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Bali Travel Guide Part 3: Ubud

Bali Travel Guide Part 3: Ubud

One of the things that we were told most often by locals in Bali was that we hadn’t seen Bali until we’d seen Ubud. When we finally arrived there on the last leg of our trip, we could see why. The most honest way of describing Ubud is to say that I felt like I had stepped into The Jungle Book. Everything from the intense greenery to the ancient homes, to the typical Balinese architecture felt very surreal. It was undoubtedly my favourite part of the trip and am so glad I decided to go.

To those of you who are making a trip to Bali, please don’t leave without spending time in Ubud. Actually live there because you’ll really get an idea of true Balinese culture. Although I wish I’d had more time to explore the region in its entirety, I was able to cover quite a lot of ground in the short period of time I had. So in part 3 of my Bali travel guide, I wanted to share everything you need to know about Ubud.

Where to stay 

During my time in Ubud, I stayed at Kamandalu Resort, and I can’t recommend it enough. I think I’ll go as far as to say that it’s been one of my favourite hotel experiences ever. The resort itself is stunning. It’s a massive property that’s made up of I believe 50 individual villas. There’s a rice paddy field within the hotel, so you really feel like you’re immersed in nature, but with all the luxuries of a 5 star resort. The hotel has 3 different pools, and the infinity pool will take your breath away. The service is excellent, as is the food. Basically, if you go to Ubud, you must stay here.

Dress: Kalita; Hat: Tilley Hats

Where to eat

Ubud is known as the yoga capital of Bali, and this holistic culture really pervades into their preparation of food. It’s the place for vegan food, offering a plethora of options. Here are some of my favourite spots:

The Seeds of Life: This was hands down the best raw vegan meal I’ve had in my life. I ordered the SOL Bowl which I highly recommend, followed by their brownie, which was life-changing.

Watercress Cafe: This was one of my favourite cafes in Bali. Not only was the food delicious but also the coffee was fantastic. And can we take a second to admire the heart on the coconut?

Folk Kitchen: Both my brother and I ordered the burger and loved it!

What to do:

Monkey Forest: We went at 4pm upon suggestion from another traveler and were pleasantly surprised to find the forest sparsely occupied. Although I was initially hesitant to go for fear of it being a tourist trap, I highly recommend it because it was really very beautiful. There are monkeys everywhere, but they don’t come near you if you are relaxed and don’t look directly at them. Also, if you have food, they will take it from you, along with anything else you may have in your hand. For safe measure, I made sure I had my phone in my bag. The entrance fee is IDR 40,000.

Dress: Aeryne

Saraswati Temple: This temple consists of a pond filed with lotus leaves and is incredibly peaceful to walk around.

Tegenangan Rice Terrace: The highlight of my time in Ubud was the rice terrace. I remember my jaw dropping as we arrived here as I couldn’t believe the sheer size! Make sure you wear proper shoes if you want to walk up and down the fields because the track is muddy and can be quite slippery. There is also a Luwak Coffee place within the rice terrace which offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the fields.

Dress: Revolve

Tirta Empul Water Temple: I found this temple particularly interesting because you can see people bathing in the holy spring water.

 

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41 Comments

  1. erica
    February 6, 2017 / 11:20 am

    Wow this is amazing! I think you had an amazing trip! I really would love to visit Bali.
    I really need a vacation!
    http://www.ericavoyage.com

  3. Rosanna
    February 6, 2017 / 2:18 pm

    Wow, what an incredible trip, the photos are amazing!!
    Have a lovely day 🙂
    Rosanna x

  4. Christina
    February 6, 2017 / 3:00 pm

    Seems like such a beautiful place, wow!

  6. The Fashion Folks
    February 6, 2017 / 6:38 pm

    This guide is so so lovely! The pictures are stunning and makes me want to go to Bali asap haha. Looks like you had a gorgeous time and yummy too with all the food!

    Have a lovely week gorgeous! Xx
    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  7. Len Parent
    February 6, 2017 / 7:51 pm

    Wow this look is stunning! Your photos are gorgeous darling! I’m really jealous! Looks like you had so much fun! Happy Monday!!! Thank you for sharing!!! Much love, Len. http://www.lenparent.com

  9. Nevena Krstic
    February 6, 2017 / 8:33 pm

    Beautiful photos! I reaaallly want to go! 🙂 xx

  10. jasna
    February 6, 2017 / 8:37 pm

    Your posts make me want to travel all the time lol xx

  11. Kathryn
    February 6, 2017 / 8:48 pm

    The greenery really is stunning! In fact, in all of the pictures everything looks so vibrant and beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

    Kathryn • simplykk.com

  12. venswifestyle
    February 6, 2017 / 9:03 pm

    Everything looks perfect 🙂

  13. Cindy Elena
    February 6, 2017 / 10:05 pm

    Bali is by far my number 1 on my bucket list! Everything looks so perfect, babe. The photos are stunning and after seeing your burger photo I have this intense craving for one.

    xo | Cindy
    http://www.boringclothes.com

  15. Rina
    February 6, 2017 / 11:49 pm

    Bali is definitely on my list of places to travel to one day. It looks like you has such an amazing time! That sunset looks so beautiful! I’m a little scared of visiting attracting in the forest as I’m nervous to get bitten by bugs lol. Did you have any issues with that?

    xoxo Rina Samantha
    http://www.andshedressed.com

  18. Rach
    February 7, 2017 / 4:34 pm

    Seriously this amazing!! Thanks for the food suggestions. Adding those places to my list if I ever make it to Bali!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  20. Jalisa
    February 7, 2017 / 5:39 pm

    Oh wow, these photos are so lovely! I’ve never heard of Ubud. In fact, I’ve never read on an specific places within Bali that are notable, only the region itself, so this is such a unique read for me. Thanks for sharing and I hope you’re having the best start to your week so far, girl!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

  25. Amy
    February 8, 2017 / 1:13 am

    MAJOR bucket list trip!! Your photos are breathtaking, and the food looks just so bright, fresh, and healthy!!

    xx, Amy
    http://www.theluxilook.com

  26. Ashleigh
    February 8, 2017 / 2:24 am

    I really should not have read this post – now I miss Bali even more! Definitely adding Ubud to my itinerary when I head back and using this post as a guide! And these photos babe – STUNNING! I hope you had the best time!!

    Ashleigh x
    http://www.ashleighdmello.com

  27. Amy Arnold
    February 8, 2017 / 3:28 am

    Oh my gosh, it is amazing! Everything is so green! Your photos are gorgeous.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  28. Cielo
    February 8, 2017 / 7:03 am

    Bali looks amazing! Hope I can visit one day! =)

    – Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

  30. miri
    February 8, 2017 / 8:36 am

    Omg, Ubud looks like The Jungle Book! You are so right. I really want to visit Bali now. Thank you for sharing, Siffat. Btw, you look stunning in your swimsuit. Love the back shot!:-))
    Have a wonderful Wednesday!
    X
    Miri

    http://currentlywearing.com

  35. Tamara
    February 8, 2017 / 7:04 pm

    The colors and nature is soo amazing! The trees are so thick and beautiful!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

  37. Francesca Bond
    February 8, 2017 / 8:08 pm

    First of all, oh my goodness that place is beautiful!! Dream vacation!! That is just what I want right now. Second of all, all of your outfits were amazing! You look seriously gorgeous!

    Francesca
    http://www.vintagelillies.com

  40. Kasie Chelanne
    February 9, 2017 / 4:59 am

    Ubud really is absolutely stunning! It’s so green it doesn’t look real! What an incredible experiencce.

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