Travel: Things to do in Ubud, Bali
Some things to eat, do, and where to stay
Preferring the island’s famed beaches, Ubud is often missed by travellers visiting Bali.
The lush greenery of its rainforests and rice paddies combined with its famed temples, arts&crafts, and its’ wellness centres, offers visitors a different type of island getaway.
Although it is no stranger to tourists, Ubud is still very much worth the visit – as much as any of Bali’s beautiful beachsides. If you haven’t considered Ubud, here are just a few reasons why I think you should definitely add it to your Bali itinerary.
Jen Curcio
FOOD AND COFFEE
Jl. Dewisita No.10, Ubud, Bali
Locavore restaurant alone is one reason you should venture out to Ubud. It was recently awarded the best restaurant in Indonesia and I have written TWO reviews about both of my visits. Read the first one here and the second here. A must!
WARUNG IBU OKA
Jalan Suweta, Tegal Sari 2, Ubud
Foodies come to Warung Ibu Oka for one thing – the suckling pig (babi guling). Their famed fragrant and spice-full suckling pig offering is unchanged after all these years. There are many ways it is served (the special for example, with Lawar salad, and blood sausage) but I recommend sticking to its simplest form: the suckling pig with rice and extra crackling. This is one of those ‘up there’ meals that is so satisfying and memorable you will be telling all your friends to go as well!
Jalan Penestanan Kelod, Ubud, Bali
For travellers with dietary requirements, particularly vegetarians, vegans or just the health conscious, Alchemy is an Ubud institution and well worth the visit for a flavoursome lunch or guilt-free treat. This cafe, health food store and holistic centre is a one-stop shop! They have a fabulous salad bar, juice bar and cabinet filled with raw desserts – you’ll want to try everything!
5 Jalan Sriwedari, Ubud, Bali
For the serious coffee drinker, Seniman is a must visit. Not only a cafe (serving food too), their passion and dedication to the art of coffee is demonstrated through their brew bar. On the right hand side as you walk in to the cafe you’ll notice coffee machines, utensils and contraptions, all tailored to best extracting coffee based on the beans and the individual. Seniman offers an extensive range of local Balinese and Indonesian beans which they process at their own roastery, as well as beans from South and Central America, and Africa. If you’re looking for a great souvenir, I highly recommend buying a pack of their beans to take home with you. They also offer coffee workshops which could be another interesting activity to do during your visit.
Some of the views at the Campuhan Ridge Walk
THINGS TO DO
CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK
Jalan Raya Campuan, Sayan, Ubud
The best things in life are free as they say. This easy walk along the Campuhan Ridge is a sight for sore eyes. Best done in the cooler parts of the day as there isn’t too much shade. If you love this then also check out the Tegallalang Rice Terrace.
Jl. Bisma No.5, Ubud
Run at the Honeymoon Guesthouse, this is a must for all foodies! Their variety of hands-on courses include day and night food market tours, coffee tours in the Kintamani highlands, and even a vegan cooking class. Their cooking classes make full use of the incredible staple of spices and fresh produce that are so bountiful on the island.
WELLNESS
Very much the wellness capital of Bali, in Ubud you can indulge in an endless range of wellness treatments and activities. There’s yoga, more serious treatments at Alchemy, and of course massages (try Karsa Spa). For something unique to Indonesia, I highly recommend you try a cream bath. There is no cream and definitely no bath but what you can expect is a hair wash and treatment. While you wait for the treatment to nourish your hair you’ll be given a wonderful neck, shoulder and back massage. A cream bath is a must when in Bali.
Image by Anggara Mahendra
EVENTS
Janet DeNeefe of Casa Luna created the UBUD WRITERS AND READERS FESTIVAL after the Bali bombings as a way to renew traveler interest, as well as local morale. It has been named as one of the best literary festivals in the world. It is generally held around the October/November period each year.
Following the success of some of the food event components of the UBUD WRITERS AND READERS FESTIVAL, the UBUD FOOD FESTIVAL was born. This is a fantastic events for foodies with three days of events, cooking demonstrations, thought provoking talks and more. The Ubud Food Festival is generally held around May or June each year.
Honeymoon Guesthouse poolside
A delicious Nasi Campur for breakfast at Honeymoon Guesthouse
STAY
Jl. Bisma, Ubud
My first stay at the Honeymoon Guesthouse was back in 2012, and I have since returned finding it as pleasant as my first time. The guesthouse (which covers two properties) is well located just a short walk from Monkey Forest Road. The rooms and properties are beautifully furnished and there are so many activities on offer through the guesthouse. For a fair price you can incorporate yoga, coffee plantation tours, in-house massages and classes at their cooking school (also on the property); to your itinerary. Their breakfast is also fantastic – try the nasi campur (mixed rice dish with lots of delicious morsels accompanying your rice), and the coffee!
