Get lost in tranquil and arty Ubud
Nature and art lovers, Ubud is definitely your stop! During your stay in Ubud, hire a bicycle, ride through the villages and mingle with the locals. Post your ride, head to a spa to relax those tensed muscles or sign up for yoga at one of the many yoga and meditation centers. Being the art and culture hub of Bali, here’s where you can shop to your hearts content for some cool art and crafts from one of the several shops selling pretty goodies including, beautiful paintings, colourful glassware, mirror-work articles, wood carvings and stone sculptures in all sizes. And if you have a little time to spare, visit the Tagalalang rice terraces, which are located 10 km north of Ubud.
Try snorkelling at Nusa Lembongan
For the best snorkeling experience in Bali, take a day trip to the nearby Lembongan Island, which boasts spectacular reefs. This isn’t a game of spot the fish; the moment you duck your head under water you are surrounded by vibrant schools of fish. Put out your hand filled with bread and you'll have them swimmingright up to you to gobble it all up. If you’re lucky, you might find Nemo waiting for you! The day trip includes snorkelling at three spots around the island, a delicious lunch at the beachside warung (local family run restaurants or cafes) and kayaking down spooky mangroves. Don't be surprised if a spider comes to say hi.
Relax and gorge on some delicious food
Head to the popular Potato Head Beach Club at Seminyak to simply relax by the pool, while you sip on cocktails and wait for the sun to set. Don’t forget to try ‘Zombie’, a cocktail made with three different kinds of rum, served in a wooden tiki mug. If you’re a seafood lover, make your way to Jimbaran beach, where after a leisurely stroll down the beach or after a dip in the sea, you can choose from the array of restaurants that line Jimbaran. Don’t hesitate to check for prices and the fresh catch of the day before you take your pick. Located at the main beach area, Café Menega serves up a delicious seafood platter including prawns, squid, mussels, fish and a big basket of steamed rice accompanied with a drink and fresh fruit.
Local Indonesian fare at Warung Murah, Seminyak. Photo courtesy: Jolanda Gonsalves
For the most spectacular view and sunset, stop by the Rock Bar at Ayana Beach Resort and Spa, which is located on a unique rock formation. Ku De Ta at Seminyak is a lovely fine-dining beachfront restaurant, which serves delicious global cuisine. But if you prefer a more casual evening there are plenty of warungs, where you can try the local Indonesian cuisine that’s tasty and yet inexpensive. Dig into some delicious Nasi Goreng or Mei Goreng and down it with some chilled Bintang—the local beer, without which your Bali trip will be incomplete.
Spend an afternoon with mischievous monkeys
The Monkey Forest. Photo courtesy: Jolanda Gonsalves
The Monkey Forest at Ubud is a small forest, which acts as a sanctuary for hundreds of long tailed Balinese macaques. While it is a treat to watch the monkeys at play, you need to be a little cautious and alert while walking around. Most monkeys play among themselves, teasing each other and jumping around. You can happily take pictures of them or if you’re a brave one you can even pose with them. Although there are little carts that sell bananas and corn to feed the monkeys, the forest authorities strictly advice against doing so as most monkeys get aggressive and greedy if they smell food on you and will pester you for it.
Indulge in some retail therapy
Pack an extra bag just for all the shopping you are going to do in Bali. From designer labels to inexpensive goodies, Bali has it all. Take your pick from a variety of paintings, masks, silk scarves, baskets, wood carvings or special souvenirs at the Ubud art market, located opposite the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace. Seminyak is well known as Bali’s designer hub. Here you will find the main Seminyak Street lined with local as well as international designer boutiques. Looking for some designer knockoffs? Bali has tons of it! From Louis Vuitton to Ray Ban, you name it and they have it. Kuta square, which is about 50 m from Kuta beach also offers a bit of everything.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}