Attractions
As a holiday destination, we reckon Bali caters for just about everyone - it has scuba diving, surfing, art, bushwalking, nightlife, a volcano, shopping, sunbathing, Balinese Hinduism, massages, good food, tropical gardens, sunbaking, affordability, rice terraces, friendly people (it's a cliche but it's true!) and more! Below are some resources for those looking to learn more about what to do on "Pulau Dewata" (the Island of the Gods).
Pre- and post-wedding events
Luke & Leli's friends, Rowan and Brynna, have kindly volunteered to organise some events for friends and family before and/or after the wedding. If you're interested in joining, get in touch with Rowan or Brynna through Luke or Leli.
Some suggested events include:
Friday 25 September – Dinner at Café Wayan, Ubud
It seems like there are quite a few of us coming from overseas and different parts of Indonesia that don’t know each other yet. We thought we’d organize a dinner a couple of days beforehand so those of us who are in the country already can meet. Friday seems like the best date to choose, but Café Wayan and Ubud are just a suggestion. If you’d rather find something closer to the wedding location (maybe a fresh seafood dinner on the beach in Jimbaran) just let us know. RSVP or send ideas to Brynna or Rowan (via Luke or Leli).
Temple ceremony
There’s a chance Brynna’s Balinese dance teacher might be taking her to a temple ceremony in her village shortly before or after Luke and Leli’s wedding. Whether or not it ends up happening, where exactly it happens or at what time will probably only be confirmed a few days beforehand. Again, if you’re interested in coming along email Brynna (via Luke or Leli) and she’ll keep you posted.
Besakih temple
No definite plans to visit, but if a few people are interested, contact Brynna or Rowan (via Luke or Leli) so they can organize a day trip to the temple with a few other bits and pieces added in along the way. Possible dates if people are interested in this could be the Friday or Thursday before the wedding. Or some time afterwards, depending on when people plan to arrive.
Brynna's Guide to Ubud
Ubud, inland hills of Bali
Luke & Leli's friend, Brynna, has spent a fair bit of time in Ubud and has a few things to recommend for friends and family who are planning on heading up to this beautiful inland Balinese town (about one hour from the airport).
- Stay at the Ubud Inn (details in the Accommodation section of this website).
- Organise a guided tour with Brynna's friend Putu. You can get his contact details from Leli or Luke. He works at Ubud Inn but often helps out with other projects as well (including Brynna’s mum’s yoga trips to Bali). He speaks English well and is a lot of fun (he loves Queen and knows most of their songs by heart). He may not be available because of work commitments, but is worth getting in touch with for advice, transport, tours etc.
- Drop into Salon Nur if you want to treat yourself to a wonderful massage in a cute little bungalow (usually followed by a bath in aromatic petals). They also do pedicures etc. Contact number is +62 361 075 352.
- For food, try one or more of Tutmak, Café Wayan (www.alamindahbali.com/cafe_wayan.htm), Indus (www.casalunabali.com), Dirty Duck (www.agungraka.com/bebekbengil) or the Three Monkeys, Monkey Forest Rd.
All of these restaurants serve a mix of great local and international food – all of which is delicious. Tutmak is great in the afternoons, it’s open-air, near shops and a soccer field, also has free wi-fi. At Dirty Duck you can head out the back at night and sit cross legged at cute tables overlooking the paddy fields, Café Wayan have a similar set up which is also beautiful but no paddy fields. Indus is probably slightly pricier than the others but food is amazing and the restaurant is also beautiful. The Three Monkeys is particularly lovely at night, but the food is good at any time. Just a short distance from Ubud Inn.
- For cheaper/local eats, try Mangga Madu or a "rumah makan padang". Mangga Madu is in Ubud but is a bit of a walk from the main Monkey Forest drag (just ask people when you’re there). "Rumah makan padang" literally means Padang restaurant and refers to a kind of place to eat. The food is cooked and kept out on shelves, so it's best not to go to one that looks quiet. But Balinese will know what you mean if you ask them to recommend one.
- Make sure you try an avocado juice (with a twist of chocolate if available)!
Brynna's Guide to Out-of-the-way Places in Bali
Subak Tabola Inn - Sideman (http://baliwww.com/hotel/hotel_detail/overview/1311il/overview/1311" target="_blank">www.com/hotel/hotel_detail/overview/1311)
A stunning hotel up in the mountains, about half way between Ubud and Besakih (the mother temple of Bali). Person to contact re bookings is Sami (speaks English well) on his mobile phone: +62 813 3872 6417. Usually very quiet, because it is so out of the way, and advertising is through word of mouth. Let them know Ibu Chris recommended them. Perfect for complete relaxation, walking – the scenery is amazing! – swimming and eating delicious freshly cooked food (I mean super fresh! Make sure you order an hour or two in advance, because they’ll go to the market to buy everything). Costs around Rp.270,000 a night - approx. ($40AUD). Very helpful staff if you want advice re walks or anything else.
Cempaka Belimbing Villas - Belimbing (www.cempakabelimbing.com)
A small boutique hotel up in the hills and out of the way (some Balinese are not quite sure where it is!). Each room is named after a different fruit. Beautiful pool and great place for walking.
Puri Lumbung Cottages - Munduk (www.purilumbung.com)
Also up in the hills, can get a bit chilly but is very cute and out of the way. Great area for walking.
Lovely spots in the north east if you are interested in diving/snorkeling - about 2 and a half, three hours from Ubud - no hawkers or shopping areas.
Taman Sari - Pemuteran
(www.balitamansari.com)
Pondok sari - Pemuteran (http://pondoksaribungalow.com/index.htm)
Damai Lovina Villas
(www.damai.com)
If you want to treat yourself to an expensive but absolutely amazing gourmet dining and holiday experience then this is place to go for a night! It’s in the hinterlands of the Northern coast and you can watch the sun setting over the sea as you sit by the pool. It only has eight villas and super comfy pool lounges. (Brynna’s parents went there recently for their wedding anniversary and were given the most amazingly carved watermelon wishing them a happy anniversary).
Candidasa… quiet beach and Bali Aga
A quieter beach area on the East coast. Lots of little restaurants. Doesn’t have a lot in the way of shopping but is good for walking or visiting the ‘Bali Aga’ village nearby (traditional pre-Hindu Balinese village) which has some fantastic weaving for sale.
Kelapa Mas (http://baliwww.com/homestay/homestay_detail/overview/543ail/overview/543" target="_blank">www.com/homestay/homestay_detail/overview/543)
A cute little place, that is very reasonably priced.
Alam Asmara(http://baliwww.com/homestay/homestay_detail/overview/543.htmlverview/543.html" target="_blank">www.com/homestay/homestay_detail/overview/543.html)
A boutique hotel with 12 bungalows that’s a bit more up market and looks expensive on the internet but apparently can pay around US$50 per night if you contact them directly / just turn up. Can organise diving from here.
Ida Beach Village
(http://baliwww.com/bali/roomfinder/idabvcandidasa.htmabvcandidasa.htm" target="_blank">www.com/bali/roomfinder/idabvcandidasa.htm)
Bit out of the centre of town so need transport to get into town at night.
Island hopping outside Bali
If you want recommendations of places to stay in Lombok (the island just next to Bali), Jakarta, or Yogyakarta (in Java) feel free to contact Brynna and Rowan (via Luke or Leli).
If you’re interested in something a bit different in other parts of Indonesia, you’re also welcome to contact Brynna and Rowan for ideas. e.g. want to spend a night in an Islamic boarding school, or visit a fantastic women’s NGO, micro-credit organisation or university. Places they have contacts in/ideas about would include Bali, Lombok, Java, Ambon (Maluku, Eastern Indonesia), Makassar and a couple of other cities in Sulawesi, various places in Sumatera, and some parts of Kalimantan.
Brynna also travelled to Sumba and Sumbawa a few years ago now, but can let you know what it was like if you’re thinking about either of those places.
The Natural Guide to Bali
The Natural Guide to Bali is a useful guidebook for those interested in ecologically sustainable and socially responsible tourism on the island.
Lonely Planet PDF Chapters
You can download individual chapters (in PDF form) from the Lonely Planet Bali Guide. A good resource and only a few dollars each.
