Trip: December 2017
Below is our Top 5 Things To Do in Ubud, Bali, part of the Just Carrying On – Top 5 Things To Do series. These lists are favorite activities, eats, and drinks from our travels around the world—in no particular order.
We visited the island of Bali (in the country of Indonesia) in December 2017, spending 10 days there. We absolutely loved it. Perhaps it was the slower pace, the fresh smell of incense every morning and afternoon, or the yoga. Regardless, it was one of the few places we were sure we’d visit again, even while still there. We were 4 nights in Ubud, the mountain town known around the world for yoga.
1. Yoga Barn
We knew before arriving in Bali that we wanted to check out the infamous Yoga Barn. We chose our Airbnb in Ubud based on its close proximity to Yoga Barn. Many friends discouraged us against a long visit due to the traffic and congestion in the town (which is relative, as this was not our experience). We took three excellent classes from three different teachers, two in the open air space above and one in the classroom below. Each class was unique, all rooted in a vinyasa flow style, with varying levels of difficulty that were only loosely correlated with the class description. While in Bali, we also visited Samadi Bali, The Canggu Studio, Power of Now, Ubud Yoga Centre and The Practice. While we enjoyed them all, Yoga Barn definitely took first place.
2. Who’s Who
This cute restaurant was located at the end of our guesthouse driveway so we walked by it everyday to reach our Airbnb. We loved the decor and beautiful lighting, with an open layout without walls, and on our last night decided to give it a try. To our delight it turned out to be our best meal in Ubud, with really great service. While the menu isn’t vegetarian we found plenty of delicious options to create a flavorful meal.
3. Sage
Our friend who lived in Bali told us that visiting Sage was a must, especially for the vegan carrot cake (everything is vegan). It was the moistest, most delicious carrot cake we’ve ever had, vegan or not. We have a photo of the cake but decided not to put it up because it absolutely does not do it justice. We also enjoyed delicious lunches here, hanging out in the tranquil space for the afternoon while using the fast Wifi and waiting out the rain.
4. The Elephant
A cafe that is perched in a hill, with open windows that look out onto the rolling lush fields and rice paddies of Ubud. It’s a bit out of the way but that’s what makes the view. We enjoyed a sunset drink here and heard the food was good too. A bit pricey though.
5. Kafe
Yet again we wanted to try all the things on this extensive and creative menu. One of the more affordable and nondescript (but popular) cafes, with people coming in for dinner, dessert, drinks or to work on their computer. Right in the middle of town, it is easily a go-to for any meal of the day.
Honorable mentions
Mamma Mia: Veering away from the vegan restaurants, we enjoyed a wood-fired cheese-dripping pizza at Mamma Mia. We thought it was solid pizza, compared to most we’ve had while traveling. It was no Apizza Scholls from Portland, but that’s not a fair bar for judging pizza in Bali.
In the end, Ubud was all about yoga and healthy eats, and if that’s what you’re into, make sure you go.
Top 5 Things To Do in Ubud, Bali is part of Just Carrying On – Top 5 Things To Do series, which offers our best travel recommendations from around the world.