Bali

Restaurants:

• Room 4 Dessert (Dessert, fine dining) -

  • In Short: A dessert tasting menu

  • At Length: What a cool experience! As dessert lovers, we were the most excited about this reservation on our trip to Bali. When we went, there was a 9-course tasting menu, which of course we had to try. We also had a cocktail which was excellent, and strong. The food was superb. The presentation was gorgeous, and the taste was at times surprising and always delicious. If you go as a couple, you'll be served one dessert per course to share; if you are there alone, you get the whole thing to yourself. The portions are all a full-sized dessert (you won't leave hungry). Our only complaint was that we ran out of room in our stomachs! By the end it was hard to keep eating, but we desperately wanted to finish everything, especially since the last three were our favorite dishes. The servers very kindly gave us a break halfway through, so we could make room for the rest of the menu. You can also order a la carte, but the tasting menu is very reasonably priced. There is one vegan dessert, and it was surprisingly one of our favorites. It doesn't look like much but it was truly delicious. Another favorite was the plat du jours and the creme brulee. The color of money has a sauce that blew away our taste buds. Overall, it was a fabulous experience that we would highly recommend doing at least once.

• Mozaic (fine dining) -

  • In Short: One of the nicest and most expensive restaurants in Ubud (though not compared to the West).

  • At Length: The service here is outstanding. We were well taken care of from start to finish. Though more expensive than other fine dining spots in Ubud, this was a worthwhile experience. The food was delicious, though not surprising. One thoughtful component is that they leave a plate on the table filled with local ingredients that appear in all the courses. As the food is served, the waiter/waitress explains which ingredient is featured in each dish. This is a really nice personal and local touch. We thought the wines were lacking. While they were good and were fine pairings with the food, there were none that we would want to drink again. The ambiance is wonderful. It is a private garden area, just like the pictures show. There are only a few tables, which feels very intimate, and also removed from the other guests. We were not rushed out for a later seating - it felt like we could have the table all night. We also had a number of food allergies in our group, and the chef was extremely accommodating. It was a great experience overall.

• Nusantara (chic) -

  • In Short:​ Upscale Indonesian food

  • At Length: Must go! Locavore was fully booked and suggested we try their sister restaurant instead. We are so glad we did. Nusantara only serves Indonesian food, which is great! They have a sample platter that allows you to try all different types of flavors. It was outstanding. It's beautiful inside too, and smells of delicious food wafting from the kitchen and outdoor grill. Yum yum, we definitely recommend it.

• The Elephant (casual) -

  • In Short: Trendy, vegetarian, delicious​

  • At Length: We stumbled upon this place and are so glad we did. It has a very inviting vibe. Lots of different seating areas with couches and swing chairs. It has a gorgeous view, which is probably better during the day or at sunset (we went at night). The food is excellent. We didn't know it was a plant-based restaurant when we entered, and didn't miss the meat at all. It will make you want to be vegetarian. The menu has tons of tasty options, and good cocktails too. The liquor is also earth-friendly sourced, which is cool. Definitely worth stopping by.

• Clear Cafe (casual) -

  • In Short: A very trendy lunch spot​

  • At Length: What a cool place! The vibe here is incredible. There are so many different seating areas to choose from, and not just stylistically from room to room, but also you can choose to sit on the floor, couch, or table. There are water features, and lots of plants and greenery, and even a fireman's pole. It's the kind of place you can go with a good book and sit for hours. The food is also delicious, and the drinks are fun. There's a lot to choose from and it all looked really tasty. Very reasonably priced.

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Read more reviews here: TripAdvisor Gourmet Girlfriends in Ubud

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Hotels:

• We stayed at The Lokha Ubud, which was 5-stars and nice enough, but too removed from downtown. Our recommendation: stay walking distance from Ubud old town, or stay in Jatiluwih or similar so that you are in the heart of Bali and away from tourists - spend a day trip or two in Ubud.

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Activities:

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces -

  • In Short: A world heritage site with good reason​

  • At Length: This is the Bali you see in photographs. The rice terraces are stunning. They seem to go on for miles here. Go early so you have them to yourself, you will be glad you did - it is silent in the fields. Wander around, and enjoy the wonder that nature offers. If we return to Bali, we will probably try to stay here. There's hardly any restaurants, and only one hotel, but the views are breathtaking.

• Pura Gunung Kawi -

  • In Short: An 11th century temple complex on a mountain-side​

  • At Length: LOTS OF STAIRS! But totally worthwhile. This temple is set between two mountains, next to a river. It is as picturesque as they come. Try to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds- it is totally worth it to be there by yourself. There are beautiful views all the way down to the temple, and then a set of stairs behind the temple that are worth exploring for the beautiful terraces of lily ponds. Spend about an hour here exploring.

• Pura Luhur Batukaru -

  • In Short: Temple on the side of Bali's second largest volcano​

  • At Length: This temple is off the beaten path, so it is less crowded than others. It is on a beautiful mountain, and the drive to reach it nearly makes the whole trip worthwhile on its own. If you look closely, you'll see cacao pods growing along the route. The temple itself is overgrown with moss in a most natural way. There is a beautiful little lake tucked away down a side set of stairs that is also worth exploring - but be careful, it can be very slippery.

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Skip:

• Ulun Danu Beratan -

  • In Short: Beautiful temple on a lake​

  • At Length: This temple and its grounds are beautifully maintained, and breathtaking in pictures. However, in person, they are not as picturesque as the online images seem - to see them that way, you need to be on a boat. It is certainly a serene place, but perhaps not worth the drive.

• Pura Tirta Empul ("Water Temple") -

  • In Short: Water temple relatively near Ubud, where people go to cleanse themselves​

  • At Length: This temple complex is large and beautiful, however, it is overrun with tourists. People go to be purified by the sacred waters, but it feels more sacrilegious given the tourist-factor. Also, in order to exit, you have to walk through a long maze of gimmicky shops.