Just returned from Bali trip number 20+ (I've lost count!). This was going to be a solo trip, but I had remained in touch with the lovely Miss A who I met last year in Bali through this very balitravelforum. Anyway, she was keen for another trip so we managed to get our dates in order so we would be there at the same time. We spent 5 nights in Ubud and 5 nights in Seminyak.
Ubud is without doubt my most fave place in the world. I feel instantly at peace and love spending my days wandering the shops, having spa treatments, eating at beautiful little cafes, etc. My fave street for eating and shopping is Jln Dewi Sita.
Nyoman Karsa Bungalows
I normally stay at Greenfields, but it is now too popular to get in. Miss A had previously stayed at Nyoman Karsa Bungalows, so we booked in here at 500k per room. I have to say that I loved it probably more than Greenfields (although nothing can beat that Greenfields view). It is located on the bottom of Monkey Forest Rd, close to the corner with Jln Hanoman. It is a two story place with about 8 rooms. What I loved was that it was very new and modern and minimalist. The rooms were basic but large, and the bathrooms were similar with a big beautiful bath and lovely big showerhead. The patio was lovely with comfy chairs or daybeds, and there was a beautiful view to the pool with some rice fields in the background. A basic but yummy breakfast is delivered to your patio each morning. The only downside was no fridge, but everything else was great for the price.
Food/Drink
Bar Luna - Jln Gootama
I discovered this little bar down a lane way on my last trip. It is owned by the Casa Luna people. The reason I love this place is the yummy happy hour cocktails between 4-8pm. They are priced at two for 45k - that is $2.50 each!!! Very cute little bar to start the evening before dinner.
Mingle - Jln Dewi Sita
I think this place is fairly new. It is a little cafe overlooking the street, so perfect for a bit of people watching. We had some tapas (bruschetta, corn fritters, spring rolls, etc) which was delicious and really cheap at 15k for each. This cafe became one of my faves by the end of the trip.
Three Monkeys - Jln Monkey Forest
This cafe has been a longtime favorite of mine as the food is lovely, and it has such a beautiful ambience with the pond and rice paddies out the back. Their frozen lime and mint juice is to die for after a hot morning of shopping, and I also love that they have an all day breakfast menu. Not the cheapest place in Ubud, but one worth paying a little more for a little oasis on Monkey Forest Road.
Laughing Buddha Bar - Jln Monkey Forest
There isn't a great deal of nightlife in Ubud, so Laughing Buddha Bar is 'the' place to be! There is live music at 8pm every night and the place is always heaving with people spilling onto the street. The bands we saw were fantastic and there was a great mix of expats and tourists. A very fun night out with the right crowd.
Kafe - Jln Hanoman
This is sort of a health food cafe - although they do have a lot of yummy sweats for a place that is meant to be healthy! The food is beautiful and fresh and it is always busy.
Sari Organik - off Jln Raya Ubud
This is a 'must do' if you are spending a couple of days in Ubud. As you head out of town, you will find a sneaky pathway before you hit the bridge over the river. Sari Organik is only accessible by foot, and it is the most beautiful 15 min scenic walk through rice fields. The walk alone is worth it, but the cafe is also cute with earthy organic food which I believe they grow themselves.
Casa Luna
I have been here previously for dinner a couple of times and really enjoyed it, so I thought it would be a great place to have a nice breakfast. However, I was really disappointed with the limited menu and the whole place in general. I think I expected a lot more, and Miss A who went on a different day also agreed.
Cinta - Jln Monkey Forest
I have been going here for years. They have a great menu and some delicious mojitos which are two for 65k during happy hour (4-7pm). The mango or ginger mojitos are my faves.
Ja Juice Bar - Jln Dewi Sita
Another cute little cafe on Jln Dewi Sita. We went for dinner one night and I had a beautiful pumpkin soup and their homemade carrot and spice cake with cream cheese frosting. Both were delicious.
Spas
Venezia - Jln Monkey Forest
This was only a couple of doors from the hotel, so very convenient. A 1 hour massage was 85k and it was in a lovely room. I went here a couple of times and would definitely recommend for the price.
Taksu - Jln Gootama (lane way between Dewi Sita and Hanoman)
I wanted a scenic spa experience instead of being in a room. I found Taksu down a lane way, and gave it a try due to the location. The cheapest option was a Thai massage for 90k for 30 minutes. I was sent down some very steep stairs and was met by my therapist down the bottom. It was very picturesque with ponds and stepping stones leading to different outdoor pavilions. A lovely experience, but you will pay a bit more for the location.
Axmi - Jln Monkey Forest
How I hate frizzy Bali humidity hair! This salon did a perfect wash and blowdry and finished with the straightening irons. The girl did a better job than my hairdresser in Melbourne - and it only cost 50k!
Shopping
Kou Soap - Jln Hanoman
This is the cutest little shop that makes beautiful soap for 23k. Great for presents.
Kou Jam and Salt - Jln Monkey Forest
The sister shop of the above, this shop has cute jars of jam (35k) and salt (25k). Once again, great for gifts.
Kado - Jln Dewi Sita
I always buy some lovely handmade cards here for 27k. Last time, I also bought a cinnamon candle for 97k and it held it's scent so well. I loved it so much that I had to restock this trip and also buy a couple for presents.
Sunari the Tailor -Jln Hanoman
I ordered a long strapless maxi dress to be made from some beautiful batik fabric. It cost 300k including the batik and took three days to make, including one fitting. I was quite happy with the end result and the tailor was lovely to deal with.
Next stop...Seminyak