Magical, Magical Ubud

 

Bali is one of over 17 thousand islands that make Indonesia.

Graced with exquisite natural beauty, it is a magical, mystical, cultural melting pot.

From tropical beaches and ancient temples to volcanic lakes, and the spectacular rice terraces of Ubud …

 

 

Temperatures in Bali range from 20-33 degrees Celsius all year round.

December to March is known as the wet season with high humidity and night time showers.

 

 

 

Sleep in Jungle Paradise

Villa Sarna, a four star private villa hidden deep in the forest and surrounded by lush paddy fields.

Absolute tranquility with all the facilities you enjoy most, including free wifi.

 

 

Natura Resort & Spa, each of the 14 villas have stunning views of Petanu river valley.

Energy efficient and eco friendly architecture, Natura will have you feeling like you have found paradise.

 

 

Cruise Around

Naturally there is foot or taxi (though you may not always feel like bartering over $5!)

Why not hire a scooter?

For around $6 a day you have the freedom to come and go as you please. Go far and wide to explore off the main drag, all the while feeling like a local cruising around.

Ask at the reception of your little home away from home if they hire out scooters/motorbikes or where is best to.

For a more slow paced, active alternative, you can start pedalling!

Warung Padi Organic offers a bike tour starting from Kintamani volcano, winding it’s way down through the artisan villages to the rice fields of  Laplapan.

 

 

Upon the Fields of Bali

Campuhan Ridge Walk starts near the Ibah hotel, on Campuhan road.  A beautiful walk trail through the rich green rice paddy fields.

 

 

Explore the Rice Terrace Fields

Mother Nature is working her magic as you stroll or hike through the rice terrace fields of Ubud.

You can find café stops along the way to sip fresh coconut water and enjoy the view or if you’ve worked up an appetite, dive fork first into a delicious healthy meal.

 

 

Dine in Europe, in Ubud

Sometimes we just want something a little different. Amid all the beautiful, fresh, local cuisine and traditional Asian eateries is a Stella stand out venue for fine wines and artisan food; the charming provincial style Kebun Bistro.

Spend a night sipping wine from Italy, listening to French music and indulging in Mediterranean tapas before you step back onto the eclectic streets of Ubud.

 

 

Movement, Meditation and Medicine

Ubud is the chillout, soul enriching, detox and zen town. If you want to shop and party, go to Kuta, if you want to party and party head to Seminyak.

The top pick on Stella’s yoga/meditation/holisitc centre list is the Yoga Barn.

 

Yoga Barn is a full service yoga studio and holistic healing retreat centre. If you are after a garden of Eden where your every holistic and ayurvedic whim can be catered for, than this is your nirvana.

Start your day with a morning yoga class to invigorate your mind, body and soul, then walk up to the café for a raw breakfast and wheat grass shot before you peruse the myriad of books in the shop. Then take a sound healing class to align your chakra’s or join a one day workshop to expand your mind.  If you don’t want to leave, you can stay onsite at the Guest House.

Classes run from 7am – 6pm with evening events following, be it Ecstatic Dance, Crystal Bowl Meditation or a screening of an insightful film.

 

 

Clean Eating

Sampling the healthy options for food and drink is a joy in Bali.

Here are Stella’s Healthiest Café’s in Ubud.

 

 

Hit the Coast

Head south east from Ubud to Keramas beach, a popular spot for local and visiting surfers.

 

Take your board, hire one, or stroll over to the Komune beach club to tan upon the beds, have a swim in the pool or sip a cocktail as you watch the waves.

 

 

A Palace of Art

Ubud is the artist hub of Bali. Gallery after to gallery of local art works are displayed, from wood carvings to paintings and sculptures.

Head east from the centre of town to watch the artists bring their creations to life in their studios. Spend some time walking around admiring and buying art works from these incredibly gifted souls.

Or go to an art museum. Puri Lukisan, Ubud’s ‘Palace of Art’ showcases Balinese art history and a stunning array of artworks.

(painting from Neka Art Museum – Ubud)

 

Adventure

Fancy a little white water rafting in The Ayung River with Bali Rafting? Take in the jungle, rice fields and beautiful waterfall as you make your way along the 12 kilometre journey.

 

Purify Your Body & Soul

Istana Tampak Siring is a temple where you can bathe and purify in a holy water spring. The cool waters refreshes and regenerates and you can take a moment to truly appreciate where you are.

If there is one temple to visit, Istana is the one.

 

 

Don’t forget to pack!

Comfy shoes

Sun protection

Mosquito repellant

…and a few pairs of bathers!

Also: $25 US to enter Indonesia and 150,000 Rupiah to leave.

 

Travel safe & ENJOY!

With Love, S*M

 

Share with the StellaTribe: What is your Magical, Magical Ubud highlight?