Ubud’ Art Galleries: where to go in Bali

With its picturesque rolling hills and emerald green rice terraces Ubud has for many decades nurtured its reputation as Bali’s artistic capital and as a highland retreat for those of a more creative demeanor, including foreign artists, such as Walter Spies and Antonio Blanco.

Ubud has a plethora of art galleries where you can shop around for your own Balinese masterpiece to take home. A visit to the Neka Museum, the Rudana Museum of Fine art, the Puri Lukisan Museum or the Agung Rai gallery, is recommended to get an idea of the different styles before making a purchase.

Shopping around and bargaining are advised. It’s just amazing how much you can learn about art in a short time if you put in the effort.

Ritz Carlton at Jimbaran Bay Bali

With its own exclusive beach, golf course, tennis pavilion and outdoor pool with infinity edge views of the Indian Ocean, it is no wonder many honeymooners staying at the Ritz Carlton do not venture far.

Set on 173 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, the 338 room hotel including private ocean front villas as well as luxury guest rooms.

For any couples wanting to sit on the beach without being hassled by massage ladies and watch sellers, the hotel has a secluded private cove with pristine white sand and clear turquoise water, complete with a beach hut selling fresh fruit and drinks.

The staff of Ritz Carlton Bali will organize trips around the island, while the in house spa features one of the world’s largest Aquatonic sea water pools a swell as hydrotherapy treatment rooms and private spa villas.

A romantic escapades package for honeymoon including the service of a personal butler and concierge, double massage at the spa or in room, a prepared Balinese flower bath for two, a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot ponsardin champagne and access to the Club Lounge.

With so many world class resorts and hotels to choose from, it is no wonder many honeymooners spend only a few nights at each as they hop from one to another experiencing the diversity of Bali’s natural environment and culture.

Gunung Batur and Lake Batur: another “must visit” destination in Bali

At 1,717m Gunung Batur is a much more user friendly volcano climbing experience than Agung. While the volcano is still active today, it only takes about two hours to climb to the summit. Many choose to leave before dawn to be at the top for sunrise.

If climbing before dawn, a guide is recommended. Otherwise the paths are easy to follow, and in the day a guide is not really necessary.

There’s even a small tea shop on top. Lake Batur is Bali’s largest at almost 9 km in length. Legend has it that this picturesque lake is the abode of goddess Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu.

Batur is 4 km east of Penelokan. About 8 km from Penelokan is Toya Bungkuh with accommodation and restaurants this is where you begin your ascent.