Central - North Bali

Central Bali

Ubud [ Map ]

Ubud is known for the cultural centre of Bali. This is the place where artisans, painters and craftsmen ply their trade and sell their art pieces. The ambiance you get from this place is definitely much calmer and quieter compared to Kuta-Seminyak area. Spend a few days in Ubud to appreciate the place properly. I recommend you to take morning stroll in Ubud to grasps the cultural atmosphere of Ubud.

Must Visit & Dos

Ubud Palace / Pura Sari Agung

Located in central ubud (near the ubud market) this palace will let you admire the Balinese palace architecture and explore and learn about the different areas in a palace. The local royal family still lives here. There are also dance performances held at the palace mostly at night, 730pm. Here is the schedule of dance performances in Bali.

Ubud Market

The popular Ubud market is the place you want to head to get your Bali souvenirs. You can expect to see arts and craft sold here especially Balinese paintings. There is also a wet market at the basement area where you can get spices, fruits and other local produce. I would say that this place has become quite touristy of years and the sellers have learnt to markup up their price way above the normal price. So do bargain hard and remember to lower down the price to 50% then work your way up for the price. Good Luck!!

Museum of Fine Arts

This museum displays fine Baline paintings having Balinese influence.

Monkey Forest

Surrounded by dense jungle, you can catch free roaming grey-haired monkeys in this sanctuary. I would say that monkeys here are tamer and "friendlier" than other places in Bali as they are being fed by park rangers. Note that you should not provoke these monkeys as they can be quite violent at times.

Biking

Renting a bike to explore Ubud is a good way to cover ground around this area. East-West route covers river valleys so expect it to be a bumpy ride here. The North-south route run between rivers and much easy going but encounter with heavier traffic. Biking also is an excellent way to visit attractions around Ubud. Price for bicycle rental will be around 20k to 30k rp. One shop you can check out is Mutiara Corner or you might want to check out Bali Bike Baik for a cycling tour of Ubud.

Water Rafting

Ayung River near Ubud is the best place for water rafting in Bali. You will experience rafting down along a 10km stretch taking about 1.5hours. They are various companies offering water rafting activities usually it includes hotel transfer, rafting guide, equipments and lunch which usually cost between 200k to 350k rp. Some of water rafting companies are Sobek, Bali Rafting & Bali International rafting.

Spa & Massage
Ubud is home to some of the most well known spas in Bali. Try Kirana Spa, Milano Salon, Mango Tree Spa, Nur Salon, Zen and Cendana Resorts and Spa.

Tampaksiring
Located 18km away from Ubud,this small town boast 2 iconic attractions in Bali namely Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul(Holy Spring Water Temple).

There are various of other things that you can do here in Ubud which includes Bali Cooking Courses,Art courses, walk at Campuan Ridge & Penestenan and also Ubud Writers & Readers Festival which is held in October.

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Central Mountains

Central Mountains Area- Map by wikitravel

Gunung Batur 

The area is also known as Kintamani. This volcano is one of the popular volcanoes in Bali with a double crater, one inside the other which holds a scenic view. Enjoy the cool dry air while you are here.

Must Visit & Dos

Trekking

Just watching the magnificent volcano afar might not thrill you that much. You can choose to "conquer" this volcano by trekking Mount Batur. There are a few travel agencies that organized trekking to Mount Batur. Take note that here the notorious HPPGB ( Mount Batur Tour Association) administrate this area and tour agencies HAVE to get THEIR guide for the trekking journey. Expect to pay around 200k rp to 300k rp for these guide. 

The trekking starts at 4am to 10am where you will enjoy the sunrise and brought to the main crater. It is expensive to trek here but you can surely get amazing pictures and come close to volcanic action not easily seen anywhere.

Volcano Watching at Kintamani (Penelokan)
If trekking is not your cup of tea, enjoy the view of Mount Batur while having your buffet-style meal  at Penelokan.There a numerous restaurants operating buffet style meals which might be abit pricey at about 80k to 100k rp per person. You could have a cheaper meal plus the magnificent view at these simple restaurants Batur Indah, Bumi Ayu or Gunawan. A lot of tour agency organize this trip usually known as "Kintamani Tour".

Bedugul-Lake Bratan (Danau Bratan) [ Map ]

This is a cool, chilly and misty mountainous area where you can have a scenic view of lake Bratan with a backdrop of endless mountains. The main village here is Chandikuning where you can find fresh fruits that are grown in this area and other local produce. This place is geared towards local tourist rather than foreign tourist, a good place to visit if you want to get out of those touristy spots. Prices for food and items are generally cheaper here too ( I paid 3k rp for a bowl of Bakso compared to Kuta 10k rp).

Must Visit & Dos
Bedugul Recreation Park

This park can be found right in front of Lake Bratan. The picturesque view will take your breath away. There are art markets and a string of local warungs situated in front of the lake. Enjoy your cup of local coffee while enjoying the magnificent view. For those who are adventurous, you might want to take a boat ride around the lake which cost about 125k rp for a 4-man speedboat or can opt for 2-person pedal boat at 35k rp (rides are per 30min).

Bali Botanical Garden

This garden covers more than 154 hectares of Gunung  Pohen where you can find extensive collection of trees and flowers. Admission is 3500 rp.

Chandikuning Market

The main attraction near lake Bratan is this market where it boast fresh strawberries( i bought a box of sweet strawberries for only 5k rp!! ) and also other fresh fruits. You can also find Indonesian herbs and spices as well as vegetables. On top of that, there are some handicrafts and art pieces sold in this market.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
One of an important local holy site dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters. This temple is located on a "small island" surrounded by the lake. This temple is one of the most common photographic image of Bali.

Pancasari
North-west of Danau Bratan is a crater for extinct volcano.This town offers bustling markets and comfortable accommodation with a 70s flair.

Beyond Lake Bratan

There  are 2 other lakes nearby namely Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan which offers good trekking alternatives and offers nice views of lakes and valleys. Also visit Munduk, a mountain village said to be one of the most interesting places in Bali where you can be immersed in local culture surrounded by nature. 

Mount Batukaru 

Gunung Batukaru is Bali's second highest mountain where you can start your trekking at one of the most underrated temple in Bali, Pura Luhur Batukaru. Expect the trekking adventure to be a muddy and slippery journey with a backdrop of dense jungle. This area have a cool and misty atmosphere. Tourist usually flock to this area to visit the magnificent view of Jatiluwih rice terraces.

Must Visit & Dos

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The rich volcanic soil together with cool temperate climate makes an ideal location to grow paddy in this area. Villagers has mastered the art of planting and terracing the landscape to accommodate growing of rice. Close to harvesting season, Jatiluwih will give you a magnificent view of green paddy fields,definitely a sight to behold. In any case, Jatiluwih means "Truly Marvelous" which best describe the view here. 

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North Bali

Singaraja [ Map ]

Singaraja is the second largest city in Bali was the center of dutch colonial administration, so expect to see some Dutch influences on its buildings. It is a major educational and cultural centre. Tourist rarely stays in Singaraja, usually it is just a place people do a quick tour to see its architecture.

Must Visit & Dos

Gitgit Waterfall

Located about 11km from Singaraja, Gitgit waterfall is well known among tourist. It has a refreshing natural ambiance with birds chirping,relaxing sound of the water and cool atmosphere. There are souvenir stores along the pathways. Entrance fee are as follows  (Adult:4000rp  Child:2000rp).

Sawan

Sawan is a centre for manufacturing of gamelan and gongs instruments. For those instruments enthusiasts,you my want to dropby this place.

Beyond Bali

There are several bus companies that offer overnight bus services to Surabaya (110k rp /13 hours) , Yogya (170k rp / 16 hours ) and Jakarta (250k rp / 24 hours). Book these buses at Banyuasri terminal a day before. Definitely not for the faint hearted cos of the long hours but if you are looking for different experience this might just be it for you.

Yeh Sanih ( Air Saneh )

Visit this water spring pool which is particularly picturesque at sunset. Have a bath and mingle together with locals while enjoying the cool fresh spring water.

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Lovina [ Map ]

A low key mellow vibe beach resort is what best describe Lovina. There is a calm atmosphere to this place, best for those looking for a laid back vacation. The beaches are made up of washed up grey and black volcanic sand with calm seas and clear waters which are generally good for swimming. Lovina consists of these string of coastal villages - Kaliasem, Kalibubuk, Anturan and Tukad Mungga.

Must Visit & Dos

Beach Walk

Beach stroll along Lovina beach stretch will immerse you in tranquility of the beach and an be soaked in the laid back atmosphere here. Small boats can be seen docked near beaches to reminding you of its fishing village history. Don't miss the dolphin monument at Kalibubuk for a photo shoot with the monument that is significant to Lovina.

Dolphin Watching

Lovina is well known for its dolphin watching activity. Sunrise boat trips to catch the dolphins is a daily attraction for tourists. Do note that catching a glimpse of the dolphins is not guaranteed but most of the time a few will surface. Price is about 40k rp per person. The trip starts at 6am and end 2 hours later.

Diving and Snorkeling
Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular here because of the clear waters and beautiful reefs. Diving is best done off Menjangan Island 2-3 hours drive while snorkeling is best done a few hundred meters offshore from Billibo Beach Cottages. Expect to pay US$35 - US$50 for diving trips and 60k rp to 100k rp for snorkeling trips.

Brahma Vihara Arama
The only Bali Buddhist Monastery with colourful decorations,Balineses carvings and statues of Buddha. Some describes its similarity with Borubudur with d can magnificent structure and view that reach down into valleys ,across rice fields to the sea. Located at Dencarik you can hire ojeks to bring you there. Also visit Banjar Hot Spring a natural hot spring percolate amid lush tropical plants and can enjoy yourself in the restaurant.

SingSing Waterfall
Air terjun Singsing or Daybreak waterfall is located 5km west of Kalibubuk. The area is a lush tropical rain forest which compliment the waterfall. There is a pool beneath the waterfall ideal for swimming. The water is not crystal clear but cooler and much more refreshing than the sea water. You can also head to the second water fall further up, SingSing dua where you can find a bigger pool and also mud bath.

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