The first couple of days we had heavy rain at night - but that didn't hinder us - bought an umbrella from a small stall near the soccer ground - such an easy way to get into holiday mode. Last year I had wanted to see Wayan from the novel 'Eat Pray Love' for a body reading - I was able to buy tea sachets for my asthma and arthritis and since she wasn't there that was enough for me. My husband was all for me to spend time with her this holiday but I was a bit skeptical. Straight away I was given a shopping list of products that I should buy, which put me off - I decided to think about it and make an appointment (maybe) - never did but might one day.
Loved Lily Spa in Jl.Bisma - near Honeymoon Cottages - friendly staff - wonderful massages! How did that girl get up on my back so quickly and with such ease? We all enjoyed it there - our daughter had the usual manicure and pedicure, hubby had a massage and decided to try an Indian Ayurvedic massage on my next visit after a facial. It was to include a gentle warm oil trickle on the forehead inducing a deeply peaceful state. A head, neck and shoulder massage follows as you relax - Relax!!!!! The oil seemed to get warmer and warmer - did ask the therapist if it should be this warm - relax I was told - ok. I can withstand a fair bit of pain but with the thought of having 3rd degree burns across my forehead - I asked her stop as it was way toooo hot..... closed my eyes and tried to relax - no good I was out of that zone- but I would go again for other treatments. Has anyone else had this experience?
Bali Safari & Marine Park - glad we did it but probably would never visit again - bus ride through the forest - short elephant show and has a mini Waterbom - good to cool down after walking around the park ......
We love to 'graze' - take off for walks for shopping and looking around the streets - might have a cool drink (tea or alcohol) when we need one and then a little sample of dishes if we like the restaurant - Nomads Balinese Tapas plate was excellent and filling for 2 adults - we chose the 9 dishes to sample and were really happy we did..... the Jazz Club - walked awhile but found it - we are always asked 'Taxi??' - and the same reply is 'Jalan Jalan!'
Met a representative from WSPA who was on a mission to advise the Balinese about rabies and vaccinating their dogs - learnt a lot from her..... dogs with red collars or ties around their necks had been vaccinated - we all took a wide berth of any others that looked a bit suss - Ubud didn't seem to have as many dogs as I remembered from last year. Staff from WSPA member society the Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) have been vaccinating free roaming dogs in Bali's Gianyar district to prevent further outbreaks of rabies and show local authorities that culling is not the answer. Not sure if I agree on that one though.
I might mention about the pool at Ubud Bungalows is the strength of the chlorine - my daughter had made friends with a neighbour and as kids do they love to play around the fountain - they both did get slight red rashes on their hands - but nothing too serious. Breakfast is basic but there are so many restaurants to chose from that are cheap - love the sound of roosters crowing at all times of the day - I thought they only did that early in the morning! My husband was horrified at the security of putting items in the main safe at reception - our passorts and some money which I had tried to disguise in brochures - was bundled up having paper wrapped around, kept tight with a rubber band and bungalow number written on it - only 2 persons knew the safe combination we were told! What have others done in this case?
Love window shopping - if we had unlimited finances - look out excess baggage or freight charges back to Melbourne would be needed - Leolle, Bordello, daughter's recommendation visit the Cha Cha Cat Shop for souvenirs.
Special mentions in Ubud:
Walking off the beaten track - found so many beautiful areas/people
Ryoshi ( I didn't get t go - buy my husband and daughter loved it) - beautiful décor.
Naughty Nuri's - cold beer and great ribs, Cinta Grill & Inn - delicious mojitos,
Murni's Warung - love the ambience here, a favourite for a long time
Paon - good nightly entertainment - great laugh!
Of course beautiful dancing viewed at Museum Puri Lukisan
We loved Ubud and the 6 nights weren't enough - great way to unwind and really relax before the different pace of Seminyak.