After a late afternoon spa session, or a few lazy laps of the pool, venturing out for dinner you will find that Ubud is a completely different place. Many of the colourful boutiques that line Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanuman will still be open and blissfully shopper free, the soft tones of Jazz will float out from roadside cafes, and a handful of candlelit restaurants will be serving up some of the finest Balinese cuisine on the island.
Due to its central location, Ubud also makes a great base from which to explore many of Bali's sights, including the beautiful Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple, which seemingly floats on Lake Bratan, and the impending peaks of Mount Agung and Mount Bratan in the East. Though for those who really want to get away from it all, there are some wonderful hotels opening up in lesser known spots. Our favourite is the hilltop town of Munduk, which offers stunning views over Bali's north coast on a clear day, one of the most picturesque infinity pools at Munduk Moding Plantation, and some seriously impressive waterfalls to trek to.
Original Highlight
As the spiritual heart of Bali, the focus on relaxation and healing here is amazing – as are the many spas and spa resorts to choose from.