In Reply to: More on Greenfields & Ubud please! posted by NoWorries on Sunday, 15. March 2009 at 11:23 Bali Time:
I almost didn't mention Greenfields in my JBR as I didn't know if I really wanted people to discover it and keep booked out. It is right beside Tegal Sari and so I guess it is no secret. We stayed in Bale Gede and loved it but as it was fully booked, we didn't see any other of the rooms. We did stay in Bale Ngele (Sunia) but it for all its large size, would not choose it again. (Tricky to walk over the arched bridge in the rain and many ups and downs to navigate when dark.) I would guess that Bale Bintang and Bale Cahaya are lovely. As the owner is an artist, he used his artistic sensibilities to decorate and each bale is decorated differently. All rooms face padi. I believe they now have the view that Panorama Hotel once had.
There is no TV tho there is free Wifi by the lobby. When we asked about this, they said it was to maintain the relaxed atmosphere. It is really quiet and peaceful. We are taking good iPod speakers next year. We spent a lot of time on the patio just relaxing, watching the farming and harvesting activities and the birds, reading, etc. The delivered breakfast is meager if you are used to a buffet style -you chose your main item and make your own coffee. I could see adding more to it from a room stash or going out occasionally for breakfast. Pool is small but nice, though once they complete the contruction on the extension (8 or 10 more rooms), the pool may be inadequate.
Staff can't do enough for you and they were so friendly and helpful. Lots of good restaurants within a short walk or drive. We had a rental car from elsewhere but there is a car and bike rental 10 meters from the lobby.
Three nights is short for Ubud as you will so enjoy the peace and quiet - or at least we do and rate it far above the beach hustle and bustle. A Balinese friend says Ubud is more "original Bali".
Where to eat- lunch at Indus or Kampung Cafe for view and the bonus is good food at both places. For dinner, I'd go to Cafe d'Artiste (make reservations!), Nomads (tho noisy) or if Sunday night, the Balinese buffet at Cafe Wayan (Monkey Forest Rd.) We avoid the Lotus chain as food only fair. Mosaic always tempts us as it does sound gourmet with its "degustation" menu but I understand it is really expensive. I keep reading of other restaurants that people think are super so I'd check out posts for them as well. Warung Enak is so close to Greenfields that I'd try that.
As to what to do -go to some of the traditional cultural performance as there are many different ones each and every night. Drive up through Tegallang to see the steeply terraced padi (combine that with Kampung Cafe). Tons of art galleries to tour. Walk thro Monkey Forest. We never go to the Ubud market tho many do. Explore the many side streets or "gangs" on foot. You are not far from the Elephant Park if you feel like a foray out of town. I think you will enjoy Ubud - it really is a special place.