Single and heartbroken, I first discovered Ubud 12 years ago.
I was supposed to “have a rendevous” there but being the typical commitment phobe type that he was, my trip turned solo. While it had the eat and pray aspects, the love didn’t come until much later (cue Mr Surfer).
Anyway, let bygones be just that.
The excitement hit great heights when Mr Surfer agreed that part of our Indonesia trip this year was going to include 9 nights in Bali’s art and cultural haven.
Roughly a 2 hour drive from Denpasar, Ubud is located inland and the polar opposite of the stereotypical tourist Bali with beaches and surf. Think tranquil and serene.
And while it’s been 3 weeks since we’ve been back (wah!), here are some of the highlights of our time there.
Alam Jiwa:
We arrived at Alam Jiwa, our hotel, late at night so when I woke up early the next morning to have a proper survey of where we were actually staying, I couldn’t believe our luck. Searching hours on tripadvisor.com for our ideal hotel certainly paid off!
Ubud is made up of various, surrounding villages, each having its own specialty in a particular craft. Alam Jiwa was a complex with approximately 10 wooden bungalows and located in Nyuh Kuning Village, known for its woodcarving.
The mornings were spent taking a quiet walk around the lush, green rice paddys followed by a swim in the pool. Then, we’d sit out on the balcony to enjoy a full breakfast of baskets of mixed bread, omelets, pancakes, fresh fruit salad, yoghurt and ginger tea.
One slight “inconvenience” was that there was no television. Really, it’s was just a first world problem. However, it did make entertaining the twinions a little harder when the heat would hit its peak at mid afternoon and it was too hot to do anything outside.
Camplung Sari Hotel:
An old family friend of ours happens to be the general manager at Camplung Sari Hotel. Why we didn’t think of staying there? I don’t know. But I’m glad we took up the invitation to hang out there for the day.
Located right next to Ubud’s famous Monkey Forest, we found ourselves with quite a few “visitors”.
One happened to run off with one of the twinions’ floaties. Well, grabbed it. Bit into it. Deflated it. THEN, ran off with it. Another couple of monkeys started randomly doing their “business” in front of all us pool siders to witness.
Charming.
My husband – the man with the juvenile sense of humour – of course thought it was hilarious. Just secretly, I may have had a smirk myself…while trying to cover my children’s eyes. Ahem.
Monkey Forest:
And while we’re on the topic of those little cheeky critters, Ubud’s main tourist attraction would have to be the Sacred Monkey Forest.
Serving as more of a park for where the monkeys can run loose, it’s a quick 10 minute walk from one end to the other. But it will take longer as there are at least 600 monkeys to make friends with. Most are cute but I was conscious that the boys didn’t get too close or touch them.
Regardless, it was probably the highlight for the twinions. So much so, we went back at least another three times.
The Kayma Spa:
Ubud is packed with fantastic health and beauty spas. But above all, they’re so cheap!
I picked up the pamphlet for Kayma Spa from the hotel counter and I’m so glad I did. It ended up being an out of body experience.
I booked myself in for a 5 hour treatment which included a hot/cold stone full body massage, full body exfoliation treatment, milk bath, hair treatment and scalp massage as well as a manicure and pedicure…all for under (wait for it) $100!!!
At first, I thought I was going to struggle to get through the 5 hours. I mean, that’s serious pampering.
But as soon as my body hit that massage table, the hours flew by.
As it worked out, we spent our 4th wedding anniversary in Ubud, happily splashing around the pool with the twinions.
Years earlier, my younger self dragged a shattered heart to the rooftop of the backpack bungalow. Staring at the endless starry sky, I desperately worried about my future.
And despite not finding love that time, it seems I was able to eventually return bringing along my own love – my family – with me.
Funny how life works out.
Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT
Martine@themodernparent says
I loved seeing all your pics from what looked like a fantastic trip, 5 hours in a day spa.., wow that sounds heaven! It’s been a long time since I have been to Bali but you may have just convinced me to go back there some day. I love that you were able to return with your beautiful family.
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Lauren @ Createbakemake says
These are just beautiful photos. How special to return with your family, such a contrast to the last time you were there. Have a Merry Christmas xx
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Zanni Louise says
I am so so jealous of your 5 hour body treatment right now! Heaven. Actually Ubud is heaven. I spent the most beautiful week there with my mum when I was about 19, and promised myself I would move there one day. Glad you had a nice holiday! x
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Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Oh wow, looks gorgeous. Great photos!
L
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Lydia C. Lee says
Those monkeys – man! Last time we were there, I refused to go into the temple because of the monkeys stealing stuff and the monkey came out after me, jumped on my back and stole my prescription sunnies – I had to pay a women with bananas $50A to get them back (the prescription is about $700!!) My partner asked why I didn’t haggle – I was just in a panic to get them back.
That pool shot framed is lovely. I also miss those Banana Pancakes (tho I prefer Nasi Goreng for breakfast! Yum)
You look like you had such a lovely time there (but then again, how can you not?)
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Veronica@ Mixed Gems says
Dunno how I’d survive 5 hours of pampering either! It’d be a discipline to make myself go in a and relax! Crazy, huh?! Lovely start and end to your Ubud love story. x
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mamagrace71 says
It was a tough 5 hours, V. REALLY tough!
Eleise says
Awww I am so jealous! I want to go back, I love Bali with the kids. I am imaging that day spa right now bliss! Gorgeous photos!
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Aroha @ Colours of Sunset says
Wow, Grace it looks fantastic! And yes, it is funny about how life turns out, isn’t it? Never seems to be quite what we had imagined all those years ago! I would have a hard time leaving. 5 hour spa treatment for $100?! Why can’t we get that here?!?! 🙂 xo Aroha
Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker says
That looks like heaven Grace! We’re trying to choose a destination for Bearhands’ fortieth trip – I’ll be floating Ubud for sure! xx
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Ai Sakura says
it is funny how life works out!! 5 hrs of pampering massage and spa works.. ahhhh heaven!!! Sad to say I’ve never been to Bali before, but when I do, I’d be sure to ask you for tips!! 🙂
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Bec @ The Plumbette says
My body is aching for a 5 hour pampering session! You must have been walking on clouds when you came out of the day spa!! Love all the photos and love the way you wrote the post. You’re so blessed Grace! What an amazing holiday! Time to save so you can go again!!
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Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Oh Grace, what a glorious holiday you had! That pampering would be hard to beat.
Have a gorgeous Christmas to you and your lovely family xx
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EssentiallyJess says
Last time I was in ubud was about 13 years ago. Seems funny that it wasn’t that long before you. 🙂
Such a beautiful part of the world. Would love to take my kiddies there too one day.
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Becky from BeckyandJames.com says
Beautiful photos, Grace! I never even knew you could have a treatment that lasts 5 hours! Amazing. I love hearing about your holiday!
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Rita @ The Crafty Expat says
I loved your pictures Grace. I never went to Ubud but I’d love to one day.
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Sarah@SnippetsandSpirits says
Wow thank you for sharing this slice of pure heaven, that 5 hour pampering session, that delicious looking breakfast, the tropical beauty of Ubud. Fab. How true, strange how life works if we just hang in there xx
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Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
That looks so perfect lovely – and totally deserved, especially the mega pamper – JEALOUS! My sissy and her man heading to Ubud for Xmas, I’m VERY jealous but that’s okay, I have three wee souls to keep me happy and entertained. Love the photos and I adored those monkeys when I visited Bali – they were VERY cheeky though, thanks for sharing an insight in to your indulgence – BLISS!
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Jody at Six Little Hearts says
Well those are to-die-for shots! So hot here in Melbourne today and those pool shots have me swooning!
My lovely prize has reached me and I am so VERY grateful! Thank you so much!
Have a very Merry Christmas with your lovely family! xx
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Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right says
Tears to my eyes Grace, tears to my eyes! You brought back many memories of Ubud for me, as well as of that heartbreak and uncertainty of youth. Your family is so gorgeous – love the love I can see. xx
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Alana says
It is funny how life works out, isn’t it? Gorgeous! I am green with envy over the 5 hours pampering. 🙂
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jeanie says
That looks lovely – my non-commitment phobe husband would hate it, however – he is monkey-phobic!!
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Shelly says
My husband and I backpacked through Ubud almost 20 years ago (OMG! Has it been that long?!) I think I loved Ubud the most out of all of Bali. I definitely want to go back there and soon. I have some wacky tales of what the monkeys got up to in the Monkey Forest also; we gross our kids out with these stories. Love the pics, Grace.
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Psych Babbler says
Wow…seems like an amazing place. And it is amazing just how life can turn out…goes to show that things are constantly changing and if we are in a slump, it will eventually pass (and vice versa I suppose).
Tegan says
ohh those pictures are absolutely gorgeous.
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Julie@Off to the park says
Wow, it looks like a beautiful place Grace! Very Eat, Pray, Love. Love your pictures. I’m glad you had such a lovely relaxing holiday with the family x 🙂
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Deb @ Bright and Precious says
Have I really not commented on this? I read it last year, Grace! And I enjoyed it so much! (And sneaking back here again to take closer notes this time!). Gorgeous gorgeous pictures. What a relaxing paradise! And I’m so glad you enjoyed so much. xx
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