BALI MOOD

My stay in Ubud

BALI MOOD

BALI MOOD

My favorite place is Indonesia is Bali. I have been to many places in Indonesia but my heart stays in Bali. It’s the only place where I feel aligned with the lifestyle and the people’s mindset. Bali has a relaxed atmosphere and it has everything to offer to visitors: beautiful beach, colourful sub-marines, tropical forests, pretty rice fields and the friendliest people on earth. Over the years, the development on the island has been intensified and the number of tourists increase year after year but I still feel the same about Bali. It hasn’t changed. Even during the peak season (in July, August and December), it is easy to escape the crowd. Bali is crowded and congested around Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak and the center of Ubud. Outside these places, you will likely find peaceful roads and villages with breathtaking landscape. 

I would say that the heart of Bali is Ubud. Ubud is a must visit if you go to Bali. It is the perfect base to explore the island and is also the center of Bali’s culinary and cultural activities. The weather there is very pleasant and gives you a nice break from the coastal’s extreme heat. 

Lots of what I consider as “Bali mood” can be found in Ubud and its surrounding. Lush tropical forests, infinity pool, pretty frangipani flowers, coconut drink, impressive museums, relaxing spa and balanced lifestyle (think about artist’ village, yoga, raw and vegan food, detox juices...). When we were in Ubud, I had a chance to meet an old friend Nikki. She took us to 9 Warung, a vegetarian place where you serve yourself, decide yourself how much the food costs and wash the plates yourself when you finish your meal. I wonder if this concept would work in Paris...The food there was healthy and delicious. My kids loved their chocolate cake and fruit juices.

This year we stayed in a private villa named Toya Villa Ubud in the north of Ubud. It is actually quite far from Ubud (40 minutes drive to the center of Ubud) but is definitely worth it. Yes there was nothing around the accomodation, no fancy restaurant nor bar nearby but it was very peaceful and relaxing. The villa was luxurious and beautiful and its personnel was very discreet and helpful. Note: if you want to stay in a remote place like this, you will need a car or motorbikes to explore the surroundings. Bali is packed with beautiful temples, lush surroundings and fun activities to do. 

If you go to Ubud for the first time, I would say that the two things absolutely not to be missed are the river rafting (there are several operators) and the sacred Monkey Forest. I’ve done the rafting a few times before and it’s always fun. The monkey forest is the place to go if you want to feel like you’re in an Indiana Jones movie. This year, we tried a new activity: Herbal Walk and we loved it, even the kids. My 11 and 9 year old kids gave a five star to the activity and truly enjoyed the whole morning spent outside learning about local plants and their benefits for health. My kids didn’t like to eat papaya before but after this herbal walk they now like the fruit and eat it with pleasure because our guide told them that it really has a lot of virtues. It is funny how your kids never listen to you but they do listen to other people (I had told them that papaya is good for your health many times but they didn’t listen to me and never wanted to eat the fruit before...) .

If you have questions on Ubud or Bali, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments below. I will talk about the beaches in Bali on the next post.

xxx

Irma