Ubud – Artist Community and Cultural Center of Bali
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When I arrived in Ubud Tuesday afternoon, I had no room reservations or any idea where I as going to stay.
Wayon, my driver, dropped me off on Monkey Forest Road, not too far away from the actual Sacred Monkey Forest. I liked the idea of finding a room within walking distance of the Monkey Forest. After all, seeing the monkeys was one of my motivations of choosing to visit Ubud. The first place I saw was the Sagittarius Motel, and I thought, hmm, may be fate (since that is my sign). I checked at the front desk, only to find they were full. I walked back out to the street lugging my baggage and laptop, and was approached by a young gentleman asking if I was looking for a room. He told me to follow him, which I did with a little bit of hesitation, but figured it was worth checking out. Directly across the street from the Sagittarius Motel was a short alley that led back to another motel, the Dewi Ayu. |
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As we were walking back I asked how much the rooms were, and he replied 165,000 rp, after a quick calculation in my mind I decided $16.50 a night was worth looking into.
As it turned out, the hotel was fantastic. He asked if I wanted an upstairs or downstairs room, and I opted for upstairs. He led me up a staircase to a large balcony with one room attached. Complete privacy and a beautiful view overlooking the gardens. Inside the room was spacious, very clean, but frugal. No TV, which was fine with me, a ceiling fan, which for Bali is all you really need, and a separate bathroom. After completing the registration process, and settling into my room, I decided it was time to get out and explore Ubud. |
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Strolling down Monkey Forest Road is an experience in itself. The street is so interesting, such incredible architecture.
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Everywhere you look you see the Bali culture, the beauty, intricately displayed in the fine details of buildings, statues, weaved throughout the town.
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Interesting stores and displays. I walked along one side of the street, and crossed back on the other.
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I caught sight of a sign at one bar/restaurant, the Lobong Cafe, advertising live Reggae music on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. I made a mental note of it and continued on my way.
The streets are filled with tourists, from many different countries, speaking a wide variety of languages. It is very interesting. Of course English is the common language (lucky for me!) which you hear at restaurants and stores, basically any interaction between the Balinese and any foreigner. Later that evening I took another stroll back to a restaurant offering vegetarian food that I had spotted earlier, Warduni Warung. I decided to give it a try. The food was fantastic, and I actually ended up eating there most of my time in Ubud, sampling the different vegetarian Balinese dishes on the menu. I remembered seeing the sign earlier for the live music offered that night. I am not much of a bar person, and have never been that into Reggae music. But I though hey, this is an adventure, why not? |