Ubud Things to Do

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In Ubud you shouldn't miss the typical balinese dances performed in the Ubud Palace ( Puri Saren Agung). It's a nice way to get to know and understand a bit of the balinese culture.

There are different types of dances but the performances usually take place at 7.30 pm. You can see here the Ramayana Ballet, the Legong of Mahabrata, the Gabor, the Barong and the Legong, depending on the days of the week.

One of the great joys of traveling alone and independently is the opportunity to really get to know the people and the local culture.

In Ubud, I had the opportunity to be invited to the homes of two artists - a painter and a dancer. My visits to their homes are featured in separate travelogues.

Other than these two great individuals, my days in Ubud are spiced by conversations with local people, like this auntie selling peanuts at the community hall in central Ubud (across the Ubud Tourist Information Center). Although I don't speak the local language, I had a great time snapping pictures of her and her companions' . She also sells some of the best tasting peanuts I've tasted in my life!

The joys of mingling with the locals are made even more special by the Indonesians' seemingly close affinity to Filipinos (their eyes sparkle with great interest when you identify yourself as Filipino) - perhaps because we share the same hardships, the same problems, the same concerns in our part of the world (vs. our more affluent neighbors in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia)?

Maybe, or it might just be our shared resilience against life's odds and our zest for life, and the capacity to smile at even the most daunting (and miserable) of circumstances?

If u're into antique wooden masks, or any authentic sculptures for a very cheap price, Ubud is where u need to go. Masks came from East Timor, Irian Jaya or Borneo etc and aged 20-30 years are easily to find here. And if u bargain, they willing to sell it to u if the price is right. From the pic, my bf bought the big tall mask for 400,000 rupiah...not a bad deal hey. Well, makes my bf a happy man and added another mask to his collection :)

While we were walking in to town one day from our hotel we came across these "creatures" being taken to a temple for a special ceremony later that day.
They were so tall that the power lines had to be lifted up for them to pass underneath. The poor guys that had that task were busy running ahead of the vehicles, waiting for them to pass then running ahead again! No mean feat in that heat!!

This property has gain it’s reputation
while being known as The Begawan Giri.

Reputable celebrities have stayed here in the past.

Now a days it is known as
Shambhala, a center for peace and harmony,
embodies the holistic way of life.

I guess you can say that,
with all the treatments that are available.

Located off in the hill of Sayan,
this property offers true peacefulness
with a touch of class.

The classical massages and treatments that are offer
at most spas are also offered here.

Massages included are:

The COMO Shambhala; Indonesian; Taksu, Indian Head
Deep Tissue and Thai Massage are offered
from 60 – 90 minutes at 630,000 Rp – 945,000 Rp

For increasing circulation,
the Lymphatic Drainage is offered
during 60 minutes for 525,000 Rp

For the feet, there is the Reflexology
during 60 minutes at 525,000 Rp.

Sports Massages can be offered from 15 minutes up to an hour
at the price of 157,500 Rp to 630,000 Rp.

To sooth the knots in the muscles,
the offer the Hot River Massage
for 90 minutes at 1,260,000 Rp.

The COMO Shambhala, Javanese Royal Lulur Bath
and the Warm Muscle Wrap al last for 120 minutes
and are priced at 1,260,000 Rp

There are several Facial Care options, such as:

Aromatic; Beaute Neuve, Deep Cleansing, Calming Sensitive;
Q10 + Collagen and the Firming Algae Mask Facial
varying from 60 – 75 minutes and ranging from
735,000 Rp to 1,102,500 Rp

Nail Care and Waxing is also provided.

There are several Ayurvedic Therapies offered.

But you will also find other classes and treatments
that are outside of the norm, such as:

Reiki; Crystal healing; Nutrition Consultation; Yoga; Pilates;
Chi Chong; Thi Chi and Wing Chun.

Several walks and hikes also can be programmed upon request.

So if you are seeking an, it’s all good stay.
Then this may be the place to go!

About Shambhala

Several types of Lulurs are offered,
depending if combined with Tropical Rain,
a Herbal Blend, all with the topping of yoghurt.
Prices range from $450-$130.

Jut want he traditional massages?
Different durations from 30 – 90 minutes are offered.
Prices range from $50-$100.

Spring cleaning time?
Try one of the various scrubs,
offering ingredients such as Ginger, Rice and Spice.
The duration of these scrubs are 60 minutes and priced at $70 .

Get your body wrapped!
Choices include clay, basil, and rosemary.
Feel like a purified enchilada!
Duration 60 minutes and prices at $70.

Need to spice up that glowing feeling inside and out?
Top it off with a manicure or a pedicure.

Changing rooms are comfortable,
if you have an event after this healing experience.

And then watch yourself walk out with a glow.

The Spa at The Four Seasons,
is defiantly a high end experience of pampering!

Enjoy!

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If exquisite pampering
is within your financial range,
the the Spa at
The Four Seasons Resort in Sayan
is a definite good choice.

This property offers interesting
architectural feature as you enter the grounds.
All constructed with the finest of materials.

You’ll cross the iron wooden bridge
that over looks a section of this resort.,
leading down a finely crafted wooden stair case.

As you head on further down to the lower floors
where the spa is located,
you will encounter the open view bar
which faces the slopes of the Sayan.

But it doesn’t stop here.
One more floor down.

And it is there that you encounter the spa reception.

This Spa is one of the best well equipped that I have seen so far.
A gym room, several Jacuzzis, a tea room,
hair salon, and even a tea room.

So, if you are visiting with a group,
there is something for everyone.

What is on the Spa menu?

The holistic, Indian Ayurvedas lasting for 2 hours
promise to offer all the natural healing that you may need. $130 - $220

Have a chakra that is imbalanced?
Then try the Chakra Dhara for 2 hours.
Herbal oil will be dripped onto your energy, key points,
and a massage from head to toe will be performed to balance your body. $220

Or try one of the New Ayurvedic Treatments
of various time durations, from 15 minutes to 90 minutes
and prices from $20 - $100.

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This is the first time that i ever been to a monkey sanctuary. It was awesome. If you nothing on your hands, they wont disturb you. But if you got food, they would come to you. YOu can buy a bunch of bananas or fruits at the entrance of the sanctuary. If you just carrying a plastic bag without food inside, they will come to you and pull the plastic bag from you and take a look inside. ANd seeing there's no food inside, they will let it go. SO just incase u're afraid that they might pull that plastic bag from you, you have to carry it high up from the ground. A great experience to walking with the monkeys...
Other than the monkey, you got to see big old giant trees that have already been there for a longest time. There are some old statues of monkeys which have been erected hundreds of centuries ago.