8 Reasons Why You Should NOT Skip Ubud When You Visit The Indonesian Island Of Bali

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A Balinese vacation is synonymous with a spa-cation. Head straight to this spa and order the Herbal Package ($37). The 3.5-hour treatment comes with a Balinese body message, a body scrub and mask, a facial massage and a foot massage. It’s bliss from head to toe!

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The traditional Balinese crispy duck with sambal (Asian hot relish) dip at Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) is an original dish here and is. To. Die. For. Fact-oid: The resto started up in 1990, and is called the Dirty Duck Diner because just before it officially opened, a flock of ducks ran into the resto and left their muddy footprints all over the floor and tables. Now you know.

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If you like (or lead) the hipster, island-loving lifestyle, then you would love Earth Cafe & Market’s “A Whole Life Concept” brand of organic, vegan shops and restaurants. Its branch at Jalan Hanoman, is just off the main street in Ubud, and is specially designed as an open-air venue so that customers can shoot the breeze as they dine on vegetarian fare such as the Bali Açaí  Bowl that serves puréed açaí  pulp with banana and coconut water, and Buckwheat Pancakes topped with raisin sauce and coconut syrup.

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Early birds do get the worm here: Wake up at 6 a.m. and head down to Ubud’s local market at Pasar Umum Ubud where food and fruit vendors display baskets and baskets of their freshest produce such as oranges and chillis. You can also find tonnes of souvenirs (think trinkets and small art pieces) to buy back home. Just remember to check prices across different stalls, to haggle, and if you can do so, speak some Bahasa Indonesian (the official language of Indonesia) to get the best deals.

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Fashionistas hunting for modern Balinese fashion can turn to Gingersnap. Started more than a decade ago by design-duo Jam and Jay, the brand offers timeless, comfy pieces made with natural fabrics such as cotton and linen, for both men and women.

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The surrounding lush greens, the nearby sacred waters of the Ayung River, and relaxing spa services: Only at this Four Seasons resort can you enjoy such a luxurious experience. No wonder it is recognised as one of the Top 100 Hotels in the Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards 2017.

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Visit the world’s first organic vegan cinema, conveniently attached to Earth Cafe & Market’s Ubud outlet. For only $5 SGD, you can enjoy a curated selection of films here every evening, while lounging on super-comfy sofas. The fee counts towards credit for food and drinks, which is inclusive of its delish organic popcorn with Himalayan Rock Salt, so you’re effectively watching free movies!

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A place to see and be seen in Bali is this restaurant-lounge-boutique. Described as a designer/artist hub, the space serves some of the tastiest vegan food around. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for sitting back and sipping on a coffee of their fermented kombucha tea specialty.