Ubud:
Located in the mountains, Ubud is artsy and lush. It’s the place to go if you want to see Bali’s famed rice paddies, eat amazing organic food and buy local art.
Stay:
Honeymoon Guesthouse
The rooms are done in a traditional Balinese style. It almost feels like you’re staying in a temple. It was reasonably priced and you get breakfast in your room. Cooking classes are also offered. They’re very popular so book ahread.
Jalan Bisma,
Ubud, Bali 80571
+62 361 973 282
www.casalunabali.com
Eat:
Casa Luna
The hotel’s restaurant. It’s on a different street. Justin and I had dessert there one night and thought it was really good. It also has a nice romantic atmosphere.
Jalan Raya,
Ubud, Bali 80571
+62 361 977 409
www.casalunabali.com
Sari Organic
This is a must do! It’s an organic restaurant in the middle of a rice paddy. You have to walk to it, it’s about 20 minutes off the main road, but it’s worth it! They don’t have a website, so if you’re having trouble finding it, ask around.
800m down the Abangan Water Way
+62 0361 780 1839
Do:
Sacred Monkey Forest
Hike: There are lots of beautiful hikes through the rice paddies.
Seminyak/Leggian:
Seminyak is the most upscale town on the beach. There’s lots of great shopping and restaurants. Leggian is right next to it. It’s a little more crazy, but there are some nice places. I would not stay in Kuta, it’s very touristy.
Stay:
Tony’s Villa
It’s not far from the beach. It’s reasonably priced and has a nice pool.
Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan Kuta
Seminyak, Bali 80361
+62 361 736 166
www.balitonys.com
Eat:
- Ku De Ta at sunset
Ku De Ta
Expensive for Bali, but an amazing setting! It’s a restaurant right on the beach in Seminyak. It’s quite the scene at sunset. Picture beautiful people sitting on the manicured lawn drinking pitchers of Sangria watching the sun go down.
Jalan Kayu Aya 9
Seminak, Bali 80361
+62 361 736 969
http://www.kudeta.net
Grocer and Grind
Gourmet market and great place to get breakfast and coffee.
Jl. Kauy Jati 3x Petitenget Beach
Seminyak, Bali
+62 361 737 321
www.grocerandgrind.com
The Beach House
This is in Echo Beach, which is west of Seminyak. You’d have to take a taxi to get there. One of my favorite places to eat on the island. I liked it so much we ate there twice. It has amazing seafood and a cool, beachy vibe.
Jalan Pura Batu Mejan
Canggu, Bali
+62 (0361) 7474604
www.echobeachhouse.com
Do:
Tanah Lot
This is the most famous sea temple in Bali. It’s pretty touristy, but still worth doing. We went at sunset. Our pictures are amazing. Be sure to walk up the hill west of the Temple. There’s a great view of the coastline from there.
The Bukit Peninsula:
This part of Bali is more remote than other parts of the island. It’s absolutely beautiful and includes some of Bali’s most famous surf sports including Padang Padang, Dreamlands, and Uluwatu.
Stay:
Suara Ombak
I did not get to stay here, but Justin has and he loved it. This hotel is all inclusive and is made up of little cottages. A total surfer hangout, it’s directly above Bingin, a world class surf spot, a short scooter ride away from Uluwatu and Padang Padang and walking distance to Dreamlands Beach.
www.wavevoice.com
+62 361 742 8482
Eat:
Jimbaran Bay
This area is in between the southern part of Bali and Seminyak/Leggian. There are a bunch of seafood stalls right on the beach. It’s a pretty famous place to have dinner. You sit so close to the ocean, you may actually have to move your table to avoid getting wet if the tide is high.
Do:
Uluwatu
The sacred temple on the southern tip of Bali. I didn’t get to go here either but heard it was amazing. There are monkeys too!