Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana, the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal is on the outskirts of Ubud at the south of Monkey Forest Road. With a scientific name of Macaca fascicuiaris, the monkeys are long-tailed macaques. For the Balinese monkeys embody both positive and negative forces. In the sacred Balinese Hindu temple sites (such as the Sacred Monkey Forest) they are revered and protected, but when they raid rice fields or snatch items from souveneir shops they are revealing their negative side. The Sanctuary is a quiet, cool, green and relaxing place to walk and look for the monkeys, which can be seen crossing the paths and darting through the trees as you walk. They roam freely throughout the forest/sanctuary and are not afraid of humans. Look for the three temples within the sanctuary.

Walk Along the Main Street

Ubud contains hundreds of small workshops where Balinese people live and make many of the handicrafts you will see on display. Walk down main street, Jalan Raya, for a diverse cultural experience. Life comes onto the street to meet you. Exquisite shops have statues outside, beautifully intricate fresh flower arrangements, floral offerings containing incense sticks. You may see a sculptor at work, a woman weaving on a loom. There are also hotels and bungalows restaurants, art galleries, shops. banks, internet cafes, museums, tour sellers. Take a cooking class or choose from lots of other cultural workshops.

Visit the market at the corner of Jalan Raya and Monkey Forest Road for an incredible array of locally made artworks, batik shirts, beads, handicrafts, carvings, jewellery, pottery, gold and silverware, spices, woodcarvings, wind chimes, colourful sarongs in traditional prints. Bargaining is expected and it's good to go early as the first sale of the day brings good luck. Set in a two-storied square with an open courtyard, the market is frequented by both tourists and local Balinese shoppers and is always colourful and lively.

Food of All Varieties

Ubud is extremely well supplied with fine restaurants, cafes and foodstalls - Mexican, German, Italian and more. Taste a mouth-watering selection of some of the best Balinese food, which is appetizing and unique. Have a lovely breakfast or brunch for a very small price served by a smiling and charming waitress as you relax and watch the passers-by. Sauces may come to you in exotic containers made from fresh leaves.

Friendly Locals

Handsome smiling people will greet you everywhere. The Balinese practice their own unique form of Hinduism, and distance themselves from political issues. You may witness a cremation ceremony or even a bridal procession. Participants will be dressed in beautiful and brightly coloured clothes. Having a special devotion to children, the family and to visitors, they will consider you honoured guests.

A Range of Places to Stay

Both Jalan Honoman and Jalan Kajeng are handy to the main street and have lots of delightful accommodation on offer. Jalan Hanoman runs downhill from Jalan Raya Ubud and contains art shops, cafes, temples and guesthouses. (Hanoman is the monkey god).

Homestays are family compounds and include family temples. You can find one and two story bungalows often with views over the elegantly sculpted rice terraces. Breakfast will most likely be included.

If you prefer a hotel you can choose stylish private suites or villas, usually with great views, air-conditioning, breezy terraces and discreet efficient service including laundry service. Restaurants, bars and reception pavilions are all available, possibly sunbeds under coconut trees and many establishments will also offer massage and spa treatments, guided walks and cultural programs.

And More

Attend some of the wonderful dances which are held in the evenings – at local temples decorated with candles - the romantic atmosphere heightened by Balinese music. Hotels and tour operators will have details and there will be ticket sellers wandering the streets ready to entice you.

These are just some of the delights of Ubud. You are unlikely to be disappointed by a visit to this paradise within a paradise, whether you visit for a day or use it as a home base. Every visit is unique and you will be sure to find more delightful sights and activities than are mentioned here, and memories that will stay with you long after the visit is over.

If You Go

Lodging • Jati Home Stay -- Online reservations can be made at http://baliwww.com/homestay/homestay_detail/super_saver/550.html • Han Snell Bungalow -- Accommodation with Art and Painting Gallery in Jalan Kajeng • Padma Accommodation -- This family run accommodation only has two rooms. Set in a large, lush garden they are well maintained, clean and spacious. The rooms overlook a peaceful garden. • Artja Inn -- 6 rooms: 2 rooms with fan, 4 rooms no fan, no AC. Cold water shower, breakfast included. • Casa Luna Ubud Bali -- Restaurant has cooking classes, some beginning with a market tour. • Puri Saren Agung Also known as Ubud Palace -- Has evening dance performances in the dramatic setting of a beautiful courtyard.

Food A warung is an indispensable feature of Indonesia’s daily life - a simple food stall selling basic, traditional food. In addition, here are some restaurants to try. • Dragonfly Kitchen & Bar, Ubud Restaurant -- Open kitchen and outdoor grill and Ubud's first free wifi hotspot. • TeraZo Restaurant and Bar -- Mediterranean Cuisine • Lamak Restaurant & Bar Asian and European cuisine and vegetarian fare either al-fresco or fully air- conditioned dining. • Mozaic Restaurant upscale dining in a tropicl garden

---