Hello travelers!
I have been reading through *many* posts after doing a generic search on Ubud hotels. It's a bit much and not all apply to my question.
Which hotel in Ubud comes highly recommended by board user (price range is flexible but would like to stay under $250 or 300 US per night)? We will have already spent 5 nights in Seminyak and then plan to move to Ubud for just a few more nights.
Also, which tour guides are recommended (in both Seminak and Ubud. Also, if you can post their websites/emails, it would be greatly appreciated)?
Finally, what actiivites are there to engage in Ubud for the 3.5 days we have to explore (river rafting, elephant riding etc).

We're pretty active and would like to explore much as possible.

Thanks in advance!!

Within your budget, you have so many choices...I'm sure you've found that out. What might be helpful for making a recommendation would be what style you were looking for and what facilities you'd like. Is the view very important, or is the room more important to you? Do you like traditional Bali style, or a more modern feel? Big hotel or small hotel? Resort or hotel? Villa or hotel? Private pool or is the hotel's pool enough?

Activities...it is well worth driving with a driver around the area...the scenery is stunning. A nice walk, done with a local guide, is through the village of Keliki. We did this with a village resident who is staff at the place we stay at. They also offer the same tour to outside guests...I think the hotel may not be what you are looking for based on your budget, but actually, do look through their website for some excellent ideas on what to do in the area, tours and activities. www.alamsari.com

I think Maya Ubud might be within your budget. Check into www.balidiscovery.com for good rates on all hotels. Putu is frequently recommended on this forum as a guide and driver. We have used him and we think he is the best. He is based in Ubud but can pick you up anywhere on the island. Send an e-mail to Putu at [email protected] for rates and information. His web site is www.balifriend.net.

i have used both bali discovery and putu....putu is fantastic...

Lots of Bali today! That's a good sign as the economy can sure use visitors.

In Ubud as I've written elsewhere I like the Alila, especially the suites which are basically large rooms with wrap-around terraces overlooking the river valley. The ambience is serene and lovely. The Alila has beautiful public spaces -- grounds, pool and restaurant. The architecture is a bit quirky: some like it, some don't. (I do.)

Just about all of the medium sized hotels in the area have similar atmospheres. It's hard to make a bad choice.

Alam Sari that Kim mentions is a very special place. It's somewhat isolated, but they'll take good care of you. I'd also recommend Kayumanis, a mall group of elegant villas that is exquisitely positioned on the same river valley.

Aside from rafting and trekking, my favorite pasttime in Ubud is going to
dance performances. I've sent an old post to the top which mentions a few of the best companies.

The Ubud area has some great restaurants. I like Mosaic, the restaurant at the Alila and Terazo.

There are plenty of tour guides in Ubud. The Putu that is often recommended on this board sounds great because he seems to understand what visitors really want to do. Sanputu at the Alila is a wonderful trekking guide. There are several organizations that offer bike or walking tours. There are also mountains/volcanos to climb, reefs to snorkle, caves to explore, temples to visit -- Bali offers a lot for the active person. Plus you can reward yourself with a spa treatment afterwards!

Whoever you end up with, be sure to go to a temple festival. They go on to all hours and usually have dance and drama performances.

I knew I'd get some helpful answers here and I'm certainly not disappointed! Thank you all for your input. From just a quick search -- the Alila seems to fit our needs.

KimJapan, thanks for the link (they are v. helpful - I like coming back to this page as a reference).

Craig, I read your detailed report and it's given me a good sense of itineraries as well as activities to do and which impulse buys I need to pass on (namely a kite).

Marmot, I see from your other posts that you have chosen the Alila repeatedly. Which level of room would you recommend (please forgive me if you have already stated your preference and the reasons for it). It seems having a (superior)terrace to overlook the surroundings sounds great. But having an outside shower(deluxe) is always nice too. Then the villa, which is about twice as much as the Superior...is it worth the splurge?

It seems we won't go wrong reserving the services of Putu (again, thanks for the direct link!)

Lastly, I had a *doh* moment I wanted to share: stumbling upon some info -- there are NO elephants on Bali
Just FYI to anyone else who might come across this thread.

There are elephants on Bali...just not native. There is an elephant camp near Ubud in Taro that has Sumatran elephants and is reputedly very good. There are 2 more places that offer elephant rides for a cheaper price but aren't as good/kind to the elephatns.

junkgalore, I live in Indonesia and go to Bali frequently. For me, the Legian is the perfect beach resort. In the Ubud area I've never really been able to find a comparable property that has everything I want. I don't particulary like private villas as I like the distraction of other guests. The Alila offer the most of what I'm looking for -- aesthetics, service, tranquility -- but, really, none is perfect.

I always hesitate to recommend the Alila because some posters on this board absolutely hate it. It was designed by a trendy Australian firm and is not especially Balinese in architecture, although it is in feeling.

The rooms are grouped in a series of low buildings. The upstairs rooms have balconies that overlook the river valley, the downstairs rooms have little terraces. If the resort were full it would be a little claustrophobic, but nowadays it's never full.

I always go with Suite #103. They're probably quoting a crazy high price of the suites, but I would think that they would be negotiable as business is very slow.

The suites consist of a large room with bed and window seats. There's an open walkway with a garden and sunken bathtub between the bedroom and bathroom proper. This is charming as they light it with candles at night, but I can't say that I've ever actually used it to bathe.

The bathroom/dressing room is good sized with two sinks and closets. The shower isn't outside but it's somewhat open.

What really appeals to me is that there's a big terrace that wraps around the whole suite that hangs over the gorge. It's quite spectacular at any time of day. The last time I was there there was a troup of monkeys who regularly visited.

The pool and restaurant are quite lovely. Food's very good, but a bit on the pricy side. The spa is also nice.

My husband who is a runner likes the Alila because he can run along the access road in the morning which is difficult to find in Ubud.

If you stay there be sure to take a nature walk with Sanputu. He is amazing!

As I said you really can't go wrong in the Ubud area -- it's just oozing with charm and mystery.

Another idea would be to spend a few days at Alam Sari or other economical place then splurge on the Amankila. Now there's a place that I can endorse whole heartedly!

I highly recommend Uma Ubud. It's a really stylish and fantastic place. The location is perfect too - just outside of town, but within walking distance. Some excellent restaurants are just across the street, like Mosaic and Naughty Nuri's.

I've also stayed at Alila Ubud and am one of the people that didn't like it all that much. I stayed in the terrace room which was dark and small. It's a beautiful location though and if you stay in a suite, it might be a nice place to stay.

Luxe Guide Bali has some good information.

Junkgalore,

You and I seem to be planning the same vacation, although we're doing Ubud first & semin 2nd.

Let us know what you decide with the hotels...we're still debating the FS Sayan, Como @ begawan giri, hanging garden ubud, and uma ubud...so confusing with the good many choices ;-)

While a guide in Ubud is nice, I would really urge you to get a map called the "Bali Pathfinder" which is available in most stores in Ubud and go out on your own by foot and bicycle. This is the best way, IMO, to really see the beautiful countryside. Biking is really great, a lot of uphill, but if you go towards Batuan and Batubulan you will find flatter areas. On walks you can get up into the higher rice terrace areas that roads cannot reach. You do not need a guide or a car for any of this and you will see village life, rice planting, etc on a much more personal level. I would spend a minimum amount of time in a car with a guide.

River rafting is fun, go with Soebeck which IMO are the best outfitters. Not sure I would bother with elephants, as noted they are not native to the island and not used for work as they are in Thailand so there is no mahout tradition, just a tourist ride. Stick to your feet or a bicycle.

Again, thank you all for such helpful replies.

Marmot, the Amankila looks fantastic but it's out of our budget.

Newlyweds -- isn't it fun planning? The places you listed sound wonderful. We also considered the FS but some close friends advised us against it (I think they said it was nice but felt that it lacked the value).

So far, we're looking at the following places: Alila, The Chedi Club, Kupu Kupu, Royal Pita Maha and the Kori Ubud (can't find much info but their luxury suite seems to be a fantastic value...I just wonder what the location/views are like.)

I really don't think we'll go wrong with any of these places...but for those familiar with the area, which property do you think has the best views/atmosphere/service?

Can't resist ringing in on this one. We spent 5 nights at KayuManis and can't wait to return. The staff are unbelievably helpful. It's a bit out of town but they will drive you in at a moment's notice. Rack rate for suites (which are smashing, facing the forest with river rushing below) are in the $250-$350 range but use your bargaining skills. Bali tourism is way down and I'm sure they are negotiable.
Our guide, Wayan Sueta, was superb; he really listens to what you want to see and do, perfect English and a kind, delightful person. We wanted to see local temple ceremonies and he found us one where we were the only westerners. About $25-$30 for a full day, again negotiable.You can contact him at [email protected]. Enjoy
Robbie

Just a note about the Kupa Kupa Barong. A good friend stayed there and HATED it. He said it was beautiful, but the staff were unfriendly and rude. They couldn't wait to leave.

His recommendation is the Alam Jiwa, which gets great reviews everywhere. (Unfortunately, it's fully booked when we are going in August).

My fiance and I are also looking for a great place to stay in Ubud. I'm considering the Uma Ubud, as well as the Maya Ubud and the Alila.

We can certainly recommend a great driver in Bali.

Ketut is very safe driver, has a good command of English and a very good sense of humour which kept us thoroughly entertained during the trip. Would highly recommend KETUT SUDIARTA as a driver. His rate is very reasonable at 250,000 rp for all day. His phone number is 081 239 32604, and email [email protected].

We have recommended Ketut to several friends who have visited Bali, and they all raved about his service! A good guy!


Check the positive comments on the Bali Forum.

Thanks everyone for your input.

We have (finally) decided on the Kupu Kupu Barong. We will be sure to write up our experiences once we return.

Also, megasmiles, thanks for the driver rec...as the first driver is only available on one of the days we will be there. We were still looking to do day tours a few other days as well.