Insiders Guide To Ubud
Insiders Guide to Ubud
Bali Travel Guide
Nothing inspires holistic wellbeing and healing more than a small peaceful island in Southeast Asia like Bali, with all its natural and cultural features. The island's wellness retreats have it all: beautiful nature, centuries-old tradition, and ancient wisdom to hoist travelers' physical and mental health.
Bali is a place where I'd dreamt of visiting for many years. I'd close my eyes and envision a tropical paradise, a place to "find" yourself filled with rejuvenating, sun-drenched days.
So why did I pick Bali now?
The question is, what took me this long to get there?
It had been a destination that I had always wanted to visit, yet never got to it. When I was given the opportunity to go through a Portland yoga studio's retreat, Namaste On Williams, I felt like I needed to just go...
Go where I felt most alive.
As clique as it might seem to visit Bali, practice yoga and especially "finding yourself," this was a part of Bali I had always envisioned.
It was just about everything. From a soul-centering, blissful week in Ubud, to daily yoga, to the most postcard-picture-perfect beach of the Virgin Beach and jaw-dropping views of the rice terraces, Bali did not disappoint.
So this city guide -- and really more of a visual diary -- is really 84a all about Ubud guide… for healthy food lovers and wellness travel seekers.
Are you ready? Let's dive in!
EAT
Ubud is a perfect destination for anyone with a dietary restriction, especially for vegetarians. The Balinese weather supports the growth of delicious veggies and juicy tropical fruits. Most restaurants have vegetarian options and try to locally source organic products, some of them even have their own permaculture garden. The results are mouthwatering vegetarian dishes: you'll be spoiled for choice.
While most of my meals centered around the fantastic menu at Soulshine Hotel, there were plenty of places that are worth checking out.
Whatever you do, visit Clear Cafe! Recommended by Melissa Suzuno, a writer and content market whom I met on this trip, had recommended the dessert -- specifically, the raw food includes a chocolate cream pie. It was amazing! But, Clear Café offers locally sourced ingredient dishes that mostly vegetarian and plenty of dairy- and gluten-free dishes. Raw food includes a chocolate cream pie that's riveting. Drinks are equally sensational; nut mylk (from local cashews) is made in-house and substitutes dairy in beverages such as the chocolate matrix, mixed with mint, gingko, and spirulina.
For more healthy eats, smoothies, and gluten-free soups, Atman Kafe also offers organic coffee, cold brew, and kombucha. I've heard the grilled tuna steak salad, and butternut squash salad are pretty darn amazing! The Garden Kafe (at The Yoga Barn) for gf pandan crepes! For a 100% raw vegan cafe and juice bar with a mini organic health food store tucked inside of Alchemy Bali.
Soma Cafe, Sari Organik, and Earth Cafe for plenty of gluten-free dishes. There are also Bali Buda, Seeds of Life, Seniman Coffee Studio, and Dayu's Warung that were highly recommended. For nice Dinners Bridges Bali, Locavore and Mozai.
SLEEP
Soulshine Bali is the work of musician, filmmaker, and humanitarian Michael Franti. This boutique hotel and yoga retreat oasis is in the heart of Ubud, and the setting of the week-long retreat is a great place to unwind.
Another of the websites that I use the most to book accommodation is Airbnb. If you like to stay in cool places that aren't just vacation rentals, but unique boutique hotels, you won't be disappointed. It is a closer and personal way to stay.
For the luxe experience or even just a spa day experience, there are, Four Seasons (FS) Sayan, Kamandalu, Padma Resort Ubud and Hanging Gardens of Bali -- think infinity pools, pouring water down the jungle and a perfect place for refreshing both body and soul.
DO
Ubud's various palaces and temples attest to the neighborhood's significance and dynamics as a destination. Ubud Royal Palace or Puri Saren Agung is easily one of the neighborhood's most highlighted landmarks. With ornate carvings and a magnificent structure, it reverberates a genuinely regal feel but with a calming ambiance amid lush, manicured gardens. Among the must-visit temples in Ubud are the stone-carved Goa Gajah, Tirta Empul Water Temple, and Pura Taman Saraswati with the beautiful lotus ponds.
Nothing says Bali like the sweeping, scenic stretch of Rice Terraces, that has become one of the most iconic sights in Bali. Clear blue sky, tall palm trees, and lush tropical greeneries surrounding different levels of rice fields are surely a breathtaking sight to behold, but Ubud's rice terraces are more than just a postcard-worthy view.
It’s a manifestation of an ancient Balinese Hindu philosophy organized by a local social unit called subak. Tourists can also explore the villages nearby to hear fascinating local stories and observe the customs and lifestyles of people who built and now maintain the beautiful rice terraces.
Ubud Monkey Forest is more than just a natural attraction within a lush forest with hundreds of monkey's roaming around. The 12.5-hectare (30.8-acre) land does offer a serene atmosphere, from the towering trees to traditional stone-carved statues. Built as a manifestation of an ancient traditional philosophy called Tri Hita Karana, the 'three causes of wellbeing,' that include the harmony with God, with other people, and with nature; so it also houses temples and social halls to observe.
Cycling will not only set a more relaxed pace to immerse in the sublime nature atmosphere, but it'll also be an enjoyable exercise to help burn some of that holiday weight from overeating satay or Balinese grilled pork with beer. You can rent a bicycle and figure your own route through the rice fields and villages or sign up for an organized cycling tour in Ubud. Now, my experience cycling was far from a “peaceful ride” due to a miscommunication. But, if Mountain Biking is your thing, that is that as well!
One way to embrace Ubud's tranquil surroundings and the quirky vibe is to get on the yoga mat and hit some poses. The fresh air, warm sunshine, chirping of birds, and shady trees will definitely create a remarkable and unforgettable Zen experience. There are numerous reputable yoga studios in Ubud, many of which offer an all-around wellness rejuvenation, such as Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive. But if you're feeling adventurous, head to Ambar Ashram and try their intriguing laughter yoga.
For a full on Indonesian experience, a cultural dinner is worth checking out. Dances happen every night of the week, and most performances offer a dinner. Balinese Dance Galore (pictured above), Uluwata Temple, and Devdan Show at Nusa Dua Theater are worth checking out.
Me, you, Bali? Let’s getaway to this magical place ✨Come join me in May 2020 on this life-changing experience with NOW Yoga. This amazing yoga retreat is lead by Augusta Fishman and Melissa Mackey at Soulshine Bali. Save your spot before it sells out! And, just for being friends you get an exclusive $200 OFF your booking when you sign up when you use code 'BALILOVE'!
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