Known for its spirituality and culture, Ubud is often called the “green heart” of Bali – so it should come as no surprise that it is also a hub for sustainability.
Whether you’re looking for a private retreat in the rice paddies or to learn a traditional Balinese craft, here are our suggestions for the best places to stay, eat, drink, shop and see for a memorable eco trip to Ubud.
Where to Stay
Mana Earthly Paradise
The award-winning Mana Earthly Paradise features six stunning eco-villas, which are made from natural materials, powered by solar energy and use harvested rainwater. Run by the NGO Earth Company, Mana also recycles wastewater in their garden, provides organic toiletries for guests, has an onsite restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options, and even uses zero-waste mattresses.
Mana Earthly Paradise, Jl. Raya Sayan, Banjar Mas, Gang Emas, Ubud, Bali
Sebatu Sanctuary
Sebatu Sanctuary is a glamping resort surrounded by lush rice paddies in the airy mountains near Tegalalang rice terrace, less than an hour away from the centre of Ubud. Its eco-friendly villa options include a bamboo pod, tented villa or treehouse, with views of either the surrounding forest or rice paddies. Sebatu Sanctuary is also home to the island’s only natural chemical-free pool, while their restaurant has a forest-to-table ethos that offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices.
Sebatu Sanctuary, Banjar Sebatu, Tegalalang, Gianyar, Bali
Where to Eat
The Suku Bali
The Suku Bali offers a mostly western farm-to-table menu sprinkled with Balinese touches, using fresh seasonal produce sourced from local farmers. They upcycle any food waste into fertiliser for their edible garden, and even feature organic garnishes upcycled from their kitchen waste in their cocktails. Meanwhile, their traditional-meets-modern decor showcases pieces by local artists.
The Suku Bali, Jl. A.A. Gede Rai, Ubud, Bali
The Elephant
The Elephant fights food wastage by using ‘ugly’ produce that would otherwise be thrown away and separating all their waste to ensure everything is appropriately reused, recycled or composted. This fully vegetarian restaurant serves a fusion menu where laksa, gnocchi and ramen sit alongside each other, plus hearty burgers and wholesome salads – with most ingredients sourced from local organic farms.
The Elephant, Hotel Taman Indrakila, Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali
Where to Drink
Alchemy
Alchemy is one of Ubud’s longest standing juice bars, which also serves a plant-based raw food menu. They have a wide range of vegan smoothies made with nut milk, coconut water, essential oils and other superfood ingredients, with unique names – you can ‘Bee Here Now’ with mango, passion fruit, honey and bee pollen, or ‘Die Hard’ with pineapple, apple, kale, lemongrass and lime.
Alchemy, Jl. Penestanan Kelod No.75, Ubud, Bali
Juice Ja Cafe
Juice Ja Cafe aims to serve only natural and ethical food sourced from its own farm or other local suppliers. They serve both pure and blended juices, with classic mixes like ‘The Refresher’ with watermelon and mint, and signatures like ‘Juice Ja Jamu’ with turmeric root, lemon and honey. For those who need a detox, they also offer a five-day juice cleanse delivery programme.
Juice Ja Cafe, Jl. Suweta No. 49, Ubud, Bali
Where to Shop
Kou Bali
Kou is made up of two sister shops – Kou, which offers natural body care items like bath salts and soaps; and Kou Cuisine, which sells a delectable range of locally-made jam and honey. It’s a great place for picking up souvenirs, especially their soap bars, which are handmade individually using pure coconut oil, essential oils and organic plants, all harvested from Bali itself.
Kou Bali, Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali
Utama Spice
Utama Spice uses traditional Balinese healing remedies to create its line of all-natural aromatherapy products. Most of their team comprises local women from the surrounding villages and all their products are made locally, with a focus on lowering their impact on the environment. Here, you’ll find face serums, lip balms, body butter, shampoo, deodorant and other toiletries – and now even hand sanitiser!
See all Utama Spice locations in Ubud
What to See
Bali Natural Cycling Tours
A cycling tour is a great way to see Ubud’s wonderful countryside and experience local Balinese culture outside its more touristy centre – while reducing your carbon footprint too! Bali Natural Cycling Tours offers exactly that with informative local guides, quality bicycles and half-day or full-day trips suitable for all levels of cyclist.
Find out more about Bali Natural Cycling Tours
Nyoman Warta Batik Class
Batik is a traditional Indonesian dying process that uses wax to create patterns on fabric. Learn how to make your very own traditional Balinese pattern on a piece of cloth with the help of Nyoman Warta, a leading Ubud-based Batik artist – and craft yourself a fantastic souvenir to bring home.
Nyoman Warta Batik Class, Jl. Gootama No.12, Ubud, Bali
See also: 8Shades’ Eco Travel Guide to Hanoi
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