I wanted to write a rather personal article about my feelings towards the town of Ubud. I was very pleasantly surprised on my first trip; it went very well despite some inconveniences at a hotel that I won’t write about here. As I’ve always said, I’m not here to criticise a place or tell you anything about something I don’t like/didn’t like.
Ever since I was a little girl I’ve felt things very strongly, a little more than the average person, and having to live with my hypersensitivity isn’t easy every day. I have to pay attention to places that are steeped in history, and believe me, in Ubud it was impossible to escape my hypersensitivity.
Let’s take the hotels first, now you know one of the reasons why I had to leave my first hotel in Ubud as quickly as possible.
Now let’s talk about my second trip. Before settling into my first staycation, Ada and I went to Griya Beji Waterfall and then Goa Gajah.
I landed during a ceremony at the Waterfall, and I can still hear the screams of the people performing the ceremony. For me, it was difficult to have so many people and so much shouting around me, it had quite an impact on me – it was to exorcise their moral pain.
I felt very heavy coming out of the ceremony, a big weight on my shoulders. We took the car and ate before heading off to Goa Gajah. The Goa temple is one of the first Buddhist temples on the island. I went into the cellar at the feet of the elephant. And that was the straw that broke the camel’s back: my stomach and chest hurt for two days after I went there. The effect was quite direct, and I had a hard time getting rid of it as I didn’t have my own little tricks to get rid of what had to go and purify my hotel room (be careful when you burn palo santo or white sage in a hotel, think of the smoking detector and the smell of white sage).
Basically, my pain lasted until my next stay-cation. After that it calmed down a bit. This experience was very strong for me, especially in Bali. If you’re as sensitive as I am, Ubud is full of history and energy of all kinds. Bali is a very spiritual island, so if you’re having problems putting off your trip to the island, it’s probably because you’re not ready to embark on your spiritual journey and it would be better to take this as a sign that you can postpone your trip.
Let’s talk a little about sarongs, the magnificent, colourful pareos that the locals wear from Thursday to Sunday and on the evenings of full moons – there are two full moons a month, the new moon and the full moon.
But that’s not all: there are also ceremonies in the temples. As a tourist or expat, you should be aware that it is imperative to wear a sarong when visiting the temples. If you don’t have one, you can find them everywhere at the Ubud market, and the locals at the entrances to the temples will have some for you. Personally, I’d love to buy the lace top that the women wear with the sarong, with the belt over it. At immigration I’ve seen people in sarongs, but it’s mainly the staff who hand out sarongs to tourists/expats who aren’t dressed according to the conditions imposed to enter the state building that is immigration. A sense of the values of the country you live in is very important for social awareness.
The little extras:
When you see the little baskets of offerings on the ground, please pay attention, they are offerings.
Loneliness is the hardest thing to deal with I’d say when you travel, maybe not the first time, but after the second time. Sometimes you want to see places, do things, but you can’t do it simply because you’d like your friends to be with you at the snap of a finger to experience what you’re experiencing with you. Sharing has always been my kiff, I need intensity in my life and to do things with passion, otherwise I get bored very quickly.
I feel like I know Bali a little better than my own country, that I’m more touched by this country than my own. I mean, above all, the culture and the local people touch me enormously. I’ve been traveling since I was a little girl, and we moved almost every year, so I’m not particularly attached to my own country. I like to share my experiences with you by writing, at least it’s immortalized! This is just my opinion, not a general one.
It’s out of the question to write negative things, opinions on what I didn’t like, it’s very important for me to tell you only about what I liked, because everyone will have their own opinion on the places, the attractions, the food. What I like won’t always be to everyone’s taste. Between Indonesian restaurants, hotels/hostels and sometimes expensive attractions that are really worth it. So let’s move on to the pros and cons of traveling solo.
Advantages
– You never get bored with yourself.
– No obligations, just freedom.
– No one can put you in a bad mood but yourself.
– You do what you want, when you want, where you want. You’re in control of what you want.
– You meet people. My most memorable encounters were with locals. I fell in love with their philosophy, which I found extremely rich in knowledge and interesting.
-If you need help, ask around.
– Get out of your comfort zone. – Let yourself be guided by your own desires.
– You’re never really alone.
Disadvantages
– Feeling alone.
– Making friends when you’re an introvert can be tricky (believe me, I know what I’m talking about).
– Tourists sometimes don’t respect your limits when you’re out alone, so it’s up to you to make them respect you.
As you may have noticed, there are more positives than negatives. That’s how I felt about my various experiences as a solo traveler. Of course, there were times when I felt very alone, but out of that loneliness came ideas that I still have today. So thank you to all the people who inspired me.
Your journey to paradise now begins in the most balinese eco chic boutique of surroundings. You’ll fall under the spell of this establishment if you like balinese chic decor, tranquility and attentive staff.
I loved the warm welcome, the purification and protection ceremony around the place, my room overlooking the rice fields, the pool and the food.
There’s nothing I don’t like! Admittedly, it’s a long way from the beach, so you really need a scooter, a car or a gojek. But all in all, I was there mainly to rest and write, so it was clearly no problem. A real haven of peace.
The staff are so helpful, there wasn’t a day when they weren’t smiling! The fact that the establishment is run by women is also very important to me. As for the room service, your taste buds will be delighted by the copious and varied breakfast options: you can choose between an Indonesian breakfast option and a continental breakfast and juice. What else? It’s all delicious!
Maintenance is also very diligent. Let me give you an example. I don’t mind gecko, they eat mosquitoes and are as cute as can be. One snuck into my room from the ceiling. On the plus side, at least you know you’re protected by the spirits of your loved ones when they scream, especially if you believe in them, which is my experience. I called the reception directly and thirty seconds later someone came to remove it.
Another huge plus in this hotel is the whatsapp group, between you and the hotel. You can ask questions or make special requests, it’s very practical! There are only a few rooms, which gives it a special charm, and you know that if you love being quiet by the pool, this is the place to be! The place is clean. Personally, I highly recommend it for a honneymoon, or if you need to get away from the madness of Canggu and its legendary rush.
A special thank you to the three receptionists, real angels these ladies. Reception is open from 7.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the evening. If you arrive later than this, please let them know when you make your reservation. Great value for money! CHF 275 for 3 nights breakfast included. I recommend it and I’ll definitely be back! Leave you the link of the hotel here, have a look https://amantranacanggu.com/
Warung Varuna is the place to go, from the tasty yellow rice infused with coconut and lemongrass, to the nasi goreng, the vegetables are fresh and tasty, the chicken in all its forms is delicious, a rimbambelle of dishes we’d all love to try. Don’t forget your whole coconut to stay hydrated. Located a few steps from Pantai Batu Bolong beach, this is a chill & stay spot, where you can take away or stay in and finish off with a cool ice cream just outside the door. It’s a meeting place for all Indonesian culinary specialties! The price is slightly low for the quality. Try the tempe manis/sweet tempe.
Warung Inklusive
Warung Inklusive is a typical Indonesian restaurant, also serving breakfast and Western food, from Bebek Goreng (fried duck) to Nasi Campur, and many other dishes. Your taste buds will be delighted. The restaurant offers happy hours, drag shows, and evenings where you can learn sign language. It’s the perfect combination of business and pleasure, with a sprinkling of fun! You’ll pay a bit more than the usual warung, but the service is good.
The sweet escape bakery
The Sweet Escape Bakery is a very small place for great aesthetic things, and it’s all gluten-free. I had a hard time finding it, but it’s easier to park in Gojek. They make birthday cakes on request, and the workshop is in the back. I went there for breakfast, where the pancakes were soft and fluffy at the same time, tasty. Accompanied by black tea, they were perfect.
Poke PokeRoti Canai
Poke Poke is my favorite for Poke (they have other things than Poke, of course). Why my favorite? There’s the choice of size, the ingredients are fresh, you’re asked if you want spicy tuna sashimi or not, choice between white or black rice, Balinese mayonnaise (a big favorite) or other, add quinoa if you like for 25’000IDR (=1.45 CHF). Basically, you can also follow the menus or create your own Poke for less than 10 CHF. Can you believe it? The staff are simply adorable! You’ll find Indonesian specialties next door in Roti Canai such as their incredible Soto Ayam (chicken, vermicelli and egg soup served with white rice), as well as the must-try Martabak, a thin, crispy pastry enveloping vegetables and chicken served with a delicate, fragrant curry sauce. Roti Canai means roti, in other words « bread », and believe me, there’s plenty to choose from, including onion and bacon roti… I’d also recommend the breakfast menu, which includes gluten-free waffles and a whole host of delicacies. There’s something for everyone, sweet and savory.
Sukun
Sukun is the Amnaya Resort Kuta’s very elaborate restaurant, where you’ll find everything from Western to Italian to Indonesian – yes, we’re in Kuta (the tourist destination) The breakfast is very copious if you can eat everything. I’d recommend the eggs Benedict, the hollandaise sauce, is really tasty if I can compare it to others where butter dominates. The gado gado is not bad at all… As for the dishes, the portions are small for the price. That said, in terms of taste and presentation everything is there, unfortunately less spicy than elsewhere, but I think that’s normal for an international hotel restaurant, as some people’s habits are not those of others.
Yuki / Bakso
On the Rooftop of the Beachwalk Mall in Kuta, please choose the Yuki bakso stand. Do you like fragrant broths, tasty meatballs made from chicken or beef (even fish, buffalo and so on)? Accompanied by crispy patties, kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and sambal (chili puree), this is one of my favorite Indonesian dishes, and it’s very light, contrary to what you might think. Especially in this little stall run by a pretty lady dressed in pink and black with a warm smile. Dumplings (you can ask for tofu too), a mixture of crumb noodles and rice vermicelli covered in a light broth and you’ve got your meal for just 3 CHF.
BluefinJapanese fusion & lounge
At Bluefin Japanese fusion, I haven’t tried the teppanyaki, but I can tell you that it’s quite a presentation show that pleases their barbecues. As for me, I’d sometimes go for some sushi, gyoza, or soba (cold spelled noodles soaked in broth) served with crispy tempura.
Umane Cafe
Umane cafe and restaurant, but what a delightful aerial setting overlooking the rice fields! I advise you to look at the patisserie when you come in, you’ll see cakes, and you’ll know you’re getting a dessert 😉 . I’ve only been there once, but I can already tell you that the green curry was special, not like Thai curry, but rather a flavor I’d never eaten before and would give anything to have the recipe! My friend had a Mie goreng that looked giant and very good too. Their freshly squeezed juices and teas are sweetened with no added sugar.
Village Green
The Village Green is ideal if you want a full breakfast at a more than fair price! The choice is vast, with something for every taste. From the shrimp omelette to the eggs Benedict, the brioche sandwich with rucola and tomato tapenade, and finally my favorite, the big village green breakfast (toast and two egg style, sausage, bacon, hash brown, guacamole, salad, mushrooms and spinach), all well seasoned. You can always choose between pork or beef bacon and sausage. Basically, the latter is to be avoided if you have a lunch planned, but a must if you have the famous Bali-gover (Bali hangover). The welcome is friendly, and you’re sure to bump into Liza, one of the sweetest waitresses I’ve ever met! Don’t forget the dim sum aswell they are good 😆
Passo by Nook
Passo by Nook, this restaurant is just incredible, the environment is magnificent, between swimming pool, rice fields, palm tree, the decoration but especially the cooking! This nasi goreng was by far the best I’ve had in two consecutive trips to Bali, and believe me, I’ve eaten some nasi goreng, the balance between too spicy and not spicy enough! The fresh mango juice was perfect. The wait staff were simply pleasant, smiling and helpful.
Bale Udang Ubud
Bale Udang! Oh, my words! I lost my words on arrival! It’s such an incredible place, I’m going to put a few photos up here, so indescribable in a single paragraph dedicated to the food. It seems that the locals come here more than the tourists, which is just as well, because in Bali, fusion cuisine is often present. At Bale Udang, everything is refined, from the service to the dishes and purely local food, which is what I liked. I rediscovered the authenticity of Bali, with its chilies, garlic, and lemongrass.
HoiAn by MeVui
HoiAn ! Tested several times… and completely adopted! Between the bun, the Pho, and so on, it was an interesting Vietnamese culinary experience, and it gave me lots of ideas to try and reproduce at home. The setting is so friendly!
Ji Restaurant is located in Canggu Pantai Batu Bolong, next to the Tugu Hotel. Japan is served directly to the plate, and there’s a huge choice of sushi, each as colorful and tasty as the next. If you can’t decide, there are tasting plates (I recommend the Tic Tac Toe) and, for dessert, the coconut crème brûlée. But there’s also a light ramen, for once the broth is fine and it’s not stuffy! The menu is precise, the choice is not exorbitant and the products are very fresh. The quality/price ratio is respected. It may seem a little expensive, but in the end, it’s better to pay a little more for quality. Don’t hesitate to go around 6 pm when the restaurant offers a magnificent view of the ocean and a magical sunset!
Travel with Mi 