Healthy Guide to Bali Part Three: Ubud

When first planning our month sojourn to the island paradise of Bali there was one very clear vision that I planned to bring to life.

Just as I mentioned in Part One, this trip for us was very much about feeling at home and doing what we love most.

Taking it easy, exploring, wandering, practicing yoga and eating.

Being able to do all of that in such a stunning location was just the icing on my incredibly awesome birthday cake.

It's for these exact reasons that we chose to spend 3 weeks living the Ubud lifestyle. People thought we were crazy but I just kept dreaming of those green fields....

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

I've also saved the best for last in my opinion.
A truly special place that was tough to bid farewell...

This was our first trip to the rice-terraced, luscious and sleepy Ubud.

Many people venture here for the day only, ticking off the 'sights' and heading back on the tour buses come 4pm.

If planning a trip to Bali, I strongly urge you to consider spending time in Ubud.

It's close enough to the international airport (60-90 minutes drive) and yet you feel a world away from anything else. It's also a wonderful base to explore surrounding areas and experience more of the authentic Bali, its beautiful people and culture.

Ubud town centre is larger than you'd think and the area is quite spread out (and hilly) so pack some good walking shoes and maybe look at hiring a scooter for a few dollars a day. The latter is certainly a good idea if you're a confident rider, enabling you to explore with ease and on your own schedule.

Enjoy the final part of this guide (and let's face it a visual diary)...

-Also be sure to check out my FREE Healthy Travel Guide to Bali available at the bottom of this post-

UBUD

EAT

Clear Cafe

Jalan Campuhan
http://www.clear-cafe-ubud.com

A must-visit for wholefood-lovers in Ubud and our #1 in town. Diversity, quality, homeliness and dazzling smiles in one.

You’ll love exploring this multi-level and super colourful, open-air cafe. Be sure to try the rooftop at least once, as well as the veggie burrito and chaka maka smoothie.
On your way upstairs, you’ll wander past the kitchen and can check out the busy staff chatting away.
Order a bottle of their homebrew kombucha with your meal and if snacks are what you’re in the market for, both this location and their takeaway on the main street (Hanoman) have what you need.

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Elephant Cafe

Hotel Taman Indrakila, Jalan Raya Sanggingan
http://www.elephantbali.com

Their official title may be vegetarian though this cafe is so much more than what that name brings. Interesting menu, fantastic fresh juices, a view to die for and wonderfully friendly staff.
The food is made fresh, they even have a homemade pasta dish and you can make your own salads - my fave!
Located on the property of a hotel, so don’t think you’ve gone the wrong way.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Bali Travel Guide: Part ThreeBali Travel Guide: Part ThreeBali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Earth Cafe

Jl. Goutama
http://www.dtebali.com/earth-cafe-market-ubud

The Ubud setup of this famed vegetarian cafe and well worth a visit. Enjoy the view and fresh air from the balcony, friendly staff and the same, diverse menu as other store locations. Downstairs you’ll find produce, food items and wellness products as well as the connected vegetarian cinema next door.

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Seniman Coffee

Jalan Sriwedari No. 5
http://senimancoffee.com

If you love coffee and you’re in Ubud, this is where you want to be.

This place takes their coffee seriously, offering all kinds of beans and brews in that friendly Balinese way.
In the local heat, the iced coffee rocks and is served to you in a recycled glass jar, with water and a freshly made treat. The lassis are great too!
Check out their coldbrew bar across the road and enjoy feeling like a local here.
Good WIFI and a great place to work.

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Hujan Locale

Jalan Sri Wedari 5
http://hujanlocale.com

A fresh food option for dinner in Ubud.
Offering locally farmed, Asian mains in a modern dining setting. Found in the same street as Seniman Coffee.

Sari Organik

Jl. Raya Tjampuhan

This could almost be a ‘do’ and an ‘eat.’
Their main location can be found on a delightful path right in the heart of the rice fields of Ubud.
With a connected and adjoining organic farm open for you to explore, this is a wonderful spot to take five and escape the busy town centre.
Rosella kombucha is the drink choice and I’d recommend exploring the more Balinese-inspired part of the menu.

Bali Travel Guide: Part ThreeBali Travel Guide: Part Three Bali Travel Guide: Part Three Bali Travel Guide: Part ThreeBali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Yellow Flower

Penestanan Steps

Tiny, out-of-the-way and divine. No website to be found and when you arrive, you totally get why.

The kind of place that feels like a secret you’ve stumbled upon. Located on the Penestanan Walk and right near the Intuitive Flow Yoga Studio.
Meat, vegetarian, raw and super cheap - my tip, if you enjoy your meal - leave them more.

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Alchemy

Jl. Penestanan Klod No.75
http://alchemybali.com

Cold-pressed organic juices and incredible raw treats are what you’re coming here for.

Located in the Penestanan part of Ubud, coming here is a great opportunity to explore the area. If you’re in town and in need of food supplies or treatments, Alchemy has a small store and treatment centre too.

The Garden Kafe

Jalan Raya Pengosekan
http://www.theyogabarn.com

Located within the Yoga Barn is this all-day cafe serving up all kinds of delicious treats. Especially perfect for that post- yoga coconut or smoothie, breakfast or an early dinner (kitchen closes at 630pm). Enjoy the tropical-surrounds and people watching here too.

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Uma by Como

Jalan Raya
http://www.comohotels.com/umaubud/

For that little bit special dinner and when you want to enjoy some delish handmade Italian fare.
Set on the Como Hotel property and featuring a diverse menu to explore.

DO

Yoga Barn

Jalan Raya Pengosekan
http://www.theyogabarn.com

A true institution of the ‘yoga-crowd’ the world over.

Five light and breezy open-air studios set just away from the main hustle of Ubud, offering calmness and world-class teachings. The largest studio in town with 70+ classes of all styles each week. Both drop-in and unlimited passes available.

Check out the Garden Kafe (above) and Holistic Treatment Centre while you’re here.

Camphuan Ridge Walk

Turn at IBAH Hotel off Jalan Raya

A few kilometres of green heaven.
Take your water bottle, sunscreen and walking shoes to enjoy this natural beauty.

Bali Travel Guide: Part ThreeBali Travel Guide: Part Three

Rice Fields/Penestanan

Jl. Raya Tjampuhan + Penestanan Steps area

Simply wander.
Get lost and marvel at the sounds of nature (and little else), trickling water, back laneways and more green than you’ve ever seen.

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three Bali Travel Guide: Part Three Bali Travel Guide: Part ThreeBali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Maya Spa

Jalan Gunung Sari
http://www.mayaresorts.com

One of those above and beyond experiences.
Located within the Maya Resort, positioned overlooking a peaceful and stunning river and accessed via a rockwall lift.
Enjoy the full experience of body treatments in your own spa pavillion - be sure to add a flower bath too!

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Produce Markets

Jl Raya Ubud

Across from the Ubud Palace and kicking off for locals in the dark around 3am and running until 9am.
The lifeblood of the town and an opportunity to experience the true local way of life. Specialty farmers arrive and set up their gorgeous produce, of which you can of course buy and experience something very special.
Recommend to arrive before 7am.

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Cooking at Bali Asli

Jalan Raya Gelumpang, Gelumpang Village, Amlapura, Karangasem
http://www.baliasli.com.au

Epic views, seriously traditional food and one heck of an experience via Executive Chef, foodie and Sydney ex-pat, now Bali-local Penelope Williams.

We visited from Ubud (90min - 2hour drive) though it's a 30 minute drive from the popular resort and diving destination of Candidasa.

A Day In the Village tour is worth every minute, experiencing (and eating!) a side of Bali that you might not see otherwise. Read more here.

Bali Asli Review | Nadia Felsch
Bali Asli Review | Nadia Felsch
Bali Asli Review | Nadia Felsch

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Tegalalang

30 minutes from Ubud centre and well worth the trip.
Head here early to avoid the inevitable crowds, don’t be afraid to get dirty wandering and take five after your walk with coconuts overlooking the terraces.
Wow is what you’ll say about this place and its natural beauty.

(It's even gorgeous in their planting season, August, when we were there).

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Tegunungan Waterfall

Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kec. Gianyar

Also 30 minutes from Ubud centre and just a few dollars entry fee payable at the gate. No need for a tour - either hop on your scooter or hire a driver and enjoy this gorgeous location.

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Mt Batur

I've always had a thing for climbing mountains.

Poetic beauty and such.

Travelling 45 minutes from Ubud at 230am to reach the summit by sunrise was a truly unique and incredible experience. (You can climb in the daytime for those not keen on rising and climbing in the dark!)

Be warned - it's more challenging terrain than you think - hello sand!

And be sure to book with a reputable company for both safety and comfort.

Greeting the day above the clouds. Unforgettable.

Bali Travel Guide: Part Three
Bali Travel Guide: Part Three

Quite the place right?

We're already planning when we can visit again.

It's been a pleasure sharing our travel experiences and photographs with you via Part One, Two and now Three of this guide.

For more info on the incredible photographer of this guide, head here.

And if you've enjoyed this guide please comment below and share it with friends to keep the love going.


Do you want your very own stunning, comprehensive and handy 25-page HEALTHY TRAVEL GUIDE TO BALI, INDONESIA? Simply head here.

I've made this incredibly beautiful and valuable resource available to you for FREE so please enjoy it with love from me.

Arrive home safe, well and thriving from a wholesome and healthy trip. One spent exploring, feasting and soaking up the incredible island that is Bali.

Bali Travel Guide | Nadia Felsch

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