Planning Your Trip

The Indonesian island of Bali conjures images of meditation, rice paddies and sacred temples. Ubud, up in the mountains, is its cultural heart, with its unique art markets, museums and historical sites. Here’s how to pack for what’s sure to be an enriching experience.

Planning Your Trip

What to Pack

Bali is prone to periodic — and unpredictable — downpours during the rainy season. While there can be something utterly spiritual and cleansing about rain in Bali, you should nevertheless bring an umbrella and light rain jacket.

Cultural Considerations

To truly immerse yourself in the customs of Bali, which might entail a visit to one of its many intricate temples, there are a few things to keep in mind.

When entering the temples or witnessing a religious ceremony, you should wear the customary sarong and sash over your clothing, so it’s best to dress in light pieces that are easily layered upon.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen will be the most comfortable in Bali’s humid climate.
Ubud’s elevated location means lower temperatures at night, so pack a few cardigans.

Outdoor Adventure

From monkey sanctuaries to the iconic rice fields, you’ll be spending a lot of time outside exploring Bali’s incredible landscapes. Prepare accordingly.

Like all tropical places, Bali is hot and the sun is strong. Protect yourself with ample sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses.
Bali’s tropical climate makes it an ideal home for mosquitos. Don’t skimp on the insect repellent, even if you’re visiting outside of rainy season (November to March).
You won’t be able to navigate the steep steps of the rice paddies in flip-flops. Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.

Spa Retreat

A trip to Bali is as much a spiritual journey as a cultural one. Here, yoga isn’t a trendy movement, but a way of life. For the ultimate mind-body cleanse, stick to the basics.

Pack a swimsuit to take advantage of the vitality pool, steam room and sauna at Mandapa Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Bring an ample supply of workout clothes to partake in the hundreds of yoga and meditation classes offered throughout the island. You don’t have to go far to find a class — Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers daily complimentary yoga.
Consider eschewing technology and social media for a good book or two. If you happen to finish it during your stay, you can donate it to Ganesha Bookshop’s Books for Bali program.

Three people ride single file along rice fields

Planning Your Trip

What To Reserve

In Ubud, there is literally something for every taste. Whether you are looking for a trip that is indulgent or minimalist, historic or modern, active or meditative, Ubud is a haven for foodies, art snobs, shopaholics, yogis and even children. Here are some ideas to fill your itinerary.

Dining Reservations

Ubud’s reputation as a luxury destination makes it a hotbed of culinary delights. At Locavore, one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2017 (and ranked the best in Indonesia), chefs Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah use only local and sustainable ingredients for imaginative European-Indonesian cuisine. For a private dining experience inside a unique bamboo cocoon, book a table at Kubu at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which serves fine Mediterranean-European cuisine against the backdrop of the majestic Ayung River. To sample Bali’s signature specialty, the roast suckling pig (babi guling), go to Ibu Oka for the best iteration.

Spa Appointments

Reach a peak state of Zen with treatments at Mandapa Spa. Nestled among tiered rice paddies with a natural soundtrack provided by the flowing Ayung River, the spa offers a menu of services incorporating Balinese traditions, from reflexology to massages with rose quartz crystals. You can also book a session with the resort’s Blind Healer, who will assess your emotional and physical issues and work with you to realign your body’s energy pattern.

Outdoor Excursions

Make a reservation with Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s concierge to arrange a private tour of Ubud’s highlights. The mode of transport? A vintage Volkswagen convertible. The itinerary includes the famous Tegallalang Rice Terrace with its picturesque cliff-side paths; Pura Gunung Kawi, whose intricate shrines are said to be dedicated to ancient kings and queens; and Tirta Empul, a temple built around hot springs (which you can wade in) that apparently have magical powers. Your tour will end with a lunch picnic at a coffee plantation. Other must-sees? Goa Gajah, or “Elephant Cave,” a mysterious archaeological landmark and active religious site. Or practice your haggling skills at the art market, lined with colorful stalls full of souvenirs, scarves and handmade goods.

Children's Activities

Along with its eco-friendly children’s club, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve also offers the Mini Explorers program. For a half or full day, your kids will learn survival skills, make new friends and participate in creative activities. Outside the resort, help realize their Indiana Jones fantasies at the immensely popular Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which is home to hundreds of free-roaming long-tailed macaques. For an art history lesson, take them to the Blanco Renaissance Museum, the flamboyant studio of Antonio Blanco, a Philippine-born, Bali-residing artist who is considered Bali’s version of Salvador Dalí.

Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

Ubud sits as the cultural center of Bali, fusing natural wonders like forests filled with hundreds of monkeys with a dense concentration of art galleries and museums. Explore the countryside outside of the city to find stunning temple complexes, hikes through lush nature and artisans creating one-of-a-kind handiwork. Linger over long meals cooked by world-class chefs — Ubud has gained a reputation for the quality and variety of its restaurants in recent years. Start your days with yoga, finding the centering balance and inner calm that have come to define Bali.

Itineraries

Countryside Pleasures

Ubud lies at the heart of a lush region of Bali, acting as the area’s cultural center but also as a perfect hub to venture out from. You will bond with nature through meeting the creatures that inhabit it and see the unique ways the Balinese have learned to grow and harvest. Whether you are walking among monkeys or rice terraces, you’ll come to understand why the Balinese countryside has so much to offer that you won’t experience anywhere else in the world.

Three people examine something in the rice fields during an outdoor excursion

Two pairs of hands weave long yellow-green leaves into hats

Day 1

Morning

Begin with breakfast. Start your day with a fresh breakfast at Sawah Terrace at mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton reserve. Located at the edge of the reserve valley, the restaurant provides panoramic views of the majestic Ayung River, along with the best of Balinese and Asian flavors. Many of the dishes are made with herbs and vegetables sourced from the resort’s own organic garden.

Midday

Campuhan ridge walk. Take the paved walk through the Campuhan ridge to see the jungle and forest landscape of Bali. If you do the whole walk as a round trip, it will take you about two hours, but you can choose a shortened version and still see a beautiful bit of scenery (in addition to starting the walk outside the walls of the Pura Gunung Lebah temple.) As with all walks in Bali, bring a sunhat and water to stay cool in the tropical temperatures.

Afternoon

Tegallalang rice terraces. Visit the famous terraced rice fields, which are set up with subak, the traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system. You can take in the scenic vista from the breezy overlook, where local artists sell their pieces in galleries and cafés, or you can walk through the fields for a closer view of the still-active fields.

Evening

Dine in nature. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton reserve is set in a gorgeously lush natural setting. Enjoy dinner on the Gracefield deck, which allows you to dine privately with a spectacular view of the reserve’s very own rice terrace. The setting is as memorable as the six-course tasting menu, hand-selected by our executive chef.

Day 2

Morning

Monkey forest. Spread over 30 acres of woods, you’ll find 115 species of trees and over 600 monkeys. You can stroll the grounds, see a traditional 14th century temple and feed the monkeys with bananas available for purchase at the forest. Take in the guiding philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which offers three ways to get to well-being (humans’ relationship with the Supreme God, humans’ relationship with each other and humans’ relationship with nature).

Midday

Presidential lunch. Head to bebek tepi sawah for your midday meal. Their Tepi Sawah crispy duck dish has become famous on the island, recently drawing in the likes of President Joko Widodo to dine.

Afternoon

Balinese ritual. The balinese culture is one of great tradition and spirituality. At mandapa, a ritz-carlton reserve, you can participate in a balinese ritual lifestyle, where you will learn how to wear a traditional costume and prepare a daily offering to be placed at the reserve temple. Or you can engage one of the reserve’s handpicked selection of remarkable local healers to work on your well-being, both mental and physical.

Evening

Tea time. Sample a taste of Jamu, a traditional herbal drink of Indonesia revered for its power to heal ailments and enhance strength and stamina. Try your hand at making your own blend of jamu in the library at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Dinner al fresco. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine next to the river at Kubu, where private cocoons offer an intimate dining experience. The tropical breeze and soothing sound of the river make for an ideal setting, and the delectable degustation menu includes dishes like a foie gras parfait and tuna crudo.

Day 3

Morning

Take a tour. Depart from the resort on an expedition through Bali’s countryside in a classic Volkswagen convertible. You’ll explore the rice fields and ancient temples, some of which date back to the 11th century.

Midday

Eat fresh. The vegan and plant-based dining movement in ubud is thriving, and the plant-based restaurant moksa could very well be considered home-base. With everything from an on-site permaculture garden and farmers market to regular chef-led culinary classes, there’s more to dining at moksa is truly a feast for all five senses.

Afternoon

Rest and relaxation. Retreat back to the mandapa spa at mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton reserve, where the stunning riverfront setting almost instantly lulls you into a state of relaxation. Release any lingering tension with a hot river stone massage, which is inspired by the Ayung river that runs through the resort.

Evening

Barbecue by the rice field. Have a private dinner on the deck overlooking the rice fields at the reserve. Enjoy a beautiful buffet as well as grilling is done just for you by a private chef in an artful display of tableside cooking. Indulge in delicacies like Balinese-spiced red snapper and jumbo tiger prawns before moving on to a homemade dessert selection.

Itineraries

Cultural Treasures

Ubud is considered the cultural heart of Bali, with art galleries and traditional markets dotting its streets. Head out from the main roads to discover beautiful temples, breathtaking landscapes and awesome creatures in their natural environment. The food reflects the Indonesian and Balinese cultures and how they’ve taken on a global view as the world comes to visit. Immerse yourself in the country and the culture from dawn till dusk (and beyond).

Long pathway flanked by water with lily pads leads to an orange temple under gray skies

Sushi-like rice rolls topped by slices of yellow fruit and paired with three condiments

Exaggerated faces carved into the stone exterior of a cave around a small doorway

Day 1

Morning

Find your balance. Yoga is an important part of the culture in Bali, and mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton reserve offers complimentary daily sunrise yoga sessions so you can start your day off feeling calm and balanced.

To market. The Ubud market is a local institution, offering a mix of artwork, handmade fabrics and more handiwork. The woven straw bags are a fashion insider's favorite. The ikat and batik fabrics can be purchased as already-made garments and home goods, or you can take them home with you by the yard. If you’re on the hunt for décor items, look for traditional paintings and wood carvings. Most prices are meant as starting points so be prepared to bargain. To browse the locally grown goods sold by local farmers, get there early — the morning produce market only goes until 8 a.M.

Midday

Ubud palace. One of the most prominent buildings in the city, Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) is right on the main Jalan Raya Ubud road. The traditional Balinese architectural compound was mostly built in the early 20th century, and the local royal family still inhabits the buildings. The stone carvings by local artists are worth stopping to admire as you walk around the property.

Eat fresh. The vegan and plant-based dining movement in Ubud is thriving, and the plant-based restaurant moksa could very well be considered home-based. With everything from an on-site permaculture garden and farmers market to regular chef-led culinary classes, there’s more to dining at moksa is truly a feast for all five senses.

Afternoon

Afternoon pick-me-up. Seniman coffee studio is known for the quality of its coffee, which comes from its own roasting company. Order a healthy juice or the decadent french toast and take your time sipping your brew before you set off on your day.

Cool down. Take a break to grab a scoop of Gaya Gelato, which is made from fresh, local ingredients like lemongrass, passion fruit and Balinese durian fruit.

Evening

Dinner al fresco. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine next to the river at Kubu, where private cocoons offer an intimate dining experience. The tropical breeze and soothing sound of the river make for an ideal setting, and the delectable degustation menu includes dishes like a foie gras parfait and tuna crudo.

Day 2

Morning

Gunung Kawi. Start your day with a visit to one of bali’s oldest and largest monuments. Gunung kawi, which lies at the bottom of a lushly green valley, is made up of 10 shrines cut into the face of the rock (think: attached sculptures in tall, carved-out niches). Each of the shrines is believed to be a memorial for members of the 11th center balinese royalty, but nothing is known for certain. Wander among the monuments, temples, fountains and more in the complex.

Midday

Make chocolate. Visit the pod-origin chocolate factory, where you’ll be guided through their entire creative process from the cacao bean itself to the roasting stage and the final making of the chocolate. You’ll taste plenty of house-made chocolate and even get the chance to mold your own chocolate elephant to take with you.

Afternoon

Balinese ritual. The Balinese culture is one of great traditions and spirituality. At mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton reserve, you can participate in a Balinese ritual lifestyle, where you will learn how to wear a traditional costume and prepare a daily offering to be placed at the reserve temple. Or you can engage one of the reserve’s handpicked selection of remarkable local healers to work on your well-being, both mental and physical.

Evening

Barbecue by the rice field. Have a private dinner on the deck overlooking the rice fields at the reserve. Enjoy a beautiful buffet as well as grilling done just for you by a private chef in an artful display of tableside cooking. Indulge in delicacies like balinese-spiced red snapper and jumbo tiger prawns before moving on to a homemade dessert selection.

Day 3

Morning

Pura ulun danu beratan. Hit the road with a picnic packed for you by the team at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and head for Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. This temple complex is on the shores of Lake Beratan and is a major Hindu water temple. The temple was built in 1663 and is used for offerings ceremonies to the water goddess Dewi Danu. When the lake around it rises, the temple looks as if it is floating on water.

Midday

Fishing boats. While at the temple complex, you can take a traditional Balinese fishing boat onto the lake to admire the temple emerging in front of mountainous vistas. If you want a little more power, you can rent a speed boat to cruise the lake instead.

Afternoon

Art galleries. Ubud is known for its art galleries and museums. If you are interested in purchasing works from contemporary Balinese artists, stop at Komaneka Gallery and Nyaman Gallery. Otherwise, choose from inspiring, centrally located museums like the Neka Art Museum, Blanco Renaissance Museum or Museum Puri Lukisan.

Evening

A living tradition. The Agung Rai Museum of Art, known as ARMA, offers more than just art with its regularly scheduled dance performances. If you are there during a full or new moon, you’ll be treated to the Kecak Rina dance, which features 100 men and no music in a rendition of a hundred-year-old classic. Other nights offer contemporary and classical Balinese dance performances (check the schedule on the museum’s website).

Culinary sendoff. End your trip with a decadent dinner at Sawah Terrace at mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton reserve. Located at the edge of the reserve valley, the restaurant provides panoramic views of the majestic Ayung river, along with the best of Balinese and Asian flavors. Many of the dishes are made with herbs and vegetables sourced from the resort’s own organic garden.

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