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Ogoh-Ogoh Parade in Ubud on the eve of Nyepi day in Bali, Indonesia.
Monkey Forest Road, Ubud Bali – Indonesia
Monkey Forest Road, Ubud – Bali. It’s a road that goes through a forest, with monkeys on it.
Ubud Monkey Forest – Bali
The Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud Sanctuary is a great place to see monkeys in a natural environment. The sanctuary is south of the town at the end of the Monkey Forest Rd (Jl Wanara Wana).
[Monkeys At Steps]
The sanctuary is set in a lush forest with temples, stone statues and hundreds of monkeys (Long-tailed Macaque, or Crab-eating Macaque as they are properly known).
[Sitting Monkey]
The monkeys are so accustomed to humans thats they generally ignore you when you walk by. The best way to get up close to the monkeys is with bananas, which are sold at the entry gate.
[Monkey Huddle]
The monkeys are not shy in accepting bananas and they will go for your bag if they think you are hiding bananas from them. Make sure you are holding onto anything loose as they may take off with that as well.
[Monkey Forest Rules]
Ubud monkey forest
A Crab-eating Macaque at the Ubud Monkey Forest.
Monkey at the Ubud Monkey Forest
Own a piece of street in Ubud
There are so many cool little guesthouses in Ubud you either need to get a recommendation of which ones are good, or spend a half a day walking around reconnoitering. One street I would like to come back to is Jalan Kajeng.
Jalan Kajeng - Ubud, Bali
As you can see from the paving stones they have come up with a novel way of raising money to repave the street. You can buy a stone for the street, which will then have a message or illustration carved on for you. As well as the usual “James was here 2009″ type messages there were a few advertising websites.
Friends of Jalan Kajeng
The hypnotic Kecak dance of Bali
If I may trundle out an old cliché, then let me say that if you only see one thing in Ubud, go and see a Kecak dance.
Kecak Dancers - Ubud Bali
Hearing 100 plus performers percussively chanting “cak” as they wave their hands in the air sent my hair’s on end.
There are performances on a couple of nights a week, which your guesthouse will have details of. Check out the Kecak Dance site for more history.
Ubud – The wi-fi capital of Indonesia
Free wi-fi - Ubud, Bali
Ubud is the considered as the cultural centre of Bali. It is a popular place for expats and retreats for the mind, body and spirit. As a result Ubud has decent wi-fi availability. I would say I found better wi-fi here than in Jakarta, which must make it the best connected town or city in Indonesia.
