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Bali

Ubud: Praety Homestay – Cozy guesthouse with delicious breakfast

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne March 1, 2024
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud

When I’m in Ubud I always try to book at least a couple of days at Praety Homestay. It’s a beautiful guesthouse surrounded by lots of greenery, and the breakfast, which is included in the room rate, doesn’t come much better.

There’s both a Praety 1 and a Praety 2, and they’re both located down tiny alleys, not too far from each other. The rooms look the same, and the breakfast is also similar, so it doesn’t really matter at which Praety you stay. And let’s talk more about the breakfast, because that’s what really makes Praety stand out.

The breakfast menu has a nice selection of dishes to choose from, but 9 out of 10 times I would order banana pancakes or pineapple pancakes because they’re amazing. In fact they are so good that last time I stayed at Praety, I asked if I could sneak into the kitchen and see how they’re made. Turns out it’s just pancake mix, but add banana and pineapple, and you get Bali’s best pancakes 🙂 Sometimes I also order omelet or scrambled eggs for variation, and on one of my last days at my previous visit, I tried the black rice pudding, and it was so delicious I regret I didn’t try that one before. You also have a choice between fruit juice or mixed fruit salad. They’re both delicious, but the mixed fruit salad is amazing with the pancakes and beautifully plated, so I’ll suggest you order that one.

The rooms have beautiful doors and a nice porch where I would spend a lot of time reading books, enjoying my breakfast or a cup of tea. The family who runs the guesthouse, is very friendly and happy to help you with any questions you may have, and it is my impression that most of the guest staying at Praety are there for quite a while, so there are plenty of opportunities get to know other travelers, which is great if you’re traveling solo and want to socialize. Though Praety isn’t a party hotel. When I was there, the clientele was more of the yoga/Eat Pray Love kind that is commonly drawn to Ubud.

Both Praetys are located along Jl. Sukma Kesuma, which is a nice, rather busy, street with plenty of restaurants and warungs within walking distance, including You & Mie, which is a wonderful little noodle shop with delicious food. If you’re in Ubud for Yoga Barn Praety is a little too far for walking, especially if you go to Yoga Barn several times each day which I usually do, but you can always take a motorbike taxi or rent your own.

The only thing I’m not super happy about regarding Praety is that the wi-fi is sometimes super slow. It’s a common thing at most of the cheaper guesthouses and hotels in Bali, so I usually buy a sim card with lots of data and use my phone to get online.

The rooms are cleaned every day and so are the outdoor areas, but don’t freak out if you see the occasional cockroach in the bathroom. It’s common at most guesthouses and hotels in Bali. Cockroaches tend to make less frequent appearances on higher floors, so if it’s a big concern, try to get one of the superior rooms one stair up.

There’s no pool at Praety but I’m not much of a pool person anyway, so I don’t mind, because everything else is amazing.

When I’ve been staying at Praety, I’ve booked directly with the family that runs it, and I think I paid around $10 a night, but if you book online through one of the big booking sites, it’s more expensive.

Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
Bali: Praety Homestay - A Cozy Guesthouse in Ubud
March 1, 2024

Fresh! Spa – The cutest spa in Ubud

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne January 28, 2024
Fresh! - The cutest spa in Ubud

Fresh! is a cute little spa in Ubud. The spa specializes in natural treatments and skin solutions, attracting a loyal crowd of those interested in holistic wellness and natural beauty practices. The spa is very popular, and it took me a while to realize that my usual spontaneous walk-in approach to spa treatments wouldn’t work, and that I needed to make an appointment.

Fresh! Spa offers a wide range of treatments, including massages, body scrubs, facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair treatments. Many of the products used for the spa treatments are handmade in Bali, and they have their own line of infused almond oil used for massage.

I had the Herbal Foot Spa treatment, which was absolutely divine. The treatment includes a herbal foot soak with chocolate and different kinds of herbs and spices as well as a warm shoulder pack. You also get a hot stone foot and leg massage which works wonders for tired feet.

The spa’s setting is quaint and inviting, like a little oasis in an otherwise busy part of Ubud, and it smells so good in there. You get a complimentary hydrating face mask with every treatment, and afterwards, there a soothing cup of ginger tea and a rice cake and chocolate snack waiting for you.

This is by far the best spa I’ve tried in Ubud. They’re slightly more expensive than most of the other spa/massage places in Ubud, but still very affordable, and a lot cheaper than spas at home (at least if home is US or Europe).

Fresh! Spa, Jl. Dewisita, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Fresh! - The cutest spa in Ubud
Fresh! - The cutest spa in Ubud
Fresh! - The cutest spa in Ubud
Fresh! - The cutest spa in Ubud
Fresh! - The cutest spa in Ubud
Fresh! - The cutest spa in Ubud
January 28, 2024

Ubud: The Benny Brunch at Watercress

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne January 23, 2024
Ubud: The Benny Brunch at Watercress

Most hotels and guest houses in Ubud include breakfast, but it’s often local breakfast consisting of noodles or rice. I’ve really come to like the different kinds of local breakfast, but sometimes, after being in Bali for a while, I crave a good Western brunch, and Watercress is one of the best places for brunch in Ubud if you ask me.

The Benny Brunch is famous throughout Ubud and includes Eggs Benedict, chia pudding with fresh fruit and granola, as well as coffee and juice. There are several different kinds of Eggs Benedict to choose from, but I always end up ordering their Eggs Benny with Gravlax, served on an English muffin with sautéed asparagus on the side.

They’re serving a lot of Benny Brunches at Watercress, and maybe that’s why their poached eggs are always perfect (or maybe it’s the other way around; that their poached eggs are perfect and that’s why their Benny brunch is so popular:)). They ask you how you want your eggs, and if you’re like me, you’d want that yolk perfectly runny. Rest assured, Watercress won’t let you down. The hollandaise sauce is also spot on, and so is the coffee, but if you’ve been around Ubud, you’d know that coffee is overall quite excellent at most places, so it’s the Benny Brunch that will be your main reason for putting Watercress on your list. If you’re not up for a full Benny Brunch, you can also order individual dishes from the menu. Watercress is open for dinner too. I haven’t had dinner there, but the restaurant seemed just as packed around dinner time as during the day, so I assume that they have some nice dinner options too.

Watercress is located on the busy Jl. Monkey Forest, in one of the most touristy areas of Ubud, and this very fact made me avoid Watercress for a long time, despite the restaurant being right next to my hotel. Fortunately, the craving for poached eggs became too strong while I still had several weeks left of my trip, so I ended up eating there many times.

Breakfast at Watercress obviously costs a bit more than local breakfast, but it’s a really good place for brunch. Every day is brunch day, and brunch is served until 3 pm.

Good for: Breakfast and brunch.

Watercress, Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Watercress Ubud
Ubud: The Benny Brunch at Watercress
Watercress in Ubud
Watercress in Ubud
Ubud: The Benny Brunch at Watercress
Ubud: The Benny Brunch at Watercress
January 23, 2024

Where to Eat in Ubud?

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne January 12, 2023
Ubud: Where to eat?

One of the absolute highlights of visiting Ubud, is all the delicious food. Even though Ubud is a rather small town, the selection of restaurants is abundant, and there is something for every taste and budget. You can find food from every corner of the world in Ubud, but make sure to also try the delicious local Balinese cuisine. Even though there are some chain restaurants popping up here and there, most of the restaurants are still independent, family-run places that take great pride in serving tasty local food. Here are some of the restaurants that I really like in Ubud:

Warung Bali Bu Ade

$

No-frills Warung run by Mama Bu Made for over 20 years. This is one of the best places I have tried for authentic Nasi Bali (the Bali version of Nasi Campur), which is steamed rice with different toppings and side dishes. You can choose between vegetarian or meat Nasi Bali at a fixed price, and Mama Bu Made will then prepare a plate for you. If you want to pick the toppings yourself, the price varies depending on your selection. Make sure you try the Perkedel Jagung (corn fritters) and the fried tempeh, and if you like spicy food, you would want to add some of the homemade sambal too.

Curious about cooking Indonesian food? Try Mama Bu Made’s perkedel jagung recipe >>

Warung Bali Bu Ade, F7Q9+FFR, Jl. Sukma Kesuma, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud

Sayuri Healing Food

$$

Sayuri is one of the most popular places for plant-based raw food in Ubud. There’s live music almost every evening and lots of activities and events are taking place during the week. I really like the Dragon Roll Sushi which is made with smoked papaya “salmon”, and the cold-pressed juice and in-house made kombucha are also very good. Sayuri has a large, active community, and the restaurant is busy on most nights, especially, when the live performances kick off, so make sure you get there early, or it might be difficult to find a table.

Sayuri Healing Food, Jl. Sukma Kesuma No.2, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud

You & Mie

$

Casual noodle restaurant with a loyal fan base. The noodles are made in-house every day, and on particular busy days, it happens that they run out of broth or noodles late afternoon or early evening, so if you want to make sure you get a bowl, I can recommend visiting at lunch time. The noodle dishes are all delicious, and so are the wontons in sesame oil.

You & Mie, Br. Tebesaya, Jl. Sukma Kesuma No.16, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud

Tán Huā

$$

Nice Chinese restaurant with a variety of tasty, Asian dishes. The restaurant is particularly known for Crispy Pork Belly, which is served with three different sauces, but you’d also want to save some room for the dessert with sticky rice, jackfruit and coconut ice cream.

Tán Huā, Jl. Sukma Kesuma, Tebesaya, Kecamatan Ubud

Nusantara

$$$$

Nusantara is the sister restaurant to much hyped Locavore, which is THE fine dining restaurant in Ubud. While Nusantara also focus on traditional Indonesian cuisine, the settings are more casual and the price point significantly lower, so this is a great place to go for foodies on a budget. The set menu is IDR425,000++ (November 2022).

Nusantara by Locavore, Jl. Dewisita No.09C, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud

Garden Kafe

$$$

Garden Kafe at Yoga Barn is one of my favorite places for healthy food in Ubud. Even though there are a few chicken dishes on the menu, the majority of the food served is plant-based, made from fresh, local ingredients. I love the cacao smoothie bowl that tastes like ice cream, but the dumplings with mushroom and jackfruit are also delicious.

Read my blog post about Garden Kafe >>

Read my blog post about Yoga Barn >>

Garden Kafe at Yoga Barn, F7M8+PVG, Jl. Sukma Kesuma, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud

Tulen

$$$

Upscale restaurant in beautiful surroundings in the outskirts of Ubud. The tables are right next to the rice fields, and the menu is a tempting array of local and international dishes, and there is also a decent selection of vegetarian dishes if that’s what you’re after.

Tulen, Jl. Sri Wedari, Ubud, Junjungan, Kabupaten Gianyar

L’Osteria Pizza e Cucina

$$$

Hands down the best Italian place in Ubud. Excellent pizzas, homemade pasta that tastes like pasta tastes in Italy and, not surprisingly, a long line out in front of people waiting for a table. If you don’t like waiting, book a table in advance.

L’Osteria Pizza e Cucina, Jl. Monkey Forest No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud

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January 12, 2023

Ubud – How to get around?

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne October 26, 2022
How to get around in Ubud - Bali blog

I usually just walk around in Ubud, but the narrow pavements and the heavy motorbike traffic do not make the city particularly walkable. If you have difficulties walking, or if you need to go to a place a little further away, you will thus need to take a taxi. There are both car taxis and motorbike taxis in Ubud and they can both be booked via Grab, which is an app similar to Uber.

Note: I am using the word motorbike, though it’s actually scooters or mopeds, but in Bali, they’re all called motorbikes.

Going by motorbike

The motorbike taxis are very cheap and easy to book through Grab, but please be aware that accidents do happen, so always wear a helmet. Don’t be afraid to speak up, if you think the driver is going too fast.

If you are in Ubud for a longer time, renting your own motorbike might also be an option, but remember to check that your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents (it often depends on whether you have a license and how fast the bike goes), and whether the rental price includes proper insurance in case of damage to the motorcycle or other people. This is an important detail that many overlook, and that can be very expensive if you are in an accident.

Going by car

Uber doesn’t work in Ubud, but Grab does. Just be aware that the local taxi drivers are fierce opponents of Grab and other ride-sharing services, and they can become quite aggressive towards the drivers from Grab. Sometimes, the Grab drivers will ask you to go to a different place than the pick-up destination you have entered in your phone, to avoid getting harassed by the local taxi mafia. This is for Grab Car only, the motorbike taxis on Grab seem to be tolerated.

If you are using the local taxi companies, be prepared to negotiate about the price for every single trip you take. Sometimes you are met with completely unreasonable rates, which is both exhausting, and frustrating, but keep in mind that the drivers are just trying to make a living, and stay calm and friendly, and turn down those unreasonable offers with a smile.

When I traveled with my parents, the price was typically around IDR80,000-160,000 for trips around Ubud, but the times I have traveled by myself ( and perhaps looked a bit more like a backpacker), it has been cheaper.

FYI

If you know you will be using taxi rides a lot, another option is to make an agreement with a driver at the start of the holiday, who can then drive you around for a fixed daily price.

Most people (including drivers) prefer to communicate through WhatsApp, so if you do not have that app installed, it is a good idea to do so.

October 26, 2022

Bali: How to get to Ubud from the airport?

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne October 21, 2022
How to get to Ubud from the airport, Bali Blog, Mitzie Mee

At Ngurah Rai International Airport (also called Denpasar International Airport), you can book a car and a driver to take you to Ubud. There are several different companies to choose among, but make sure you choose one of the official companies, so you don’t get scammed. It costs approx. 400000IDR and takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and time of day.

A new Grab Lounge has also opened outside the airport. Here you can book transport through Grab, which is an app that works like Uber. The staff can help you set up the app and make a booking, and you can relax in the lounge while you wait for your driver to arrive. The prices are about the same regardless of where you book, but I personally prefer Grab, which I think is really convenient.

If you go with one of the car+driver companies, they sometimes recommend that you also book the return trip from Ubud to the airport immediately, and they will offer you a small discount. Though for some reason, my experience is, that the trip from Ubud to the airport is cheaper (if you book the return trip in Ubud), than the trip from the airport to Ubud, so you do not really save any money by booking the return trip in advance, and maybe you prefer choosing your own driver for the return trip after arriving in Ubud.

Some people recommend arranging transportation through the hotel you are staying at, but I’ve had very mixed experiences with that. If you are staying at a smaller guesthouse or a homestay, they can often get you a really good deal, but booking transportation through larger hotels is sometimes more expensive, than if you made the booking yourself, since the hotel often wants commission for sending customers to the driver.

More about Ubud on my Bali Blog >>

Mini bus & Bus

While I am aware that you can book a seat in a minibus, I do not have any experience with going by bus or shuttle to Ubud from the airport. Considering the extra time it takes to pick everyone up/drop people off, and considering how cheap it is to go by car, I’ve never thought it was worth the effort. Though if you are on a tight budget, this is an obvious place to save. There is also bus service between Kuta and Ubud.


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October 21, 2022

Back in Bali – Ubud & Yoga Barn

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne October 18, 2022
Ubud & Yoga Barn, Bali Blog

I’m back in Bali for the first time since the pandemic, and I am so happy to be back. I have actually been here since the beginning of the month, but since I’ve had so much else to do, working on my site and my online shop, it is only now that I finally have the time to get started on this round of Bali posts.

Bali was actually one of the last places I traveled to before everything shut down, so it is a bit funny, that Bali is also one of the first places I visit after the pandemic. Right now, it is the wet season in Bali, so it rains a lot, but when it does not rain, everything is lush and green from the continuous watering.

My main purpose for this trip is to eat lots of fresh fruit, do yoga, and meditate over at Yoga Barn, and it’s going very well, if I may say so. I have been to at least one class every day, and I eat a nice fruit salad at the guesthouse each morning for breakfast.

Yoga Barn has really come back strong from the pandemic and I don’t think I have ever seen it so full. The other times I’ve been there, you could show up just a few minutes before the class started, because there was always room, but nowadays you have to be there as soon as registration opens (30 min. before) for the most popular classes, if you want to make sure to get a spot.
I also think the clientele at Yoga Barn has changed quite a bit. It used to be mainly yoga hippies wearing loose-fitting, tie-dye, cotton clothes, but nowadays, hipster yogis in Lululemon are dominating the scene.
However, Yoga Barn is still a really nice place, and I am impressed with how they have managed to create such a beautiful and peaceful oasis, where people from all over the world can meet and share a common interest.
This time, my focus has been on meditation, yin yoga and yoga nidra, and it has really worked wonders. In the first week, I fell asleep during many of the meditation sessions, but after I started staying awake, it was like I opened a gate to a whole new world. I don’t otherwise consider myself particularly spiritual, but it has been an amazing experience to connect with that side of myself, to look inward and to reflect. These types of classes is also where Yoga Barn really shines, and I don’t think you find such a broad selection of classes with truly excellent instructors anywhere else in the world.

My blog post about Yoga Barn – All you need to know >>

Almost forgot to mention that the cacao smoothie bowl at the Garden Kafe at Yoga Barn is a must-try. It tastes like chocolate ice cream! Here is a short video so you can see for yourself:

Ubud & Yoga Barn, Bali Blog
Ubud & Yoga Barn, Bali Blog
Ubud & Yoga Barn, Bali Blog
Ubud & Yoga Barn, Bali Blog
Ubud & Yoga Barn, Bali Blog
Ubud & Yoga Barn, Bali Blog
Ubud & Yoga Barn, Bali Blog
October 18, 2022

Bali: Yoga Barn in Ubud – All you need to know

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne April 10, 2020
Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali

Yoga Barn is the largest yoga studio in Bali, and the lush green yoga oasis is famous among yogis all over the world. Calling Yoga Barn a studio is actually an understatement, as there are cafes, accommodation and an Ayurvedic spa on the location, as well as 7 yoga studios.

It’s a wonderful place and the atmosphere is peaceful and inclusive. Even dogs are welcome as long as they stay out of the café (for hygienic reasons). Though at the classes, most attendees are people in their 20s and 30s, and my mom, who joined me for my recent trip to Ubud, quickly noted, that she was ”about 40 years older than everyone else”.    

Which classes should you try at Yoga Barn?

There are over 20 different classes to choose among each day, and in addition to yoga, you can immerse yourself in meditation, dancing and healing. I usually go for one of the traditional yoga classes in the morning and take a more meditation-focused class in the evening. I have always found it easier to find the peace required to meditate in the evening, and clearing your mind before bedtime is a great way to wind down and prepare your body for eight hours of beauty sleep.

All the classes I have tried at Yoga Barn have been very good, and the standard of the teachers is impressive. No matter whether you are completely new to yoga or have a lot of sun salutations under your belt, I’m sure you will feel that you learn a lot. Be aware though, that the content of each class seems to be up to the teacher, so Hatha Yoga on Monday can be very different from Hatha Yoga on Tuesday, depending on who is teaching. If you find an instructor you really like, make sure to note down the name, so you can find other classes taught by her/him in the weekly schedule.

Among the yoga classes, I liked the Morning Flow at 7 am the best. The first couple of days, getting up that early can be hard, especially if you have been flying eastbound to get to Bali, but it is an amazing way to start the day and you will feel great after.  

At the High Fly Yoga class I attended, we were climbing ropes attached to the ceiling, and it felt as if I was hanging upside down most of the time. The class requires at least some degree of physical strength and suppleness to be able to follow the teacher’s instruction, and even though it was fun, I felt that I was lacking the acrobatic skills to reap the full benefits.

When my mom and I went to the Qi Gong class, we both felt nauseous at a point around halfway through the class. We are still wondering whether it was due to all the energy flows moving around or whether we were just dehydrated, but it was indeed a strange experience.  

How much are the classes at Yoga Barn?

If you just want to go for a single class, the price is 130,000 IDR (approximately 8 USD April 10, 2020), but if you buy a class card (5, 10 or 20 classes) there are great discounts to be had. You can share a class card with a friend as long as the person registered for the card is attending the classes you want to use it for, so my mom and I shared a 20 classes card, which brought down the cost to 70,000 IDR (4.5 USD) per class.

Food and drinks at Yoga Barn

At the Garden Kafe, you can indulge in delicious and healthy macrobiotic and Ayurvedic food. The prices are slightly higher than at the restaurants in the rest of Ubud, but a lot cheaper than at home. There is also a juice bar, where you can get daily-made cold-pressed juices and different kinds of snacks, so my mom and I quickly made it a habit to grab a juice before each class. You return the glass bottles after you have finished your juice, so they can be used again.

Best places to stay for Yoga Barn?

Yoga Barn offers on-site accommodation, so you can immerse yourself completely in yoga and meditation and stay in your yoga bubble without any distractions from the world outside. The accommodation at Yoga Barn is a bit pricey compared to other hotels in Ubud, so if you’re on a budget, you might consider staying somewhere else nearby instead.

I have previously stayed at Evitel and Bali Putra Villa, which are both in walking distance to Yoga Barn. Walking distance is important because traffic in Ubud can get chaotic at time and the city’s tiny pavements are not made for longer hikes. Furthermore, it quickly adds up if you need to arrange transportation to get to Yoga Barn several times each day

Yoga Barn, Ubud, Bali

Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali
Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali
Macrobiotic bowl at Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali
Macrobiotic bowl
Cold-pressed juice at Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali
Cold-pressed juice
cold-pressed juice at Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali
Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali
April 10, 2020

My stay at Bali Putra Villa in Ubud

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne March 22, 2020
Bali Putra Villa with private pool in Ubud

In Ubud we rented a villa, and it was a great way to stay. The villa was located down a tiny side street, and we had our own garden and a private pool, which was amazing. Otherwise, there was nothing fancy about the villa, which was traditionally decorated and had a modest 2.5 star rating on Hotels.com.

The Bali Putra Villa complex consists of several villas and holiday homes. In the main building near the large road, there was a front desk and a café, where breakfast was served. We had breakfast included in our stay, and we could choose between different kinds of egg dishes as well as fried rice or noodles for breakfast. I tried the banana pancakes on the first day, and they were so good I decided to stick with them for the rest of the week. You could also choose between coffee, tea or juice, but if you wanted both coffee (or tea) and juice, you had to pay extra, which I found a bit weird.

My bedroom was one stair up and from the room, I had access to a nice balcony overlooking the garden. The first night I forgot to pull out the mosquito net until after dark, when the mosquitoes were already out, so they had a real feast that night, and I woke up with a bunch of mosquito bites. The following nights I remembered to pull out the mosquito net in advance, and I slept like a baby. I don’t know whether it was because of all the yoga (we did 3 hours of yoga each day) or whether it was the comfortable bed, but I had such a good sleep and woke up rested and energized at 6am every morning.

The villa was cleaned every day, and in the afternoon, a really nice guy came by to remove the leaves and make sure that the garden and the pool looked nice. After sunset, he also turned on the porch lights and other outdoor lighting, so we could find our way home. The kitchen was outside on the porch, and my parents spent many evenings out there, in the close vicinity to the cold beer in the fridge:)

There was one bathroom in the villa, and it was newly renovated. The shower cabin had a beautiful pebble floor, and plenty of hot water with good water pressure, but you had to be careful when adjusting the temperature as the mixing faucet was very sensitive.

The villa was surrounded by lush nature and the neighboring villa had a papaya tree that my mom was secretly planning to plunder. In the evening, the garden was full of strange sounds from frogs, bugs and animals, especially along the part of the track that ran next to a swamp-like area from the main building to our villa. Some of the wildlife also made it inside the villa, so we had a gecko and a snail as permanent residents in the shower as well as a bunch of spiders, which were luckily so small that they were more cute than scary.  

The main purpose of our trip was to attend the classes at Yoga Barn, and I had chosen Bali Putra Villa primarily because of the location. Our villa was only a 5-10 min. walk from Yoga Barn, so we could roll out of bed at 6:30am and still be on time for the Morning Flow at 7am.

The service and the general standard at Bali Putra Villa were better than 2.5 stars, and having our own place was great. The staff was really nice and friendly, though not super efficient, but as long as you do not expect international luxury, I think most people would be pleasantly surprised.

Many hotels and guesthouses in Ubud have an arrangement with drivers so the guests can get around the city without being overcharged, but the only time we booked transportation at the front desk at Bali Putra to go to a restaurant outside the city, we were charged almost double the price to get to the restaurant, as we later paid to go from the restaurant and back to our villa (with the transportation booked at the restaurant).

Bali Putra Villa in Ubud
The small path leading down to our villa (to the left)
Bali Putra Villa in Ubud, Private pool
View from my room
Bali Putra Villa in Ubud, Private pool
The porch and the kitchen
Bathroom at Bali Putra Villa in Ubud
The shower
Papaya tree
The papaya tree
Breakfast at Bali Putra Villa in Ubud
Banana pancakes and fresh juice
Bali Putra Villa in Ubud
The villa
Bali Putra Villa in Ubud
my balcony
Bali Putra Villa in Ubud
Bali Putra Villa in Ubud
My bed with the mosquito net
March 22, 2020

Ubud – The Bali Acai Bowl at Earth Cafe

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne October 10, 2017
Acai Bowl, Earth Cafe, Ubud, Bali

Update: Earth Cafe is now permanently closed.

When I was in Bali earlier this year, one of the things I was really looking forward to, was the food. Roasted suckling pig, pork ribs and grilled chicken were just some of the dishes I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into. It never happened though, because during my DIY yoga retreat, I ended up eating purely vegan and vegetarian food. I don’t know why, but after the yoga classes I just didn’t feel like eating meat. Instead I had plenty of smoothie bowls and fresh juices, and the organic, vegan Earth Cafe quickly became one of my favorite places.

At the ground level, there’s an organic supermarket, while the cafe is located on stair up. Earth Café isn’t cheap and their 85k IDR Bali Açaí Bowl was one of my most expensive meals on the trip, but it was all worth it. Flavorful, colorful berries and crispy granola on top of a thick, deep purple smoothie. It might be the surroundings (everything just tastes better in Bali), but I think this is the tastiest and best looking açaí bowl I’ve ever had, and when I look at the photos, I just want to go back.


Earth Cafe, Jl. Goutama Selatan, Ubud, Bali

Acai Bowl, Earth Cafe, Ubud, Bali
Acai Bowl, Earth Cafe, Ubud, Bali
Earth Cafe, Ubud, Bali
Raw ball at Earth Cafe, Ubud, Bali
Acai Bowl, Earth Cafe, Ubud, Bali
October 10, 2017

Bali: Tegallalang Rice Terraces

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne June 1, 2017
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali

I had read a lot about the rice terraces in Tegallalang, north of Ubud. However, it seemed a bit like a tourist trap, so I wasn’t sure it was worth a visit, but then I saw all those gorgeous photos from the place on Instagram. Tourist trap or not, I had to go.

To beat the crowds, I got up really early, as in 5:30am. It turned out to be a great idea, because when we arrived, we were the only ones there. My driver offered to walk with me because, as he explained, he had a big belly and he could need a little exercise. Furthermore, he also told me that he often got up early in the morning to go for a walk in the rice fields and enjoy the fresh air and the peace and quiet before work began.

None of us came particularly well-equipped for our little hike. The driver was wearing flip flops and I was in a silk dress and a pair of Toms. Not exactly the best attire for climbing the slopes, which were slippery from morning dew and very steep at some places.

The driver told me that you can grow rice all year round. The rice cycle is about 6 months including one month after harvest, when the field is allowed to rest. The yield depends on the weather, but if the conditions are optimal, a typical rice field can yield about 50kg of rice.

While we were walking, we also saw some white flowers growing in the wild. The driver didn’t remember the name of the flower, but he explained that it was used as a remedy for red and irritated eyes.

I asked if there were snakes, and he nodded, but because they are afraid of humans, it wouldn’t be a problem, he said, and then asked me to walk in front. Hmm. The snakes kept away, and the only thing we encountered were some pretty feisty ants that climbed up and bit my leg.

On our way back we stopped at a viewpoint to watch the sun rise over the terraces. When it finally happened, it was so beautiful that I almost teared up. The perfect finale of a wonderful morning, and one of my very best memories from Bali.

If you’re planning to visit the rice fields, I can warmly recommend my driver. And no, I’m not getting paid for this. He was such a nice guy, and he was so eager to share his knowledge of Bali, so what should just have been transportation turned into one of the best guided tours I’ve ever experienced.

He told me about everyday life in Bali, and how people usually eat soup for breakfast, which they buy at the small stalls along the road, and about Babi Guling, which is suckling pig. I told him that Guling sounds like how foreigners in Denmark pronounce kylling, which means chicken in Danish. Babi Kylling. He thought that was funny. Unfortunately, I’ve lost his business card, which might make it a little difficult to find him, but he’s usually located around the junction between Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud and Jl. Monkey Forest. I hope that I’ll find his business card when I’m back from this trip and unpack my stuff, and I’ll post the details here.

Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali
Tegallalang rice terraces, Bali


June 1, 2017

Bali: The Monkey Forest in Ubud

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne May 31, 2017
Ubud Monkey Forest, Bali

Monkey Forest is one of the most popular attractions in Ubud, and since the forest was just a short walk further down the street from my hotel, of course I had to go and see what it was all about. 700 monkeys reside in Monkey Forest, which also has 3 temples. The area is of great spiritual significance to the locals in Ubud, and the most sacred parts of the temples are closed to the public. Only people, who are there to pray, are allowed to enter.

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May 31, 2017

Ubud: Monkeys and Cafe du Monyet – Bali Blog

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne May 28, 2017
Cafe du Monyet, Ubud, Bali

Ubud is such a great place and I’m so happy that I went here. To my surprise the city is full of nice cafes and everything is incredibly cheap. I’m staying at a hotel on the outskirts of the city, near Monkey Forest and Yoga Barn, which is where I’ve purchased yoga lessons.

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May 28, 2017

Bali: Nusa Dua Beach and Bali Collection

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne May 27, 2017
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali

Nusa Dua is a resort area in the southern part of the island, and there is not much else to see than the beach and the hotels. For lunch, I went out to Bali Collection, which is a large outdoor shopping mall. That mall really bent over backwards to cater to everyone, but unfortunately the result was a rather diluted, uninspiring experience. 

I don’t recall seeing any restaurants with less than 3 different cuisines listed, and one of the places even advertised that they were serving both European and Italian food. How lucky can you be? After a rather horrible massage and a just-above-average lunch, I was ready to leave. I’m sure Bali Collection is cozier after dark, with the tree lanterns and all, but during daytime, I wouldn’t recommend going. Your time is better spent on the beach.

On the way out, I stopped at Starbucks for an Iced Caramel Macchiato, and I was assigned the strangest Starbucks name ever. How on earth did Sanne become Salom?:)

I had read about a place, Water Blow, nearby, where you could get close to the breaking waves, so I decided to go and have a look. Unfortunately, Water Blow was closed today due to a music festival, so I went for a walk along the beach instead.

It was low tide, so if you were careful, you could walk on the rocks on the bottom and get all the way out to the large rock formations without getting your feet wet. I’m usually very clumsy, but I somehow got myself out there without dropping my iPhone or my camera. It was really beautiful out there, don’t you think?

Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Starbucks, Bali Collection
Bali Collection, Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
May 27, 2017

Bali: Waking up at Westin Nusa Dua

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne May 27, 2017
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali

I’m in Bali, and I’m staying at a gorgeous Westin resort in Nusa Dua. I arrived late in the evening yesterday, so I just had a quick mocktail in the bar, before heading to the room. Though at that time, it was dinner time my time and I was feeling hungry. It was almost midnight in Bali, so all the restaurants at the hotel were closed, but the staff told me I could order room service if I wanted. I decided on a club sandwich, which were delivered to the room 20 minutes later. Isn’t it funny how club sandwiches always taste the same?

There’s quite a time difference between Denmark and Bali, but I forced myself to get up early, and at 9am, I was ready to attack the breakfast buffet. I saw a funny orange fruit which turned out to be a markisa, Indonesian passionfruit. It was very tasty and a lot sweeter than the purple ones I usually buy in the grocery store.

My breakfast table was right next to a small pond with carps, and while I was eating, this heron-like bird was watching the carps all the time. The carps were almost twice the size of the bird, so he didn’t try to catch any, but I’m sure he was dreaming about carp sushi.

The hotel is located smack right on the beach, so after breakfast I spent a couple of hours in a sun lounger, enjoying the nice weather. When I picked up the towel, I saw that you could join some kind of pool gymnastics at 11, so I decided to go. Though after 10 minutes, there was still no instructor or any other participants in sight, so I returned to my sun lounger on the beach. Otherwise my stay at Westin has been impeccable so far, and I’m enjoying every minute in the beautiful surroundings.

Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
Westin Nusa Dua, Bali
May 27, 2017
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