Just back today from what was probably my most favourite out of about 20 trips to Bali. I travelled with a friend for 15 nights to Ubud, Lovina and Seminyak, and then we also met up with other friends half way through the trip. This trip seemed to focus around food! What I learnt is that by spending a mere few extra dollars on a meal/cocktail, you can get some of the most amazing food and venues you will ever experience.
Anyway, we flew Melbourne-Darwin-Denpasar via Jetstar. The stopover in Darwin on the way over was fine, but the 3.00am - 7.30am stop on the way back was TORTURE! Not sure the saving was really worth it in the end. Got through the airport in 15 minutes and spent the first night at Tune Hotel in Kuta as we were heading up to Ubud first thing in the morning. We also booked a room on the last afternoon so we could leave our bags somewhere and have a shower before flying home.
UBUD
Ubud has and always will be my most fave place in the world. I feel instantly at peace as soon as I arrive. We stayed 5 nights but I could have easily stayed longer.
We used the Tune Hotel driver to get to Ubud for 180,000rp and we stayed at Green Fields which is a hidden gem. We stayed here a couple of years ago in the cheapest rooms, but upgraded to a rice paddy room this time at 500,000rp per night. The hotel is located just before you arrive in Ubud so it is easy to walk into town or they will drop off/pick up for free if you request. Our room was large and clean and the bathroom fit for a princess. However, by far the best part is the stunning view over the rice paddies from the patio. I could have sat there all day reading a book as it is was so peaceful. There is also a lovely saltwater pool and the breakfast is simple but lovely (great banana pancakes!).
Cooking Class
We did a cooking class with Paon Cooking School for about $35 per head. They picked us up in the morning and we went to the market for a bit of a tour and then to a rice field to learn about rice growing. Then it was back to the family compound for the cooking class with the lovely hosts Wayan and Puspa. The class was good and the food was great, but there was a mix up on the day and the group was twice the size than it should have been. Obviously this dampened the experience as not everybody had the opportunity to be as hands-on. Having said that, it was a pleasant day and they do get very good reviews so I guess I would still recommend this.
Food/Drinks
- Casa Luna - Jln Raya Ubud
This restaurant is an Ubud institution with excellent food and a lovely romantic atmosphere.
- Bar Luna - Jln Gootama
Why is it that you always find the best hidden gem on the last night?? This little bar is in a trendy hidden laneway, and they had the best happy hour cocktails at ridiculously cheap prices. There were also some delicious tapas as well.
- Cinta - Jln Monkey Forest, Batan Waru - Jln Dewi Sita, Siam Sally - Jln Hanoman
These three places are all part of the same establishment and are equally beautiful with excellent food. I had fantastic gnocchi at Cinta, and I LOVE sitting at a front table at Batan Waru for some people watching during the day. Happy hour 2-for-1 cocktails at Siam Sally is always good as well.
- Laughing Buddah Bar - Jln Monkey Forest
There is not much nightlife in Ubud, but this little bar had a blues band one night and it packed in the people. Very trendy.
- Sari Organic - Rice fields (enter off Jln Raya Ubud)
This place was recommended by a friend and it is quite tricky to find. You need to head out of Ubud and just before the bridge you will find a hidden sign for this cafe (you may need to ask a local). The only way to get there is along a little track which is a 15 minute walk though beautiful rice paddies. The cafe was cute and nasi goreng was great, but the lovely walk was the best part.
- Naughty Nuris - Jln Raya Ubud
I have heard so much about Naughty Nuri's and these famous martinis, so we had to give it a go. It is a fair way out of Ubud so transport is a good idea. The place is a bit of a dirty roadside warung but it was packed with people. I tried one of the martinis (100,000rp) and it was ridiculously strong, so much so that I struggled to drink it all. There is also a bbq out the front as this place is also known for it's famous pork ribs.
Shopping
I love strolling along the little streets of Ubud and checking out the cute boutiques. My favourite streets are Jln Dewi Sita, Jln Hanoman and Jln Monkey Forest
- Kou Soap - Jln Dewi Sita
This is my fave shop that has the cutest handmade soap which make the best gifts
- Kou Cuisine - Jln Monkey Forest
This trip I discovered the sister shop that sells cute little jars of jam and rock salt. Of course, I did have to sample all varieties and the milk caramel jam was to die for. Also good gift ideas.
- Leolle - Jln Monkey Forest
This homewars shop is probably the best quality in Ubud. Beautiful stone candle holders and other gift ideas.
- Kado Saraswati Paper - Jln Dewi Sita
A cute shop with homemade paper products, candles, bags, cards, etc.
- A&A - Jln Gootanma
I bought a very cool handmade metal lantern from this shop - which was very difficult to get home in the luggage!
Other stuff
- Verona Spa - Jln Monkey Forest
We love this spa! We both had a couple of 2 hour massages/scrubs which always end in a hot flower bath sipping a cup of ginger tea while looking out at the rice fields. Treatments cost about 150,000rp
- Axmi Spa - Jln Monkey Forest
I went here for a shampoo and blowdry and also an excellent job with the straightening irons for 50,000rp
Next stop - Lovina to see my sponsor child....