24 hours in Ubud, Bali

Begin the day being whisked off in an open top jeep to unveil the Balinese way of living in the countryside. Passing through rice terraces and taking in the magnificent scenery, you’ll get the chance to see local villages and the many temples that encompass the area of Ubud. Stop at Mambal traditional Market where you can sample traditional Balinese cake wrapped in banana leaf, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where the food you eat comes from the farms close by, and pass through the Holy Monkey Forest of Sangeh.

Ubud is surrounded by hills and ravines, and taking off from the foothills on a bicycle explore the lush interior of Bali is a must. A Mount Batur cycling and canoeing trip is a perfect way to experience this part of the island. Cycle alongside Lake Batur with panoramic views of the mountain in sight, followed by a canoe across the biggest lake in Bali, before arriving at natural hot springs in Toya Bungkah Village. After all the cycling and canoeing we have the perfect resting spot to satisfy that hunger. Enjoy a local fish dish and Nasi Goreng at the Crater Restaurant, set beside the water where you can keep on soaking up the stunning surroundings.

What better way to finish the afternoon of exploring than relaxing with a rejuvenating spa treatment. Ayung Spa at the Ubud Hanging Gardens is one of those places, perfect for calming the mind and soothing the body, using local ingredients and ancient techniques, you will leave feeling energised. Set in verdant gardens, the Ayung Spa is a fine setting for a luxurious treatment. We love the Coconut & rice facial treatment followed by a Revitalising Ayung Massage.

Alfresco dining by candle light does sound very appealing, but this isn’t just any dining experience. At the Samaya Ubud, you will be charmed by the scenery and the food as you dine out on a deck as the River Ayung flows right by you. The ambience couldn’t be more perfect and the choice between the al a carte menu – featuring a generous amount of fresh seafood, and the degustation menu – letting you savour small dishes slowly, will have you going back there more than once. A perfect way to unwind and enjoy this elegant side to Ubud.

Ubud hotels are all about boutique style. The Uma Ubud is set on the fringe of Ubud overlooking the blossoming Tjampuhan Valley and is a Black Tomato favourite. This intimate hotel is dedicated to relaxation, where you can choose to unwind in the quiet and comfortable spa, recline by the aqua-blue pool surrounded by frangipani trees, or simply look out over the lush tropical forest. We especially love the thatched suites, perfect for looking out over tropical gardens from your terrace, mojito in hand.

Sound like your sort of holiday? Let us take you there. Contact us today and start planning your idyllic Indonesian escape with Black Tomato.