this tour. Forgot to mention the wood carving village and the art museums were simply superb. Final word – if you are planning to visit Bali, make sure to plan for at least five day as two days is pretty tiring and makes you to hurry at every place. Recommended trip!
Ahilya Bhat
22 September 2016
When my boyfriend told me that he is taking me abroad for a two day tour, I was angry on him (what can be covered in two day) but then something is better than nothing. The day one to Bali was quiet hectic as were given many things to be covered in our itinerary. I loved the temple visits and the village touring too. What is really worth mentioning over here is the waterfall visit and the long time that we spent at Lovina beach – watching the Dolphins were total fun. The meals could have been better, feeling sad my trip ended so soon!
Nearby Getaways from Ubud
What You Should Know More About Ubud
You can get to Ubud from Bali by bus and taxi. You can land at the Bali airport. It is difficult to get through the customs.
You must never touch the head of either children or adults in Ubud, Bali, because head is considered sacred as per their customs.
Do not do drugs in Ubud, as you will be offered easily during breakfast in the form of a capsule. Strictly say ‘No’.
Remove shoes when entering homes and temples in Ubud, Bali.
Always leave donations when you enter temples
Always use your right hand for giving money, business card, or eating, as this is a custom of the oriental culture in Ubud and considered unacceptable if you do it with left hand.
Never point out your index finger when talking to anyone in Ubud, Bali.
You will find many ceremonial offerings laid over the streets of Ubud, do not walk over them as a sign of respecting the spiritual beliefs of the people of Ubud.
Though, Ubud is hot and sees many foreign travelers, always keep your shirt on.
Prefer to eat more of Balinese food instead of Western food in restaurants as they may not taste as you expectations.
If you would like a drink, order a Bintang drink and not order any other drink, as it will be diluted or might not have an authentic taste.
Do not miss the cooking classes in Ubud. You will enjoy working with spices and their staple food.
Do not look in the eye of monkeys in the Monkey forest, they might give you scratches and injuries.
Do not discuss political or any other sensitive world issues with the locals, as the laws are different, and people might not like it.
Avoid Anglo-saxon hawkers who offer you anything free, like a free stay in a hotel, etc.
When riding around Ubud in a hired bike, always carry driving license and wear a helmet.
If you don’t have an international driver’s license, you can get a Balinese drivers license, and also get a driver’s insurance to stay away from the cops.
Drivers on road honk a lot, and you should too, without getting cranky, when driving around.
Avoid getting a tattoo in Ubud, as they might use chemicals that are not suitable to your body.
Beware of strong waves when surfing on the beach.
Internet and electricity in Ubud is bad, so, do not expect a lot of social media updates happening when you are in this town.
Try the tropical fruits available in Ubud, Bali.
Beaches, outdoor and water sports activities Ubud is the central town of Bali on the Indonesian island. You can visit a few beaches for sightseeing, eating and drinking, getting massages, getting a swim, and getting the most of your holidays. Though the Kuta beach is infamous and best to be avoided, you can go to the Lovina beach near Ubud for getting a view of dolphins. You can also take up water sports activities like, snorkeling, and sightseeing. You can enjoy the sunrise and sunset at the Sansur beach in Denpasar. You can stay at the luxury resorts of the Jimbaran Beach and enjoy its tranquil and serene view that is located amidst tropical forests. The Nusa Dua is an idyllic place for all types of tourists. At this beach you will find temples, restaurants, museums, golf courses, and many more areas of activities like camel safaris. There are many things to do in Ubud apart from spending time on beaches. Enjoy live music, barbeques, and surfing at the Echo beach in Canggu in Bali. You can also enjoy your platter of calamari, clams, scallops, and other sea food at this beach. This is a beach where you can enjoy from a list of cocktails and drinks. Ubud, Bali is a cluster of many beaches. While a few beaches are ideal for a swim, you must be careful of the jellyfish sting. Massages and spas Wellness, yoga, and meditation are the things to do went in Ubud, Bali. There are many massage parlors and spas that are mid range to luxury. You can relax your muscles after day trips and spend some time at these spas and get the best of massages. Temples, museums, historical places You can visit the Blanco Museum to get a look at the surreal art, participate in many temple ceremonies, take bike rides, hike in the monkey forest, botanical gardens, Ubud palace, and many more art galleries and museums that host the paintings and sculptures made by artists from across the world.
Sightseeing and hiking You will simply love the beaches, massages, food, shopping, hiking and trekking in the nearby areas, water sports, and the culture of Ubud, Bali. Cooking classes and spice market If you love exotic food, then you must certainly take a cooking course in Ubud. You can learn the Balinese cooking, their spices, and other condiments used in the food. Nightlife There are many popular pubs and bars on the beach. Kuta beach is known as a party beach. You can get drinks, listen to amazing jazz and blues music in these bars, and party till wee hours in the night.
Website : Forum : Books : Ubud - The Spirit Of Bali by Hermawan Kartajaya
The best time to visit Ubud is June-July-August-September. The weather in July & August (peak season) is sunny and very warm during the day, and generally clear and cool in the evenings.
April and May have generally nice weather, and things are less crowded. So this can be the best time to explore Ubud.
It takes approx 1-2 hour to reach Ubud from Ngurah Rai International Airport. There are taxis available outside the airport that will charge you approx $27 or more. You'll be passing through Denpasar.
There are local transport into the form of SUVs or minivans that can be hired with a driver for specific trips. Though, you can reach Ubud through taxi from the main Bali city, but you'll hardly find taxis plying in Ubud. Look for the circular yellow "E" logo on the windshield certifying them as Ubud Transport Association members. There are public buses from Gilimanuk, that passes through Singaraja and Denpasar. There is no direct bus to Ubud.
Bemo" is the generic name for open-air minibuses, also called "angkot". Bemo are small enough to negotiate the narrow roads that connect Balinese villages, and are cheap enough to accommodate locals on a regular basis.
Yes, you can rent motorbike and cycles to travel around Ubud. Though the rent price in Ubud compared to other parts of Bali can be quite less. Check out with the guest house and resorts where you can get motorbikes on rent at cheap rate. However, try' to get the registration papers for the bike from the hirer, when you hit a police check point. Check out different bike rental services in Ubud and compare their prices.
The currency used in Ubud is Indoensian Rupaih.
Ubud is a very safe town. Its size alone is a good reason why there is little crime and practically no complaint from the tourists. However, it is important to avoid alone night walks and getting into contact with illegal people. The best thing is to have all the emergency numbers with you to get into contact with officials during any situation.
The trouble can be with the police if you drive a scooter without a helmet or international drivers license. You may end paying fine under this scenario.
Ubud is not much expensive, compared to its size of place. There is a wide accommodation options available in Ubud which can be around $100 per month for a single room up to $4000 for a large luxurious property. Also there are affordable restaurants for dinner and lunch. It would cost you around $1.20 to $2.00 per meal. Also, if you're choosing bike rental, then your transportation will come down.
Minimum 4 days is enough to explore Ubud. In these 4 days, you can visit- Monkey Forest, night Temple Dances, Ubud Palace, white-water rafting, Campuhan Walk, art museums, etc. You can enjoy the best time in Ubud after taking up a tour package for Bali. If you're going for a week or two to explore Bali, then you can visit Ubud to spend some days.
The weather in Ubud is some of the best in the world. Sure it can get a bit hot at mid-day but there is often a nice breeze and being a bit above sea level keeps the temperature somewhat in check. During the winter the temperature can drop below 20 degrees at night and will usually remain below 30 degrees in the daytime.
Dry and Wet are two seasons in Ubud. The dry season is generally from July to October and wet season one can expect a bit of rain nearly every day.
Clothing in Ubud isn't restricted to specific type. However, one has to abide and respect the culture and location, especially if visiting religious place.
Language spoken in Ubud is same as Bali. Balinese and Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages. English and Chinese are the next most common languages.
Ubud offers multiple options to do. From shopping to park visit, one can have a list of options to do in Ubud. Having a list of options is the great way to enjoy your tour around Ubud. Some of the best activities you can do Ubud are:
Ubud is well known as a place to relax, unwind, get pampered, do yoga and meditate. But above all, one can even enjoy the adventure activities offered by the place. Discover the adventure side of the beautiful place hidden:
River Rafting at Ayung River: The infamous river Ayung River provides the best white-water rafting experience in Bali. The rafting trip starts from the north of Ubud and ends near the west.
Wild Volcano Climbing Day: Get relaxed and pampered at Volcano Batur and Volcano Agung.Volcano Batur is 1717m above sea level while Volcano Agung goes up to 3142m, and are great adventurous place in Ubud.
Canyon Tubing: Get into the aqua-based adrenaline rush, head up into the hills and hidden canyons of Kerta Village Payangan. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the canyon while drifting on this semi-wild clear stream for forty kilometers in a single inflatable tube.
Cycling in Ubud: This will give you the opportunity to savour the Balinese countryside and to cruise through untouched rice paddies.
Flying Fox: Advance yourself with this challenging yet extremely amusing activity, flying down the canyon passing splendid views of the Siap River and Payangan forest.
Yes, Ubud offers some great places for honeymoon couples. From beaches to century old ruins, there are many options to explore. Moreover, resorts and guest houses comprising of luxury amenities are worth enjoying. Check out the honeymoon packages for Ubud comprising of accommodation, travel, and amenities. Some of the places and things for honeymoon couples are:
Ubud is small, but beautiful place to explore. Famously known as Bali’s ultimate cultural hub, Ubud is an amazing mesh of old and new with something to offer to everyone. You'll be spoiled by choices offered in Ubud to visit. The town and its outskirts within the Gianyar Regency is your holiday destination if you are also into the Balinese culture, arts, and crafts. Some of the worth visiting places in Ubud are:
Goa Gajah is also called as Elephant Cave is located on the island of Bali near Ubud, in Indonesia. It serves as a sanctuary and has earned World Heritage Status in 1995. Here one can explore various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance.
Puri Saren Agung is a tourist place and is located right in the Ubud Palace, in the heart of Ubud, across Ubud Market. It has the easy access to most of the interesting places in Bali and only one-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is the place where Ubud's long tradition of home stays all began, more than 80 years ago, when Bali first started to attract bohemian artists from around the world.
Presently, the Ubud royal family's historic palace, seven rooms are tucked behind the courtyard where the dance performances are held for tourists.
Yes, you can visit the most famous Ubud Monkey Forest. This tourist place holds special place by Padangtegal village people and view the Monkey Forest as an important spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center for the village. There are around 700 monkeys, you also can see 186 species of trees in 12.5 hectares of forest. The forest is open from 8.30am-6pm
One can find budget range guest house and cottages to high-end resorts in Ubud. These stay options are equipped with spacious area and luxury amenities. The cost of the stay would depend according to the peak season. Some of the options are:
If you don't prefer staying in a high-end resort but at the budget homestay closely to nature, then here are few budget homestays in Ubud:
These luxury resorts are combined luxury and comfort at the best level possible. Stunning views of the region add more demand to every particular resort here. Some of the luxury resorts in Ubud are:
Yes, Ubud has some luxurious villas comprising of all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay experience. These villas are located in strategic tourist spots for easy transportation. Some of the private villas are:
Ubud is an upland destination known for its relaxing ambience and quiet, traditional atmosphere. Though none of the venues may parallel the bars and nightclubs on Bali’s south, a few cater to night owls with a more easygoing scene and casual gatherings. Puri Saren Royal Palace is a great place to enjoy cultural night performances with its traditional dances, modern nightlife. Some other hotspots in Ubud are-
There are a lot of things to see in Ubud but if you want to explore the history of Bali and Ubud, then check out some art galleries in Ubud. Each is home to vast collections of some of the rarest and most prized artworks by late Balinese and Indonesian artists. Most of these art galleries are self-labelled as ‘museums’, due to their conservatory nature. Each of these museums boasts impressive Balinese architecture and gardens, some filled with installation art.
Some of the interesting art galleries are:
This museum is located on a hilltop right near the iconic bridge of Campuhan, just a minute’s drive west of Ubud central. It is the house and studio of the late flamboyant Philippine-born maestro, Don Antonio Blanco and houses his paintings, collages and illustrated poetry. The art museum also has impressive architecture, well-manicured gardens and lush settings outside.
Yes, there are some amazing trekking options in Ubud. These places offer a panoramic view of Ubud and other flora of the Bali. You need to be prepared for the challenges set during the trek options.
Some of the best trekking places in Ubud are:
Campuhan Ridge Walk is easy trek walk providing great retreat from the more hectic southern parts of the island, but this trail presents an even more pristine outback to escape from the contemporary boutique and guesthouse. The small bridge over the revered Campuhan River leads to the majestic Pura Gunung Lebah temple complex. The best time to enjoy the Campuhan Ridge Walk is early morning and late afternoon, when the temperature is cool and when the skies show their best hues during sunrise and sunset.
One can witness the magic of cultural events held in Ubud. These festival provide a clear picture of the culture of Bali.
Here are some interesting festivals celebrated in Ubud:
If you want to cook and taste some best Bali food, then take up a cooking class in Ubud during your visit. There are some great classes offering tourists and cooking lessons.
Some of these are:
Yoga and peaceful place, both can be the best tour experience. By visiting to some historic or peaceful locations and engaging in meditation is the best thing you can do. Ubud is yogi heaven. Despite its small size (it’s really a collection of villages) there are dozens of classes to choose from every day. The class pass can cost you around $8.60. All the yoga studios provide free mats, props, and water.
Some of the best options are:
Ubud is a haven for arts and crafts, and you can strike great bargains here. One can stroll in the market and discover a wealth of paintings, carvings, traditional garments and unique knick-knacks. From the main street to the Monkey Forest in Padangtegal, and from Sanggingan to Pengosekan, you’ll discover a great mix of unique items. These markets are open daily, and features numerous shops displaying everything from beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats.
Some of the shopping options are:
Luwak or Kopi Luwak is the world’s most expensive coffee. The reason behind of it’s high price is the uncommon method of producing such a coffee. Produced from the coffee beans which have been digested by a certain Indonesian cat-like animal called then palm civet, it made to be also named as cat poop coffee. The feces of this cat will be collected, finished and sold as kopi luwak.
There are some of the best restaurants serving both veg and non-veg foods in Ubud. These restaurants are not only known for foods, but also the ambiance and the location. These include:
There are some good vegan restaurants in Ubud. One can taste Balinese dishes from Mexican, Indian, and Italian food; beautifully presented raw vegan meals; and even vegetarian tasting menus at fancy fine dining restaurants. Indonesians eat plenty of meat, but their diet also includes tofu, tempeh, vegetables, and rice so it’s easy to adapt dishes for vegetarians. Some of the vegan foods are:
The drinking age is same as in Bali- 17 and alcohol is available in many restaurants and resorts. Bali or Carrefour are the best location to get alcohol while on the way to Ubud. Then there is Gourmet Garage and Bintang Supermarket.
Smoking is legal in Ubud, but illegal in public places. One should avoid smoking in public area and tourist places. In restaurant, there are separate smoking zone.
The drug laws in Ubud are same as in Bali. Possession and trafficking of all the drugs listed in the Appendix are illegal, unless undertaken by people or companies approved by the government.
Yes, there are some good hospitals in Ubud for medical emergency. However, in case of emergency 112 along with the country code will help in getting medical access. Some of the good hosipitals here are:
Yes, there are money exchanger facilities, but very few in Ubud. You'll find several money changers at the International Arrivals of the Ngurah Rai International Airport and Denpasar Airport. If you're accommodating in Ubud, then the best thing is to get the money exchanged in Bali. Some of the options are-
The laws in Ubud are similar to Bali. One has to know the certain laws authorised by the officials.
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