Best of Bali: ubud

JANUARY 18-30, 2023

Fivelements, Bali opened in late 2010 as the first of a new genre of wellness destinations bridging the wisdom of traditional healing cultures with innovative wellness concepts. To date, the eco-wellness retreat has been recognized with eighteen international awards spanning across hotel, wellness, spa, culinary and sustainable design industries. Fivelements has earned its position as an innovative leader in wellness concept design, retreats and programs, plant-based innovative cuisine and wellness hospitality worldwide.

The co-founders' intention is to co-create healing and wellness concepts and destinations that share:

• A vision for love and its power to transform

• An aspiration for bridging the wisdom, philosophies and healing practices of traditional cultures with innovative wellness services

• An eco-consciousness linking our mission to inspiring design

By focusing our efforts toward this, we will collectively make a greater impact on the wellness of humanity. Love all, serve all.

Fivelements Food:

To celebrate “aliveness,” Fivelements provides a unique cuisine of plant-based, raw vegan living foods. The exciting tastes, pure flavors, and fresh textures are complemented by the sheer beauty of these artful, colorful dishes. All dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture, and every bite is a gesture of self-care for mind, body and soul.

Fivelements Accommodations:

Fivelements offers a range of suites right on the banks of the Ayung River. Relax in a private pool, enjoy complimentary breakfast or sit by the balcony and admire the lush green views.

Each riverside suite is housed in a private pavilion fashioned after a sacred spiral and embellished with traditional Balinese ‘Songket’ textiles and antique touches. Each has a spacious terrace overlooking Bali’s sacred Ayung River, with a healing alfresco bathhouse including chromotherapy lighting, air-conditioning, sound system with iPod dock, wifi Internet access, safety box, hairdryer and a generous array of amenities.

To Do in ubud

Bali FAQ

Best Time to Visit Ubud, Bali

The high season for tourist to Bali is in July and August. The second busiest period to visit in then from Christmas to New Year’s Eve.

The best time to visit Bali is May, June, September therefore around the busy period, but avoiding the rainy season which is October to April. The rain season is typically a monsoon season which can mean strong winds and heavy rain.

Language

Bali is a part of Indonesia; for this reason, the official (and dominant) language is Indonesian. However, you'll still hear Balinese (a Malayo-Polynesian language) being spoken by some locals. Because international tourism plays a key role in Bali's economy, English is widely spoken in larger towns and cities. That means you shouldn't have a problem getting around, purchasing souvenirs or ordering food.

Currency

The currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah. Since the rupiah to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Also, keep in mind that because the large numerical difference can be confusing for foreigners, locals sometimes ask for unreasonable prices and can trick travelers into coughing up more cash than they need to. For reference, $1 is equal to approximately 14,330 rupiah.

Cash

Cash is still an important form of payment in Bali. So make sure you carry enough with you to pay for your small shopping, transportation and food & drinks. The 100,000 bills are only useful if you intend to buy a high-priced item or spend a lot of money at the same place. Most small shops and street sellers will struggle to make change, so 50,000 and 20,000 Rp notes will be the way to go. 

Cash Tips 

• Most resorts and hotels accept credit cards but most times smaller places like guesthouses or homestays do not.

• Check before hand if a store or restaurant accepts credit cards and if indeed their card swipe machine (EDC) is working.

• Hold on to a few Rp. 500 and Rp. 1,000 coins and forget about the smaller ones. They take up space and are hardly worth their weight. Don’t be surprised if at a supermarket your change of money includes a few pieces of candy instead of Rp. 50 or Rp. 100 coins.

•  Always carry a bit of cash with you. It will come handy when you decide to buy a coconut, grilled corn on the cob or a sarong on the beach. Tipping the staff at the hotel, spa and restaurant is also usually done in cash.

• Your cash is king at markets, food stalls and small shops. Do not expect to be able to use your credit cards here.

Credit Cards

More and more restaurants and shops do accept credit cards nowadays - particularly in the touristic areas it's gaining ground a lot. But do not rely on your credit card as you would in a western country. Cash is in many cases the only acceptable way of payment. Particularly in remote areas a credit card will be of little use to you. 

Visa and MasterCard are the most accepted credit cards in Bali. Some hotels and restaurants do take Amex, Diners Club even less. 

Keep in mind that very often there will be a 3 to sometimes even 5% surcharge on credit card transactions. This is, because the credit card companies keep that percentage for themselves, and the vendors on Bali will charge that fee back to their customer. 

ATMs

Read the article above for important information.

Also- Always put your hand above the keypad when typing your code. ALWAYS!

Tipping

Tipping in Bali is considered to be a foreign concept. Although it isn’t mandatory to tip for every service you avail, the tips are nevertheless appreciated. On the other hand it is important you understand that workers in the service industry are paid extremely low wages, with the bulk of the earnings going into the owner’s pocket. You might just make someone’s day by tipping him/her for the services offered when you’re visiting Bali. In light of this mentioned below is a detailed tipping guide highlighting what you need to know about how to tip for different services.

• TIP $2-$4 at a hotel

• At a restaurant TIP 2%-5%

• TIP $1-$5 at a Spa

• Tip your tour guides $5-$10

• Round up your taxi fare

Vaccinations

While there are no required vaccinations to visit Bali, we do recommend reviewing this link and considering some vaccinations.

ELECTRICITY

220 Volts, 50Hz. Electrical plugs are two-pronged ‘Europlug’ type.

Getting to Ubud, Bali

Most resorts in the area organize transportation from the airport (DPS) to the resort. If not, we will arrange transportation on your behalf.

The transportation from DPS to Ubud takes approximately 1 hour, but upwards of 2 hours if the traffic is bad. Which, more than likely it will be.

Dress Etiquette

Dress modestly before entering a temple in Bali. Temple guests are expected to wear shirts that cover shoulders and part of the upper arms. The waist and legs should be covered by a temple scarf (known as a selendang) and a sarong (known locally as kain kamben) respectively.

Environment & People

• Bali is a fragile island. Trash, Water and Traffic are big problems, like in any other part of the developing world. Help by being a conscious consumer

• Try to take short showers and avoid wasting water.

• Everything you throw away stays on Bali or will be washed into the sea. Affective rubbish management in this part of the world is not really existing.

• Plastic is problem no. 1. Avoid plastic bottles, straws, plastic bags when shopping.

• Most workers you will meet have a salary of around 130 to 150US$ per month and work hard for their money, travel long distances and share their income with other family members.

• Balinese are super friendly and welcoming. They are also proud and are happy if you respect their customs and island.

• Being angry and shouting is not appreciated. If you have a complaint, be polite, calm and insist on a solution in a friendly manner if you wish to get any result.
  
  
  

bartering 

If you're shopping at any one of Bali's markets, bargaining with street vendors is a must. But it's also nice to respect and value their work, effort, and services, and to pay fair prices. Live and let live!

Travel In Ubud

Private Driver

We can certainly arrange private transportation and driver for you throughout Bali, and even for your day trip excursions.
We’ve found this to be a safe and secure option, leaving little to question including where and how to find a driver on the spot, and how to calculate driving fees.

Taxi

The most honest ​taxis in Bali are the blue taxis marked "Bali Taxi" (known as Blue Bird Taxis); everybody else is hit or miss.
They’re so honest, other taxi operators hate their guts and collude with some hotels to exclude Bluebird taxis from their area. Catch a Bluebird taxi in Bali if you can.

Bali Taxi Tips

Riding a taxi in Bali works the same way as everywhere else—you hail a cab, get in, and tell the taxi where you're headed. But here are a few tips you may want to keep in mind:

• Take the traffic situation into account. Bali's traffic seems to get worse by the week, particularly fares from the airport. Look up possible detours before getting in the taxi.

• Ask the driver to repeat your destination to you, or otherwise ensure that he knows your destination.

• Explain your preferred route to the driver, if you have one.

• Make sure the driver uses the meter; say so at the beginning of the trip. If he doesn't use the meter, he may just be getting ready to gouge you at the end of the trip. If he refuses to use a taxi or makes an excuse, get out and hail another cab.

• If the taxi driver offers to wait for you at your destination, consider it. Some places do not get a lot of taxi service, so it might be handy to have a ride ready for you when you're set to leave. Agree beforehand if you want him to keep the meter running while he waits, or if he's willing to settle for an hourly fee. IDR 50,000 (about US$4) is a good upper limit.

• Keep spare change handy. Drivers often claim not to have any change for the fare, so they can then pocket the excess.

Scooter- AVAILABLE BUT NOT RECOMMENDED

This is NOT recommended on the island of Bali.
Scooters are really popular in Indonesia, and you can rent one for a day for around 30,000-50,000 IDR (just a few dollars!) Lots of tourists ride them and no one travels all that fast. Saying that, there are accidents frequently and police crack down on tourists who aren’t obeying the rules.



Uber- AVAILABLE BUT NOT RECOMMENDED

The taxi service, Uber works in Ubud and generally works out significantly cheaper than local taxis. Locals haven’t embraced the service, and as a result they’re not permitted in some areas. You may have to choose a pick up location away from major hotels or shops.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND GETTING INTO UNMARKED CARS WHILE TRAVELING

Drinking Water

Drink a lot of water to avoid getting heatstroke… just don’t get your water from the tap. Bali tap water is often blamed for many a bad case of “Bali belly,” so avoid it entirely. Stick to canned drinks or bottled water.

I can highly recommend the Grayl Purifier. This is what I use when I travel - and I travel to some pretty out of the way places. This is hands down the best (and easiest) filter on the planet.

REMEMBER- even the water you brush your teeth with, needs to be purified or bottled water. Most resorts have a purification system, but I never trust that it’s clean enough.

Ice cubes in restaurants are generally safe and government controlled.

Don’t Do Drugs- Don’t even TALK about Drugs

Bali’s drug laws are very strict and should not be trifled with. Indonesian Law No. 35/2009 lays down harsh penalties for drug users caught with Group 1 drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine: you can get life imprisonment for possession or the death penalty if you’ve been convicted of trafficking in drugs.

Pro Tip: Parts of Kuta (in the south of Bali) are still rife with drug dealers, or narcotics officers pretending to be dealers. Tourists walking through often get whispered solicitations for drugs. If you get one of these whispered sales pitches, walk away. You might end up a hapless victim of a drug sting!

Caution

• When it’s raining the sidewalks can be extremely slippery

• Sidewalks can have large and deep holes, that can’t be seen at night.

• Currents in the sea can be dangerous, and change depending on the weather and wind conditions; also good swimmers have drowned on Bali

• Night swimming (under the influence of alcohol and drugs) seems like fun, but will most likely lead to Bali being your last destination.

• Kuta and Legian Clubs and Bars can get rough at times. Some security guys here might not be as calm and objective as you expect at times. Don't trust the security guys. They are often part of the problem and not part of the solution

• Balinese are open-minded but they don’t like disrespectful and loud behavior, somebody touching their head, overly public display of affection.

Mosquito Repellent

Use mosquito net and repellent when possible. Dengue fever is widespread.

I highly recommend Sawyer Picardin lotion (not the spray). This can be purchased online or at REI or Cabella’s.
We found that 1 bottle (when applied once, daily) lasted about 2 weeks.

EMERGENCIES

In case of emergencies, dial 110 for police and 118 for ambulance.

Safety and Security

Since 2002, Indonesian police and security forces have disrupted a number of terrorist cells. Although extremists in Indonesia continue to aspire to carry out violent attacks against Indonesian and Western targets, police have arrested more than 1,700 individuals on terrorism-related charges since 2002 and have greatly reduced the capacity of domestic terrorist organizations. Extremists may target both official and private establishments, including hotels, bars, nightclubs, shopping areas, restaurants, and places of worship. Whether at work, pursuing daily activities, or traveling, you should be aware of your personal safety and security at all times. 

Recent incidents of extremist violence include the May 2018 bomb attacks against three churches in Surabaya that killed 15 civilians and injured 50 more, and an attack in January 14, 2016, by terrorists using guns and explosives attacked near the Sarinah Plaza in Central Jakarta, which killed four civilians, including one foreigner, and injured 17 others. In 2002, more than 200 foreign tourists and Indonesian citizens were killed by a bomb in Bali’s nightclub district.

Demonstrations are very common in Jakarta, Surabaya, and other large cities, but less common in Bali. You should avoid demonstrations and other mass gatherings, since even those intended to be peaceful can become violent. Demonstrations may become more frequent ahead of the Indonesian general elections scheduled for April 2019.

Currently, travel by U.S. government personnel to the provinces of Central Sulawesi and Papua is restricted to mission-essential travel that is approved in advance by the Embassy security office.

Crime: Pick-pocketing, theft, armed car-jacking, and residential break-ins are common. Avoid traveling to isolated areas late at night. Beware of your surroundings, particularly vehicles or individuals that might be following you. 

Use a reputable taxi company or hire a taxi either at a major hotel or shopping center. Travelers have been robbed in taxis that have been painted to look like legitimate taxis.

Credit card fraud is a serious and growing problem in Indonesia. Avoid using credit cards when possible. Criminals have “skimmed” credit/debit cards to access and drain bank accounts. Use an ATM in a secure location and check the machine for evidence of tampering. Monitor your account statements regularly.

Tourists and Indonesians have suffered from serious illness and have even died from "drink-spiking” and drink poisoning incidents, particularly in clubs and nightspots in urban and tourist areas. 

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Victims of sexual assault should seek prompt medical assistance, contact the Embassy, and call the local police at 112. For a criminal investigation to be initiated by the police, the victim must make a full statement to the local police, in person.  

See the webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

The US Government can:

• help you find appropriate medical care.

• assist you in reporting a crime to the police.

• contact relatives or friends with your written consent.

• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.

• provide a list of local attorneys.

• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.

• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.

• replace a stolen or lost passport.

  
  
  
  

U.S. Consular Agency Bali
Jalan Hayam Wuruk 310, Denpasar, Bali
Telephone: +(62)(361) 233-605
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Consulate in
Surabaya:+(62)(811) 334-183
Fax: +(62)(361) 222-426
Email: CABali@state.gov

Visiting a Healer in Bali

For several years it has become the “in thing” for tourists to pay a visit to a healer during their holiday in Bali. With the release of the film based on the wildly popular book, “Eat Pray Love,” in August 2010, the demand exceeded all boundaries. I have been told that the top hotels in the Ubud area are expected to know directions to the home of the person featured in the book. But how many of these tourists bother to learn even the protocol regarding such a visit, or learn even the most basic Indonesian language in order to greet them?

I have been asked to translate for visitors to Balians by those who landed in Bali two days prior, with no background in Bali-Hindu culture or religion, something the anthropologists and historians have written volumes about. The challenge is how to present what they are hearing and experiencing into a larger context?

Basic Facts about Balians

Balinese trade information about Balians with skill and charisma, because they do not believe in anyone who is a self-proclaimed “healer.” There are bogus practitioners, some of whom are quite famous. Most Balians were “chosen,” and it is not something they chose. Most discovered their gifts in the course of trying to heal themselves. Balians do not advertise, draw attention to themselves or like to be addressed as a Balian, as this can invite jealousy and bad feelings.

Balian Etiquette

• Balians receive their gifts from the spirit, as well as through study based on Bali Hindu philosophy. They credit this spirit with giving them their gift of healing. Others become Balians through a very long and intensive study and initiation from a well-known healer or high priest or priestess. They are the Balinese equivalent of a “doctor,” who has to follow an etiquette and moral code, not so different from a modern Western doctor.

• Healers are not regarded as movie stars or celebrities (so don’t treat them like one).

• There are so many types of healers who work on specific problems, from broken bones to broken hearts, mental disorders to “mysterious” problems, so choose one that is appropriate for you.

• Expect that it will be a process, and expect to receive several treatments at least and that you might have to change Balians if one does not work. (It is not an instantaneous process, so don’t expect to be healed on your way to the airport.)

• Typically, Balinese bring an offering to a healer, with a donation of appreciation inside. At the conclusion of the day, the healer dedicates this offering to their spirit in the family temple. Be generous. 

• Balians are regarded a status similar to priest. Consequently, if you visit one, you should show respect by dressing in a sarong and temple scarf.

• Remember always to give your offering with your right hand, and never point the bottom of your feet at Fe.the healer. Never ever touch their head or face, which is the most sacred part of the body.

Dos and don’ts when visiting a balian

1. Ask yourself first if you actually need to be healed

The internet is littered with blog accounts of those who have gone to see a Balian because they are “curious” or as one woman writes, “A medicine man on the side just seemed unique and adventurous”. Balians are not a side show, and it is unfair to take up their valuable time unless you are genuinely in need of healing.

2. Dress respectfully

A skimpy sun frock or tattered Bintang singlet is not appropriate attire. Depending on who the healer is, you may need to wear a sarong and temple sash, or at the very least cover your arms and legs. Find out before you go. And don’t point your feet at a Balian, as feet are considered unclean.

Balians are not a side show, and it is unfair to take up their valuable time unless you are genuinely in need of healing.

3. Make an appointment

Some Balians will only be seen by appointment; others you can just turn up and wait. Again find out before you go. 

4. Payment

Never hand money direct to a healer. Inquire first if payment is by donation or a fee, and place it in an envelope or a canang (flower offering) and leave it with a member of the family or in the family temple.

5. Choose your Balian wisely

Balians work with different maladies, so it is best to find one that specializes in your particular ailment, and follow personal recommendations. Healing is a booming industry in Bali, and one which has its fair share of charlatans.

Some of the island’s better-known balians

Pak Sirkus: Not for the faint-hearted! As the saying goes, “First he hurts you and then you feel better.” Pak Sircus specialises in problems associated with muscles and bones.

Jalan Subak Sari, Berawa + 62 361739538.

Pak Made Partha: Generally works with vigorous deep-tissue massage, ideal for sports injuries, back problems and sprains. He can also set broken bones. 

Banjar Bantan Buah, near Ubud + 62 81338430224.

Cokorda Bagus Astawa: A traditional Balinese healer who specialises in readings and mystical illnesses. He works with herbal tinctures and massage and energy healing to remove blocks.

Singapadu, Gianyar +62 81338533037.

Pak Man: One of the island’s better-known energy healers, Pak Man mostly works with healing massage and makes his own medicinal oils. He treats everything from depression to diabetes, drug addiction, black magic and broken bones.

Ubud, + 62 81338935369.

Ida Resi Alit: Bali’s youngest high priestess can be found in Bangli and offers ritual water purification ceremonies that will leave you feeling spiritually cleansed. 

Facebook Ida Resi Alit
 

Ibu Jero: A high priestess descended from five generations of healers, Ibu Jero specialises in energy cleansing and Balinese shamanic massage. She also offers a healing melukat ceremony which includes a blessing, offering and chakra clearing ritual to cleanse the mind body and spirit. A minimum of five people are required.

Jimbaran
, +62 81337649367.

Fivelements: A serene eco resort in Mambal with several powerful Balinese healers on site, each descended from a long line of healers. Chakra balancing sessions with Pak Dewa are particularly powerful.

Mambal +62 361 569206.

Floating Leaf: Specializes in customized retreats, including a five-day transformational healing retreat that incorporates a purification ritual, healing blessing ceremony, and session with a Balinese healer specifically chosen according to your particular ailment.

Sukawati +62 8113891842.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months from when you enter the country and have at least two blank passport pages.

Upon arrival, you must obtain a visa exemption or a 30-day visitor visa upon arrival at the airport in Bali for $35. The visa exemption allows tourists in the country for up to 30 days (and absolutely no longer); the temporary visa applies to tourist and short business trips only and can be extended if necessary.

Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL PASSENGERS - DUE WITH FIRST PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance. 

CANCEL ANYTIME: 

You can enjoy the extra flexibility of knowing you can cancel your trip for almost any unforeseen reason that the Classic plan does not already cover at 100% and receive 80% of their non-refundable trip cost back in cash. With features like comprehensive trip cancellation, primary emergency medical coverage and 24-hour travel assistance, the Classic with Cancel Anytime plan is there if life throws an unexpected wrench in your travel plans. Plan must be purchased within 10 days of the first payment date and must cover the full non-refundable trip cost ($10,000 maximum).

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $25,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $500,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $1,000.00

Baggage Delay: $300.00

Change Fee Coverage: $250.00

Frequent Flyer Miles Redeposit Fee: $250.00

Travel Delay: $800.00

Missed Connection: $800.00

24 Hour Hotline Assistance Plus: Included