Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 102)
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Places I Wish I Was Going This Year
Although I’m VERY very very happy to be full time travelling again, things aren’t quite how I would like them. Firstly, I would like to spend more time in Asia before heading to Europe. Secondly, because we are planning to get to Panama as soon as possible for financial reasons, we wont be spending as long in Europe as I would have liked.
As such, there are quite a few places I wish I was going to this year, that I’ll have to leave for next year. If you’re wanting some travel inspiration or just wondering what would be high on my list for this year, here we go: the places I wish I was going this year but will probably go next year:
Dubrovnik:
I’ve been to Croatia before, but only Zagreb and the Plitvice lakes, both of which I really liked. Initially I had planned to go to Dubrovnik, but simply ran out of time. It looks stunning and like somewhere I’d love to linger for a little while. It is relatively cheap to get to Dubrovnik from anywhere in Europe, and with services such as www.gatwickparking.com, getting to the airport and abroad has never been easier. Oh, I am also under the impression that some of the Game Of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik, which would make it really surreal to visit some of the sets I have seen in the show.
Krakow:
Another destination I had planned to visit but simply never made it to. When I was living in the Czech Republic, I heard wonderful things about Krakow. People told me it was, in some ways, the way Prague was before the mass influx of tourists. Prices were cheap, buildings were beautiful and there was a lot of old world charm. Unfortunately, from where I lived in the Czech Republic, Krakow was just a bit too far away to justify the trip, but it’s still very high on my list.
Las Vegas:
There’s a small chance I’ll make it to Las Vegas this year, but it depends a lot on the flights we get to Panama. I never really had any interest in visiting Las Vegas, but my friend Bethaney at Flashpackerfamily.com LOVES Vegas and has been numerous times. From all the wonderful things she’s said about Vegas, I am now very keen to visit this city. It’s also somewhere I’d like to visit while I am young so I can make the most of it.
Marrakesh:
This is somewhere I’ve already been before, but when I went to Morocco the first time around I wasn’t really in the right frame of mind to appreciate how unusual and magical this country is. Yes, parts of it is are quite abrasive, but the sights, smells and colours around you are intoxicating. I would actually love to re-visit all places I went to in Morocco, as well as spending some time on the coast.
There are so many places to see and so many places I wish I could add to this year’s itinerary. Where are some places you’d LOVE to go this year but will just have to leave for now? Let me know in the comments below.
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Tips for Visiting Kuta, Bali and Enjoying it
I’ll be honest – on my first trip to Kuta I didn’t like it. I swore to never return again.
However, the surf there is great, so when I was planning this trip with my partner, Ben, I knew it was somewhere we just had to visit.
This time around, I really enjoyed Kuta… I think partially because I was expecting the worst and was constantly surprised by how fun I found it to be. I have some tips for visiting Kuta, Bali, to ensure that you make the most of this challenging, yet very interesting part of Bali.
1) Stay Somewhere With a Pool
This might sound ridiculous when you have a beautiful beach only a few minutes from where you’re staying, but sometimes you’ll want to enjoy the quiet of a pool – far away from the hustle and bustle of touts. When I stayed at Terrace Hotel in Kuta I actually spent a little more time than I’d like to admit by the pool and it was wonderful because it allowed me to relax and enjoy Kuta without feeling completely overwhelmed.
2) Expect Some Hustling
There is constant hustling in Kuta, from men on the side walk wanting to sell you Viagra or Xanax, to women shoving pamplets for massages in your face as you walk down the street. They could be a little more discrete, and unlike other parts of Bali that are more relaxed, the touts feel a bit relentless here.
As someone who works in sales myself, I understand the drive to constantly persist in making a sale. However, it can be annoying when all you want to do is walk down the sidewalk. I suggest remaining polite, acknowledging them with a ‘no thank you’ (or better yet, a firm ‘tidak’ – no in Indonesian).
Do not indulge in any ‘maybes’ or ‘later’ or ‘tomorrow’ because they will remember you and scoul you if you do not want to buy from them later. If they persist, do not acknowledge them or entertain them. Just continue walking. It might seem ‘rude’ but it’s the best way to get them to move onto the next victim.
3) Eat at Some Warungs
There are a lot of great eateries in Kuta – you’ll be spoiled for choice. I really enjoyed eating in Warungs as they tend to be excellent value and offer some interesting local cuisines. Because Kuta, and Bali in general, is such a popular tourist destination many of the menus have been designed to a standard you would expect at home. I really liked Warung Mina, on Legian St. It was cheap, delicious and the staff were ridiculously friendly.
4) Give Yourself Some Time to Relax
More than anywhere I’ve visited in Bali, I felt the need to relax in Kuta. I had massages on almost a daily occurrence, and it was the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle outside. As a general sign, the busier the spa the better. If you turn up and they say they’re busy and you need to wait 30 mins, book it in. I had a pretty average massage experience in Kuta and wish I had just waited for the other place. Many of the massage/nail shops are open until midnight, so you have plenty of time to fit one in.
5) Bare in Mind Internet’s Probably Average at Best
As someone who works online and tries to keep her blog alive no matter where she is, I found it very frustrating when I would find somewhere that offered Internet / free WIFI but it would take 20 minutes to load a page. In my experience, Gloria Jeans cafes offer the best WIFI in Kuta, and there are a few of them scattered about. Although the coffee is somewhat pricey by local standards, it can be worth it if you need to send a few emails or update your blog. Your hotel might have decent WIFI, but just in case…
Have you ever been to Kuta before? What are your tips for visiting Kuta, Bali? I’d love to hear them!
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Why the local church just isn’t enough anymore
Getting married has always been both an exciting, and slightly stressful, time for both the husband and wife to be. With all the planning surrounding the big day, as well as where to go on the honeymoon, many couples are now choosing to combine the two. Having your wedding abroad may seem like the ideal solution, but it is worth bearing in mind that it’s essential to stick to a budget.
Islands such as Bora Bora and the Maldives make beautiful wedding destinations, but if you want to get married somewhere that is known for its romance, you could get married in Paris.
In France, a marriage is only legally binding if you have a civil ceremony. You can still have a religious ceremony, but you must have a civil ceremony first if you want the marriage to be legal. One key thing to remember however, is that to get legally married in Paris, you have to provide a certain amount of documentation and have lived there for 40 days first.
If all this is sorted, there are a number of locations you can chose for your venue. Paris has many churches which are available for weddings, such as St. Michaels Church and The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. It is not possible however, to get married at the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Paris is an ideal location to have a wedding as it is easier for guests to get there as opposed to other more distant locations. The use of a quick flight or the Euro Star will enable you to invite more people to your day, but remember to make sure that your venue can accommodate everyone.
Venice is a wonderful city to get married in due to its stunning architecture and the fact the city sits on water. The Palazzo Cavalli is great location for those looking for a civil ceremony as it stands in one of the most picturesque locations of Venice. If you want a more religious wedding, the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and St. Mark’s Basilica, the Cathedral of Venice, are two exceptional locations to have your day at.
Although it may seem like a cliché, taking a ride on a gondola is something that should be done in Venice, and if you want to explore more unusual attractions, visit the Acqua Alta Bookshop or explore the Bovolo Staircase.
Costa Rica is another beautiful location to have a wedding. The Springs Resort and Spa can help you arrange your wedding and the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort also offers numerous wedding packages. The Love in Paradise package allows you to get married in your own private bungalow in the heart of Costa Rica’s rain forest.
Costa Rica is a beautiful place, and if you are combining your wedding and honeymoon there are numerous things to do here. Costa Rica is known for its volcanoes, so it’s worth taking a day or two to see a few of them. Irazu Volcano is the tallest in Costa Rica and is still active, last erupting in 1963.
It is important to remember that flights to Costa Rica are expensive, so it may be worth letting your guests know in advance so they have time to save!
There are a lot of positives for getting married abroad. The weather is generally better, you have the ease of allowing guests to book for themselves, it ties in with being a holiday and it also gives you a different cultural slant, but it’s important to remember that certain places do have legal requirements. Make sure you also look at how to pack your wedding dress and the groom’s suit in order to get them there as crease-free as possible; little things like this can make a big difference to your wedding day.
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Hotel Terrace at Kuta Review
Located moments from anything you could need; the beach, shopping malls, streets lined with shops offering massages and beauty treatments, Hotel Terrace at Kuta is a great place to stay when you like to be centrally located but still get an incredible night’s sleep. Despite being located on a busy, lively street, I never once had a problem hearing noise during the evenings.
I first found out about Hotel Terrace on TripAdvisor where I noticed that it was rated as the best place to stay in Kuta, so decided to check it out:
The Hotel Terrace at Kuta Review
The hotel is very clean and modern, which is something I really appreciate. It had a relaxed vibe, with a great mix of other guests, including families, married couples and groups of friends. You’ll be hard pressed to find better value than Hotel Terrace, especially considering how nice the rooms are. Oh, and did I mention the beautiful pool?
The pool is really something special.
The Hotel Terrace at Kuta Experience
As per usual, I arrived a little earlier than check-in and while my room was not yet ready, the staff invited me to sit by the pool while I enjoyed my welcome drink. It didn’t take long before my room was ready and I was escorted upstairs to my beautiful room. During my stay, each and every staff member went out of their way to ensure I had everything I needed: from an extra key to help finding a pharmacy, nothing was too much hassle.
Each morning there’s a buffet breakfast on offer which covers your basics as well as a few local dishes which is a nice touch. I am a big fan of Balinese coffee so being able to refill my cup as much as I like is a great way for me to start my day.
The highlight of this room, aside from its fantastic location, is the beautiful pool. It’s set up so that you can easily lounge by the pool for hours on end.
The Room
It was so comfortable, clean and modern – the bathroom was ‘inside’ the room but still very private due to the frosty glass, it was a very cool feature. There was a large LCD TV with lots of channels, a mini bar, tea and coffee facilities and a cute little balcony overlooking the pool. One thing I always notice when I’m staying in a hotel is whether there’s much space to put your bags as I tend to overpack. Hotel Terrace at Kuta had ample space for my luggage which I really liked.
My room was on the top floor overlooking the pool. There are also some rooms that are ‘flush’ with the pool on the ground floor. I personally preferred the room with the balcony as my partner occasionally likes to smoke and it was a little more private for that purpose. However, I think it would be quite neat to walk one meter from your room and be staring at the edge of that beautiful pool – what a way to wake up!
Book this hotel if…
You like great value, clean, modern and comfortable rooms and beautiful pools! This hotel is perfect for any type of traveler, from business to family traveler. It’s one of the few places I’ve visited where I get the impression it should cost a lot more than it does.
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Things to do in Kuta – WaterBom
Before we came to Bali, I spent a bit of time researching things to do so we could fit a lot into our relatively short time here. One of the first things I discovered for the first time, despite visiting Bali before, was that there was an insane waterpark, called Waterbom. This is Asia’s largest waterpark and the 5th biggest in the world, so needless to say I was very excited.
Because we knew we were definitely going to spend at least one day at Waterbom, we decided to pick a hotel that was close enough to Waterbom Waterpark that we could go home and have a break during the middle of our day. I find it very tiring being in the sun during the middle of the day so the Bali Rani Kuta was the perfect location for us. We really enjoyed our stay, so if you’re looking for accommodation near Waterbom, look no further.
I’ve been to a few waterparks before, but this was by far the most fun and most terrifying. The first ride we went on is called the “Climax” and is essentially a ride where you get into a tube and count down until the ground beneath you falls and you go flying through the tube. At one point you even do a loop, but I was so terrified I didn’t notice.
Afterwards I was still shaking for a good few minutes – something that’s never happened before after a slide before! It was one of those experiences that was equal parts thrilling and terrifying, and I’m really glad I did it.
Throughout the day we tried to sample most rides including the lazy river (pretty chilled) the Boomerang, the Python, the Smashdown, the Green Vipers and many more. My favourite was probably the Green Viper and I also really liked the Super Bowl ride as it was a two person ride and quite hilarious to see Ben’s reaction to things.
Tips For Enjoying WaterBom
Bring Enough Cash: They have a system here where you can preload money onto a card to spend on things such as lockers, drinks, meals and towel hire. You need to put pretty large deposits for the keys etc, leaving very little money to spend on drinks or snacks. I would suggest bringing around 1 Million Rupiah for two people, so you have enough money to cover what you want.
Know That You Can Leave: You’ll need to ask for an access band to leave, but you can leave. You can also take your locker key etc with you, so if you stay somewhere nearby like we did at the Bali Rani, then you can easily nip ‘home’ for an hour or two to have something to eat, to reapply sunscreen or just to have a bit of a break. We found this to be a really great feature and it doesn’t cost anymore than a standard pass.
Don’t Wear Shorts With Metal Bits on Them: I made the mistake of wearing some shorts that had little metal domes on both sides, which meant I couldn’t ride the rides, so had to take them off. Thankfully I had swimming togs on underneath so could still ride, but if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been allowed on! I saw heaps of people with their boardshorts on backwards and thought it was really weird, but it was actually because they had been asked to turn them around to ensure the back of their shorts were smooth. Check before you go!
All in all Waterbom was one of the best theme parks I’ve ever been to hands down and I had so much fun I’m even considering revisiting before we leave.
Where’s the best theme park you’ve been to? I feel like I want to see them all!
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5 Things You Should Know Before You Visit Europe
I love Europe – I really do. There’s just so much crammed into a compact space. From laid-back Lisbon to beautiful Budapest, Europe really has it all. History, culture, great food, fashion, art… I could go on and on. I have lived in two places in Europe – first in a small town in the Czech Republic for six months and then again for 2 months in Madrid, Spain. I am very excited about my upcoming trip to Europe in September and I wanted to let you know some things before you visit Europe:
1) Coaches Are the Way to Go For Short Trips
In many parts of Europe trains are actually relatively expensive. I do love traveling by train, but when I am seeking great value I always book a coach – they often have WIFI and many of them have toilets on board so you can be comfortable the whole trip. For short trips, under 6 hours, I prefer to travel by coach than to fly because of all the hassle getting to the airport, being there in advance, checking in and so forth. Many people dismiss traveling by coach when they book a trip to Europe and I think that’s a big mistake. You can easily take a coach from Paris to London for a very reasonable fare.
2) Budapest is Sorely Underrated
I have no idea why – but people rarely talk about Budapest. When I booked tickets to Budapest I wasn’t expecting much.. actually I had no idea what to expect because I had never heard anyone talk about it. It quickly became one of my favourite cities. I found a beautiful cafe (called New York cafe) that is so classic and romantic that I could linger there for hours. I wound up in some of the most fun clubs in all of Europe. The buildings are absolutely stunning and it’s ridiculously cheap.
3) Eating in Cafes Costs More
While in Paris and other parts of Europe I often noticed a surcharge for sitting in the cafe rather than taking away. I also noticed that ‘good seats’ cost more. If you’re on a budget, you might prefer to have that croissant to take away! Of course there are times where it is more appropriate to sit and enjoy your meal, but if you’re just getting a bite to eat why not take it away to a lovely park and enjoy people-watching and saving a few euros.
4) Public Toilets Might Cost
Coming from New Zealand where tap water and public toilets are free… I was sorely disappointed by some of the fees to use the public toilets in Paris. 3 Euros to go to the bathroom? Really? That’s the same price as an hour long massage in Bali. I found it a bit hard to understand the logic, but I guess public toilets are a business in Europe!
5) Toll Roads Can Burn a Hole in the Wallet
I did a road trip throughout France a few years ago and while it was a lovely experience, it felt like every 20 mins we would drive through a road toll and have to pay 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Euros. We opted for the quickest route which was probably the most expensive. When I’m traveling through Europe this time around I’ll do some research to find a cost-effective way to get around.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re next in Europe and you’re sure to have a wonderful time. If you’ve been before, diid you find anything strange about Europe?
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What Bali Has Taught Me About Life
This is my third trip to Bali, but the longest one. I am here for a month total, with a small side trip to the Gillis which is technically a part of Lombok. Bali is different to the rest of Indonesia. Indonesia and Bali have different religions, but I don’t think that’s why Bali is so different. It just feels different.
By the time I arrived in Bali, I was really stressed. Packing up an entire apartment, selling away your possessions and saying goodbye to friends and family without a time to return is hard. Really hard. Despite having a wonderful adventure ahead of me, goodbyes are the worst.
Life in Bali is very different to New Zealand and simply crossing the road or a conversation with a lady who’s doing my nails illustrates the point. Bali has taught me a lot about life and I’d like to share some of what Bali has taught me about life:
1) Slow Down
Aside from some of the crazy motorcycle riders, most people in Bali simply live life at a slower pace. Things take longer here, but it’s not a cause of frustration. Last night I wanted a massage so went to my favourite place here in Kuta and there was a 20 minute wait. I noticed two men asleep on the massage chairs, I thought perhaps they were waiting for their partners to finish a treatment. Nope, they were waiting for a massage too and had just decided to take a nap. This would never happen in New Zealand! If we had to wait so long for a massage that we could have a decide nap, we would be furious. Here things are a lot slower, more relaxed and a bit more casual, I like it.
2) No Worries
We had a problem dropping off a motorbike to the shop owner: he simply wasn’t there when we had mentioned we would be dropping it off. We had to go to a different hotel in a different area so we left the motorbike there and took the key and two helmets with us. We returned them the next day, a full day after we were supposed to return everything. The owner didn’t apologise for not being there and we didn’t apologise for returning the gear a day later. In New Zealand, the shop owner would be there, for certain and if we returned gear a day late, we’d probably be charged. It wasn’t even discussed, he just asked if we wanted to rent it for another day..
Nothing’s a problem here. Want to ride down the wrong side of the road, on the footpath, whatever. No worries.
3) Family is Big
If you have a conversation with a Balinese, one of the first questions they’ll ask is about your family: are you married, do you have children, what ‘number’ child are you? (Here in Bali there is a specific name for the children based on birth order, so it’s important). If you ask a Balinese about their family, they will glow and gush about their children, siblings and parents. It’s really sweet and not something that comes up anywhere near as quickly in Bali.
4) That Things Happen Exactly as They Should
The Balinese believe in reincarnation, that if you don’t do the ‘homework’ or lessons you’re supposed to in this life, you’ll come back again to work through them. They believe that things can often be tests of character or challenges. So when things happen, they feel more like they were ‘supposed’ to happen that way or needed to, which gives them an advantage of people who think that bad things are just bad luck. I think this attitude contributes to their relaxed nature in dealing with things.
What countries have you been to that have taught you life lessons that you’ve tried to take on board?
I love the Balinese way of life and would love to spend a lot more time here.
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Top Places to Visit While on a French River Cruise in Bordeaux
Together with Germany and several other countries, France represents the very core of Europe – and not only from a geographical point of view. France is the heart of Europe with its love for culture, great appreciation for beauty and rich history. Visiting this country is special in itself, but visiting it on a river cruise can be an unforgettable experience. French river cruises in Bordeaux are a great way to explore this area.
There are many types of river cruises in France and in Europe in general. Some of them will also stop in Bordeaux – and it would be a real pity not to visit at least some of the beauties there. Here’s a list of attractions in Bordeaux that will take your breath away.
The Churches
France is a country deeply rooted in its Catholicism and you will see that at every corner. You don’t have to be a religious person to appreciate the grandeur of the French-Catholic churches. The intricate architecture, the grandness of their height, the history behind them – all these things ensure these are some of the best churches in the world.
One of the churches you will definitely not want to miss out on when in Bordeaux is the Bordeaux Cathedral. Built almost 1000 years ago (in 1096, actually), this is one of those buildings that have the power to make you feel very small. Again, you don’t have to be a Catholic or to be religious in any way to be amazed by the grand design and by the complex architecture of this church.
Also, do not forget about visiting Basilica of Saint Michael. This church is much more recent than the Cathedral itself, but it is equally beautiful. Built between the 14th and the 16th century, the Saint Michael Basilica in Bordeaux’s pulpit shows Saint Michael slaying the dragon. The outer architecture, as well as the interior décor are absolutely stunning and a must visit.
The Museums
There is something almost magical about just how much the French love their museums. As mentioned before, France is a country that treasures its past a lot and a country that knows that its culture is its identity – and for this reason, you will find beautiful museums in almost all the major spots in the country.
If you are among those passionate about history, you will love Musee d’Acquitaine. Featuring objects related to the history of Bordeaux and Acquitaine, this museum is one of those spots that can be extremely interesting. Basically, it will be a glimpse into the past of an entire region of France.
Also, if you want to see some stunning pieces of art, do make sure to visit Musee de Beaux-Arts Bordeaux. As one of the largest arts museums in the country (outside of Paris), it will definitely have plenty to offer for those who are into arts.
We’re heading to France later in the year and I can’t wait to explore more of this wonderful country.
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Where I Stayed – Bali Rani Kuta
As someone who has travelled extensively, there are a few things I look for in a hotel. Of course comfort and great service comes up high on the list, but also the location matters a lot to me. I prefer to be in a good location so that I can walk to a lot of places. This saves money on transport, but it also allows greater freedom – you can come and go as you please.
Bali Rani in Kuta has one of the best locations that I’ve ever stayed in – it’s literally right across the road from a large shopping centre, 2 minutes down the road from the biggest waterpark in Asia, Waterbom, and a minute’s walk to the beach. There’s great restaurants lining the street, a bunch of Minimarts and anything else you could need within a few minutes in any direction. This hotel seriously is the best location to stay in Kuta.
Bali Rani Kuta Review
When I first arrived at Bali Rani I was a little apprehensive: the hotel is on a main road, so I wondered if that might deter from the relaxing holiday experience we had planned. Nope. The foyer is grand, decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures. The staff greeted us with a smile and check-in was a breeze. Within moments I had forgotten the hotel was on a main road.
Walking towards our room, we saw a beautiful outdoor seating area surrounded by a lillypad pond, that was full of vibrant fish. There were lush trees all around and this hotel felt more like a nature reserve in parts than a hotel.
The room was well appointed and had ample space for suitcases, which is always appreciated when traveling as it prevents clutter in the room.
Please note the reason the bed is messy is because we immediately laid down on it – and then I realised I had to take a photo haha!
One of the things I noticed immediately about the Rani Bali was the clear eco-friendly intentions. This is a hotel that cares about the environment, while wanting to maintain a high level of service. The toilet was a modern bidet style toilet, there were little notes dotted across the room with suggestions on how to minimise the environmental impact of your stay, if you so wished. It was a really nice touch and I felt happy to be in a hotel that was concerned about the environment, too.
The room also featured a large flat screen TV, a mini bar which was quite reasonable priced, a sweet little balcony overlooking the pond, and aircon which was on when we arrived in the room – a nice touch.
There’s a large pool area by the cafe where the buffet breakfast is served. It was so relaxing down here that I came here to sunbathe and to work. The breakfast was a considerable spread that varied daily, so we were able to try a lot of new things.
This hotel is perfect for families wanting somewhere where they can unwind and relax, and for couples who want a private oasis moments from Kuta’s main attractions.
Have you ever been to Kuta, Bali? What did you think?
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Top Things to do in Ubud
This was my third visit to Ubud and it’s easily one of my favourite places in Asia, despite not being close to a beach. There’s a soulful kind of feeling to Ubud and it’s easy to linger here, enjoying the friendly people, great food and beautiful scenery.
Ubud is one of those places where you go to be, rather than to jam pack your schedule filled with things. It is the perfect retreat after a long flight or a few too many Bitangs in Kuta.
I really enjoyed my time in Ubud and here’s my list of top things to do in Ubud:
Monkey Forest:
Monkey forest is a bit crazy… as the name suggests it’s a forest that’s completely overrun with monkeys. While it’s a great place to visit, it’s a bit chaotic. These monkeys are a bit aggressive, so I suggest you leave any food that you don’t want them to steal in your hotel. When I was just walking by Monkey Forest a few years ago, a monkey stole my croissant! It’s an amazing place to visit.
Go for a Swim:
Despite being a cooler part of Bali, Ubud still gets pretty hot. The best way to beat the heat? In a pool! Where we stayed in Ubud the Rijasa Agung had one of the nicest infinity pools I’ve ever seen, over looking the lush forest and some rice paddy fields. It was the perfect way to start each day and very relaxing. It was really nice to have a pool with such incredible views and felt very special.
Do Some Yoga:
There’s a large following of Yogis that flock to Ubud to perfect their practice and enjoy the relaxed vibe Ubud has to offer. There’s quite a few different places to try yoga, but the most popular seems to be Yoga Barn. It is a really beautiful setting and there are a range of classes so you can find something that suits your level.
Eat, Eat, Eat!
In my experience, Ubud has some of the best food on offer in Bali and also boosts some very competitive prices. While there I tried the most incredible Sushi at Torro Sushi. My other favourites are Clear Cafe which boasts a really beautiful setting and Soma. Both Clear Cafe and Soma offer vegetarian and raw options, if you’re looking to cleanse or detox.
Visit Some Rice Paddy Fields:
Although tourism has swept over the small island of Bali, there are still parts that are a testament to how things used to be. The rice paddy fields are quickly being replaced by villas and restaurants. In Ubud it is possible to wander down random streets and find yourself looking out to large rice paddy fields, but I don’t know how long this will remain true with the rapid development. We headed to Tegallalang rice terrace, which is absolutely stunning. It’s just slightly north of Ubud and definitely worth the visit.
As always, I loved my visit to Ubud and I am even tempted to return again while on this trip.
If you’ve been to Ubud before I’d love to hear what you really enjoyed, let me know in the comments below.
