BALI TRIP: Ubud, Bali Indonesia Part 2

UBUD, BALI INDONESIA
Part 2

Ubud

Ubud.  You know the city in the book/movie, “Eat, Pray,Love”.  Ubud is this bohemian mishmash of art, kitsch, shopping, yoga and spirituality.  The streets are insane with scooters zooming past you.  Watch out where you walk because the “sidewalk” is unsafe and not level.  The sounds, the crowds ... that's Ubud.

Ubud Street Shopping

So, why visit Ubud?  Well, there are a surprising amount of 5 star properties in the surrounding area of Ubud.  Touring includes trekking around a Monkey Forest or visiting an Elephant Safari Park.  There are temples and museums to visit.  A fun thing to do is to watch the local Balinese dance and cultural performances.  There was a dance school at Amandari for children wishing to learn the local dances.

If you are interested in yoga, spa or cooking classes, you will be able to find them in and around Ubud.

Ubud Yoga

Shopping, well there are a few nicer shops – I especially liked Biasa but most of the shops are pretty average.  The better shopping is in Seminyak about one hour south of Ubud.

Jewelry designer, John Hardy and his wife opened The Green School with the proceeds from their jewelry line.  The school's goal is to connect learning with creativity.  The emphasis is on environmental responsibility with scientific knowledge and respect for one's self and the many local cultures.

John Hardy factory in Ubud

We stopped at the John Hardy factory which employees local Balinese people to manufacture their jewelry that is sold at most high end department stores.  The factory is actually a compound.  You need an appointment.  Once we entered the compound, we were escorted by our guide.  You can visit the showroom, factory or enjoy lunch with the staff eating at their communal table.  They have an organic farm within the compound.  There are two levels in the showroom.  The lower level offers current styles without a discount and the upper level offers older styles with a 30% discount off of U.S. Retail prices less the local taxes. BEWARE: the walkway through the compound is composed of large rocks. 

Please wear comfortable walking shoes for your visit. Once inside the showroom, you will be asked to remove your shoes and walk barefoot on bamboo.

Ubud Street Shopping 

My final stop in Bali will be in Nusa Dua at Amanusa.

Stay tuned!

The World is Our Playground!

Mari