In Reply to: help with 1st time to bali from uk. posted by redditch uk on Tuesday, 17. March 2009 at 04:24 Bali Time:
stay in Ubud those extra nights, as it has all of those and is closer to other scenery. It will save you packing up and moving again too.
A MUST do is the Bali Budaya Bike tour (search the archives). No need to be fit as its all down hill. Great scenery, experience, food, and educational. It includes the monkey forest.
The Tropical View cafe to the left of the Monkey Forest entrance looks over 5-10? acres of rice paddies (same view as Tegal Sari) - GREAT spot for lunch. Food is good, and cheap too!
For an amazing view The Cahaya Dewata hotel ia built high above a river valley. You can lunch there too, although there have been recent reports of food not being too good. Maybe just a snack and drink.
The ridge walk has some beautiful scenery as well. It is not hard if you start at the northern end then walk TO town.
We've stayed at the Bali spirit twice and loved it. Its out a bit but an easy, pleasant walk through a lovely clean village, then past the monkey forest, to town. But you will need the hotel shuttle at night (for a small fee). Its next to a river that the locals use, has beautiful gardens, and rooms are authentic.
We've also stayed at the Ulun Ubud (26 rooms) at the other end of town. MAGNIFICENT view (better than Indus restaurant) from each room and swimming pool with terrace. Rooms ok, food service disappointing but 120 steps to the bottom room got a bit much by the fourth day. Free shuttle to and from ANYWHERE in Ubud at ANYTIME.
And of course there is the Hotel Tjampuhan. This place is much closer to the action, is also next to a river (close jungle view)with beautiful gardens, and has nice rooms and food.
While you are in Ubud go and see a Kecak dance - we just love listening to the chanting.