We get emails regularly from people heading off to Bali who are looking for a few juicy travel tips on where to go and what to do. I prefer to spend my time in Bali in Ubud, a village in the hills where the temperature is cooler and the culture is very artsy. While in Ubud, you can take lessons in Silver, batik, Dance , Music, Yoga or Cooking. You can also tour surrounding villages which are organized by craft. For instance, Celluk is the Silver Jewelry village and Mas is the mask carving village. My favorite restaurant is actually a Japanese restaurant called Kagemusa but truthfully, the town is full of great places to eat including Cafe Wayan and Casa Luna. Here are my top 10 tips:
1. Spend AT LEAST 2 weeks in Bali. It takes a long time to get there and a few days to recover from jet lag.
2. Pack light and buy an extra bag in Bali for all your purchases. If you love handmade clothing and crafts the shopping is spectacular.
3. Hire a car and driver (about $40/day). Tell him your interests and let him show you around.
4. Don’t over schedule with lots of touring. You will really enjoy days to be still with time to look and listen.
5. Get up at dawn while you are jet lagged and take a walk through the rice fields. You will be transported to a magical place that will stay with you forever.
6. Keep your eyes open for processions and temple ceremonies. Carry a sarong with you so you can join in.
7. Take a class at the Yoga Barn and then have lunch at Kafe.
8. Get a massage with Tumeric Scrub and Flower Petal Bath at Nur Salon. Tel 361 97 5352
9. Herb Walk (I think it should be called Edible Bali) with Westi. He takes you through gardens and rice fields pointing out vanilla vines, nutmeg plants and other fragrant wonders. Tel 081 2381 6024
10. Take a day trip to the ancient temple of Gunung Kawi in Tampak Siring and make a stop at the Sacred Springs.
Fantastic suggestions. I can’t wait to go.
Comment by Gail Stern — December 26, 2009 @ 3:51 pm