Highlights of Ubud, Indonesia
Any dream trip to Bali, Indonesia absolutely must include a few days in Ubud. It was the last stop on our travels through Bali and I can’t wait to share highlights and tips you can use for your trip.
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Ubud Villa
After backpacking around the Nusa Islands, we arrived in Ubud sunburned, hot, and sore. I was limping from an injury to my foot. We three weary travelers walked into the gates of The White Villas like it was the promised land.
The staff showed us to the cleanest, most luxurious Bali chic villa I’d ever dreamed of. They offered us refreshing cold towels with essential oils, water, a glass of fresh juice, and a menu to order our breakfast for the morning (included).
The Villa was two levels with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a patio and balcony set in our own private Bali garden with mango trees and butterflies. There was a lantern lit path down to the infinity pool surrounded by quiet jungle. Breakfast was served on our own private garden patio each morning, and the staff were the friendliest, and most helpful we’d encountered anywhere.
When in Ubud – you’ll definitely want to stay at The White Villas!
Sacred Monkey Forest
Despite all the trash talk I’d read about the Sacred Monkey Forest, it turned out to be one of the highlights of our entire voyage around Bali. Imagine walking into a jungle tomb setting – think The Jungle Book or Indiana Jones. Ahead of you, miles of paths navigating around ancient trees, tombs, and bridges and hundreds of monkeys walking, playing, sleeping, or relaxing all around.
I’d read beforehand that the monkeys were aggressive, that we should expect them to snatch things out of our hands, jump on you, and bite you. This was definitely NOT my experience. For the most part, the monkeys kept to themselves. They were used to humans, curious and willing to interact, but not aggressive.
That said, these are wild animals so if you find your way to Monkey Forest (I hope you do!) be mindful of the signs with rules and information about navigating the forest and respecting their space.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
You can’t visit Bali and miss seeing the rice terraces. We’d spent most of our trip by the ocean so in Ubud a must-see was Tegallalang Rice Terrace. We arrived around 9 am on a week day and found it relatively uncrowded. There were plenty of places to take photos or drone shots without any people in view.
If you’re headed toward Ubud and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, be sure to arrive early in the morning. This will help you avoid both the heat and the crowds!
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Shopping in Ubud
There are two sides to shopping in Ubud: Ubud Market, and everything else. Ubud Market was a maze of shops, all with mostly the same or similar cheap tourist souvenir stuff. You’re everyone’s “best customer” and it’s all a “good price”. We got lost in the maze of Ubud Market and it got really overwhelming. I recommend skipping Ubud Market altogether.
Outside of the Ubud market, I enjoyed shopping in Ubud so much more than in Seminyak. The shops felt authentic, unique, and salespeople weren’t remotely as pushy. We picked up a gorgeous white shell lined bowl made from coconut as a gift for my in-laws.
Pampering at Bali Botanica Day Spa
You can’t pass up the chance for a spa day in Ubud! While I’ve had plenty of massages, I’ve never sprung for a full spa day. But after a week and a half traveling with a bunch of boys, I really needed some me time!
Cue Bali Botanica Day Spa. I went for the Relaxing Bliss package which included transportation to/from my villa, full body massage, exfoliation, relaxing flower bath (with a cold glass of fresh juice!), facial, and avocado hair creme treatment. With the exchange rate between IDR and USD, it all came out to $50 USD TOTAL! The massage, exfoliation, and flower bath, all took place in my own private room, with the peaceful Bali jungle and a babbling brook just out the window. Too perfect for words.
The personal details started right from the moment I arrived. While any spa would ask about massage preferences, pressure, and any injuries, Bali Botanica took it a whole step further when they offered a full tray of massage oils and exfoliant to choose from. You choose everything right at the beginning, so you can enjoy the rest of the day free from any decisions.
While I may have fallen asleep a few times during the process, I can confirm it was the best money spent. I highly recommend Bali Botanica Day Spa.
With it’s incredible views, the food, and the vibe, Ubud was absolutely one of our favorite places in Bali, Indonesia. Be sure to add these stops to your itinerary for an amazing trip!
