Ubud, Bali

A short two and half hour flight from Singapore is the island of Bali. Visa on arrival system works easily ($35) and the first part of my stay is three nights in Ubud, which is around 90mins drive from airport.

Stopped off on way on suggestion of guide - to get a drink. This turned out to be my first shopping opportunity he was going to provide to me - demonstration of local teas and coffees followed by exit through sales room. The girl was not that pushy, the tea cheap, and so i decided to buy.

This obviously set my guides expectations rising, so the following days tour around cultural heart of Ubud started with.........two similar opportunites - to buy local art-work and then wood work. Now i have been used on day trips in asia to have these elements thrown in but this was a bit over the top. You never know whether the guide is simply looking to give local tradespeople a chance or whether they are on commission - my guess here is the later.

The rest of the trip was actually quite interesting. Local art museum, monkey forest,  palace (small) in the heart of Ubud, local temple plus Paddy field.

Overall couple of days in Ubud is a good start to trip in Bali. Hotel is a bit of a way out (15 mins drive) but really pleasant, with great views nd its own monkeys. Only problem is that its a bit noisy........those animals, birds, insects in the forest really dont appreciate that whilst they might be noctural some of us are tring to sleep.

Will post more details on Tripadvisor reviews - Hotel Alila