Ubud - an oasis

Ubud is pure relaxation, enjoy the calm atmosphere, Visit the "Monkey forrest" but don't bring food even though people are trying to sell you bananas on your way into the forest - or you'll run the risk of being attacked by the monkeys.
Go to one of the towns dancing theatres which perform the beautiful sagas Ramayana and Mahabharata, which the town is so well known for. It lasts 1 to 3 hours, but it's worth it-- their outfits and masks are very beautiful.

Quick Tips:

Go to Cafe Wayan for a wonderful meal -- even though it's a bit expensive, it's worth it.

Rent a motorbike a go for a drive around the beautiful rice terraces in the area surrounding Ubud.

Best Way To Get Around:

If your not up to driving yourself - you can rent a car and a driver for about 25 for half a day, and see some of the areas attractions.

The Shuttlebus is another VERY inexpensive way to travel around Bali. The trip is usually not a pleasant ride - very bad roads and busses without shock absorbers, but it is quite an experience and adventure. You never know if you have to sit on the floor or sit on your travel partners lap, because too many have been booked on the bus. A trip from Ubud to Lovina cost about 2-3 - and the view is great - unless you sit on the floor.

If you suffer from motion sickness - take a pill before going.

In the summer 2004, the rate for a nice bungalow with a big bed, fan, private bathroom and toilet was 120,000 Rp. The place has a great and very nice staff, they are mostly young guys who are very helpful. One of them made the BEST banana pancake for your breakfast which is included in the price. (They also serve toast, eegs etc) There is a pool in the back and you can rent a motorbike for 35,000 Rp. for a whole day and drive around in the area. The place is relaxed and quiet and you don't have to worry about a thing while being out. The place is situated on the main road near everything - and near the wonderful restaurant/bakery Wayan café. There is also an Internet café right infront of the "hotel". We've visited Sri Bungalows in 2000 and again in 2004 - and was still very recomendable.

Wayan is a combined café, bakery, and restaurant. They serve the BEST cake - death by chocolate - and several other cakes and baked goods. They also serve a wonderful hot Thai curry and a delicious spaghetti blognaise and have a good menucard, even though it is a bit more expensive than other places in Ubud. Everything is very graceful and beautifully served. The staff too is very beautifully dressed and very friendly. You sit in the beautiful garden eating, where torches are lit in the evening. The tables are places different places in the garden and you can enjoy your wonderful meal in private and relax in the big couthes. We loved the place which seemed to be very popular and well known.

If you head to Ubud directly from Kuta or Sanur you will probably at once notice the calmness and relaxed attitude af this golden spot. This place has no beaches, and does not attract the same kind of people as fx. Kuta beach does- where it can be hard to relax for one moment;-).

A lot of people come up to Ubud to explore the culture, the good shopping opportunities for textile, woodwork, jewelleries and art, and the Rice fields etc., But the majority of the people you see in daytime - dissapear in the evening. Most of them probably goes back to their beaches and resorts in Sanur and Kuta.

The place is a bit cooler than further south, and the temperature in the evening is comfortable - and perfect for a pair of light long pants - to avoid moscitto bites.

The town has a lot of god restaurants and caffes. In most restaurants they play the traditional Balinees music - Gamelan, which you come to like, if you don't do so at once. The sound of the Gamelan-Music has been described as "Moonlight twinkeling in in the sea" - and you can almost always hear a frog croaking or a Gekko clucking somewhere - IT IS SO NIIICE!!

You won't leave Ubud disappointed unless you're only into beach-life.