I can’t believe its taken me so long to discover Dewangga Ubud.
I fell in love with the art, the gardens, the food, the spa, the people. I love that its been built over 22 years by a family of one of Bali’s most famous artists. If you’re looking for a place to stay in central Ubud that’s more village than villa without breaking the bank, Dewangga is for you. Full story here.
I wandered down the back of Beji Lane to check out a couple of recommendations. Igna is a small place with 8 rooms and a pool. Basic, convenient, affordable. I would book the deluxe room. ($45-$60) Next door is Gayatri, more traditional Balinese in style, with bigger rooms and a nice pool area. ($70-$120) Opposite is Narasoma, a little more polished, with a fabulous spa, one of my faves. ($60 – $75) Beji lane is a great location, just a short walk from the hustle of Ubud. You can’t drive down the lane, so make sure you’re travelling light!
I personally love books, real books.
But let’s face it, they take up precious baggage allowance. If you’re planning serious hammock time, drop into the Pondok Library (just next to the soccer field). Rent books for rp2,000 a day (around 25cents) for a minimum of 3 days. Or become a member and pay rp50,000 (around $5) for all you can read in a month.
If you’re planning a longer stay you may want to one of their cultural courses – learn to speak Indonesian, play gamelan music, or do dance, art or silver making. They have kids programs. They’ve just added small homestay type rooms. Modern, simple with a pint sized pool, but everything you need if you’re on a budget. Popular with yoga students doing teacher training. Find out more on their FB page.
There’s a lot of hype about Moringa, a local leaf that packs a nutritional punch.
It’s starting to appear in powder form and capsules in health food stores. You’ll only find fresh leaves at local markets. If you want to try it out, you’ll find it in a curry in some cafes, but more likely its being added to smoothies or brewed up as a tea.
Moringa oil is making its way onto beauty counters. I could only find (via google) one or two spas using Moringa powder for body and hair treatments. None were handy so I whipped up my own treatments in the kitchen. I’m a convert. They’re on my list of ‘glowgetters’.
Luckily Moringa grows in my village so I have an endless supply. I’ve shared the recipes and where to buy Moringa Powder on this post.
The kubu has expanded!
Kabal’s been at work in his ricefields, the end point for his Sharing Bali Village Jungle Treks. That’s more space for you to kick back and enjoy the most delicious, authentic Bali food after your trek. Arni’s added the Moringa curry to the menu. I spend a lot of time in the kubu, writing. So peaceful. It doesn’t get any better. But I’ll always ditch the laptop for a trek….
Cremation Ceremony. Its been a lesson in celebrating life.
Our village has been immersed in the incredibly complex, ancient ritual of a cremation ceremony over the last three weeks. Its hard work for everyone, but it comes with laughs, respect and celebration of life.
I scribbled down my personal musings most days…. here’s a few tales for anyone interested in life as the only ‘tamu’ (foreigner) in a very traditional Bali village.
When I’m short of time in Ubud there’s only two stores I like to drop in to….
Atelier Manis is right next door to Dewangga on Jl Dewi Sita. Think Japanese peasant style with a sharp eye. Beautiful original designs and fabrics. Timeless pieces. I bought my black and white spot skirt here… the one you see in all of my photos all over the world for the last 4 years! They don’t like photos taken in the store, (fair enough) so check out their FB page.
Ikat Batik Indigo House is pure textile heaven. Using only pure indigo sourced sustainably, its an emporium that celebrates handcrafted work in a modern way. The homewares are particularly stunning. Its not cheap, there’s no bargaining, you’re buying quality works. Awful website so just drop into the store. Its on Monkey Forest Road, quite close to the forest.
What’s coming up that you need to book ahead for?
TedxUbud Oct 13
Ubud Writers Festival 23-27 October
Bali Insiders Fitness Retreat Nov 2-6
Write A Bestseller Bali Retreat 11th-15th February 2020
The two questions I’m asked the most…..
Can you recommend a good driver? YES! Komang is the nicest, safest driver who knows all of my favourite places. He can do the airport transfers, organise tours all over Bali including a sunrise volcano climb or our village trekking day out. I’m happy to share his details any time. Contact Komang via WAPP 62 819 1642 7868 Messenger FB
Any tips on fave spas in Ubud? Yes! All the details in this blogpost.
Have a place/cafe/spa/activity/person around Ubud that you’d like to recommend or maybe want checked out? Email me the details and I’ll do my best to check it out.
