Our trip to Bali was 15 Days. If you would like to see how you could spend 15 days in Bali then please check out our 15 Days In Bali Itinerary and/or the links below:
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ubud?
- Escape the nightlife of Legian/Kuta
- Explore the countryside of Bali
- Experience Balinese Culture
- Visit the Bali Zoo
- Want to see monkeys in a forest
There are so many things you can do in Ubud. From relaxing in a beautiful resort or exploring the countryside and what Ubud has to offer. No matter what option you choose I am confident you will love your time in Ubud. Ubud is famous for its Monkey Forest, rice fields, Bali Zoo, waterfalls and scenic surrounds. Although Ubud is a tourist destination it is nowhere near as busy as Legian and Kuta. The area is much more serene, you would think you were in a different country.
Our Journey To Ubud
Day 1 Itinerary
- Checked out of our hotel in Legian. Refer to 4 Days in Legian
- Motorbike taxi to Bali Zoo
- Checked into The Sanctoo Villas & Spa @ Bali Zoo
- Afternoon/evening spent relaxing in our villa with private pool
- Dinner bought to us in the villa
With our tummies full after having a yummy lunch in Legian it was time to check out of our hotel in Legian. We then hopped on motorbike taxis and headed to our next accomodation – Sanctuary Villa Bali Zoo!!
Motorbike taxis and taxis in general are very easy to get. You don’t have to walk far before someone is asking you where you are going. Just remember to haggle for your price. We chose a motorbike taxi over a car taxi as its part of the cultural experience. Traffic is also chaotic in Bali so its much quicker to go by bike. Traffic jams in Bali can be horrific. it took us about an hr from Legian for 100,000 p/p. We could’ve negotiated a cheaper price however we were happy to pay this price.
Once we arrived at the Bali Zoo we were welcomed with a drink and shoulder massage. We were then taken to our villa by a golf cart. The villa was so beautiful. It was very spacious and overlooked our private swimming pool. We spent the evening relaxing in the pool and taking in the serenity. We enjoyed the setting so much we even had dinner bought to our villa. There was no way we were leaving the room nor the swimming pool!!
Day 2 Itinerary
- Breakfast with the Orangutans & Elephant….awesome experience!
- 2hrs spent wondering around Bali Zoo
- Tegenungan Waterfall also known as Blangsinga Waterfall
- Lunch at Goa Gajah
- Elephant Cave also known as Goa Gajah
- Monkey Forest Ubud
- Dinner- Monkey Forest drive
- Evening spent in our private pool
Bali Zoo – Breakfast with the Orangutans and Elephant
Buffet breakfast with the orangutans and elephant was truly an awesome experience. We were very lucky to walk to breakfast following the elephant up the pathway and then watch the 2 orangutans enter the breakfast area swinging on the ropes tied between the trees. I was so excited as was my Mum who loves all animals but especially Orangutans and Elephants.
There are so many great options to choose from the buffet. From omelettes to Nasi Goreng to pancakes to name just a few, all the food is delicious!!
Mum and I were way too excited to sit still and eat, we just wanted to hang out with the orangoutangs. They are really cute and funny!!
I had an amazing experience with the orangutangs. One of them took a liking to me and took me from my Mum. My Mum whom loves me dearly burst into fits of laughter as the orangutang beat me lovingly on the table, then looked at me in an extremely loving way. I was really lucky the zoo keeper was nearby to encourage the orangutang to return me to my Mum, it really didn’t want to let me go. If it wasn’t for he zoo keeper I think I would still be in the zoo. Don’t get me wrong it would be awesome to live with this cute orangutang but I’d miss my parents way too much!!
We were shocked with how much time we got to spend with the orangoutangs and elephant. They also have a couple of other guest animal appearances which the zoo keepers provide you with information about.
If you are an animal lover this is definitely a must do whilst in Bali, Dad who wasn’t as keen about orangoutangs as Mum left being totally awed by them!!
Bali Zoo
After having the most amazing time with the orangoutangs and elephant at breakfast we spent 2 hrs roaming the Bali Zoo. For the first time my parents got to feed an African Lion and tigers. Fortunately the animals were behind a big tall strong fence!! It was an awesome experience for me to watch and for my parents to experience.
There were all types of monkeys, reptiles and birds. If you wish you can take a ride on the Elephants through the water. My parents opted not to do this as they travelled Asia for a year in 2017 and had the opportunity to ride several elephants bare back. Theres also a pony ride for kids to go on.
Bali Zoo Location
- Singapadu, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
- Bali Zoo is approximately 1hr, 23.2km from Legian
About Tegenungan Waterfall also known as Blangsinga Waterfall
The waterfall has become a popular tourist destination and has been set up with the tourist in mind. There are swings which go out over the cliff edge for that special Instagram photo to be taken and other novelty wooden structures to take that special photo.
Whilst the area is still developing there are already bars to grab a refreshment whilst taking in the serenity or taking a dip in the swimming pool.
There are steps leading to the base of the Tegenungan Waterfall where you can take more photos and walk along the river.
The area is very scenic and has a fun vibe about it. It really is a great place to come and chill for an afternoon or longer.
Tegenungan Waterfall (also known as Blangsinga Waterfall) Location
- Jalan Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
- Tegenungan Waterfall is approximately 19min, 8.1km from Bali Zoo
- Tegenungan Waterfall is approximately 30mins, 10.6km to Ubud
- Tegenungan Waterfall is approximately 1hr 12min, 32km from Legian
It’s such beautiful scenery as you drive from the waterfall to Ubud. As you pass rice fields and temples there is such a different feel here compared to Legian.
About Ubud
Ubud is a lovely town in uplands of Bali. Ubud is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. There’s the famous monkey forest and terraced rice fields. Hindu temples and shrines are scattered throughout. There is the ancient holy sites which includes the Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave and the Gunung Kawi.
Ubud Location
Ubud is approximately 30km, 1hr 15min from Legian.
About Goa Gajah-Elephant Cave
Goa Gajah is a cave built in the 9th century when it served as a sanctuary. It is famous for its carvings of Hindu Gods. Goa Gajah is a spiritual place for meditation. It’s an interesting place to go to if you want to experience some of the culture and history of Bali. Women cannot enter here if they are menstruating. The surrounding gardens are lovely, so green and lush.
Going here we expected to see some type of representation of an elephant, this was not the case. The cave has gorgeous Hindu carvings. You will also see bathing pools and fountains near the cave.
Goa Gajah Location
Goa Gajah is located near central Ubud, on the estern fringe of Bedulu village
About Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is an awesome place to explore if you love forests and have a love for monkeys.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to approximately 700 monkeys. The forest is 12.5 hectares and is owned by the village of Padangtegal. The Monkey forest is very important to the villages for spiritual, educational, economic and is a conservation centre for the village.
It is so much fun to watch the mischievous monkeys. Some will be cheeky enough to jump on your shoulders or head. Be warned if they think you have food in your hand or bag they will try to get it!! If you are carrying a bottle of water, you may want to consider hiding it in your bag before entering the forest as monkeys love bottles of water!! They also love sunglasses!!
The Forest Ranges advised Mum to hide me up her top as she wasn’t carrying a bag so the monkey couldn’t steal me away!! It was a rainy day so a lot of the monkeys were sheltering for cover in the trees. When there wasn’t a monkey in sight Mum would sneak me out!! The monkeys didn’t appear to like the rain!! In previous trips to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary my parents have seen a lot more monkeys and they’ve been a lot more active.
The forest itself is beautiful, it’s so green with so many different types of trees, there are approximately 186 species.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Location
- Monkey Forest St, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is approximately 1hr 25min, 32.4km from Legian
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is approximately 30mins, 12.1km to Bali Zoo
How Long Would I Spend at The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary?
If you walk around all of the forest and take time to watch the mischievous monkeys you could easily spend a minimum of an hour here.
Day 3 Itinerary
- Couldn’t resist returning to have breakfast with the cheeky orangoutangs and the majestic elephant
- Relaxed in private pool
- Checked out of Hotel
- Private Transfer to Sanur
- 30 min fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida
- Click here to read about our 3 Day Itinerary in Nusa Penida
As it was Valentines day there was no better place to have breakfast than with the cute orangoutangs and elephant. On this occasion one of the orangoutangs was cheeky and stole Mums sun glasses off her head. Lucky the zoo keeper is always standing close by and go the orangutang to give the sun glasses back.
The rest of the morning was spent chilling in the private pool before checking out of the hotel and getting a private transfer to Sanur. Once we arrived in Sanur there was time for lunch before catching a fast boat to Nusa Penida.
Our Journey. Where to After Ubud?
Our trip to Bali was 15 days. Refer to our story – 15 Days In Bali. After Ubud we headed for the beautiful island of Nusa Penida for 4 days, then Nusa Lembongan and returned to Legian for our last 3 days in Bali. Legian is where we began our wonderful holiday. Love Bali!!
Feedback/Comments
Have you explored Ubud or surrounding areas? Do you have any experiences you can share with us?
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