While staying at your Ubud villa you can take some time to visit the village of Tenganan. You will find this unique traditional village 3 km west from Candidasa on the slopes of the surrounding mountains, ricefields and forest. A visit offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the first Balinese people (aboriginal people). The people here are referred to as the Bali Aga, the original Balinese people.The villagers have continued their way of life without being affected by the so-called “outer world”.   They now have electricity but continue to uphold their traditions.

When you visit it is important to be respectful and quietly observe their way of life. Upon arrival you will pass a symbolic ticket counter and you are not obliged to pay but any payment you might wish to make will be considered a donation.As you walk through the village you will find old meeting houses, traditional residences and the locals engaged in their crafts and going about their day.

An important part of Bali Aga culture is the complex technique used to make Bali’s traditional gringsing (a traditional textile created by the double ikat method). Bali’s Tenganan village is the only village that today still produces this weaving process. The handmade fabric is expensive because of its process. The palette of gringsing is typically red, neutral, or black andis regarded as a sacred cloth.

Also you will find beautiful woven treasures such as baskets and purses made from Ata grass reed.  The grass is split and woven, then boiled to tighten the weave, dried, then smoked over coconut wood/husks to give it the glossy golden finish.  A Ladies purse seems to be the item of choice.

Balinese calligraphy is practiced here and the perfect place to purchase calendars with the script inscribed onto strips of Lontar (a special palm species).

Parts of Bali may be radically transformed by tourism and change, but Tenganan village is kind of remaining an island unto itself.  This walled village is not a destination for someone looking for a luxurious visit, but for the adventure traveler looking for mind-expanding experience.

While staying in an Ubud villa like Villa Amrita you can arrange a tour to this isolated mountain village in East Bali. The ride takes about one hour and ten minutes. There are even treks and hiking that starts from the village. When done sightseeing you may take a car about 20 minutes to the sleepy, seaside resort of Candidasa. Stop in at one of the many nice restaurants for a delightful lunch of fresh fish and check out the beautiful view across the Lombok strait to Nusa Lembongan.

Many people feel that you cannot enjoy the fun and sun of the lively beach scene if you stay in an Ubud villa. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Perfect for a day outing, a trip to bustling Kuta, Nusa Dua or Seminyak and return to your Ubud villa at night is actually a wonderful, fulfilling experience.

Currently, Seminyak is one of the most interesting and popular places to visit in Bali. About one hour and ten minutes from Ubud, guests staying in a villa in Ubud can easily enjoy a day sightseeing, shopping and dining in this famous, chic enclave in the south of Bali. Clearly, once just another village full of rice fields as far as the eye can see. Further afield, the area now known as Seminyak encompasses the famous ocean front Balinese Petitenget temple. Even distinct regions such as the somewhat rocky, grayish-sand of Batubelig beach and the two partly or mostly inland areas known as Kerobokan and Umalas are practically considered part of trendy Seminyak.

Other than the tremendous beach area in Seminyak with the fancy nightclubs such as Ku De Ta, Potato Head and glittering beachfront hotels like the W Hotel, this place is known for its incredible culinary options. From Laksmana (Oberoi Street), past the temple and beyond there are numerous unbelievable restaurants. This is the home of the unbeatable Metis, legendary Warisan, Living Room and newer Sarong, Sardine and Tulip restaurants. The level and quality of the dishes here is hard to beat. In fact, it is really hard to think of an area in the world that has as many top-level, delicious places to eat than this strip of perhaps just 3 kilometers maximum.

While certainly not the best necessarily, but definitely outstanding, interesting and worth a visit is Biku on Jalan Raya Petitenget. Biku is a very busy restaurant housed in an old Javanese Joglo that was moved to Bali and has been lovingly and tastefully decorated. The place has charm and character and a very homey atmosphere.  Everywhere you look there is something interesting to see. They have the Ganesh bookshop attached so you can stock up on second hand books while you are there. You can also order a drink and sit and read on one of the chairs in the large lounge. You can even have a session with a Taro card reader during dining.

Biku does a brilliant high tea with delicious cakes, strawberries and cream, sandwiches and a huge range of teas to choose from. The “tea time” is served on three tiered stands and the tea is served in traditional English teapots with tea cozies. The high teas are available in both Asian infusion and English versions. They also serve, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is a wonderful mixture of Western and Asian. There is truly something on the menu for everyone. There is a great selection of good looking homemade cakes, pies and other sweets that changes daily.

The prices are very reasonable. The service is friendly and efficient. If you stay in an Ubud villa like Villa Amrita you can experience what Biku has to offer. It is easy to arrange a low-cost, private driver and car for the day of adventure to Seminyak and the surrounding area. While you may even opt for a day or two in a Seminyak hotel, it is still a delightful day full of fun activities, neat sites and good dining before you return in the evening to the comfort, fresh air, starry sky and soothing night sounds of your beautiful, comfortable Ubud villa.

In Ubud, there is an interesting phenomenon. Due to the fact that Ubud is so cosmopolitan there is an enormous amount and variety of incredible restaurants. Much like its’ flashier and more trendy sister Seminyak in the south, Ubud is also a mecca for shopping, fun and good food. Surely, other than the beautiful views, wonderful weather, interesting cultural elements and fun outdoor activities, one of the best aspects of staying in an Ubud villa is the fantastic food.

 
We have made mention of some of the great places that are a must visit when Ubud, but there is much, much more. We sometimes marvel at the possibilities and availability. Ubud is truly a kind of heaven for dedicated gastronomes, and while staying in an Ubud villa like Villa Amrita everything is at your fingertips.

Fabulous local meals of spicy chicken, Balinese lawar and steaming hot white rice, succulent pork ribs barbecued to perfection in sweet sauce, fresh fruits, vegetables and salad greens grown in the rich soil on the sides of the cool, volcanic mountains and the mind-blowing imported delicacies such as cheeses, wines and meats you can find it all in amazing Ubud.

One interesting, but little known fact about Ubud, is there are at least five (and quite possibly more) authentic and delicious Italian restaurants competing for your affection in the very small area of this unique city. There is the long-time fixture and perhaps one of the first Italian restaurants in the area, Pizza Bagus. The Black Beach restaurant on Hanoman and the newer Mamma Mia’s are also strong options in this space. The recent addition of the Il Giardino just off the main street is also fantastic.

All of these are good choices that will leave you satisfied. However, there is a new one that has just opened on the interesting and eclectic Jalan Goutama. Perhaps one of the trendier and less well known side streets in Ubud, Jalan Goutama (or however you would like to spell it) is a joy to visit. Full of a variety of busy restaurants, shops and bars, this street is a cool hangout. While staying in your Ubud villa you might want to visit a delightful, small Italian Bistro which can be found along this quaint little street (Jalan Goutama).

It is worth visiting if one enjoys authentic Italian food. The interior is decorated very tastefully with modern fixtures and attractive lighting. There is an extensive food and wine menu with salads, appetizers, a variety of pastas and main dishes. The food is very reasonably priced. Fresh quality ingredients are used and the meal presentation is very artistic. We had a simple meal of Bruschetta Calabrese, a surprisingly delicious potato soup and a lovely spaghetti Bolognese. The staff is extremely attentive and genuine. You can give it a try. You will be pleased.

There is no better place to base yourself when exploring the area than in an Ubud villa. You will love the luxurious accommodation, kind and professional staff and quiet, comfortable atmosphere. Try an Ubud villa like Villa Amrita and you will surely not be disappointed.

We are blessed to be located near the unique, cosmopolitan city of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. This vibrant city is remarkable for distinct cultural offerings, remarkable activities, exceptional boutique shopping and wonderful food. Villa Amrita is one Ubud villa that blends the beauty of the fresh, natural countryside with the convenience of a location only 10 minutes from Ubud by car. There is scarcely a location on Earth that has as many varied and exciting things to do, interesting things to see and delicious places to eat as Ubud.

While staying in an Ubud villa you can have the benefit of a personal chef. If you like, the villa staff can go to the supermarket and shop for you. Later, the cook can prepare whatever you like in the comfort of your very own “home”. Grill a steak, prepare Balinese smoked duck or make legendary Indonesian fried rice. Whatever you fancy, you can have it conveniently and for a reasonable price while staying in an Ubud villa.

We can say without a doubt, that someone could spend a month in Ubud and not even come close to eating at all the exceptional restaurants, warungs and other vendors this place has to offer. There is food from virtually every country on Earth in Ubud. The concentration of expatriates which call Ubud their home is very high. Therefore, it is easy to find fine food created by the original “experts”. You can indulge in light or rich food, cheap or expensive, local or foreign and specialty or standard food, but one thing is for sure it will be quality, tasty and most often made from fresh, local materials.

Recently, I visited a lovely, local Indonesian food restaurant which was rather extraordinary. Having passed it on numerous occasions previously, I dismissed it as possibly ordinary and unattractive. This particular night I made a promise to myself to venture out of my regular “circuit” of sumptuous delicacies to test a restaurant that I had not tried before. The name of the place is Batan Waru. Located on Jalan Dewi Sita, not far from the football field in central Ubud, this little café was unassuming for me until I noticed it had a sister location in Kuta!

The dinner was surprising. The menu was extensive and the quality and variety remarkable. There were a number of choices from all over Indonesia and they were clearly made with care and effort. I had some excellent pastries, steamed fish, special vegetables, beef satay and more. The bubur injin for dessert was great as well. The cocktails from the bar were also high quality and mixed well.

When staying at an Ubud villa you can make trying different wonderful culinary options a part of your experience. There is no reason to adjust your schedule. Guests can request transport to the restaurant on demand. Once finished the villa driver will be right there to receive you. The best part of your Ubud villa is the special attention and diligent, friendly service. There is service staff at any hotel, but in an Ubud villa the staff is there for you only!

When staying in an Ubud villa such as Villa Amrita, you get the benefit of the knowledge and resources of the local people. We know where the fun things to do are, where to go, what to see and what to eat.

Ubud is a remarkable place with a lot to offer. A bastion of the unique Balinese Hindu culture, the lush, green country town is a place to relax and enjoy. The many nearby attractions make a vacation in Ubud extremely enjoyable. Art collectors, yoga lovers, nature enthusiasts and, of course, gastronomes find a comfortable vacation home in an Ubud villa. The variety of shopping, great weather, nice people and good food make spending a holiday in Ubud rewarding and unforgettable.

This past week we had the enormous pleasure of participating in a lovely exploratory trek in the local environs. We joined the Bali Bird Walk (www.balibirdwalk.com) to experience something different, get a bit of exercise and to learn something new. Our impressive hostess Su (short for Sumadi) was an absolute delight. This kind of special trip is one-of-a-kind and not to be missed. Heading out at 9am from the start at Murni’s Warung, we were quickly introduced to the vast variety of plant, insect and bird life found throughout this area. Equipped with sunscreen, a hat, some water and the complimentary use of a pair of binoculars, we embarked on a cool adventure that would leave us fascinated and enthused.

Walking through the rice fields beyond Sari Organic, we made a massive loop through the surrounding countryside only pausing to listen to stories of insight and knowledge from our leader Su. We saw every manner of insect and heaps of rare and beautiful flowers, plants and plenty of birds. We managed to see the Javan Kingfisher, white Herons, egrets, sparrows and sandpipers. The most interesting aspect was the detailed explanations from Su, about the local flora and the many uses, medicinal and otherwise, of each of these unique plants. There were plants used for brushing teeth, combing the area, anti-inflammatories, eye drops, keeping cool and, of course, for eating. This kind of journey is impossible on ones’ own. The invaluable information from Su was so much fun to listen to.

After a quick breather and rest midway and a sip of refreshing young, green coconut juice, we were back on our way to see more of the extraordinary scenery. Getting a glimpse of the life, customs, habits and practices of the local people was very interesting. Ending somewhere near the Puri Lukisan, we were picked up and given water and a cool towel by our drive. Once at Murni’s Warung we were treated to the lovely lunch provided in the cost of the tour.

When staying in an Ubud villa, you can ask your staff to arrange this activity. Ask the private staff to drop you off around 10 minutes to nine in the morning. You do not need to bring anything from you villa or hotel in Ubud. We highly recommend this adventure. It is a half day trip and very inexpensive for what you receive.

The thought that when staying in an Ubud villa you cannot enjoy the ocean is just wrong. Despite the inland location among the rolling hills and valleys of Bali’s volcanic slopes, Ubud is surprisingly close to a number of fun, seaside destinations. It should not be the impression that while staying at an Ubud villa there is no time or opportunity to visit the beach.

The surprising fact is that interesting beaches and fun activities in and around the ocean are very accessible even to those choosing to stay in Ubud villas. Black sand beaches that feature good quality surfing waves are as close as 25 minutes away by car from the center of Ubud. That means that you can be at a beachside café, pool bar and restaurant watching the surf, swimming or riding waves as just a half day activity.

Of course, we all know Sanur and its good looking sand, sea sports and long beach walk promenade is no more than 35 minutes from Ubud. This is a light trek from any Ubud villa. Heading out after a leisurely breakfast, for diving, fishing or other sea sports is easy and relaxed. Staying in an Ubud villa and going to the beach in Sanur for a day or half day is actually quite lovely and convenient. Good food, nice shopping and plenty of things to do and see wait for guests in Sanur.

Recently, we explored a new option for those staying at an Ubud villa like Villa Amrita. One phone call and the staff can arrange a wonderful day of boating, sightseeing, snorkeling and a scrumptious seafood barbecue on a fantastic and private white beach. That is right, a secluded and attractive white sand beach with freshly caught fish for lunch preceded by an interesting boat ride and good quality snorkeling.

The starting point is Candidasa, which is roughly one hour and ten minutes from Ubud. A quick and easy ride through some of Bali’s not-so-touristic country roads, brings you to the sleepy, seaside tourist town of Candidasa. There are plenty of hotels here of all shapes and sizes, but surely few of them can rival the comfort and beauty of a premium Ubud villa. The fact is, that even a half day trip to Candidasa is possible. Grab the beach towel, swimming costume and your sunblock for an epic day and a can’t-miss experience.

The seafood barbecue in Jimbaran is classic. What most Bali tourists don’t realize is you can have the same thing, but be on a huge, private white beach virtually alone and so close to ubud. Just a short 20 minutes boat road from Candidasa, White Beach is a seldom-visited location begging to be uncovered by more people. Let the staff at your Ubud villa arrange your gear, transport and boat for a fantastic tour to relatively untouched locations in Bali.

Once in Candidasa, you will take a small, but sturdy and well-equipped outrigger boat to a nearby collection of rocky atolls where you can check out some very good snorkeling. The clear water, deep, swift drop-offs and variety of pretty fish are well worth it. Afterwards, you can head over by boat to the secret White Beach to have lunch. Select a fresh fish and let your host grill it up on a coconut fire. You will be impressed at how remarkable everything will be.

Enjoy a stay in an Ubud villa knowing that even the beach and any sea sport you can imagine is just a short ride away.

One of the many wonderful things about Bali is the beauty and richness of its vibrant traditional culture.  While the modern world has impacted Bali in many ways, visitors to Villa Amrita Ubud can still witness the Balinese people practicing complicated, almost magical, rites and rituals.

One of these is the theatre of the wayang, or shadow puppets, which help communicate the myths and morals of Balinese culture to successive generations. The puppet master and storyteller or “Dalang” usually has a repertoire of hundreds of stories, each told with music, high drama, humor and showmanship. Intricate, hand-made buffalo leather stick puppets are used to carry out elaborate plays with stories that are often based on the Ramayana and Mahabharata Hindu sects. These beautiful and unique puppets typically have very large heads and very long thin body and arms.

The purpose of the wayang is to honor the occasion of the theatre by inviting ancestral spirits to attend the event. Typically during a wayang play, the Dalang sits cross-legged on a mat with a bright lamp to his front and a box of his puppets to his left. One assistant will sit on each side handing the Dalang his puppets, as they are needed while the puppet master narrates the story through chants and highly unusual songs. At the same time, the Dalang clutches a wooden hammer in his toes of his right foot, periodically striking the puppet box to emphasize parts of the story or to signal the accompanying Gamelan musicians.

Each play features a puppet that represents a mountain or the tree of life, as well as evil characters that always enter from the demon world through the left side of the screen. There is usually a love scene, a tragedy, an epic battle or a chase.  All told, the Balinese Shadow Play is an unforgettable way to spend an evening during your stay at Villa Amrita.

While staying in a villa in Ubud, you can inquire with the private staff about attending a wayang or other cultural performance. Generally, the local people are aware of the schedule and venue of such events. The chance to closely interact and become familiar with local people is one of the great advantages of staying in an Ubud villa.

Choosing an Ubud villa like Villa Amrita to spend your vacation in Bali is one of the best ways to get the most from your trip to Indonesia. Wonderful, cool climate and clean air and water are some highlights of the fresh, rural setting. Ubud villas are complete self-contained private homes that cater to families, couples or friends wishing to have the convenience and amenities of an actual house while on vacation. Suffice it to say that there is no better way to have an authentic, unforgettable experience while on holiday in Bali than by staying in an Ubud villa like Villa Amrita.

Enjoying incredibly fresh, healthy and delicious food is yet another reason to enjoy a wonderful vacation in an Ubud villa. The convenient access to a variety of great food is an attractive part of staying at Villa Amrita Ubud. While there are a number of choices, for fresh organic food the Sari Organic Farm and Restaurant stands out www.sari-organik.com.

Just getting to Sari is part of the experience. Walk through central Ubud past the main market and temple towards the Champuhan Bridge. Just at the top of the long downhill walk towards the bridge, look to your right for a short, steep driveway with a small sign marking the way to Sari Organic.  From the top of the driveway you will see another sign directing you down a footpath. If you are driving a motorbike, we highly recommend that you park it here and walk the 15-20 minutes to Sari Organic.

The peaceful path is best enjoyed on foot as it winds through lovely rice fields with incredible views.  You will not want to forget your camera during this walk. It is also a very good idea to carry an umbrella for both the rain and the intense sun.  Along the way you will see the delightful, little Cantika Spa on your left www.cantika.balipromotion.net. This is a great place to enjoy a wonderful and affordable massage or a hair spa treatment while enjoying the views and the fresh air.  Cantika Spa also has some excellent, all-natural, locally made shampoo and hair tonics.

About 7-8 minutes farther from Cantika Spa and you arrive at Sari Organic. The simple, open-air restaurant is positioned for excellent and relaxing views of the surrounding rice terraces. The creative and extensive menu is entirely made from locally grown organic fresh fruits and vegetables.  You will be surprised and delighted at the colors and bursting flavor of all Sari’s dishes.  The kitchen can sometimes be a bit slow, especially if there are many guests, as the food is made with care.  Try the Warm Tomatoes and Feta Cheese salad and the Chicken Pesto Salad with Grilled Vegetables. The guacamole is excellent and the Lemon Mint ice tea is refreshing. Take your time and savor the food and the view. Sari Organic is a don’t-miss spot during your next stay at Villa Amrita.

There is much to see and do while staying at Ubud villas. There are so many interesting and fun activities it is hard to fit them all into a short vacation. This is one of the reasons there are so many repeat guests wishing to return to an Ubud villa. Fantastic food, nice people and beautiful natural environment are part of the allure of this unique place. If you are not sure about what kind of things there are to see and do then you can inquire with a local person. The staff at an Ubud villa usually knows some of the highlights and can suggest some programs or ideas for new visitors.

You’ve already decided that Bali is the perfect vacation, honeymoon, or retreat location for you and your loved ones. Now it’s time to choose where you will stay. As all experienced travelers are aware, the choice of accommodations can make or break your vacation experience. In Bali, there are many options available. You can stay in five star hotels, villas, resorts, retreats, and even beach cottages. Budget and the type of experience you crave may play major roles in your decision of where to stay, but for most travelers, Bali villas are an excellent option. These properties offer a truly unique and authentic experience of Bali’s beauty.

What sets Bali’s villas apart from the island’s numerous other vacation lodgings? No two villas are alike – they each provide unique features and experiences of Bali based on their respective locations and natural settings. You may find yourself in a small villa, tucked into a hillside with rice paddies terraced below you and a fabulous view of the sunset, or you may stay in a villa located on a small green hillside with its own organic farm. Your villa may offer hikes to dolphin watching vistas, or five star meals in a small gourmet restaurant. You might be offered the ultimate in spa experiences, or the opportunity to scuba dive in a remote location with beautiful living coral reefs. The range of experiences offered by Bali villas is limitless, and each one, much like precious gemstones, is unique and beautiful in its own way.

Imagine yourself relaxing in a king-size bed with luxury linens, a light breeze carrying the fragrance of frangipani through your open window and into your room. The sounds of a hot breakfast being prepared in the kitchen help you remember that this is your vacation, and someone else can take the reins in food preparation. When you finally choose to meander into the kitchen, a beautiful gourmet meal is laid before you, a mix of American and Indonesian favorites. That is life in a Bali villa.

Breakfasts are almost always included in your stay in a Bali villa, and in most villas you can also opt for local, and sometimes organic, fare to be prepared in your room by the chef. Forget about stress and cleaning up mess after mess, butlers and maids are available to help with your needs and to clean up your quarters. You can ask Bali villa hotel staff to set up a massage appointment for you, or prepare a luxurious flower bath. If you aren’t in the mood for spa treatments, take a few minutes to relax and enjoy the privacy of your villa.

Unlike hotels, where busy crowds of tourists are constantly milling about, in a Bali villa, you set the pace. There is no reason to race, and you can stay as far away from the rest of humanity as you choose, although the proximity of Bali’s villas to villages and towns makes it easy to rejoin the crowds whenever you wish.

If you travel to a luxury hotel, you are expecting to receive certain services, facilities and amenities. You might expect to see toiletries, towels, and clean bedding in your room. You might also expect to see a business center or have access to high speed wireless. Often times, a cold breakfast is also provided, and a concierge or staff member may be available to help you make travel arrangements and pick which attractions in the area to visit. Additional features that you might expect to see include swimming pools and exercise facilities, as well as security features. You might think that staying at a Bali villa means forgoing these amenities, but it doesn’t. Some of the fabulous features of Bali villas are discussed below, so that you can get an idea of what to expect from your stay.

Forget the hotel toiletries that come in small packages and leave your skin overly dry and your hair brittle. Some Bali villas provide unique, soothing and moisturizing recipes from local merchants and producers. Their luxurious feel may leave you asking for information on where you can purchase some to take home with you! Linens are also generally of the finest quality, with a focus on comfortable textures and elegant appearance.

While a business center is not a common feature in Bali villas, you will often find reliable high speed wireless internet, and many times staff will be available to help you print, fax, or mail documents if necessary. Other facilities such as swimming pools are often present, and sometimes infinity pools, Jacuzzis, hot tubs and other top line spa and pool facilities are provided for your use. Some villas may have private hiking trails or beaches as well.

The majority of Bali villas provide 24/7 security and locked, private suites. Security is natural in Bali villas, since outsiders are recognized immediately not only by hotel staff, but by residents of nearby villages and towns. The community atmosphere in Bali cultivates the ability to care for one another, and when you stay in a Bali villa, you are counted as a part of this community.

The community atmosphere in Bali often provides visitors with the chance to learn from a village full of volunteer guides, eager to share their community’s special features or suggest trips to nearby archeological sites, holy places, beaches, and restaurants. If you still find yourself in search of places to go or things to do, Bali villas almost always employ staff to help you with excursion planning and tour arrangements. You can also ask the butler, maid, or other staff person who is working for you during your stay what they might recommend. They have the chance to interact closely with numerous guests, and might be able to provide feedback based on the experiences of previous guests.

Staying in a Bali villa, you will notice that luxury and relaxation are easy to come by. All of the features you could desire, and often more, are present in these beautiful facilities.