One of the top activity in Ubud for first time visitors is the Monkey Forest, it is a enclosed park where monkeys are allowed to move around freely. You are the outsider over there so watch your belongings, glasses, phones and such can be taken away in a heartbeat.
Monkey Forest
I did it the first morning I was here, booked my ticket online the night before, I don't think it was necessary as I went for the opening time and not that many people were her so I could have bought my ticket just there. I checked online before and it is better to be on opening as many of the tourist buses haven't arrived yet so you can spend the first hour going around whiteout seeing a lot of people.
The visit on site took me about 90 mins and I did take it slowly, it isn't that big of a site and some of the temple inside where not accessible at the time.
You get to see a lot of free monkeys around and your are in the middle of nature so that is always a plus and a nice break from the city.
My homestay was just 10mins walking distance to the forest so it was very convenient to get there, a few café are on the way and I stoped for breakfast before going as they open a bit late.
Overall good experience but very short, won't take you half a day.
Museum and planned night dance show
I went to visit one of the museum within the city, I was looking for AC but unforatubly it was a semi outdoor and open. 4 buildings with open doors to the artwork.
Staff was nice they offer you a complimentary water bottle with the ticket which is appreciated on a very hot day.
For the evening I did bought a ticket for a Dance show that was happening during the night at the Palace, around Ubud you can see people selling tickets to the shows around this area all day, there is a show happening overnight but it is different companies performing and selling tickets.
I talked to one of the sellers and they work commissions based, 5% of the ticket price go to them so they have an incentive to sell them.
I bought my ticket during the day and was going to go back at 6:30 or 7pm but a massive rainstorm hit the city and the show was cancel, I still went there because I didn't know if they would perform it, if the area was covered or not.
Bought an poncho on the way to a shop that conveniently put them in front so during rainy day to sell them and it works, probably got quoted a higher price for it but I needed it.
Got to the palace, wanted to Exchange my ticket when I learned it was canceled but they weren't performing until next week so they refunded me and I would have to book another shower later on the week.
Overall happy about my first day in Ubud, Since I am here for a week, I have time to svelte down, work out what I want to see and take some time for writing.
So fare I got really lucky in Bali with the weather and I can see that it is ended the end of the good season and that the rainy season would slowly settle in.
First heavy rain and thunderstorm on the island of the gods. From now on I would prepare a bit better for the possibility of sudden rain and check the weather before planning important outdoor activities.
Explore the Journey So Far:
- 🚕 WaltInAsia 06 - Relocation to Ubud
- 🐪 WaltInAsia 05 - Day 10 Kuta, Sanur and camel ride
- 📍 WaltInAsia 04 - Pool and Sunset in Kuta, Bali
- ✈️ WaltInAsia 03 - Flight from Jakarta to Bali
- 🛍️ WaltInAsia 02 - Tour of markets and Malls in Jakarta
- 🗺️ WaltInAsia 01 - End of first week in Jakarta, Indonesia
- 🛫 WaltInAsia 00 - Preparation and flight review to Jakarta