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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Cheap Bali holidays - Enjoying Bali for much less

Various Tips for Cheap Bali Holidays; travel around the island, enjoy tasty food and stay at nice accommodation for much less...


Bali can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you are spending a luxurious holiday in one of the many villas on the island or if you have been backpacking through South East Asia and want to explore Bali too.
Bali is definitely an island for any type of holiday with any type of budget.

cheap bali holidays budget backpacking
Traveling with a backpack or a suitcase,
anybody can enjoy cheap Bali holidays

But despite being located in Indonesia where the cost of living is relatively cheap, Bali has become one of the most expensive islands in the region.
If you are from Europe or the United States you might be surprised to find restaurants which could be more expensive than back at home.
It's therefore not always the case that this island is the place to celebrate cheap Bali holidays. Nevertheless there are many ways to keep the budget low and here are some things you can keep in mind so you can enjoy the island without spending too much.

Cheap Bali Holidays - Flights

More and more budget airlines are flying to Bali so it can save you a lot of money by comparing prices online.
If you are departing from Australia you should check out the low cost airlines such as Air Asia, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Garuda Indonesia.

air asia indonesia
Cheap Bali holidays start off with cheap airline tickets

As for South East Asia the most popular airline is AirAsia that since 2010 even has a direct flight from Phuket to Bali. So for those who are traveling through Asia it is worthwhile to check their prices too.
If you are already in Indonesia and depending on where you are then there are other airlines of which you probably never heard of such as AdamAir, LionAir, Batavia Air and Sriwijaya.
All Indonesian airlines are known to have bad safety records and most of these airlines are still banned from the European airspace. But the Indonesian airline industry has improved tremendously compared to some years ago and it has become relatively safe to travel with them.

lion air flights to bali
Lion Air flies makes cheap Bali holidays possible...

When coming from the United States or Europe it is of course best to go to Bali during the low season. Not only will the air ticket prices be lower but your holiday will be a lot cheaper overall. Check out Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways as they often have good deals.
For travelers from Europe it might be a option to leave from another airport that charge lower airport tax etc. For instance London Heathrow is very expensive to leave from so you might want to consider Airasia that leaves from Stansted airport or travel via Gatwick, London City or Manchester. This can safe you a lot of money.

hong kong airport to bali
Non-direct flights can be cheaper than direct flights


Cheap Bali Holidays - Getting around the island

The cheapest way ever to travel around the island is to do as the locals do. Public transportation in Bali comes in different forms.

cheap bali holidays bemo
To safe money on your cheap Bali holidays you might need
to squeeze yourself in to the bemo every now and then
First of all you have the busses that travel between the biggest villages. Once in the village you can continue you trip on the bemos (minivans) that drive a specific route and stop whenever somebody needs to get off or on.
There are no timetables or written information on the bus or bemo routes. So you need to ask around to figure out which bus you need to get into. Don't worry there are many who are willing to help.

travel by bus in bali
Cheap Bali holidays include the bus but they can be painfully slow

If you want some comfort and want to get to your destination faster you can take the Perama Tourist Shuttle bus that runs scheduled routes between major tourist villages.
Private drivers are also pretty affordable if you want to do a day tour. Generally it is best to avoid arranging one at the hotel reception as it is likely to be more expensive.
What you can do is to approach the many drivers along the road and negotiate a price. Some travel agents in the tourist villages have good deals as well.

perama shuttle bus bali
Perama Shuttle Bus is a cheap way to travel around Bali

Our favorite way to travel around is hiring a car or motor bike as they are cheap to rent and you are able to drive where ever you want to go to. However this way of traveling can be dangerous especially in the crowded south of the island.
Just be aware that the traffic in Bali can be much different then what you are used to and make sure you take the same precautions as you do at home.

motor bike bali
Three seems too much but the Balinese can easily fit 4 or 5 on a bike

Another cheap option is taking one of the many taxis around. A taxi is quite cheap for short distances. So if you want to go from your hotel to a specific restaurant in town you will sure enough pay less than USD5.

Cheap Bali Holidays- Places to stay

Today Bali is trying to focus on travellers with a higher budget so don't be discouraged if you only see Bali accommodations reaching USD200. Fortunately there is still enough choice for visitors who prefer to stay somewhere a lot cheaper but with some value.
In Bali the walk- in rate and the rates on the hotel sites are often much higher than the rates you would find on the many hotel booking sites. These sites offer great deals for all types of accommodation.

cheap bali accommodation ubud
A nice Ubud accommodation is Puri Ayu Cottages (USD 50 p.n.)
Room 108 has ricefield view

A great hotel booking site is hotelscombined. This site searches through different bookingsites such as booking.com and agoda.com to find the best deal for you.
But generally the most characterful Bali cheap accommodation are not found online. These are mostly the homestays and family owned hostels that you just have to know or bump into if you are looking for a room on the spot.

idas homestay candidasa bali
There's no way around it, Ida's homestay in Candidasa is
the nicest homestay in Bali

In Ubud there are many Bali accommodations which are really cheap such as Lecuk Inn and Padma Accommodation in Jalan Kajeng. As for Sanur we recommend Kekek homestay on Jalan Tamblingan or Bali Mille Guesthouse on Jalan Bumi Ayu.
The standard of cheap accommodation in Kuta area is in our opinion very low however Kedin Inn 2 in Gang Sorga just between Poppies lane I and II is quite nice.

Cheap Bali Holidays -Places to eat

Eating out in Bali is one of the easiest things when it comes down to cutting your budget. In the tourist villages food is found at almost any corner from international cuisine to the typical Indonesian restaurant. The last one is the one you should watch out for if you want a cheap meal which is just super delicious.

dewa warung cheap bali restaurants
Enjoy cheap Indonesian food and meet fellow
travelers at Dewa Warung, Ubud

Usually the name of the restaurant start with 'warung' and they serve a range of Indonesian/Balinese dishes. You either order from their menu but sometimes they have a dozen or more dishes displayed too.
Just walk over there and point at everything that just looks yummy. Fresh juices and other types of drinks (not alcohol) is always much cheaper here than in other types of restaurants.

warung murah legain cheap bali restaurants
Warung Murah, Legian makes eating out on cheap Bali holidays fun

After you've got everything all you need to do is...enjoy. Make sure you limit yourself to a few dishes otherwise you will be so full that your stomach just feels like exploding. Had to learn this lesson the hard way too many times ;-)
Here are some warung-suggestions:
In Kuta you have the popular Masakan Indonesia in Jalan Poppies II. If you happen to be in Legian then head to Double 66 street where you'll find Warung Murah.

warung ocha seminyak bali restaurant
Fill up as much as you want at Warung Ocha, Seminyak

In the middle of the expensive restaurants in Seminyak you have Warung Ocha. They are located on one of the corners of Jalan Legian. Look out for their red sign.
In Ubud you can enjoy delicious food plus wifi at Warung Lada on Jalan Hanoman. An other option and a great place to meet fellow travellers is Dewa Warung in the small Jalan Gootama. There are just a couple of long tables here so just join one of them and eat with others the tasty food that is served here.

warung lada cheap bali restaurants
Packed at lunch so be on time at Warung Lada, Ubud

The Bale Bali, a bright holistic retreat on the hills of Nusa Dua

The Bale Bali is nestled on a breezy hillside of Nusa Dua Beach, just 20 minutes drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, and within a short range from the beach and the famous Nusa Dua Golf and Country Club.
The retreat offers the perfect romantic getaway from the pressures of life and the chance to relax and revitalize in style.

walkway at bale bali nusa dua
Expect to spend a unforgettable classy Bali villa vacation here...

The Bale Bali has been designed and developed using a modern and minimalist approach and with an attention to detail rarely found in today's villa complexes. Its designers have employed careful and clever use of colour and light in all public areas.
From the moment you arrive at the Bale Bali Villa in Nusa Dua Beach, the enthusiastic and positively motivated staff will pamper you in every way they can.
A friendly butler will consult with you upon arrival to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Note: favorite music, food and movies. The check-in takes place in the villa.

private villa bale bali nusa dua
From the bathroom into the pool...

There are 29 villas/pavilions each with extensive facilities such as modern bedrooms, private swimming pool, open-air daybed, simple garden, indulgent bathrooms (with seperate indoor & outdoor shower), individually controlled AC, cable TV, DVD player, hi-fi system, coffee/tea making facilities, minibar, hairdryer, individual safety deposit box and IDD telephone.
There's free wireless in the villa if you bring your own laptop but then again this is not a place to work or stay in contact with anybody, just you and your lover...

bale bali nusa dua private villa

The Bale Bali villa complex is divided into pavilions with the same design and amenities but the only difference is the size:
14 Single Pavilions with one bedroom (240 m2)
9 Deluxe Single Pavilions with one bedroom (350-480 m2)
3 Double Pavilions with two bedrooms (480 m2)

bathroom bale bali private villa
Spacious bathroom with bathtub and seperate shower

Single Pavilion
the luxurious single pavilion features a stylish bedroom with complete bathroom for 2 persons, the indulgence of a private swimming pool (8x4 meters) and a poolside bale on a secluded garden.
Deluxe Single Pavilions
the luxurious deluxe pavilion features a stylish bedroom with complete bathroom for 2 persons, the indulgence of a private swimming pool (10x4 meters) and wooden floored poolside bale on a secluded garden overlooking a blissful lagoon and Nusa Dua golf course.
Double Pavilion
the luxurious double pavilion features two stylish bedrooms, each with complete bathrooms for 4 persons, the indulgence of a private pool (10x5 meters) and a generous day bed on a secluded garden.

the bale bali luxury villa
Outside your Bali luxury private villa there is a semi open lounge area

Meals are prepared in tune with what you desire. You can also decide when you want to eat, what you want to eat, and where you want to eat. This includes private romantic dinners at your own villa. Diets and programmes can be privately arranged by the culinary team.
The staff pays special attention to Food and Beverage in the Faces Restaurant, the Bliss Restaurant and the Fluid Bar & Lounge.

kitchen bale bali nusa dua villa
Preparing delicious dishes...

Faces Restaurant serves contemporary and Indonesian cuisine and opens daily from 7 am to 11 pm. There is a wide selection of wines available.
Bliss Restaurant is located at The Spa and offers light and nutritious cuisine from organic produce. This restaurant opens daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
The Fluid Bar & Lounge is set next to the main pool and Faces Restaurant and this is the perfect place to have a cocktail and relax in style while the staff lits numerous candles.
Villa Bale uses organic produce whenever possible and only serves the freshest produce at all times. As described previously, meals can be discussed and composed to complement health and wellness programmes.

restaurant at the bale bali nusa dua

The Spa
At "The Spa" the Bale offers you the possibility to pamper yourself with a range of spa treatments that few villas can match.
It could be that you want nothing more than yoga each morning or a massage each afternoon. Others might like to try new treatments which are brought to you by specialists from outside, what about a detox programme or a heart chakra healing session... ;-) ?

spa room the bale bali villa nusa dua
The Bale Bali Spa with jacuzzi

You can also take part in various seminars and workshops, or talk further with the Masters in Residence to enhance your educational experience on your holiday. The library can be found just around the corner of the reception with free internet.
Not far from here you can also find the boardroom with a capacity up to 18 people and it's the ideal place for small corporate meetings, workshops, banquet services, yoga/meditation sessions and painting/art exhibitions.
Other facilities
Complimentary return airport transfers, 15 minute welcome massage upon arrival + welcome drink, complimentary return transfers within Nusa Dua Beach and Tanjung Benoa areas, cooking classes, daily fresh fruit and homemade cookies in the room, free access to the gym, wide selection of tours and activities around the area.

public pool the bale bali villa nusa dua
The Fluid Bar & Lounge with public pool

The Beach Club
The Bale Bali isn't located right on the beach but there is a chauffeur available that will wisk you away to Geger beach, which is only 5 minutes. Here staff is on standby to hand you chilled towels, sunscreen, aftersun, body mist and as much water as you can drink.
The beach is spotless clean and loungers and umbrellas are there for you to enjoy. When you've had enough the chauffeur is there to bring you back to your villa again.
For the more active you can always walk or get one of the Bale's mountain bikes but hey you're on a holiday so why bother...;-)

gardens at the bale bali nusa dua villa
Gardens around the Bale Bali villas

The Bale Bali is a perfect place for honeymooners. So you can imagine there are some romantic and Bali honeymoon pacakages to choose from. But it's a perfect retreat for those who need some quality time with all the amenities you can wish for.
This is not one of those villas in Nusa Dua where you have kids jumping in the pool (since they are not allowed) or where you hang out with sport freaks at the bar. It's all about you, your loved one and lots of privacy and comfort...;-)
Note: The Bale Bali does not accomodate children below 16 years old.
Pro's: personalized service, high quality food
Con's: no direct beach access, location

Sights around Ubud

Everyone who plans to travel to Bali should include Ubud and its central Bali sights on their list to do.
Central Bali is the most picturesque area of the entire island with its hills, deep river gorges, stunning rice fields, numerous temples and the cultural treat of Ubud.
This area is also the most religious area of Bali where during the day you can see woman making offerings on the side of the streets and in the rice fields to honour Dewi Sri, the rice goddess.

ladies goa gajah central bali

In the evening there are several gamelan music groups and dancers practising in the pavilions of the traditional courtyards. The sound of instruments fills the air...
Entire villages such as Sukawati, Batuan, Celuk, Batubulan, Mas are busy with the production of religious artefacts such as temple statues, umbrellas, offering baskets, religious masks and paintings.
When I travel to Bali and drive into the rural areas located above Ubud village I often see women with baskets on top of their heads walking along the rice fields or packed together in a pick-up truck to prepare for the next of many ceremonies.

mengwi temple central bali
When you travel to Bali you are likely to see spectacular ceremonies
taking place at one of the many important temples...

Here I’ve come across some colourful sights, which I think are really worth visiting and where you can observe what everyday Balinese life is all about...
So if you travel to Bali and hope to see it's cultural side, then you now know where to go...

goa gajah central bali
Goa Gajah:
This temple is located in Bedulu, just north west of Ubud.
We were lucky to arrive early in the morning and see Balinese men and women preparing several offerings for a ceremony.
In the Goa Gajah you can see the 1m high statue of Ganesha, son of the god Shiva.


yeh puluh temple central bali 
Yeh Puluh:
Yeh Puluh is found 30m on foot through the rice fields from Goa Gajah. This is also a bathing place even though a lot smaller than its neighbour.
This site has a 27m long relief dating from the 14th century with sculpted statues from Ganesha, men who carry their catch, an attacked bear and a man on a horse, which tail is pulled by a woman.
It's still unclear but the Balinese think that the relief has been inspired by epics from the Mahabharata where the god Krishna went out hunting.
The site is very small but beautifully located between the rice fields and small river stream. Entrance fee to Yeh Puluh is Rp6000 and here you can also borrow a sarong and temple scarf.


kunung kawi central ubud
Gunung Kawi:
This temple complex is a sight that should not be missed when you travel to Bali.
I already thought that Goa Gajah and Yeh Puluh were beautifully located but Gunung Kawi wins every prize here with palm trees, rice field vistas and the river Perikisan. It takes a while from the parking lot before you reach the holy shrines, which are carved in the rocky hills.


tirta empul central bali
Tirta Empul:
This complex is down the road from Gunung Kawi in the north of Tampaksiring. Tirta is derived from the Sanskrit word of ‘amrita’, which means nectar or life elixir.
The Balinese believe that the source provides holy water with magical powers. Therefore the temple here is very important to the Balinese...


ricefields in tegallalang unesco 
Ricefields of Tegallalang:
Every time I travel to Bali I'm amazed about the fact that the ricefields are man made.
It's even more unbelievable once you have seen the rice terraces in Tegallalang just north of Ubud. You'll be making amazing Bali pictures of this Unesco Heritage sight. Enjoy the view and a drink at the Alon Alon Terrace Cafe.


sangeh monkeys central bali 
Sangeh:
This sight is home to the Bukit Sari Monkey Forest and the Balinese believe that the three monkey clans are the descendants of the monkey army of general Hanuman.
They can be very aggressive so be prepared and watch your sunglasses and hats.
The Bukit Sari temple in the forest was built by the royal family from Mengwi in the 17th century to honour the god Vishnu and it was used as a place for meditation.


marga memorial central bali 
Marga Memorial:
In Marga you find the Margarana Memorial which commemorates a regiment of guerilla warriors, who were killed by the Dutch after World War II.
It was a fierce battle where the Balinese warriors fought until death, called puputan.
The 17m high Margarana memorial was built in 1954 and has eight roofs in Javanese style, which symbolizes the unity of the fallen warriors.
There’s an inscription on the memorial: text from a letter that Lieutenant Ngurah Rai wrote to the Dutch officer in which he stated to give his life for the revolution. A picture of this lieutenant can be found on the Rp50.000 bank note.
On the same premises there is an impressive graveyard of all the brave people of the puputan.

mengwi temple central bali
Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi:
We discovered this temple by accident when we were on our way from Lovina beach to Ubud.
The parking lot is full with tourist buses but the beautifully maintained temple complex is very large so you will hardly notice the crowds.



24/7 Romance with these Bali Honeymoon packages

Just got married or are you planning a romantic second honeymoon get away soon? Then you should definitely consider the many romantic honeymoon packages offered in beautiful Bali resorts and villas.
If you still need to get married and want to experience this unforgettable day on Bali then find out the different options for your wedding in Bali.
Bali honeymoon packages often include romantic activities and surprises such as beautiful flower decorated room upon arrival, a spa treatment for two and candle light dinner.
There is a minumum stay of a certain number of days and nights when you book a honeymoon package. This is done so you can fully enjoy all the activities that are included in the whole package.
With these Bali honeymoon packages you won't have to organize a thing in advance as everything will be arranged for you. All you need to do is get into the romance-mode and enjoy your company to the fullest.

The Oberoi Bali Seminyak

reception the oberoi seminyak

What better way to spend you honeymoon than in a luxurious resort that offers Balinese elegance and professional service. The Oberoi Seminyak has been able to maintain the quiet feeling despite being just a stone throw away from the famous Seminyak boutiques and restaurants.
Their honeymoon packages include a room of your choice, American breakfast, a 60- minute spa therapy for the couple and a romantic private candle light dinner. All taxes are included also together with airport transfers.

lanai room the oberoi bali
All rooms are set in thatched roof buildings using local materials

The rates of the Oberoi Bali honeymoon packages depend on the type of accommodation you choose. The prices per night range between USD1275 for the Royal Villa Ocean View to USD500 for the Lanai Garden View.
Oberoi has a minimum of 3 nights policy and there is an additional charge in the peak season.

Villa Air Bali Seminyak

villa air bali honeymoon packages

Villa Air Bali is specialized in weddings so you can imagine that they are professionals in love and romance. Ideal ingredients for a perfect Bali honeymoon.
Villa Air Bali honeymoon packages are pretty similar to each other, except for some little differences. All packages include cake and sparkling wine, a visit to the Spa Air for a 'Honeymoon Spa' treatment and upon arrival your room will be romantically decorated. And if you want you can add a romantic candle light dinner to your stay.

villa air private pool for honeymoon
All Bali honeymoon villas have there own private pool

The 2 night Bali honeymoon packages include a stay at their 1-bedroom villa (USD565-795) or bamboo villa (USD 365-530). The rate also includes VIP airport pickup and return transfer, complimentary minibar, afternoon snacks, shuttle service and internet connection. Breakfast is included just as 10% discount at their Spa and Cafe.

Tugu Bali Canggu

le mayeur tugu bali
Hotel Tugu Bali is a beautiful hotel located in Canggu, just 15 minutes from Seminyak. The rooms are uniquely decorated with a classic Balinese touch. Spending your honeymoon here will truly be an unique experience.
Their honeymoon package offers you a welcome relaxation foot and shoulder massage, a bottle of sparkling wine, daily breakfast wherever you want, romantic candle light dinner, sunset tour to Tanah lot, Tugu Gemulai Massage at their spa and a souvenir to remember your stay.

dedari suite tugu bali
Dedari Suite at Tugu Canggu Bali

The rate for the 3 night package depends on which luxury suite you want to stay at. You can either stay at the Puri Le Mayeur (USD 2300), Pavillion Walter Spies (USD 2000) or the Dedari/Rejang Suite Suites (USD 1460). This also includes airport transfer, VIP welcome at the airport and daily sunset high-tea with local treats.
Government and service tax is included in the price and additional nights are possible. The package is not available during the high season.

Melia Bali Nusa Dua

melia bali villa honymoon package

Melia Bali is located along the clean soft sandy Nusa Dua beach. Here you can enjoy the Balinese atmosphere throughout their premises.
The Melia Nusa Dua hotel offers two types of Bali honeymoon packages. The Garden Villa package offers a unforgettable stay at there garden villa with private plunge pool, 135 minutes Bali Memories spa package, romantic dinner, daily buffet, sparkling wine and honeymoon cake upon arrival and welcome fruit.
With this package you can use the facilities offered for villa guests only.

melia bali honeymoon packages
From your suite straight into the Lagoon pool

If you go for the Lagoon Access suite the Bali honeymoon package includes 1 hour Aromatic Balinese Massage, candle light dinner, buffet breakfast, honeymoon cake, fresh fruit and flower arrangement upon arrival.
Both the Lagoon suite package (USD 980++) and the Garden Villa package (1625++) include 3 nights stay, airport transfer, wifi access and free use of the gym.

Maya Ubud

maya ubud bali honeymoon packages

Maya Ubud is a beautiful retreat that has taken advantage of its natural surrounding in the Petanu river valley: flowers and trees cover the premises while rooms facing west have stunning ricefield views.
Maya Bali honeymoon packages are called 'Romantic Interlude Packages' and include a flower bath upon arrival, 2 hour spa treatment, one breakfast in bed, one lunch in their riverside gazebo, one candle light dinner, an 8 hour countryside tour, photo session in traditional Balinese clothing and unique Maya Bali departure gift.

public pool at maya ubud resort and spa
Surrounded by luxury and nature

The rate for this romantic escape is 4 day 3 night stay in either the Superior Room (USD 1315++), Superior Garden Villa (USD 1465++) or the Deluxe Pool Villa (USD 1615++).
This also includes daily buffet breakfast, return transfer to the airport, shuttle service to Ubud, Wifi and daily activities on the resort such as yoga, meditation and nature walks.

Ubud activities, you won't have time to be bored...

There are many Ubud activities besides absorbing the cultural beauty. Most activities always seem to be intertwined with the daily village life.
Not a surprise considering cultural influences and artifacts are still found in Ubud and its surrounding hamlets.
For instance the nearby temples show you the historical and religious influences that are still present today while the many museums offer you the opportunity to learn about their Bali paintings, drawings, carvings and statues.

campuhan temple ubud
The Campuhan temple in Ubud

Besides this there are Ubud activities that actively teach you about the village's culture by participating in dance, paint, mask-making and cooking classes, for which you will do some shopping at the local market.
The stunning location of the village also provides enough opportunity to explore the rice terraces or the river valleys that are found in and around the village.
When walking through these panoramic sceneries you will find yourself up close with the local people who are working in the fields throughout the day.

ceking rice terrace unesco ubud
Ceking Rice terrace, Unesco heritage just outside Ubud

Besides all the Ubud activities you can do in the village itself, there are many wonderful things to see and do around Ubud as well.
As you can tell there is just a lot to do. But remember once you are in this little town try out the Ubud activities but most importantly take your time and just experience it...

bali courses ubudBali courses:
These Ubud activities are pretty exceptional and the Ubud tourism foundation encourages these courses as this is one of the ways to create a balance between tourism and the locals.
Only through this balance can the natural and cultural beauty of the village be preserved. Bali courses range from cooking classes, to painting, dancing, etc...


arma museum ubud bali
ARMA museum:
If you want to create an understanding of the history and the many styles of the Balinese paintings than this museum is the place to be.

I must admit, museums have never been on the top of my things-to-do list but after visiting the museums in Ubud Bali I was glad that I went...


neka musuem ubud bali
The Neka Museum:
The Neka Museum is one of the best museums I’ve been to in Ubud Bali.
It’s founded by the former school teacher turned into an art collector, Suteja Neka in 1982.
The museum shows many artworks by Balinese, other Indonesian and foreign-born artists...


antonio blanco museum ubud bali
Antonio Blanco's House:
When I arrived at the Antonio Blanco house there was this funny looking tunnel entrance.
Once I had gone through it I stood eye to eye with a hornbill from Borneo and several white kakatoos.

It was a hot tropical afternoon so the welcome drink came at the right time...


puri lukisan museum ubud bali
Puri Lukisan Museum:
The Puri Lukisan museum has an exceptional selection of modern paintings, drawings and statues dating from the 1930s till the present day.
These works of art are displayed in chronological order so you can follow all of the changes in different styles throughout the years...


symon gallery ubud bali
Symon's Studio:
Hard to miss his huge studio is located in Penestanan between Antonio Blanco's House and the Neka Museum on Jalan Raya Campuan.
Here you can find colourful paintings about the usual nude females, the unusual nude males, pop art, Balinese scenes, sculptures and lots of other eccentric stuff...


barong performance ubud bali 
Cultural Performances in Ubud Bali:
Every evening there are many performances in and around Ubud. Often, a specific location has another program each day.
The tickets are Rp50.000 each but some performances can cost slightly more.
The performances start at 7pm and 8pm at the latest. You can choose between various Balinese dances or the Kecak fire dance.


ubud monkey forest bali
Monkey Forest:
Right in the middle of town there is a densely patch of forest which is inhabited by 300 macaques.
You can stroll around the cool forest and meet the monkeys up close. Watch out for your belongings though!
Don't forget to check out the temples where you can find the scary-looking statues of Rangda, the goddess of death...


ricefield walk ubud bali
 Walks around the area:
Blessed with a beautiful location, Ubud Bali has magnificent walking paths along scenic rice-fields and stunning river valleys.
Most walks start around the Campuan ridge, an area known for its mystical and inspirational powers. This is probably one of my favorite Ubud activities because everytime I do a walk, there are so many different things to see...


ubud spa bali
Ubud Spa:
This is one of the most relaxing Ubud activities. There are too many spas to choose from in Ubud Bali. I found some really good and nice ones at Jalan Monkey Forest.
Along this road, you are likely to receive a great spa treatment with rice field or garden view. Surprisingly I did not find any good spas along the popular Jalan Hanoman. Other beautiful set spas are located north of the village..


ubud market bali
Ubud art market:
This is the place to do some serious shopping if you are looking for nice Balinese clothing, decorations, paintings, masks etc.
But if you just want to stroll around than this is an amazing experience to catch colorful market scenes.

The best time to check the hustle and bustle of the local market is really early in the morning...


shopping ubud bali 
Shopping:
Along Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman you can find strings of shops where they sell beautiful Balinese things.
The shops display their goods in an eye-catching way making it an even nicer treat to do some shopping here.
Another option is going to the art market where you can get almost anything you can imagine.


ubud cycling
Cycling:
Cycling in the Ubud area takes you off the beaten track and along scenic rice paddies,river gorges and ancient temples. It's an ideal activity for the old and the young as most parts of the route are down-hill. Breakfast and lunch are often included on this memorable tour...


bali bird watching in ubud
Birdwatching:
Birdwatching with the eccentric Victor Mason and keen birdwatcher Pink should be on anybody's things to do list when they travel to the Ubud area. It is very likely you are going to see species of birds such as the Java Kingfisher, the Black-Winged Starlet, Scarlet Headed Flower Pecker, Bar-Winged Prinia and many more...