We started our trip in Ubud, which is in the central part of the island, in the hills, amongst the rice terraces. Most people stay on the coast and do a day trip into Ubud, but since it's a little bit off the beaten path and super cultural, we decided to actually stay here for 2 nights, before heading to the beach. We are so glad we did! Ubud is a gem!
If we had not gone, I don't think we would have gotten the cultural aspect of being in Indonesia, as the beaches are simply stuffed with big hotel chains and upmarket shops catering to tourists. Ubud, until being made famous after the release of Eat Pray Love, was quite undiscovered amongst tourists. However, it is still quite preserved in comparison to its "beachy" counterparts in the south and not nearly as commercial.
Ubud and Bali in general is unique in that it is mainly Hindu, not Muslim, as most of Indonesia is. The Hindu charm and spirituality abounds. You can feel it in the air. Every shop, restaurant, etc, seems to have a small temple aside it and offerings & incense are burning are outside of every door step. Never seen anything like it, not even in India. So cool and calming! I think it is definitely a part of what makes Bali so serene!
Ubud is known for it's beautiful scenery, including jungle and rice fields, beautiful temples, architecture and GREAT shopping at hundreds of local places selling everything from wood furniture & carvings, stone budda's, jewelry, baskets and sarongs. The furniture and stone work is gorgeous and plentiful! Massages are cheap, food is good, coffee is great, people are super friendly and yoga abounds. What's not to love??!!
Singapore airport - it's really amazing
Even crafts for kids while waiting at gate
Bali airport! Just had a makeover and it's beautiful
Views from car to Ubud, about 1.5 hours North of the capital Denpassar
Had to stop at the Kopi Luak coffee farm on our drive. Otherwise known as "cat poop coffee." The most expensive coffee in the world, made from these little cat-like creatures that eat the coffee beans, which get fermented in their stomach and they poop out! The fermented beans are used to make the coffee and I must say, it is delish!!!
Coffee/tea tasting
Even some juice and hot chocolate for the kids!
Rice fields
Apparently a cup of this coffee goes for $80 a cup in the US, in Bali, where it's from, $5!
Made it to our hotel! The Komeneka at Bisma. View from reception.
Used a hotel sitter for the first time so we could enjoy an adult-only CNY dinner! SO many Chinese tourists these days, the holiday seems to be celebrated everywhere!
The woodwork here is amazing!
A Bali door
Heading out for a nature hike on the grounds of our hotel
Offerings
Back at hotel, now time for a massage!
To the Monkey Forest! Not even through the entrance and they're everywhere! 1,000 monkeys in the forest! Didn't take many pics of the monkeys as I was afraid they would steal my camera. The monkeys are pretty mean and like to steal things from tourists. Had to take off sunglasses, not carry water bottles, etc!
A ceremony taking place at the temple in the monkey forest
Out shopping!
Pool time, much needed as Bali is HOT!
Rice terraces
Another carving at hotel
Waiting to get seated at Naughty Nuri's BBQ, kids enjoyed the stray dogs :)
….and chickens :)
Dogs under our seats!
Waiting patiently for our ribs!
Not a big martini drinker, but Anthony Bourdain says they are the best outside of NYC!
Last day, Ubud market, shopping & temples!
More beautiful Bali doors!
This is a Starbucks sign on the left, not a bad view for a coffee break
The infamous fish spa! Mia was so brave…I was not! Freaked me out!!
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