We loved getting close to nature in Ubud and North Bali. There are so many amazing hikes and beautiful outdoor areas – it is hard to not feel at peace here. In our opinion, this region of Bali really sets the island apart when compared to other tropical vacation destinations.
Even though Ubud is technically more so in Central Bali, we found it fitting to combine with North Bali because the town is frequently used as a jumping off point for day trips in the northern part of the island. If you fancy the idea of spending a few nights in North Bali, by all means go for it (and read about our hotel recommendations in this post). This entire region amazed us, so you can’t go wrong. Without further ado…
Pork ribs from Warung Pondok Madu
Where to Eat
Broken out by region from south to north, here are the restaurants that impressed us most in Ubud and North Bali.
Warung Pondok Madu(Ubud): This great spot comes highly regarded. Everything is fantastic – with our personal highlights being the pork ribs, avocado juice, and fried tofu sandwich.
Fair Warung Bale(Ubud): While this restaurant is a bit more expensive than most you will visit in Ubud, the proceeds go to charitable causes such as free medical care for the poor. The food is also great, so you’ll leave filled and fulfilled.
View from Cafe Dewi
CafeDewi(Tegallalang): This restaurant has a great view of the neighboring Tegallalang rice terraces. Even though this area tends to have a lot of tourist traps, the food here was not expensive at all and was delicious.
The Damai (North Bali): Very off the beaten path, this restaurant will be hard to visit unless you choose to stay at The Damai hotel (which we recommend you do!). All of the dishes here are incredibly fresh and are sourced from the hotel’s own farm and neighboring areas. It is a bit more expensive, but we really enjoyed the wine selection, zucchini flowers, lamb dinner, and chocolate dessert.
The Global Village Kafe (Lovina): This was one of our favorite restaurant experiences in Bali. Similar to the Fair Warung Bale, this restaurant uses proceeds to support the less fortunate. It is a very laid back atmosphere, so don’t expect anything fancy. However, it is very cheap, and you may get to enjoy the company of the restaurant cat that likes to wander around and sit on the laps of guests. As far as the food goes, we recommend the coconut curry, fried noodles, and deep fried tofu.
Ulun Danu
Balinese Temples
Bali has a ton of temples that are worth visiting. While we checked out more than just those on the below list, we decided to highlight our favorites to help you better plan your trip.
Ulun DanuBeratan Temple: Without a doubt, this temple was our favorite in Bali. It is absolutely beautiful, and the complex is perched right on the water with a mountainous backdrop. We loved it so much that we even decided to purchase a painting of the scene from the Semar Kuning Artist Cooperative (notes on that visit below). Expect some crowds during your visit, but don’t let that turn you away.
Saraswati Temple
Saraswati Temple Ubud: This temple in the heart of Ubud is perfect for a quick drop in. Right in the center of town, you won’t have any problem visiting this template during your stay. It is most notable for its water lily pond, which provides a great photo opportunity.
Goa Gajah: Also known as the Elephant Cave, this temple has a different feel than the others we visited in Bali. Whereas most temples we visited had wide open spaces and took advantage of the natural sunlight and warm weather, Goa Gajah is in a relatively small cave. The entrance is interesting, as you are essentially walking through the mouth of a face carved into the stone, but you can’t see much on the inside. We more so enjoyed wandering around the grounds and learning about the history of this temple. Note that you are given sarongs to wear when entering the temple, so you don’t have to buy any from the women that will try to sell some to you in the parking lot.
View from Mount Batur at sunrise
Other Things to Do
Waterfall Hikes: Our favorite thing to do in Bali! Read all about the various waterfalls we visited in our post here.
Mount Batur Hike: This hike is a doozy but oh so worth it. In order to get the best views and avoid the heat, you’ll want to opt for the sunrise hike led by a guide. We used Mount Batur Trekking Guides, and we would definitely recommend their service! The day starts around 2:00am … we know it sucks. However, the trek includes snacks, breakfast at the top of the mountain (cooked in the ground sulfur), and some truly amazing photo opportunities of the sunrise over Bali. You don’t need to be in the BEST shape to do the hike, but it is challenging and may require you to catch your breath a few times.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace: One of the iconic images of Bali, you may recognize this area from the movie Eat, Pray, Love. The lush landscape really is beautiful, so we recommend grabbing a meal at a restaurant that overlooks the terrace. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also stroll through the terrace on foot or by bicycle.
Our new friend at the Monkey Forest
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary(Ubud): There are so many monkeys here! A short walk from downtown Ubud, the forest sanctuary is a great opportunity to make some furry friends and step into the Balinese jungle. Be careful with your belongings once you enter the area, though. The monkeys are known to steal things from unsuspecting tourists.
Semar Kuning Artist Cooperative(Ubud): If you’re looking to buy some art to bring home with you, this is the place to go. There is a huge selection of paintings here, and the artists at the cooperative do a good job of respective your space and not being pushy as you browse the various rooms. Be prepared to negotiate, though. We were able to get our painting for 67% off after doing some haggling.
Spa Day: A trip to Bali would not be complete without a visit to the spa. The massages in Bali are as cheap as they are relaxing, so there is no reason not to find a spa near your hotel that can help you unwind after a long day of hiking or site seeing.