Published 6th Jan. 2025
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Often hailed as Bali’s spiritual and cultural centre, Ubud attracts travellers with its terraced rice paddies, ornate temples and dense rainforest. You could easily spend weeks here, experiencing the colourful customs, indulging in traditional Balinese cuisine, soaking up local life and finding your zen during yoga and meditation sessions. But if you’re on a tighter timeline, our clued-up local Concierges are the ultimate insiders and know how to narrow down these manifold choices. With itchy feet and a passion for travel, Eloise (our Bali-based Concierge) knows Indonesia better than most locals. Her love of adventure, wellness and ancient cultural practices means she’s never short of ideas for how to get the most out of Indo. Who better to plan the perfect 24 hours in Ubud?
Start the day with a cup of Munduk coffee, harvested in the onsite organic plantation at Munduk Moding, or try a rare ‘wild’ luwak coffee, and soak in the views across the rice paddies all the way out to Java’s volcanoes. Along with coffee, Bali knows how to serve a stellar brunch, and there’s no shortage of options when it comes to breakfast restaurants. Tuck into artistic smoothie bowls at Blend Café, or opt for much-loved avocado and eggs on toast at Milk & Madu.
Fuelled by your delicious brunch, lace up your hiking shoes in preparation for this morning’s trek. You’ll begin at a volcanic crater rim before descending through an ancient forest towards Lake Tamblingan. One of three twin lakes formed in the large caldera at the foot of Mount Lesung, Tamblingan offers the opportunity to climb into a handcrafted canoe and explore hidden temples along the water’s edge.
Your scenic morning trek will have no doubt set stomachs rumbling again, and it’s time to refuel with more mouth-watering offerings. A fusion of Japanese and South American flavours are on the menu at Sayan House, served up with even more breathtaking views. Try the Yakisoba de Sao Paulo, washed down with a Hibiscus Margarita. The natural wine menu is worth a browse, too.
You can’t spend 24 hours in Ubud without getting stuck into the local culture, so now it’s time to cleanse your spirit and rebalance your energy with a visit to a local Balinese healer. In true Indonesian style, enjoy a combination of traditional, physical and spiritual practices, followed by a purification ritual and guided meditation – very Zen.
Enter a world of colour and texture at Ikat Batik and experience the exquisite craftmanship and cultural heritage of traditional Indigo dyeing. Pick up a few Mandala Ring placemats and Gelombang napkins for a touch of Indo-decor back home – authentic souvenirs that won’t take up too much space in your suitcase.
This evening, pack even more Balinese culture into your 24 hours in Ubud at Tanah Gajah’s candle-lit outdoor amphitheatre. Settle into your seats for a thrilling Kecak and fire dance performance, led by a troupe of seventy dancers from local communities and inspired by an ancient Balinese ritual called Sanghyang, which aimed to repeal evil spirits.
For dinner, head to Hujan Locale, where Chef Wim Meyrick serves up innovative and authentic Indonesian cuisine. Snack on small plates like Grouper Dumplings and Betawi-style chicken, or go the whole hog and try the tasting menu (with optional wine pairings).
Sink into the evening with a Payagan Cocktail at The Night Rooster, and cheers to a wonderful 24 hours in Ubud. Mixing a muddle of foraged and farmed ingredients, including ‘electric daisies’, lontar arak and pepper, this recipe pays homage to Bali’s geo-cultural influences and the country’s connection to nature.
Written by Luisa Watts | Header Image by Jerome Galland.
While Indonesia is (quite rightly) a tourist magnet, you can explore a side of the islands that often goes unseen with our team’s insider knowledge and connections. That might come in the form of an eco-snorkelling tour in Lombok, guided by fishermen who previously worked in the shark-fishing industry. Our savvy in-country Concierges are just a WhatsApp away, eager to recommend their favourite tried-and-tested experiences. We’ll even take the admin out of travel by arranging e-visas and the Bali Tourist Tax before you go, so you can enjoy Indonesia’s rice terraces, temples and beaches in peace.
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