TLSE guide to Ubud
One thing I know like the back of my hand are the streets, laneways and where to visit when you head to Ubud.
I cannot tell you how many requests I get on where do I go and what do I do? so I have put together this basic guide of a few things to get you started on your next visit to Ubud so that you can all stop pestering me.
But before we start here are some words that may come in handy
Good Morning - Selamat pagi
Good Afternoon -Selamat siang
Good Night - Selamat malam
Road - Jalan
Laneway - Gang
Coffee - Kopi
Lunch - Makan
Rice - Nasi
Fried Rice - Nasi Goreng
Fried Noodles - Mie Goreng
Rice and a mix - of lovely things ( my favourite, it's a little bit of this and a little bit of that) Nasi Campur
Local Eating house - Warung
Thankyou Terima Kasih
Here are my go-to spots when I visit Ubud.
Ubud Markets are currently getting a refurb so it's not as traditional as it once was. I believe it is just smaller with similar things. The morning market is more traditional and more of an insight into the life of the Balinese. The market is a place to sell fruit, flowers, food, and traditional Balinese items. It is brimming with locals trading and buying their items for the day and preparing for the offerings that they make daily to the gods. If you can manage an early morning wake up it's worth the visit and from there you can head straight to breakfast if you haven't tried the Balinese traditional Nasi Campur from the market that is.
Kafe - my favourite all day food place any time fo the day.
100% natural, organic and local ingredients. The ‘organically-inspired’ menu is full of global flavours with something for everyone. From wholesome breakfasts, super-smoothies, marinated meat dishes, vegetarian food to vegan, raw and gluten-free options. It's magical food you can't get enough of. Digital nomads, head upstairs, settle in on a cushion, enjoy the wifi. Thank me later.
My pick off the menu,
Bubur Injin, Meg's Big Salad Bowl, Lavender spritz, Vegan Coconut Caramel Cake
Check it out for yourself here everything on the menu is a winner and if you are staying close by, order and have it delivered.
jalan. Hanoman No.44B, Ubud,
I love this place in town, perfect for coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. It's owned by Australian Janet DeNeefe its relaxed tropical atmosphere and Bali-chic mix of traditional furniture and fabrics, Casa Luna is an Ubud landmark that has been serving authentic Balinese food and modern, delicious dishes to guests for more than 25 years.
The lime tart has been named the best on the island and their coffee reigns supreme. Vegan and vegetarian options play a significant role in the menu and organic ingredients are hand-picked from the Casa Luna garden. Situated on the main road, just a few minutes from the market, it is a favourite with visitors from all over the world. They also have other restaurants, a guest house and a cooking school.
Head past the Palace on the left away from town - Jalan Raya Ubud
Also, Check out their other restaurant Indus, I love this in the evenings, it's perfect for a date night, with a cocktail or two and a coconut icecream to finish things off.
My go to grocery shop. You can also have food delivered and eat in. This is one shop I would love transported here, its filled with good things that feed the soul and they are not only in Ubud but scattered around Bali, check out their website for all their locations.
Want a little Eat, Pray, Love moment. In the same street as Bali Buda, if you are standing out the front look to the right up the road a bit and you will see Wayan the healer from the movie, the real one that the story was about, get a treatment or pop by and say hello
Jalan Jembawan No.1, Ubud,
Sari Organic Walk
The Sari Organik Walk is a must do when you are in Ubud, it gives you a glimpse of the beauty of the rice paddies and ridge and at the end you get rewarded with a beautiful view and delicious food from one of the cafes.
Once you reach the starting point of the walk it is about a 30 minute meander along the rice terraces, past a couple of shops, a few restaurants and guest houses.
The Sari Organik Walk runs almost parallel to one of the most beautiful and popular walks in Ubud, the Campuhan Ridge Walk, and is mostly flat making it an easy walk, head out early so you don't overheat and take a hat.
I am not sure if the original Sari Organik is still open and trading however there are other cafes along the walk you can stop at for a refreshment.
Either way, its a must do on any visit.
Sari Organik Cafe - Image Bali Bible
For Something fancy head to Locovore
Modern and super creative you cant keep up with the menu here, it's crazy and fresh and celebrates local ingredients. Explore their tasting menu that they update every 4 months. Book ahead and check out their instagram for up-to-date news.
They are located at Jalan Dewi Sita no 10 which runs parallel to the main drag, it's my favourite little wandering street for shopping too.
At the end of the day or any time of day really I like to pop into Fresh Spa for a foot massage. When you are walking around in the heat it's the perfect pitstop to recharge and close your eyes. You can drop in but if you can book that is even better. It's on my favourite strip for shopping too so its a no brainer
Jalan Dewi Sita
For general shopping day, I start and do the loop around starting at the palace, heading towards Jalan Hanoman, I head down there until I have had enough on one side go past Kafe etc then cross over, you'll know when as it starts to thin out a bit, ( feeling energetic, do the whole loop down merge right and you'll end up in the Monkey Forest if you are game) head back up on the other side of the road, hang a left on to Dewisita chop and change sides of the road there as there are lots of cute little hand made shops and cool stores, continue to the end and turn right to head back up to the palace on the main road or if you have more energy for shopping turn left onto Monkey forest road to discover more shopping.
You can tackle it over a few days which is best, and make sure you stop for pitstops to refresh and rehydrate.
Jalan Gootama is a local lane that goes between Jalan Raya Ubud and Jalan Dewi Sita and is filled with small local eating places that are great if you are keen to try some delicious local food that doesn't cost the earth. These places are the perfect place to visit for lunch when you are wandering around
This is only the tip of the iceberg and my tried and tested favourites. Ubud and Bali do food well, the people are some of the kindest you will ever meet and the shopping when selective can be amazing.
Don't bargain too hard, it is a game, but the Balinese have had it tough the past few years, and you might think that winning the battle is good, but remember that win for you might be $5 but to the Balinese, that is food on the table. Just something to be aware of and be a little generous with.
Also I have a lovely friend called Nopi who is a driver and takes care of me and everyone I know when they go to Bali, he is amazing, knows everywhere to go, speaks English and won't rip you off. Follow the link to his facebook page and book him in for when you arrive. Make sure you tell him Heidi sent you. Everything is ok when Nopi is there as a backup.
If you have any questions get in touch. And enjoy your adventure
