Ubud
Ubud was our first stop. We stayed in an Airbnb surrounded by rainforest, rice fields, and jumping monkeys tucked into the greenery. We were only a short drive to the downtown, which was filled with local shops, restaurants, and temples. We made Ubud our “activity city.” We knew the 15-hour time difference would be a challenge, we decided to embrace our early mornings with adventures. On our second day, we tackled a sunrise trek up Mt. Batur (an active volcano). A truck picked us up at 2 a.m., and after an hour (+) drive & two-hour trek to the summit, we watched the sunrise over the clouds. Other highlights from Ubud included receiving a traditional monk blessing under a waterfall, exploring the Tegallalang rice terraces, drinking plenty of Luwak coffee, and shopping at the local markets.
Things to Do & Places to Eat in Ubud:
- Mount Batur Sunrise Trek : 3:30AM guided hike to beautiful sunrise views over the clouds
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace : A series of cascading rice fields w/activities such as zip lines, and swings.
- Monk Purificaiton @ Ki Pacung Grigis: A waterfall & spring temple purification to remove negative karma that binds us
- Segara Windu Coffee Plantation (Kopi Luwak Tasting): Coffee plantation where you can learn about bali coffee arabica, robusta, and luwak coffee.
- Aruna Restaurant: Stunning views with an incredible menu. Some of the best crispy pork belly you will find in Bali.
- Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation: Coffee plantation that offers free entry, a guided tour of luwak preparation, and incredible views.
- Warung Dewa Malen: A popular local spot with reasonably priced, tasty food. Great place to try Crispy Duck (a local specialty).
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Uluwatu
After our adventures in Ubud, we headed south to Uluwatu for a few days of rest and beach time. We stayed at La Santa Rosa, a beautiful hotel with wonderful scenery. We spent much of our time relaxing by the pool and soaking up the sun. We took a day trip to Melasti Beach, where we swam in the warm Indian Ocean and admired the stunning cliffside views. When we got thirsty, we stopped by nearby beach clubs and cafes for a fresh coconut. In the evenings, we visited Hatch, a lively bar and restaurant that transforms into a dance spot after dark. We also stopped by on Sunday for their daytime artisan market, where local makers sold handmade jewelry, art, and textiles. It was the perfect place to pick up a few small gifts to bring home. Uluwatu was the ideal balance to our trip. It was laid back, beautiful, and the perfect place to unwind before the long journey home.
Things to Do & Places to Eat in Uluwatu:
- Hatch Market: A community driven “Sundaze” market, which features local artisans, handcrafted goods, eco-friendly products, live music, & food.
- Hatch Bar & Club: A tiki bar with bridges, tree top balconies, lots of lounge areas, live music, pool tables, and colorful décor.
- Melasti Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in South Bali featuring white sand, clear turquoise waters, and incredible cliff side views.
- White Rock Beach Club: A beachfront club with spectacular and beautiful sunsets, located at the southernmost tip of Melasti Beach.
- La Santa Rosa Hotel: Resort featuring unique bungalows rooms, lush palm tree settings, and a great service menu
- Café La Pasion: A restaurant featuring delicious Mexican food, great atmosphere, friendly cats, and an extensive smoothie/café menu.
