Many of my friends are aware of my deep love for Bali, as I often talk about it. It’s the first place I moved to after I decided that Manila is not the city for me. Adulting and living on my own was so fun to do there, specifically Ubud. It was my base for two years.
I’m writing this entry for family and friends who want my tips for visiting Bali. There are a few popular areas in the island, and here are my impressions of each one of them:
Kuta: Trashy, westernized and doesn’t feel like “Bali” at all (I never come here)
Seminyak: Poshy, I come here for the trendy boho boutiques, concept stores, and good restos
Canggu: Cool surfers area, fun expat community, lots of healthy cafes
Nusa Dua: Upscale, I haven’t had the chance to stay in this area because I’m not rich
Uluwatu: Surfers area, best beach area I’ve been to
These 5 towns are all coastal, which is nice. I think that’s what most people come to Bali for, the beaches. But I’ll tell you not to expect much of the beaches, especially if you’re Filipino. I’d recommend to go to the Gilis, but I haven’t checked that out for myself to have an opinion.
Since I lived in Ubud, I’m gonna stick to what I know and share my recommendations, and my reasons as to why I think it is the best area to stay at when you come to Bali for the first time.
Ubud is known as the hippie and yogi area. Alot of expats are drawn to stay there, especially those who lead a healthy and wholesome lifestyle. But aside from the abundance of yummy healthy food, retreats, cleanses, meditation/yoga centers, and other spiritual activities, Ubud has a lot more to offer:
Balinese Culture
Despite being flooded with tourists, the area isn’t as westernized and you can always witness locals going about their daily rituals and ceremonies
Local Art
Every town in Bali has their own distinct art style. There's Peliatan, Penestanan, Keliki and many others, but Pengosekan style is my favorite.
Penestanan style paintings by my neighbor; Pengosekan style painting I purchased from Sukawati market, and a teak wood console I got from Jalan Andong
Architecture Somebody told me the village has strict guidelines for buildings and they should maintain the local aesthetic. Feast your eyes on the intricacy of the wooden doors and stone-carved columns of the temples and houses.
Nature You’ll be surprised to find little pockets of nature a few meters away from the bustling town center. Located in the heart of the island, you can sense a special energy and magic in this town.
Events
There’s always something to do for the whole family. Ubud hosts annual festivals for writers, foodies, and of course, hippies!
Note: To manage expectations, I think it is important to mention that Ubud is not paradise. As a matter of fact, when you first arrive, you might think it is too be packed, sticky and humid, and far from tranquil and relaxing. But I assure you, you can find the quiet and beauty when you look past the all the tourists and motorbikes, and keep an open heart. Don’t be so fussy!
Where to Eat
First things first! There's tons of good and healthy food in Ubud, it's really hard to go wrong. If you're vegan, you'll love it here. For carnivores, there's also plenty of options. Balinese people love their meat, especially their babi guling ng crispy bebek. I'm not so big on meat, but my top picks are not exclusively vegan. Here are my recommendations for restos and cafes with excellent food and special ambience.
Yellow Flower Cafe - Awesome food, charming cafe with a view of the Campuhan ridge
Moksa - Vegan/raw cuisine in a beautiful permaculture farm
Cafe Wayan - Balinese food in a lovely traditional setting
9 angels - Pay-what-you-want vegetarian community cafe
Taksu - Tasty dishes, serene garden setting
Bali Bohemia - Middle eastern cuisine, vibrant and fun atmosphere
My favorite Mackarel Nasi Campur from Yellow Flower Cafe; Moksa's Vegan burger (Lentil pattie+spiced jackfruit, charcoal bun); Breakfast from Bali Bohemia Hut, featuring the Aria Alpaca Pillow from my shop
Where to Shop
Ubud market - Clothes, accessories, home decor
Bali Buddha - Healthy food items
Sukawati Art Market - (12km from Ubud) Inexpensive paintings and home decor
Jalan Andong - Jute baskets, teak wood furniture, bamboo lampshade. This street is an interior designer's heaven
Rattan and jute baskets and furniture found along Jalan Andong; colorful silk robes and other decorative items in Ubud traditional market
Must Dos
1. Shop at Ubud market
Summer dresses, batik sarongs, rattan items and boho decors galore! This is a place to practice your haggling skills, but don’t expect vendors to give in so easily as many tourists are willing to pay higher prices. Ask “berapa?” to ask “how much?”, and don’t forget to say ‘Terima kasih/makasi’ with a smile! Near the ubud market, you can also walk to the Saraswati Temple next to Starbucks, it’s beautiful especially when the lotuses are in full bloom.
2. Explore the magical Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
I always feel transported to an enchanted place when I step into some quiet parts of the sanctuary. Just love the trees and all the moss-covered carvings, and the friendly monkeys, of course! Make sure to behave nicely around them.
3. Attend a class at Yoga Barn
One of my favorite places in Ubud. Even if you are not into the holistic and yoga lifestyle, I encourage you to take a class or even just eat at their Kafe. Aside from yoga, I like going to their Tibetan Bowl meditation, Shamanic breathwork session, Qi gong, and Friday ecstatic dance.
4. Get a Balinese massage and indulge in a flower bath
Ubud is a place for pampering and rejuvination. Treat yourself to a nice massage or natural body treatments. There’s so many spas to choose from, but my top recommendations would be: Karsa Spa, Cantika Zest Spa, Taksu, Fresh Spa (for mani or pedi)
5. Visit the Tirta Empul Water Temple
Tour guides and drivers would offer day trips to take you to various sites, but if you have to choose only one, I recommend this. It’s a special experience to be blessed and cleansed by the waters from the temple. To do this with the locals while they say their prayers will give you a chance to connect more to the culture. Don’t forget to dress appropriately. Women on their period are not allowed in any Balinese temples.
6. Take a Balinese cooking class
What better way to feast on local cuisine than to cook it yourself, along with other fun tourists? Morning classes usually take you to the traditional market where you can learn about the ingredients. There’s lots of classes being offered around town, and to me they are more or less the same so I don’t have a specific recommendation.
7. Lunch with a ricefield view
Not so many know about this area as it isn’t the most accessible, but there is a lane of restaurants and cafes that gives you a scenic view of some ricefields. Head on over to Sari Organik or Cafe Pomegranate for amazing views and atmosphere. I remember it is best to go with an ojek. If you are riding a motorbike, be careful as the road is narrow.
8. Watch a traditional Kecak dance
You can easily get tickets to this around the Ubud palace. There’s a show every night. Come early to get good seats, I think that’s the only way you can enjoy performances. I don’t remember much from the time I watched, my eyesight is so poor. But it’s fascinating and worth it.
9. Go for an early morning or sunset walk at Campuhan ridge
Timing is everything when you do this activity. Don’t go when the sun is too high, it won’t be pleasant at all.
10. Enjoy/join the performances at Bali Bohemia open mic
When you happen to be in Ubud on a Thursday night, don’t miss the chance to come to open mic. Great music and wholesome fun with locals, expats, and tourists
11. Chill by the pool at Padma Resort Ubud or Junglefish
Have a dolce far niente day and just spend it doing nothing much by the pool (with good views)! These resorts also offer awesome food and drinks. Go savor the good holiday life!
12. See a movie at Paradiso
When you’re tired of all the touristy stuff, you can just go and have dinner at Paradiso while you watch a movie. Their film selections are good, and the food too. They offer mediterranean dishes with alot of vegan options
BONUS: My Favorite Places Out-of-Ubud
Sundays Beach Club, Uluwatu
La Laguna, Canggu
White sand beach, Padangbai
Motel Mexicola (for partying)
Sukawati art market + Canyoning at Beji Guwang
That's it! I hope you find all these information helpful. Again, these are all just my personal recommendations and opinion, and I'm not affiliated with any of the businesses I have mentioned here. Feel free to message me if you have other questions about Ubud!
Xx Nikki
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