2024 Gianyar Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Cultural Marvel at Ubud's Kecak & Fire Dance

#2024wish During my Ubud exploration, I drove to Gianyar Night Market and savoured delightful coconut ice cream and went for an hour long massage before heading to the kecak dance. The highlight of my cultural journey was the immersive experience of the Kecak & Fire Dance at Pura Dalem Ubud. The performance, priced at 150k IDR for one hour, featured 15 minutes of captivating fire dance intertwined with 45 minutes of live singing and entertainment. There was a vibrant display of traditional singers, graceful dancers, and interactive segments, offering a rich insight into Balinese heritage. Unlike the sunset fire dance in Uluwatu, the one in Ubud did not have any monkeys in sight, and the venue was fully seated. In summary, Pura Dalem Ubud's Kecak & Fire Dance delivers an engaging spectacle, showcasing Bali's vibrant culture through an hour-long performance that's both entertaining and culturally enriching. I would wish to go London to visit their historic and culture sites. I love their architecture and gardens. #kecakdance #bali #nightmarket #culture

The Purist, like many Balinese resorts, celebrates nature and combines it with Balinese-style architecture and decor to create a serene, organic atmosphere. There are small ponds and rocky pools along pathways meandering through the lush grounds, which are filled with greenery, tropical plants, and palm trees. Though not an overly large property, there are two outdoor pools at the Purist, both beautiful infinity-style rectangles. Cushioned loungers overlook the pools and gardens, which have a jungle landscape (though this wilderness might not suit all tastes). The Purist exudes a quiet calm, and guests note a peaceful secluded feeling, even when the hotel is well booked. The reception area is a set of open-air pavilions with grey stone floors and a long, beautiful check-in desk and simple white couches, while surrounding shelves and tables display traditional Balinese artwork and sculpture. Ubud is an area known for its traditional arts and dance, and the resort celebrates this history in its decor. #createwithtrip #staycation

Hotel Villa-Ubud, The resort started out as a simple private residence, but after numerous visits by family and friends, the owner began to add more buildings and villas. Rows of spiky cacti flank the hotel's elaborate Balinese temple-style entrance, which comes complete with a seated Buddha statue and an ornately carved wooden door. Inside is a series of beautiful stepped terraces with manicured lawns scored with stone paths and lined with colorful flowers, hedges, and tropical plants. Traditional buildings with coconut tree pillars and alang-alang (Indonesian grass) woven roofs sit beside European-style buildings with wrought-iron railings and terra-cotta tile roofing. Although the resort is surrounded by paddy fields on one side and a river on the other, the general tranquility is occasionally by interrupted by distant traffic noise. #createwithtrip #staycation

Hoshinoya Bali - A quick jungle getaway at Hoshinoya Bali this past holiday! The resort was a refreshing restart with Bali reopening post pandemic. The location is quite isolated so not too many eating options or activities so expect to spend lots of time on resort with local activities from Batik making, matcha and rice field walks. It’s definitely a heavy price tag but the spacious Japanese villa, privacy (it seemed like no other guests were around during our stay) and amazing staff are worth a stay. Plus, COVID discount is still on as of this post! Food wise, the breakfast is great with portions being just the right amount (definitely op for the Japanese food). One last small thing, if anyone is a stickler for details, the wood quality used in the resort is 10/10. Everything detail is intentional and doesn’t seem cheap like many Bali resorts are resorting to these days. #createwithtrip #staycation

If you’re a Orchid lover, then Kemenuh Orchid Garden may be the perfect destination for you. Located in Gianyar, Bali, the spacious park is home to a wide range of beautifully landscaped tropical plants. In the Orchid Garden area, you’ll find various types of colorful orchids, from Dendrobiums, Miltonias, and more. To see playful dragonflies roam freely in their natural habitat, be sure to enter the aesthetically designed Dragonfly Park. Last but not least, complete your visit to the park by admiring dozens of Bonsai trees, a work of art as a result of careful cultivation and dedication in the Bonsai Park area. Take your loved ones along and don’t forget to take lots of memorable photos amidst this rich and breathtakingly mesmerizing world of tropical plants! #springblossoms #urbanexplorer #awesomepic #unforgettableexperiences #springblossoms#urbanexplorer

Padusi Coffee

It’s nice place to relax with great coffee as they keep their shop very clean and decorate with lovely seasonal goods. You may go cool down here after hanging around as there is air conditioning. The owner and staff are very friendly and kind. Chamelia gave me tips for traveling Bali and helped me to have a nice trip. I appreciate her support so much. I will definitely come back to this shop. Located : Jl. Monkey Forest No.56, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 #동남아여행

Simple Coffee

Simpel Coffee, located in Mas, Ubud, offers a charming coffee experience reminiscent of enjoying a cup of joe in the comfort of a cosy house. The coffee shop's concept is beautifully executed, creating a warm and inviting ambience that makes you feel right at home. The classic and vintage design adds a touch of nostalgia, enhancing the overall atmosphere. While they excel in creating a classic and vintage aesthetic, it would be even more delightful if their menu matched this theme. The coffee itself is decent, falling into the medium range in terms of flavour and strength. However, it is highly recommended to venture beyond their regular offerings and try their signature coffee. Take a moment to unwind and enjoy a cup of their speciality brews for a truly memorable coffee experience. 📍Jl. Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali ⏰Daily (8AM - 11PM) #동남아여행

Decafo Cafe

Decafo Cafe is a hidden gem that offers a haven for coffee lovers. From the excellent coffee and delightful pastries to the tranquil and welcoming atmosphere, every aspect of the cafe contributes to a memorable experience. Whether you're seeking a place to indulge in great coffee, savor delicious baked goods, or simply find solace in a peaceful environment, Decafo Cafe is the perfect destination. the ambience is amazing!! quiet, cozy, also we got furry friend, bear! 🥺 the coffee is not too acid so its enjoyable, the cakes are great especially the matcha cheesecake! love this place! Location: Lodtunduh, Gianyar Regency, Bali #감성카페 #카페추천 #카페

Livingstone Holyground Cafe

Super comfy cafe with eye-pleasing design 💚 lots of greens, with nature vibes at the outdoor area. Good place to hang out with friends. The foods are also good! They have some areas with different atmosphere, the indoor one is just like usual cafe, the outdoor area is like sitting in a backyard, there's also a pool area, and private meeting room. This was a nice place to find, has great AC, is spacious and has an extensive menu (including a few veggie and vegan options). I really enjoyed their latte with oat milk, had great flavour and I loved the cup it came in. The staff were friendly and nice. They have huge area with swimming pool in the backyard. They also have kids playground. Ordered some pastries and coffees, and all of them are perfect. Location : Peliatan, Gianyar Regency, Bali. #동남아여행 #카페추천 #카페

Kalos Cafe

This time let's play in Ubud. There is a beautiful place (as the name suggests), on land adjacent to the river. A simple, essential yet impressive & practical long bar, becomes the main character in this main room. Many interesting objects such as sculptures, wooden tables with resin accents, stainless steel bar stools, and others that enrich this wooden ceilinged room. Sage-colored cushions soften the masculine character of the room. For coffee, when we visited, they were still in the process of selecting the right coffee. However, the piccolo we tried was quite satisfying. Hopefully we can find the right one soon. Besides coffee, they also have many food menus, cakes & pastries. #indonesiatrip#cafeholic

Stock iced cafe

The place is quite great for working from cafe, but I think there are some things to be improved. this cafe provided great ricefield view and comfy seating area. I ordered onion ring and it was really TASTY!!! I love the taste of the flour, the crunchiness, and the spicy mayo sauce.. and i ordered thai tea.. Overall, I recommend you to visit this cafe!! #wecreate

Tlaga Singha

Beautiful river club in Gianyar 🥰

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are located in a small village in the popular rainforest region of Ubud in central Bali. This makes it easy to put a visit to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace on everyone’s Bali itinerary. You can combine a visit the the Tegalalang Rice Terraces with many other to go places in Ubud. It’s also important that you realize that the terraces will look different during each season. You will have the best circumstances just before the rice is harvested, which is usually around March-early April and September-October. But if you want to be sure that the Tegalalang rice terraces are green, have a look at instagram on the location stories or ask a fellow traveler in Ubud if it’s worth it to go. When the rice has just been harvested, the Tegalalang rice terraces are mud pools. That takes away the charm of visiting one of the most beautiful spot on Bali. So know when to visit! #createwithtrip

Set in a quiet artist's village, Gajah Biru was converted from a private residence, helping to give the collection of buildings and bungalows an intimate, humble vibe. Palm trees, shrubs, and flowers create a lush and inviting setting. Balinese statuary dots the grounds and there are several outdoor sitting areas. There's not much in the way of action here, but the main swimming pool serves as a bit of a social hub. Still, given pool's small size and limited seating, the atmosphere around stays quiet. The hotel's style is rustic and traditional, with thatched ceilings and lots of stone, plus a few artsy details, like the unicycle stools at the front desk. Welcoming touches include a glass of fresh watermelon juice at arrival.The hotel draws mostly couples with its private and romantic setting, pool, and quiet location in charming Penestanan. There are no kid-specific amenities, but families benefit from the big rooms. #createwithtrip #staycation

This charming upscale boutique hotel features light and airy interiors and outrageously gorgeous grounds teeming with lush greenery and soothing water features. Paths wind through tunnels of green and lead around the well-maintained grounds. Peaked thatched roofs and open-air architecture allow the outdoors in, while interior decor is a mix of beachy rattan furniture and elegant details like Persian rugs on stone floors, antique pieces, and chandeliers. Clientele is mainly composed of couples, and it certainly makes for a romantic vacation, but families are also catered to here and are attracted by the spacious private villas with pools. One of the highlights here is the beautiful outdoor pool, an infinity-edge that overlooks the jungle canopy and is surrounded by an attractive wooden sundeck lined with plush padded sunbeds and skirted in greenery and colorful potted flowers. Floating padded loungers encourage guests to relax in the water. #createwithtrip #staycation

Dwaraka The Royal Villas is a small, romantic, and upscale property situated on lush, tropical grounds. The open-air lobby features gorgeous tile on the floors, beautiful hand-painted statues, doorways, and furniture, and a cozy, casual seating area set off to the side. Big bowls of orange marigolds add even more color to the already vibrant space. This hotel primarily caters to couples and honeymooners looking for a romantic and relaxing getaway. Dwaraka The Royal Villas is located in a quiet neighborhood in the northern outskirts of Ubud, an inland town known for its numerous artists and spas, thriving New Age expat community, yoga studios, and health food restaurants. The hotel is in a quiet neighborhood due north of the town center, with a fair amount of residences and similar hotels in the immediate area. #createwithtrip #staycation

Pajar House features two distinct settings: Standard and Deluxe Rooms are located in a traditional Balinese compound in a rural village setting and the suites and villas located in a remote natural setting with pristine rice field views. Both the village and rice field locations feel far removed from the bustle of downtown Ubud and temperatures are also cooler due to a higher elevation level than Ubud and a constant breeze blowing off the rice fields. The family run hotel has a laid-back ambience and a distinctly Balinese aesthetic with traditional stylings and architectural features like red brick facades, intricately carved wood and stone features and statues, natural stone walls, and manicured tropical gardens. The hotel is popular with families and couples. Pajar House Ubud has limited facilities. The biggest draw is the serene and tranquil ambience, and the gorgeous natural surroundings. The hotel offers free daily guided rice field treks. Rooms are spread out along three compounds, each of which features an outdoor swimming pool. The villa compound has a large infinity edged swimming pool, which is surrounded by rice fields and tropical greenery, plus the deck has plenty of lounge chairs. #createwithtrip #staycation

Set amid thick jungle and placed beside a creek, Bali Spirit Hotel conjures up the feel of the old Ubud: it's quiet, serene, and has a somewhat spiritual vibe. The grounds are beautiful, with moss-covered stone carvings on walls, statues of birds and animals peeking from behind lush tropical plants, and traditional architecture that draws heavily on thatched roofs, indoor/outdoor spaces, and lots of wood and stone accents.The overall feel of the Bali Spirit is quaint and cute, but as is the case with many similar properties in the area, the hotel is starting to look a little run down. We spotted damaged wood in the restaurant and broken statues in the garden -- but the weathered touches were somehow more charming than off-putting. The spa, though, with its dated yellow tiles and basic facilities, is in need of an update. Most of the guests we encountered during our stay were middle-aged European and Australian couples, and they tended to spend the day out exploring the area. Both pools were quiet and relaxing throughout the day, and we could hear birds chirping on surrounding trees. Some of the guests came back to the hotel before sunset to take a dip in the pool, but most only returned after dinner. The hotel's setting on the side of a mountain is picturesque, but it may be challenging for travelers with mobility issues. #createwithtrip #staycation

Jungle Retreat is located in the outskirts of Ubud, tucked away in a rain forest area just off the main Raya Kedewatan I Road. It's about a 10-minute drive to the main market and the Saraswati Temple and a few minutes further to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This intimate hotel is situated in a quiet, lush location with lots of trees and tropical plants spread across the grounds. Reception takes place in a large, semi-open lobby filled with ornate carvings and bas reliefs and topped with a traditional woven roof. The resort is on the large side, and while most travelers can get around easily enough on foot (it's usually no more than a five-minutes walk from rooms to the reception area), the hotel provides golf cart rides for getting luggage and guests to rooms, as needed. The hotel is most suited to vacationing couples, though families do stay here owing to the larger rooms and villas. #createwithtrip #staycation

One of the hotel's best qualities is the serene and tranquil atmosphere. Built along a river and jungle valley, the soundtrack throughout the hotel is the constant flow of the river and sounds of nature. The grounds are beautifully manicured with tropical plants, palm trees, and meandering stone pathways lined with greenery that lead to the different facilities and rooms. Most guests hang out around one of the two outdoor swimming pools during the day. The valley pool sits in a stunning setting right along the jungle valley overlooking the river. Kinara Restaurant is housed in a traditional Javanese wooden joglo, and features nice modern interior decorated with vintage photographs and intricate wood carvings. Thanks to high ceilings and open walls, all sides the restaurant have great airflow and plenty of light. Most guests here are couples on a romantic holiday. Location wise, the hotel is ideally situated. It's positioned on the small and quiet cobblestoned Bisma Street, which sits adjacent to Ubud's busiest locale, Monkey Forest Street. The area has a relaxed atmosphere and is much less developed than downtown Ubud. #createwithtrip #staycation

This little gem is situated on beautifully maintained grounds filled with tropical plants, koi ponds, and moss-covered stone walkways. The open-air lobby isn't much of a lobby, but it's charming and quirky welcome, with a couple of chairs and a cushioned bamboo settee where guests can hang out and enjoy the gorgeous setting. There's also a massage table here and a refrigerator with cold drinks. Balinese statues stand guard. Adjacent is a thatch-roofed pavilion that serves as the dining area, though guests are prone to hanging out here as well. The atmosphere at Inang Ubud is peaceful, serene, and super-relaxing. It appeals to travelers looking to get away from the city and enjoy nature in a quiet, pastoral setting. Couples, families, and groups all make their way here. This hotel is situated in a serene rural setting overlooking rice fields and coconut trees, about a 10-minute drive north of the center of Ubud. Access is relatively easy, although there are a few bumpy roads along the way. There's not much else in the immediate area, but the hotel provides a shuttle into Ubud until relatively late in the evening. #createwithtrip #staycation

The outskirts of Ubud are the stuff of legend, with scenery that never fails to impress. So expectations are justifiably high for the many villa properties that ring the city. Thankfully, Black Penny Villas lives up to most expectations. The main draws for guests staying here are the serene and tranquil ambience, the ultra-private villas, and the amazing views of the jungle valley and Ayung River. A combination of the constant soundtrack made by the river rapids and the endless green scenery create a soothing and peaceful setting that's conducive to deep relaxation. However, travelers preferring a more active vacation will find that the hotel has little to offer. Facilities on-site are limited to just a small restaurant. There is no communal swimming pool or proper spa, but in-room spa treatments are offered and each villa is equipped with a private plunge pool. Black Penny makes a good choice for romantic getaways, and families with young children should probably look elsewhere. The property is perched along a steep cliffside with long flights of winding stairs. #createwithtrip #staycation

This upscale resort is composed of a collection of thatched-roof cottages set on lovely and well-maintained grounds teeming with lush greenery. Decor is stylish, mixing a contemporary beach-y look with some Balinese touches and natural elements. The outdoors are a highlight here, and the open-air architecture makes the most of the surroundings. The chic, inviting lobby overlooks lush plants and trees, hanging vines, and a lotus leaf-dotted pond that adds to the soothing atmosphere of the space. Rustic-style wooden furniture seamlessly blends with the natural surrounds. The hotel's restaurant, a large thatched-roof pavilion, offers lush views over the jungle, while the inviting, sunlit lounge makes a great place to relax in with a book from the property's collection. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to rest and soak up the sun in as well, like the attractive outdoor pool. However, since all villas have private plunge pools, many guests tend to spend their time in privacy. The resort attracts both couples and families with kids, and does a great job catering to both. #createwithtrip #staycation

The Bambu Indah, meaning beautiful bamboo, is an upper-mid-range resort that feels like a historic Indonesian village, overlooking beautiful rice paddies. Flat stone pathways meander through the large eco-friendly property, made with Javanese teak wood constructed over 100 years ago. Founded by John Hardy Jewelry owners, John and Cynthia, who live on the adjacent property, the resort was created to remain in harmony with the natural surroundings. They also founded the well-known Green School. The husband-and-wife team, who met in the 1980s, have a personal connection to the property, having raised their children on the land. Natural designs, sustainable facilities, and eco-friendly operations limit the resort’s environmental impact. The lobby is one-of-a-kind thatched dome within a bamboo structure. The grounds, however, are dimly lit to limit environmental light pollution, and guests are given flashlights to get around at night. #createwithtrip #staycation

Tucked in the jungle on the outskirts of Ubud, the Bidadari Private Villas & Retreat - Ubud offers a tranquil and luxurious refuge on a small property that allows staff to provide each guest with personal attention. Stone steps wind through the lush forest grounds, with lava rock walls that feature intricate high relief carvings. The Bidadari, Indonesian for "heavenly angel," was designed by architects Nyoman Miyoga and Mande Sudarta. The resort was built in 2006 and features a cobblestone driveway that leads to a small thatched-roof lobby, decorated in wood carvings and traditional Balinese furniture. A lounge offers floor cushions beside a chessboard, books on loan, and a display case with jewelry, beauty products, and souvenirs for sale. Mostly couples stay at the hotel, which offers the Bunga Matahari Spa. Treatment rooms have soaking tubs facing large windows that overlook the lush valley below. There’s also a lava rock terrace, with cushy lounge chairs, and an open-air nail salon. #createwithtrip #staycation

The Elephant Safari Park & Lodge was founded in 1997 by England-born Nigel Mason, who rescued nine mistreated elephants that were living on a rice field in Bali. The English businessman then transported 18 more rescue elephants from Sumatra to the park, which has since hosted visits from celebrities like David Beckham, Jessica Biel, and Julia Roberts. Two double wooden doors at the park entrance (visitors can also come for day tours) lead into the property that’s adorned with elephant statues and carvings. There are beautiful rice paddy views and a botanical garden that has fishponds, patio seating, and canopy beds. Staying at the lodge offers a unique experience where guests can interact with a herd of 31 endangered Sumatran elephants. A line of elephant chauffeurs, with their manhout (rider/trainer), take guests from their doorsteps every night to dinner. Some guests complain, however, about elephants being chained for certain times of the day (elephant rides are controversial animal attractions). Guests can ride elephants while they bathe in a pool, watch an elephant talent show, or visit a museum that features a 15,000-year-old mammoth skeleton. The large gift shop sells elephant souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. There’s also a photo shop to capture guests riding elephants. #createwithtrip #staycation

This hotel was one of the most pleasant surprises that we found on a recent trip to Ubud. It's a bit far from the busy center of town, but the rewards include jaw-dropping grounds that stretch across rice fields and the jungle, for a taste of what Ubud was once like. Within these stunning surroundings are one- and two-story buildings done in authentic Balinese style. Expect to see lots of carved details and hardwood accents, and all common areas are open to the natural landscape. The vibe is tranquil throughout, with groups of yogis being served healthy meals in the breezy dining areas, as well as making their sun salutations in the jungle-shrouded yoga studios. Elsewhere, families gingerly step across the paths that cut between the rice fields. The hotel has been in the same family since 1978 and is one of the older properties in town. In fact, many of the family members still live on-site and daily offerings to Hindu deities are made, fostering the homey atmosphere. As the surroundings are natural, expect to encounter birdlife and a few vibrantly colored, but totally harmless, spiders or insects during your time here. It's tropical Bali, after all. #createwithtrip #staycation

Surrounded by a quaint, residential village in northern Ubud, the hotel’s picturesque and serene location amidst rice paddies and greenery is worth the bumpy roads that lead to it, and ideal for travelers who prefer to stay away from the tourist-heavy downtown area. Access to central Ubud (and the sites within it, such as Ubud Palace or Ubud Market) isn’t difficult, as it’s only a 10-minute drive away, and the hotel also offers frequent free shuttles back and forth. With many open-air spaces, abundant use of organic materials, and lush greenery meeting the eye everywhere one looks, this boutique hotel tastefully embeds itself within its natural surroundings rather than using fancy furnishings. Traditional Balinese statues perched at the entrance lead to an open-air lobby and dining area featuring woven jute poufs for seating, wicker ball pendant lights, and teak wood floors. Paths lined with stepping stones weave through the property, past delicate infinity pools, to the individual huts that house the rooms. Upscale but understated, the hotel’s vibe is an ideal mix of romantic, tranquil, and laid-back, well-suited for its primary clientele of couples. #createwithtrip #staycation

Situated in a quiet location a short walk from the Sacred Monkey Forest, the tiny Mawa House feels a lot like a Balinese home. The two-floor guest house features classic Balinese architecture and interiors, with traditional furnishings and ample natural materials like teak, stone, and slate. Guests enter to an open and airy lobby with carved-wood doors and window frames, yellow and red walls, beamed ceilings, and a marble-topped reception desk. Guests can immerse themselves in the local culture -- the hotel offers wood carving, numerous temple ceremonies, and Balinese craft making. A small swimming pool with a waterfall feature is an inviting and refreshing place to cool off from the intense heat. The pool is set in a dense and lush tropical courtyard with native trees, bushes, shrubs, and flowers. The grounds also feature Hindu statuary and shrines, and Balinese carved stone. Mawa House tends to draw European couples, and offers honeymoon packages with massages and romantic candlelight dinners. #createwithtrip #staycation

Pita Maha Resort - This small boutique resort is nestled in a river valley outside Ubud and offers gorgeous views of the surrounding jungle, making this resort feel even farther away from Ubud than it actually is. The entrance sets the relaxed, rustic tone, with its high thatched roof, lovely greenery and flowers, stone statues, and an elaborately carved stone doorway. Inside, the expansive open-air lobby is much the same, with extensive stone, wood carvings, and rich wood columns. It's a lovely space, and guests can hang out there on the cushioned wicker chairs and take in the beauty all around. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful, with a feeling of authentic Balinese charm and refined polish. It attracts mostly couples, but families and groups of friends also make their way here to take advantage of the larger villas with private pools. #createwithtrip #staycation