Rindik is a Balinese traditional music from bamboo which is put lying down orderly. It sound comes from beating the bamboo by a small stick. The player normally sits by crossing his legs while playing Rindik. Rindik is often used by hotels welcoming the guest, restaurant or wedding ceremony. Here you will get a short lesson for 1.5 hour how to play Rindik include tea time and get some introduction with other traditional instruments.

Internet Price USD 22.00 nett/person Include Tax and service charge, AC transportation, driver, course fee, tea time.

Notes : Above price are quoted minimum participant for 2 (two) persons Additional Hour : USD 10.00 net/hour

Single traveler will be charged 50% additional single supplement

So please joint us to have a such a good and exciting tracking around the very traditional village. Get your self very exciting and great time with us  on Tenganan adventure tracking trips, for more information please contact me on www.wayantours.com

Water has a special place in Balinese life, not only because of the vital role it plays bin irrigating the island`s rice fields, but also because of its ritual significance as an agent of purification. With its source in the volcanic lakes and rushing streams of the central mountain range, water is identified with the purity of the gods who dwell on high. Eventually, however, it flows to the sea where it enters the realm of greatest impurity. And along the way it picks up the dirt of man, both in the literal sense-the Balinese are very conscious of personal cleanliness and bathe themselves in running water several times a day- and also in terms of spiritual pollution. It is in this last respect that water acts as a purifying agent, cleansing man of his mortal sins and preparing his soul for a better reincarnation in the next life. Holy Water (tirtha) is the key ingredient in this scheme of things, being the principal means by which various forms of impurity are ritually washed down to the sea. The preparation of holy water is a sacrament of great importance in Balinese religion which the Balinese themselves often refer to as the agma tirtha, or `holy water religion`. The degree of potency of holy water is contingent on its source, the status of the person who prepares it, and the type of mantra employed in its preparation. The holiest of holy waters come from high up in the mountains and is prepared by high status Brahmana priest (pedanda). Sacred Bathing Places Every village has a recognized bathing place-either the nearby river or a community bath, with separate compartments for men and women to perform their ablutions. In addition, there are numerous sacred pools and bathing places whose waters are deemed to have magical or curative qualities. The central Balinese regency of Gianyar is particularly well-endowed with sacred bathing sites. The best known of these are Tirtha Empul, near the village of Tampaksiring, Pura Mengening, a little to the south, Telaga Waja and Goa Gajah, but there are several other sacred bathingt places in the vicinity of the Sungai Petanu and Pakerisan rivers which flow through Gianyar from the mountains in the north to the waters of the Straits of Badung in the south.

Tirta Empul
This beautiful water spring temple was built around 10th century under the rule of Sri Candra Singha Warmadewa. The spring that piped to three fountains complexes is believed to have been created by the God Indra, who descend to the earth to brought back the life of his army, which was poisoned by the demon-king Mayadanawa. The water source is located at a pool on a higher level where water bubbling up and plants growing on the bottom as well as fish and large ill can clearly be seen.According to believe of the people, each fountains complex has their special religious functions. The complex located on most right sides is for spiritual purification; the one in the middle to cleanse from evil, meanwhile the left side one is an antidote to poison.

About me and what is Ubud ?

Please feel free to explore my website at  www.wayantours.com to learn more about me and how I can help you explore my island.

My name is Wayan Susana or my friends call me Apple. I live with family in our compound, the total of  my family members being more than 36 people. Our family ancestors have lived in our compound for approximately 600 years. We  live in a traditional way in our village. They are around 600 people in my village and we all know each  other.

I love Bali, I am happy to be Balinese people, Bali is a magic, Bali is a spirit, Bali is a paradise island, I am happy to share my experience about Bali with the people who rally interested about what is Bali? Why is Bali?,  That’s  way My Job is a driver and I can be your host, guide, friend and concierge during your stay on our magnificent island. I hope you will allow me to make your visit as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. If you are planning a trip to Bali or are already here,

please let me help you experience the Bali that I know and love.

I can accomplish this and more because I am a born-and-bred Balinese who has worked with clients from all over the world. Spending the entirety of my life on the island of Bali gives me a full insider’s knowledge about all the nooks and crannies of this wonderful place. There is so much to see and do here, I can assist you in planning the perfect tour for your interests and needs.

My experience with clients from Australia, the US, Europe, Japan and Indonesia, among many others, has given me an excellent command of English and the understanding of how to cater to visitors from near and far.

My services and knowledge and reliability can enhance your trip in several ways, including:

Easy, hassle-free transport throughout your visit

Customized itineraries tailored to your interests and preferences

Objective advice on finding places to eat, drink, sleep and have fun that are perfectly suited to your tastes, budget and convenience

Please feel free to explore my website at www.wayantours.com to learn more about me and how I can help you explore my island.

Hiring by the day for a tour and returning to Ubud / To your hotel where ever in Bali, in the same day each night the rate is also US $50 per day.

If your tour includes staying somewhere overnight the fee is only US $10 per day extra.

PRICE PER PERSON:

1 person: €  40  /  $ 50 / Rp 500.000

2 people: €  20 / $ 25 / Rp 250.000

3 people: €  13.4 / $ 17 / Rp 167.000

4 people: €  10 /  $ 12.5 / Rp 125.000

5 people: €  8 / $ 10 / Rp 100.000

DURATION  : MOSTLY ONE DAY  8 to 9 hrs,

Half day price  Rp 350.000/ Car

The costs include:

- The car for up 7 passengers

- My driving and guiding

- Petrol, parking fees, tolls and taxes

- Use of sarong and scarf for going in temples

- Bottled water

The costs do not include:

- Your meals (and accommodation)

- Any entrance fees

- Tips

The cost is the same if your party is one person or seven persons.

Payment can be made in Indonesian rupiah, US dollars, Australian or New Zealand dollars, Euro, Yen, etc.

What is Ubud ?

Ubud is a town in central Bali, Indonesia.

Overview

Far removed from the drunken bikini scene in Kuta, Ubud can be described as a magical, wonderful, cultural centre — if you’re generous about coping with the burgeoning chaos in the centre, and the spread of workshops along the main roads in and out of town. Above all famous as a center of arts and crafts. Half (if not more) of the town and nearby villages seem to consist of artists’ workshops and galleries, mostly retailing cheap reproductions for tourists. There are some remarkable architectural sights, artistic gems to be found, and a general feeling of wellbeing to be enjoyed thanks to the spirit, surroundings and climate.While Ubud seems to outsiders like one small town, it is in fact 14 villages, each run by its own banjar (the land-owning married men’s association; in effect the local government). It’s clear that Ubud has been growing rapidly and some central parts are coping less well with the influx of tourists than in previous years (although the drop in visitors following 9/11 and the Kuta bombings slowed development). That said, most developments are sympathetic to the zeitgeist, if not designed specifically in the style of Balinese architecture. Growth is continuing due to the popularity of the Ubud area, but there are still terraced rice fields along the rivers and regular, quiet village life carries on relatively undisturbed just a stone’s throw away. However, the encroachment of hotel rooms onto paddyfields, particularly near Monkey Forest and and along the Agung river is noticeable. Many hotels will promote themselves as being “in Ubud” when they are more likely to actually be located in one of the surrounding villages that make up the greater Ubud.Due to its location 600 meters above sea level Ubud enjoys somewhat cooler temperatures than the coast (bring a pullover for the evening), although the midday sun can still be scorching.Reading:Secrets of Bali, Fresh Light on the Morning of the World, Jonathan Copeland in consultation with Ni Wayan Murni, Gateway Books International, 2008.

Orientation

Orienting yourself in Ubud is fairly straightforward. The town sprawls around for several kilometers in all directions, wth all of the small villages within a 5km radius of the central market being loosely refered to as “Ubud.” If you choose a reasonably central place to stay it’s easy enough to walk about on foot. Central Ubud has three main streets, Jl. Raya Ubud (the “Main Road” of Ubud), Jl. Monkey Forest and Jl. Hanoman. At the intersection of Jl. Raya and Jl. Monkey Forest is the Ubud Market, the Ubud Palace and the main bemo stop. Jl. Monkey Forest, from the market, south to the Monkey Forest itself is the most built up in the area, and home to a wide array of accommodation, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and cafes, and essential services (schools, sports field, pharmacies, travel agents, etc). Jl. Hanoman, which runs parallel to Jl. Monkey Forest, is a bit quieter and makes for more pleasant walking. To the immediate west and northwest are the villages of Campuhan and Kedewatan, home to some of the most upmarket hotels in the area with views over the Agung River valley. Directly to the south, past Monkey Forest and still within a half hour walk of the central market is Padang Tegal, which then morphs into the southern villages of Nyuh Kuning, and Pengosek (about 3 km from central Ubud). Directly to the east is the village of Peliatan, and then Teges, home of the Goa Gajah elephant cave.

Getting There

Ubud is 33 km from Kuta and 10 km from Denpasar. Normal driving time from Seminyak is 45 mins to 1 hour.

By plane

There are pre-paid taxis from Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai airport. Check current prices on the notice board in the taxi office just outside the arrivals hall.By bemoThere are regular public bemos from Denpasar’s Batubulan terminal to Ubud.

By taxi

If you want to take a taxi from southern Bali, it’s best to charter the vehicle for a return trip, as otherwise you’ll be hit with a 30% fee for going out-of-town. Metered fares one-way not including surcharge are around Rp 50,000 to 100.000 from Denpasar and Rp 100,000 to 200.000 from Kuta.

By Shuttle Bus

Perama Shuttle Bus offers regular direct transfers to Ubud from Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai airport, Sanur, Lovina, and Candidasa/Padangbai that are convenient and inexpensive. (E.g; 4 times per day from Ngurah Rai Airport, Rp 60,000). Incoveninently the Perama Shuttle Bus terminal isn’t located right in the centre of Ubud, but about 2 km south of the town centre, in Padang Tegal (on Jl. Hanoman, just south of the Intersection of Monkey Forest Rd).

Getting Around

Central Ubud can be covered on foot, but you’ll need wheels to explore the extended vicinity. On the main streets you might be accosted every few meters by people offering “transport”; prepare to bargain hard, but always keep bargaining rules in mind: start low, end with a smile, and enjoy the interaction. It also should be noted that sidewalks throughout Bali are simply the tops of sewers and only 2 ft wide, which can make for uncomfortable single-file walking as traffic screams past. Ubud is generally quieter and the streets calmer than the more urbanised parts of Bali (although anywhere in Indonesia, “calmness” is a matter of opinion!), and whilst traffic is slower than downtown Kuta, the sidewalk is often blocked with a motorbike or caved-in section necessitating a step off the sidewalk — potentially placing you in the path of traffic. That traffic could be a tricycle or a truck, so keep your wits about you. One thing to remember is that the sidewalks are not smooth. Watch out for holes, uneven steps, etc, and carry a flashlight (torch) at night.

Hotel car

Greater Ubud encompasses a number of neighbouring villages, and many hotels and larger losmen are happy to offer a complimentary drop-off and pickup servicd to central Ubud, and the Ubud Market. Expect to pay taxi prices if you are intending to go further.

By bemo

The Bemos are the local minibus transport that the Balinese primarily use; the Bule (foreigners) are welcome, too, and should expect to pay about twice what the locals do (Rp 2,000 instead of Rp 1,000 – but you may be asked for more). The Bemos are rented by the driver for the day and he gets a cut, so do treat your drivers well, and expect the same in return.

By taxi

While many drivers would be happy to do so, metered taxis from down south are officially not allowed to pick up passengers in Ubud and local drivers might have their say about this, perhaps even trying to prevent you from getting in. In practice metered “Taksis” are only seen dropping tourists off from the airport.

Local drivers

Most local transport comes in the form of Kijang SUVs or minivans that can be hired (with driver) for specific trips. Look for the circular yellow “E” logo on the windshield certifying them as Ubud Transport Association members. You can (and should) haggle a bit over the price and you should be able to pay less than with metered taxis. A short trip is about Rp 20,000 and drivers will be glad to wait for you for a return fare. Also, any guy with a motorbike is implicitly in the transport business and bike rides are about half the price of a passenger vehicle. www.wayantours.com is one of the best Ubud driver

Push bikes or motor bike

You can also rent a push bike – a regular bicycle, for about Rp 20,000 a day an motor bike for about Rp 30.000 – Rp 40.000. There’s a large selection available at the corner of the football field, or on hanoman street on the front of  Nur SALON. You can arrange a half-day trip involving a gentle downhill cruise from the top of the island back to Ubud on rented bikes. Apart from a very few short, sharp uphill sections, the ride is very relaxed and is well worth the time if you want to see the surrounding country in a less “touristy” way.

Sights

The town of Ubud has few sights within walking distance, and you’ll need some form of transport to get to the temples in the vicinity. The easiest option is to join a tour, or just charter a taxi/bemo for a few hours.

• Museum Rudana, Jl. Cok Rai Pudak 44, Peliatan, Ubud, Bali 80571, www.museumrudana.com. Ph : Tel:62-361 975779 , Fax : 62-361-975091 E-mail: rudana@senatorrudana.com.Museum Rudana or Rudana Art Museum was built in Ubud, Bali, under the idealism of its founder, Nyoman Rudana, where art is universal, and as the result, contributed to the harmonious process between men and God (parahyangan ), men and their fellow human beings (pawongan), and men with nature (palemahan). It is reflected in the concept of Bali philosophy Tri Hita Karana, where art has a great contribution in spreading world peace, prosperity and brotherhood amongst mankind. Humanism concept of Rudana Art Museum is the main philosophy of Nyoman Rudana in collecting paintings in the museum.
• Museum Puri Lukisan (Museum of Fine Arts), Jl. Raya Ubud (spot the sign and cross the bridge to enter), www.museumpurilukisan.com. Three buildings showcasing traditional and modern Balinese art. The displays are musty and English labeling is a little spotty, but some of the works, particularly the carvings, are quite amazing. Entrance Rp 20,000.
• Monkey Forest, south end of Jl. Monkey Forest; www.monkeyforestubud.com. A forest full of ravenous monkeys, so don’t bring any food or risk bites and rabies injections. Stroll through to find Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, a Temple of the Dead.
• Botanic Garden, Kutuh Kaja, (+62/0) 361 970 951 , www.botanicgardenbali.com. The recently opened Botanic Garden is a wonderful way to spend a few hours walking around and exploring the valley that it fills. It is best to go in the morning and avoid the afternoon heat.
• Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women, Jalan Sriwedari 2B,(+62/0) 361 975 485 , Banjar Taman, Ubud, www.seniwatigallery.com. The Seniwati Gallery features art by women; “Seni” is Indonesian for “art” and “Wati” means “women”.All of the following temples cost Rp. 6000/3000 adults/children, and can be reached by taking bemos towards Tampaksiring. Everybody must wear a sash, available at the entrance for a Rp. 1000 donation, and either long pants or a sarong (from Rp. 5000 from hawkers).
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), 3 km east from Ubud. A popular little excursion from Ubud, the centerpiece here is a cave, whose entrance is an ornately carved demon’s mouth. Inside are some fragmentary lingam and yoni (phallus and vagina) statues, as well as a statue of Ganesha. Statues stand guard around pools near the entrance and a little path leads to a waterfall, rice fields and some Buddhist stupa fragments.
• Gunung Kawi (Poet Mountain), Tampaksiring, 18 km northeast from Ubud. Entrance fee is 6000 IDR, sarong is rented for free. Dating from the 11th century, this is presumed to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives. Reached by climbing down 371 steps, the location at the bottom of a steep valley lined with paddy fields is stunning. The smaller complex on the south side of the river is presumed to be for the king’s wives, while the larger complex is thought to be for the King himself and perhaps his concubines. You must take off your shoes before entering into the central pura complex. About one km downstream there are further tomb cloisters. On the way back up, take a break at Cafe Kawi, which has cold drinks (Rp. 10000 up) and fresh breezes (free).
• Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring, 20 km northeast from Ubud. One of the holiest temples on Bali, built around hot springs that now bubble eerily in the central courtyard. Balinese themselves come here to bathe and purify themselves physically and spiritually, and during Galungan the sacred barong masks are bathed here. The complex dates to 960, but the present buildings are all modern reconstructions.

Activities

As a center of the arts, Ubud has dance and shadow puppet performances every night and plenty of spas for resynchronizing your healing chakras.

Between Sanur and Ubud

The road to Ubud from the south passes a series of small towns which specialize in the production of particular arts and crafts, including Batubulan (stone carving), Celuk (jewelry), Batuan (painting), and Mas (wood carving). The area has many large showrooms where arts and crafts in the Balinese style are offered for sale.Nearly all organized day-tours of central Bali stop at one or more of these showrooms (and the tour operators usually have a financial tie-up with the places where they stop, collecting a commission on purchases.) Even individual taxi drivers have their preferred stops.The area is sometimes referred to as the “craft villages” of Bali, though the area is a bit more built-up and congested than one might infer from the term “village.” The whole scene has become rather commercialized. But still it’s the best area to see a wide variety of the best Balinese craftwork in a short period of time.

Cultural performances

• Puri Saren and Puri Saraswati, Jl. Raya Ubud (just east of Jl Monkey Forest). Smack dab in the centre of town, dance performances (Rp. 50,000 up) are staged here almost nightly.
• Pura Dalem, Jl. Raya Ubud. For one of the best kecak performances in Ubud every Friday and Monday night(Rp. 50,000 up. Staged in beautiful surroundings outside under the banyan trees. Followed by fire dance.
• Batubulan. A national performance dance Barong takes place there every day at 9:30 a. m. It lasts 1 hour, entrance fee – 50 000 IDR. This is a performance for tourists about everlasting battle between the good and the evil, where there is not much dancing, but more “talking”. While buying a ticket you’ll also get a description (aka libretto) of what will be performed.

Spas

• Bali Healing, Jl Raya Hanoman 43, Padang Tegal, tel (+62/0) 361 791 104 . This two-bed massage shop is incredible. Even for the experienced massage consumer, this is an experience. A one-hour massage is Rp 50,000. For an extra treat try the the Magic Warm Stone Massage for Rp 80,000. Several other deep tissue and reflexology treatments are available from Ni Made Suweti and her skilled team.
• Bodyworks Healing Centre, Jl. 25 Hanoman, tel. (+62/0) 361 975 720 / 971 393, www.ubudbodyworkscentre.com. Ubud Bodyworks Healing Centre was founded by Sri Guru. This centre was established 25 years ago and was the first bodyworks centre established in Ubud. Bodyworks is the home of Sri Guru; his family compound was already a place where many Balinese people would come for healing.
• Milano, Jl Monkey Forest (just past the football field), (+62/0) 361 973488 . Best manicures and pedicures in Ubud for only Rp 50,000. Try the creambath too for a classic Balinese head massage experience.
• Pertenin Body Care, Jl. Jatayu, tel.(+62/0) 361 972 834 , www.pertenin.com. Facial treatments and massage in a relaxing modern environment. From Rp 85000/hour, free pickup for two or more from anywhere in Ubud. This spa is owned by Tegal Sari Hotel and uses allows the custmer to select the right oils and herbs for the treatment. For Rp 175,000 you can have a one hour massage, body scrub and flower bath over two hours. A very relaxing environment and competent staff.
• The Lembah Spa, Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi, tel.(+62/0) 361 971 777 , www.thelembahspa.com. The Lembah Spa offers the best of exotic Asian massages and treatments, combined with the expertise of masseurs in sophisticated European treatments.
• Ubud Sari Health Resort, Jl. Kajeng 35, Ubud, tel. +62 361 974 393 , www.ubudsari.com. A resort with emphasis on Balinese-style healing therapy, offers an alternative health care, spa, beauty salon, health massage, vegetarian restaurant, yoga, wedding package.

Yoga and Meditation

• Taman Hati Yoga and Meditation Center, Banjar Nyuh Kuning, tel.(+62/0361) 974 739 , tamanhati2000@yahoo.com.
• ” The Yoga Barn”, Padangtegal, Ubud, www.balispirit.com, Lovely yoga centre with a range of classes, and excellent set of teachers mostly in the ashtanga/vinnyasa school…upper studio has great views of surrounding terraces.

Money & Shopping

• Murni’s Warung Shop, Campuan-Ubud (Murni’s Restaurant by the bridge), Phn : 972146, www.murnis.com. 8 am – 10 pm. Murni collects things and exhibits abroad. When she looks around her home and finds too many things, she puts them in her shop. Whether you’re looking for antiques, collectibles or a special Balinese gift, you’ll always find something you love in Murni’s collection. Ubud has a vast assortment of art and jewellery shops. Head for boutiques for higher quality (and higher prices), or down to the market for bulk-produced cheapies.
• Ubud Market, corner of Monkey Forest Rd and Jl. Raya Ubud. A two-story warren of stalls bursting at the seams with wood carvings, batik shirts, sarongs and anything else a tourist could possibly want as souvenirs. The merchants here haggle with tourists for a living and think nothing of asking for ten times the going price, so try to establish a baseline before you go in and buy. Try to avoid busy lunchtimes when the tour bus hordes arrive.
• Ganesha Bookstore, corner of Post Office street and Jl. Raya Ubud. If you’re looking for the best second hand bookstore in Bali you’ve got to visit this place. Also has great range of new books on Bali and Indonesia.
• Mas and Kemenuh Village, both village produce very good quality of woodcarving made from very hard wood such as teak, mahogany, ebony and hibiscus wood, those of wood import from another island Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi
• The gold and silver smith is Celuk Village
• Batuan or Lod Tunduh Village, the artist in this village created variety of painting.

Eating

Murni’s Warung, Campuan_ubud (By Campuan Bridge over the river), ☎ 975233, www.murnis.com. 8 am – 10 pm. In 1974, Murni opened Ubud’s first restaurant and since then thousands of people have enjoyed her food and hospitality. It’s an institution. Today, Murni’s Warung has four open-air levels that step down the steep hillside overlooking the river and it is still Ubud’s most popular restaurant. Free WiFi.

Budget

• Warung Igelanca (“Iggy’s”), Jl. Raya Ubud, tel.  (+62/0) 81 5894 3251 (handphone). Cheap and cheerful Indonesian favorites like nasi campur, fried rice and noodles, plus (this being Ubud) a range of herbal drinks, such as Ginger Jive.
• Dewa Warung, Jl. Gootama, Ubud. Dewa’s is one of the best and cheapest places to eat in town; serves all the usual Balinese dishes. The most expensive item on the menu is the Cashew Ginger Chicken for Rp 12,000 – about a Euro. Be sure to say hello to Ibu Dewa.
• CEMPAKA WARUNG , Jl.Hanoman, at Nur Salon. cheap and Best places

Mid-range

• Casa Luna, Jalan Raya Ubud, Bali, (+62/0) 361 973 282 , www.casalunabali.com. Western and local dishes, sometimes falling somewhere in between.
• Dragonfly, Jl. Dewi Sita (off Jl. Monkey Forest at football field), tel. (+62/0) 361 972 973 , www.dragonflyubud.com. Opened in 2006, this conveniently located restaurant offers fusionesque “West-East” eats, traditional Indonesian fare, and even a few Mexican dishes. It also has free WiFi.
• Gaia, Jl. Dewi Sita, www.narasoma.com/gaia offers a wide range of vegetarian, Balinese and Indonesian food.
• Naughty Nuri’s Warung and Grill, Jl. Raya Sangiggan, opposite the Neka Art Museum half way up the hill heading north out of Ubud. tel. (+62/0) 361 977 547 . A laidback roadside watering hole that is a favorite of local expats. Microbrews, great martinis, and possibly the best large slabs of BBQ ribs in South East Asia! Main courses Rp15,000 – Rp60,000
• Nomad, Jl. Raya Ubud 35 (Ubud Main Road), tel.(+62/0) 361 977 16 , www.nomad-bali.com. A long-steanding institution that serves up a good selection of Balinese, Indonesian and Western dishes, but deservedly popular is their “tapas” selection, consisting of bite-sized portions of local flavors. 12 tapas with rice costs Rp. 60000 and feeds two. Also they serve wide-range of cocktails and spirits.
• Tutmak, Jl. Dewi Sita and next to football field, tel.(+62/0) 361 975 754 . A favorite with the expat crowd, Tutmak offers an international menu and an extensive selection of coffees.
• Batan Waru, Jl. Dewi Sita. Amazing Balinese and Indonesian food in a great space with colonial accents. Indoor and outdoor seating. Great coffee and desserts also available.

Splurge

• Bebek Bengil, Hanoman Rd. Bebek Bengil (Balinese for Dirty Duck) is an interesting restaurant with paddy field view and nice gardens. They are famous for their crispy fried duck, and some European based menu items. They have interesting selections of cakes as well. Expect to spend 100.000 IDR per head. The fried duck dish is about 50,000 IDR – but for this you get 1/2 a duck with the trimmings, either sauted potatoes and salad or steamed rice and indonesian vegetables.
• CasCades Restaurant, Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi, Tel: (+62/0) 361 972 111 , www.cascadesbali.com. Classical French food made with local ingredients. Dishes include Un Petit Jésus Dans Une Culotte de Velours (pan-fried duck liver on onion, date compote with passionfruit sorbet). Expect to pay about Rp.400,000 per person.

Drinking

Ubud has quite a few hip places for a quiet drink, but the strictly enforced regulation that all live performances must end by 10:30 PM puts a bit of a clamp on the local nightlife.

Ary’s Warung, Jl. Raya Ubud 35 (opp Puri Saraswati). Don’t be fooled by the name, this is a stylish watering hole with a large bar downstairs, complete with sofas and cow-leather bar stools, and a rather less busy restaurant upstairs. Drinks are expensive but generously sized.

Jazz Cafe, Jl. Sukma No. 2 Tebesaya (in Peliatan), tel. (+62/0) 361 976 594 . Outdoor jazz bar with live bands nightly. A limited food menu and an overpriced selection of drinks (Rp. 50000 or so). Cover charge Rp. 20000.

Hotels & Accommodation

Budget

• Shana Homestay, Jl Gautama No 7 Padang Tegal, (+62/0) 361 97 481 . Very near to the traditional & art market and Nomad restaurant, Shana is a place where you feel stay in Balinese family. You wake up in a serene garden-like bangalow with breakfast ready and greetings from all the family members. Total of 3 bangalow, each comes with 2 beds for 3 persons. Breakfast included, starts from US5, definitely worth a stay.
• Narasoma Homestay, Gang Beji off Jalan Monkey Forest, (+62/0) 361 973 404 , www.narasoma.com/narasoma. Just down a little lane off busy Jalan Monkey Forest, Narasoma is a family home and accommodation surrounded by coconut palms. Nyoman and Charlotte welcome you into their family to experience life in a Balinese compound. From the top floor you will be able to see the sacred mountains to the west of Bali. ‘The sunrises and sunsets are great!
• Rumah Roda Homestay and Restaurant, Jalan Kajeng 24 Ubud, Bali 80571, (+62/0) 361 975 487 , www.rumahroda.com. Lovely family compound with rooms for less than $10. The restaurant is also a treat – catch the Sunday evening buffet. The book A Little Bit One O’Clock is about this place and family.
• Family Guest House, Banjar Tebesaya 39 Ubud, tel: 62-361-974054 . fax: 62-361-978292, email: familyhouse@telkom.net. The superfriendly, devote Hindu family makes you feel right at home. Rooms are placed in a lovely compound and includes a good breakfast.
• Dewa Bungalows, 48 Jalan Hanuman, Pedangtegal, Ubud, Lovely family compound close to the center of town, currently has 8 rooms but expanding to double that soon. Family-run and gracious it has nice little slate pool perfect for noon time dips. Prices range from 90,000rupiah to 150,000rupiah.

Mid-range

• Oka Kartini, Jl. Raya Ubud 35 (just across the bridge in Peliatan), +62-361-975759 , www.okakartini.com. Quirky old Balinese house complex on the edge of town, the rooms here are a bit long in tooth but decorated with more carvings and gold paint than the average temple. Friendly staff watched over by the remarkable lady Oka Kartini herself, large art gallery, small but pleasant garden pool, shadow puppet shows three days a week(separate charge). Fan/AC rooms $30-$45, including breakfast.
• Sri Bungalows, Jl. Monkey Forest Road, +62-361-975394 , sribungalows@hotmail.com Centrally located with 16 bright bungalow-style rooms tucked into lush gardens. It’s only about 50 meters from the busy road, but it’s very quiet except for the singing of birds. The rooms are simple, but nice. They have bamboo furniture, western toilets and hot water. There’s a large pool in the back, and rice paddies beyond the pool. An internet cafe is also on the premises. Fan/AC rooms $25-$35, including breakfast.

Splurge

• Santi Mandala Villa and Spa santimandalavilla.com Banjar Bucuan, Desa Batuan, Ubud, Bali, Tel.: +62-361-297-800 . Located at the outskirts of Ubud, the resort has a spa center, poolside sunken bar and large private villas, which start at USD 120.
• Nandini Bali Jungle Resort & Spa www.nandinibali.com. Br. Susut, Desa Buahan, Payangan, Ubud, Bali. Tel: +62-361-982-777 . The 18 guestrooms at the Nandini Bali Jungle Resort and Spa Ubud are designed as separate chalets. All have panoramic views of the forest valley. Balconies grant guests the opportunity to absorb the surrounding jungle’s canopy, while inside the rooms, amenities are functional and straight-forward. Prices start from USD 165.
• Barong Resort and Spa www.barong-resort.com Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, 80571. Tel: +62-361-971759 . Nestled in the paddy fields of Ubud, the resort provides both accommodation and spa facilities that reflect Bali’s tranquility. Offering 5 star hotel rooms, prices start from USD 200.
• Bumi Ayu Villa www.webjaya.com/indexuk.html. A two storey, two bedrooms, bungalow in the forest on a cliff overlooking the river behind the village of Sebatu. Sebatu is on the road from Ubud to Kintamani. 120 euros/person/day, including driver available for the full day.
• Villa Vajra, www.villavajra.com. A 3 bedroom villa located right in the heart of Ubud. Rates run from $450-560 per night (dependning on season).
• The Viceroy Bali, Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi., Tel: +62-361-971-777 , www.theviceroybali.com. The Viceroy Bali is a luxury resort situated 5 min by car from the center of Ubud and offers private villas with pools, satellite TV, bath, shower, king beds, free broadband internet access and helicopter transfers. US$ 800 – US$ 2,500 per night.
• Maya Ubud www.mayaubud.com, Jl. Gunung Sari Peliatan, Tel +62 361 977 888 . Ten hectare of land with nice villas, excellent spa and good restaurant. Free shuttle to centre of Ubud and two free form pools
• Bukit Naga, +62 361 730 668 www.bukitnaga.com. A 6 bedroom private villa with a full staff and private car.
• Villa Alamanda, www.alamandabali.com. A 3 bedroom staffed villa of classic Bali design.
• Como Shambhala Estate, cse.como.bz. Formerly the Begawan Giri Estate. Price range US$275-$3600 per night. About a 15 minute drive from Ubud. Private residences, the ultimate in luxury.
• Murni’s Villas, www.murnis.com (20 minutes outside Ubud), ☎ 972146, www.murnis.com. Twenty minutes outside Ubud — and a world away from life’s cares and concerns — are Murni’s Villas. These three luxury accommodations are known as Villa Kunang-Kunang, named after the fireflies that sparkle above the rice terraces at night. Murni lives in one and offers the other to guests. Infinity pool, television, jacuzzi, meals. Go to the web site and we’ll show you around. Frequent special offers. available.
• Villa Melati, villamelati.com. Convienent villa for relaxation with style
• Villa di Abing, villadiabing.com. Villa di Abing is a 3-story, 3-bedroom, fully-staffed, luxury villa, in Central Ubud, offering bed & breakfast.This open Balinese-style villa is luxuriously appointed, and has a beautiful pool hugging the contours of a lush stream. Privately nestled with jungle views, the villa is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.
• Villa Amala Ubud, www.hotubudvillas.com. Amala is situated on the edge of a padi field, overlooking the river Wos. It sits between the villages of Sebali and Keliki , in the province of Tegallalang, Ubud. It is an hour’s ride from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport, and only a 15 minute car ride from the famed centre of art and culture – Ubud.