Our Not So Ultimate Guide to Ubud

After our fruitful adventures in Canggu, we decided to head to Ubud, the place we fell in love with 5 years ago. Ubud has changed a lot since we last came here. The roads have been widened. Cafes and shops catering to tourists have mushroomed everywhere. And of course, there are more tourists now even in the low season.

• Related: Our Short Getaway to Ubud

Ubud central is constantly packed with tourists from every corner of the globe. And so we decided to head to the hills this time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also because we wanted to have some quiet time for our wedding anniversary. 😛

Ubud, a great destination for lovers, couples, young families and tourists with love for nature, we love the town, so we’ve decided to list out our favourite sights and spots of Ubud below to aid a potential tourist.

So here is a short not so ultimate guide from our experiences travelling in Ubud.

Alam Puisi Villa

As said earlier, we wanted some quiet time with each other and so Ann booked an accommodation in the hills near Ubud named Alam Puisi Villa.

Alam Puisi Villa is situated about 10 minutes drive from Ubud central. Beautiful paddy fields and winding hills make up the landscape. The short winding drive was all worth it. The villas are all equipped with standard facilities such as an ensuite bathroom with shower & bathtub.

A private pool with amazing views of the surrounding paddy fields. And the staff are super friendly and eager to provide top-notch service to make your stay memorable and a pleasant one.

• Read more: Our Lovely Stay at Alam Puisi Villa

On our wedding anniversary day, the staff even surprised us with a beautiful note above made of rose petals. We felt pampered and blessed that we just did not want our holiday to end.

We truly recommend this Villa if you are coming to Ubud to relax in peaceful serenity. Coming to Ubud and craving a serene environment for relaxation? Alam Puisi Villa is your best bet.

You can view Alam Puisi Villa rates Here

Bumi Muwa

If you really want to stay in Ubud central, we truly recommend Bumi Muwa for all your accommodation needs. Bumi Muwa is located in the heart of Ubud minutes away from Monkey Forest and all the facilities just within walking distance.

It’s been five years since we were here, but we weren’t disappointed coming back. Bumi Muwa has spruced up the property and even included a pool for the guests.

• Tip: Bumi Muwa is located on a nondescript alley. Ask around or call the staff to pick you up on the main road if you can’t find it. 🙂

You can view Bumi Muwa rates Here

Places to Eat in Ubud

Atman Kafe

What’s a tourist attraction without spots for good food. Here are our recommended food spots in Ubud.

Atman Kafe is situated in Ubud Central close to Monkey Forest. It is a multi-cuisine cafe that serves one of the best coffees and has an extensive menu for Vegans, Vegetarians, Pollotarians, Pescatarians with many Raw or Gluten free options.

We were spoilt for choices.

Ann ordered the Fried Red Rice Special with a sunny side up, satay, and a dollop of sambal. This simple looking dish was very tasty, flavourful and had a well-balanced taste of spices. 

I had the Chicken Green Curry and I was amazed at how good it was and it is comparable to the curries I had in Thailand. Ann even wanted to change dishes with me and slurp up all my curry.

Surprisingly, our expectations for the food quality was at best average, but we were pleased to have our expectations ruined by the excellent quality of the meal.

Ann even wanted to come here again for dinner on the same day! Do check it out.

Halal Ubud Burger

 

🍔 & People watching #halalubudburger #ubud #bali #travel #eats #wanderlust

A post shared by Fat Starfish (@fatstarfish_) on Jul 3, 2018 at 7:58am PDT

If you are looking for a snack in Ubud Central, look no further at the busy main road of Jalan Ubud Raya. Ubud Burger serves one of the best burgers in Ubud at reasonable prices.

Ann and I loved the fact the burger shack is an open concept style restaurant where you can sit, people watch while enjoying their burgers.

It is a great place to spend our afternoons and just have a lazy day.

Bebek Bengil

 

A post shared by Bebek Bengil (@bebekbengilid) on Nov 12, 2017 at 8:01pm PST

Bebek Bengil or aka Dirty Duck Diner is a restaurant with multiple outlets in Bali and Indonesia. They have been serving their signature Crispy Duck since 1990.

We came here because he heard and read rave reviews of this place that we had to try ourselves. Even Anthony Bourdain and President Obama have tasted their signature dishes. And we were not disappointed. The restaurant is located on a huge piece of property with lakes, Hindu influenced statues and the occasional ducks wandering in the fields.

• Tip: Do bring insect repellent if you are coming during dusk 

The restaurant has all the ingredients and nice ambience for a romantic dinner. 🙂

3 Monkeys Cafe

We have been to 3 Monkeys Cafe before the last time we were here and this place still kept up with its quality of food and service.

However, we were looking forward to having their Ayam Betutu (Smoked Chicken with Rice) but it was no longer on the menu. Nevertheless, we still had an enjoyable dinner as well as a great selection of desserts.

Things to do in Ubud

*image: Flickr

Visiting the Monkey Forest is one of the top places to see when in Ubud.

Also known as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana (Sacred Monkey Forest)  located at Padang Tegal, Ubud. A natural habitat for the Balinese monkeys where they roam free and be mischievous. You are promised a delightful day if spent with them.

• Tip: Avoid bringing bags or loose items such as cameras into the forest

Monkey Forest is a sacred spiritual place for the Hindus so do cover up yourself while you are here as well as behave appropriately. 

Ubud Market

Tour the Ubud Market. Looking for fresh produce and ingredients? Take a tour of the Ubud morning Market; there you would find the freshest produce straight from the farm.

You would have to wake up early and be there before sunrise, but the sights and sounds of the market is worth the short sleep. 

In the afternoons, shops selling souvenirs will open beside the marketplace. Bargain and haggle as the prices are marked up very high for tourists. 

Green School Bali Tour

Take the Green School Bali Tour. Experience how nature truly feels like. The Green School boasts of nature and green life. A place where everything is made of natural materials such as bamboo and renewable sources remain the top option for energy.

The huge bamboo school building is an iconic structure and during the tour, we learnt about sustainability practices as well as life as a Green School student in this open concept, wall-less and void of any set curriculum school.

Sustainable farming practices, chlorine-free water, a natural swimming pool to swim in and a mud pit to play in. It’s really a piece of Green heaven on earth and is recommended for anyone who seeks to be in view of true nature, alternative education for their children.

Carla Spa

Nothing beats a good Javanese massage while on holiday. Ann and I spent a few hours at Carla Spa, just a few blocks down Ubud Burger opposite Starbucks.

• Related: Our Guide to Canggu

While it was not one of the most expensive or top-notch massage places, Carla Spa managed to relieve all our tense muscles from our tours and cafe hopping.

All in all Ann and I enjoyed our time here in Ubud, except for the crowds though. Sometimes you have to go down memory lane to rekindle some of the best moments of your life and give you an even better reason to cherish what you have today. Ubud has been this and more, as it’s beauty, finesse and calming demeanour have made it a trip worth taking every single time.

Till next time. Safe Travels wherever you are.

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