Peter and Selina's Guidebook

shoppingPartnership likely

“The art market is dense and colorful, filled with vendors offering local crafts, textiles, carvings, sculptures, and specialty foods.”

experiencePartnership likely

“Across from the market is Ubud Palace, built about 200 years ago and still operating as a royal residence. The palace follows an ancient design code that uses human proportions to align the architecture with the universe. In the evenings, you can buy tickets to the Legong Dance, Bali's most famous traditional performance.”

cafePartnership likely

“If you want the best view of Bali's lush rice terraces, skip the crowds and head straight to Tis Cafe in Tegalalang. Located just 20 minutes north of Ubud, this bamboo masterpiece of local artisan craftsmanship overlooks the iconic Cheking Rice Terraces with a panoramic vista that will take your breath away. This isn't just a cafe. It's a resort-like destination in its own right, featuring a stunning two-tier infinity pool and per person on the menu, that's about $26 US per person, you get full access to the pool and day beds for the afternoon. This one-of-a-kind gourmet restaurant is the ultimate way to experience the emerald heart of Tegalalang and one of the top highlights of our trip.”

outdoor adventurePartnership likely

“If you want the best view of Bali's lush rice terraces, skip the crowds and head straight to Tis Cafe in Tegalalang. Located just 20 minutes north of Ubud, this bamboo masterpiece of local artisan craftsmanship overlooks the iconic Cheking Rice Terraces with a panoramic vista that will take your breath away.”

experiencePartnership likely

“A short 1 kilometer from the Tis Cafe sits Alas Harum, a massive rice terrace park built on an irrigated site that dates back to the 9th century. Today, the Alas Harum complex operates more like a Universal Studios jungle set. Giant swings extend over the valley. Suspension bridges and trails connect with pools, cafes, and photo stations. We even came across a local celebrity, a caffeinated weasel in a cage, working overtime to produce the world's most expensive cup of recycled coffee. Don't ask. If you want to commune with nature, then keep driving. If you came with your family looking for a Disney-fied jungle adventure, then Alas Harum is the place to be.”

outdoor adventurePartnership likely

“Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel is the sacred monkey forest sanctuary on the southern edge of Ubud. Over 1,000 long-tailed macaks live within this sacred sanctuary forest and temple complex. They're used to humans. They understand zippers, pockets, and a whole lot more than you think. Here, loose sunglasses, phones, and water bottles tend to change ownership very quickly. Staff are present, but prevention is easier than recovery. It's one of Ubud's most visited sites for a reason. Ancient stone structures under massive banyan trees create a primeval setting that feels older than the surrounding town.”

outdoor adventurePartnership likely

“Tegunugen and Genen Falls is the closest, about 30 minutes south, and the easiest to access. It's 150 steps down, paved walkways, viewing platforms, but constant crowds.”

outdoor adventurePartnership likely

“Nungnung Falls sits roughly an hour north. It can be accessed via 500 vertical stairs.”

restaurantPartnership likely

“In central Ubud, our top choice is Kebun Bistro. Its atmosphere is a rustic blend of Parisian cafe and French farmhouse. And despite its Mediterranean label, its menu is dominated by delectable classic French provincial dishes.”

restaurantPartnership likely

“The Sayan House restaurant is set at top the ridge with one of the best sunset vantage points in Ubud overlooking the Ayung river valley and the four seasons resort below.”

restaurantPartnership likely

“Arcadia was our standout of the entire trip. Offering refined French cuisine perched above a roaring river.”

outdoor adventurePartnership likely

“Sekumpul Falls, the most dramatic of the three, is often cited as Bali's best. At 2 and 1/2 hours north, you'll need to start out early and dedicate the whole day.”

resortPartnership likely

“Just a short walk from the center of town, the five-star Komaneka Resort feels worlds away. We'll cover this exquisite jungle edge retreat in a few minutes... This is pampered luxury tropical jungle style. The breakfast terrace overlooks a 33 meter infinity pool that sits next to a lush rice field and drops off into a dense jungle river valley below. Rooms are large, private, and well furnished with large balconies and swings that overlook the forest ridge and rice fields. The open air spa treatment rooms immerse you with the rhythmic pulse of white water splashing across the rocks below, adding to your sensory experience. Morning yoga takes place in a covered pavilion surrounded by the jungle canopy perfectly framing the tropical surroundings as nature awakens.”

experience

“Right down the road is the Puri Lukasan Museum, which documents the evolution of local Balinese art. Sitting alongside pieces from European artists who settled here in the 1930s.”

resort

“Ayana isn't just a resort. It's a destination within a destination. It's a massive 90 hectare retreat overlooking the Indian Ocean. The property has about 30 restaurants and bars, 14 pools, a shopping court, and several scenic viewpoints, all connected by free and frequent shuttles.”

outdoor adventure

“Ayana's own Kubu Beach is a sheltered cove carved into the cliff with golden volcanic sand and rocky edges. Accessed by private funicular, this beach club setup is staffed to provide hotel guests with beverage service, loungers, and towels.”

bar

“Sunset at the Rock Bar. The iconic Rock Bar is Ayana's signature experience. Built into the cliff above the crashing waves, it's the ultimate perch to take in the unforgettable Bali sunset.”

restaurant

“Dining at Ayana is defined by the diverse range of cuisine and quality throughout the resort, and it doesn't get much better than Honzen sushi. Honzen Sushi delivers upscale Japanese with impeccable presentation.”

experience

“The Saka Museum is a cultural highlight, exploring Bali's ancient calendars, time cycles, astrology, and folklore, including the Pawukan system that governs ritual life.”

restaurant

“As we returned to Ayana for dinner at the Damar Terrace, we had one of those quintessential Bali experiences. Just as we sat down, tired and sunburned from a full day of sightseeing around the peninsula, the skies opened to a torrential downpour, dining al fresco with a soothing mist in the air, we enjoyed a thoroughly fantastic Thai food dinner.”

restaurant

“Dinner was at Alma Tapas, a stylish, intimate spot in the heart of downtown Canggu. The vibe is relaxed but refined Mediterranean tapas with a modern twist designed for sharing and lingering. They serve smallish plates, bold flavors, and a variety of cocktails. It's the kind of place where conversation stretches long after the food is gone.”

nightlife

“Finn's Beach Club, one of the most famous nightclubs in the world. No, this is not just another Bali stop or a run-of-the-mill rock disco. It's a full-scale production. The sun sets the stage with a panoramic glow over the Indian Ocean as the volume turns all the way up. So, let's get this party started. Multiple pools, endless bars, beachfront lounges, live DJs, performers, roaming spectacles, and yet somehow it all works. At various moments, there are fireworks, marching bands, dancers, and yes, giant dancing rabbits.”

wellness beauty

“First up, Udara Bali Yoga. More than just a spa, this shoreline sanctuary creates unique immersive environments for yoga, sound healing, and water rituals. The best ocean view is from the rooftop, but we didn't come here for the view. They have a restaurant, but we didn't come here for the food either. We came for the sounds of Surya. It's an immersive soul healing experience inspired by Surya, the Hindu sun god whose vedic sun is seen as the source of all life.”

cafe

“But first, a quick and refreshing stop at Nalu, a wonderful little gelato shop.”

shopping

“Next, we check out Love Anchor, a popular but touristy shopping bazaar.”

outdoor adventure

“Now we continue south to Pantai Pandawa which is Balinese for Pandawa Beach. Here the main attraction is the clifftop Tanah Barak viewpoint which cannot be accessed by car.”

experience

“Here the main attraction is the clifftop Tanah Barak viewpoint which cannot be accessed by car. So head to the shuttle station at the Pandawa beach level. The shuttle will take you through a narrow tunnel ascending along a coastal access road, then drop you at the clifftop for one of the most pristine and breathtaking panoramas on the island.”

outdoor adventure

“Then we continue on our trek winding up, around, and back down to Melasti Beach. Here we are met by wide golden sandy beaches tucked against lush limestone cliffs and aquamarine waters. You can rent lounge chairs, towels, grab a cold drink, and settle in at one of Bali's most relaxed south coast beaches, or dive right in and enjoy the warm tropical surf.”

bar

“Next stop, Single Fin Restaurant for an eye-catching lunch. Just next to the entrance to the Bluepoint Resort, Single Fin Restaurant sits directly on the cliffs of Uluwatu. With an open view across the Indian Ocean and to the beaches down below, hidden within a modest surf-centric neighborhood, this unassuming local gem serves up simple fair with its powerhouse viewing the heavy lifting. Be sure to make reservations, request bar seating facing the ocean, and arrive early.”

experience

“Pura Luhur Balinese for Luhur Temple sits at the southwestern tip of Bali at top the Uluwatu cliffs. Monkeys roam freely. Cliffs drop 70 m down to the Indian Ocean and the wind never really stops. This 11th century sea temple is one of Bali's six spiritual pillars believed to guard the island from the south.”

experiencePartnership likely

“15 minutes north, we shift gears and enter Tirta Empul to experience the authentic spiritual Ubud. Here sits one of Bali's most sacred water temples built in the 10th century around a natural spring created by the god Indra. This is where Balines Hindus come for melukat, a ritual purification. You can participate properly dressed with guidance. But this isn't staged. It's active worship. Offerings go down daily. Incense burns non-stop. Rain or shine. You're not watching a performance. You're witnessing a living tradition.”

experience

“Leaving our seaside sanctuary behind, we head south to one of Bali's most iconic landmarks, Garuda Wisnu Kenchana Park. At the center of Bukit Peninsula, GWK Park is an absolute must-see. On the way down to Melasti Beach, a top the highest point of the peninsula is its centerpiece, a statue of the Hindu god Vishnu, riding the mythical eagle Garuda. At 121 m tall, nearly 30 m taller than the Statue of Liberty, this monument is so massive in scale, you can actually see it from inside the Bali airport terminal.”