from around the globe

From Around the Globe

1. For a completely different and very worthwhile experience, visit and/or volunteer a few hours of your time at an orphanage in Ubud.  Volunteer to run an English lesson or an activity session with the kids, or even just take up a few clothes for them. www.thewinsproject.org or email the founder and dynamo behind this place on sadiaketut@hotmail.com.

2. Rather than just hire a driver or lie around the pool, get to know Bali though a sustainable tourism enterprise who offer low impact local tours.  One of the projects they visit is a local “beading” enterprise which until GFC was providing employment for quite a few women and secondary school children to get them through school.  Travelcorp have sourced a very aware, incredibly knowledgeable company who are and passionate about involving local communities in valuable contact with visitors – true sustainable tourism. They offer tours to bring you closer to the real Bali, offering you the opportunity to learn about the Balinese cultures and way of life of its people. Their trips include hiking trips as well as sightseeing to some untouristed areas.  To quote a previous guest: “They can arrange temple tours, hikes through mountains and rice fields, snorkelling adventures, or simply escort you to a scenic wonderland and let you believe you discovered it all by yourselves. Bali is loaded with great food, traditions, scenic vistas, but most of all people as sweet and memorable as Wayan & Gusti.”.  The website is http://www.hiddenbali.com and Wayan can be contacted on wsueta@gmail.com

3. Undertake a yoga retreat in beautiful settings (or just chill out in an amazing place) – without breaking the bank.  Bagus Jati Health and Wellbeing Spa Retreat, is on the fast track to becoming the choice for international Yoga Retreats.  Located amongst the lush tropical forests in the mountains near Ubud Bali, this 5 hectare site consists of 8 circular deluxe villas, each with private spa facilities and 10 superior villas with dramatic views of the valley below.
The nurturing and harmonious atmosphere of their uniquely designed circular Yoga & Meditation Pavilion, with wooden floors, alang-alang roof (grass), large glass doors which open out to a forest vista, is designed to raise both energy and spirits. The natural environment here is just perfect for every aspect of yoga – and more. Just a few of the options available include trekking to the top of a volcano for sunrise, jungle trekking and cycling tours.  If you would like to add a closing ceremony they offer Balinese Dance and Gamelan music performance or Bamboo Gamelan orchestra “Jegog” from west Bali. The restaurant is cooled by natural breezes, offering a spectacular view of the river valley, gardens and Mount Agung. An unforgettable evening awaits you with a fine selection of Indonesian and International dishes and wines. The freshest products, blended with fresh herbs and spices for a scintillating and unforgettable dining experience. All vegetables are organically grown on the Bagus Jati resort, observing strict ecological principles. Special diets are available and can be tailored to individual needs. To further enhance your yoga retreat, the award winning spa at Bagus Jati includes Rain (Vichy) Shower, Herbal steam bath, Thermal & Hydrotherapy and Shiatsu Room. The spa lobby and boutique forms the entrance to our health and wellbeing facilities. The architecture is influenced by Balinese temples using a long central staircase. Each of the individual spa rooms has its own private water garden or views over the jungle valley. Immerse yourself in the tropical surroundings of this serene hideaway and discover a global palate of world class health and wellbeing programs, covering: nutrition, Detox, Yoga, Meditation, stress relief, Anti-aging programs, nature trekking and healthy cooking workshops. For additional information please visit www.bagusjati.com. 

4. Spend a few days in a delightful mid range hotel in Ubud itself.  In Ubud it is highly desirable to stay somewhere central – but that can be noisy. Travelcorp suggest the Pertiwi Resort as an ideal location. Central yet quiet, with comfortable rooms and great pool and gardens, the Pertiwi is an old favourite with people from all over the world. They come back year after year for obvious reasons. The Pertiwi is a perfect retreat for those who appreciate informality and total privacy but want to be close to Ubud’s tourists interests and cultural centre. Maximising the central but quiet location, the space and facilities are set in compound greenery tropical landscape with two swimming pools and proximity to either Monkey forest and Ubud’s King Palace. Outside the door you will find the busy world of downtown Ubud, with many tourist activities. Shops are right on the main road in front of the resort, and it is only a few minutes walk to the museums and rice field.