THECHEDICLUB, UBUDThe Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah is around tenminutes outside Ubud in some of the mostpicturesque grounds of any hotel in Bali. Thehotel was originally a traditional Balinese house,now converted into 20 elegant suites traditionallyfurnished with elephant motifs throughout theproperty. There are seven one bedroom suites,nine pool villas, three spa villas (which includedaily 90 minute spa treatments) and a twobedroom estate. The superb restaurant offersviews over the surrounding paddy fields and usesrice farmed from these very fields. Unlike manyhotels in Ubud, The Chedi Club has extensiveUbudgrounds and spacious rooms.Many western artists and intellectuals beganvisiting Ubud in the 1930s which aided theexpansion of the local Balinese arts and craftsscene. From this time, Bali gained a reputationworldwide, not for its beaches, but for art, music,architecture and dance. Ubud is located in thecentre of the island, within 90 minutes of thepopular south coast and a couple of hours fromthe quieter beaches of the north and west coasts.The central region of Bali is arguably the mostscenic and Ubud is the ideal place to baseyourself if you are planning to explore all that Bali has to offer. Cycle around the paddy field-covered foothills of a nearby volcano,immerse yourself in village life, or visit one of the island's iconic temples.132Preparing for a procession to the temple, UbudCycling in JatiluwihWith its magnificent panorama of ricefield terraces, the word Jatiluwih literallymeans 'really, really beautiful'. Cyclingaround the area will take you along amix of quiet roads and mud paths thepaddy fields. You will pass through smalllocal villages where you will coffee andrice being dried out under the sun andlocal people going about their day-to-day work. Views of the paddy fields areplentiful and you will feel miles awayfrom the hustle and bustle of southernBali. Along the way you will pass severaltemples and traditional hot springs.Kecak dance, UbudThe Chedi Club, UbudCycling in the paddy fields around Jatiluwih

UBUDHANGINGGARDENSUbud Hanging Gardens is a haven of peace setamong emerald rice terraces in the heart of Bali.This Orient Express hotel is located 30 minutesfrom Ubud and perches on a gorge with anexquisite temple on the opposite cliff. Its luxurypool villas are built in a traditional style, as if in aBalinese village. It is ideal for those looking to relaxand unwind without the sound of traffic nearby or other hotels and shops on your doorstep.www.audleytravel.com/indonesia ?01993 838 110 ?Indonesia133TEPISAWAH, UBUDAn intimate property set amid beautiful tropicalgardens, Tepi Sawah offers spacious, locallyowned, Balinese style accommodation on theoutskirts of Ubud. Some of the 25 roomsoverlook the hotel's rice fields and all aredecorated with paintings and artefacts by Ubudartists. The quiet swimming pool area is awelcome retreat after exploring Ubud in the heat of the day.Pura Ulun Danu BratanThe beautiful Pura Ulun Danu Bratantemple was founded in the 17th centuryand dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters. It is built on a smallisland on the shores of Danau Bratan(Lake Bratan), in the mountains nearBedugul. It is one of the most iconicimages in Bali and is a major water temple.Pilgrimages and ceremonies are held hereto ensure that there is a supply of waterfor farmers all over Bali. The temple isvery popular with both worshippers andvisitors, so it is worth getting here early so you can enjoy some peace and quietbefore everyone else arrives.Temple offerings, Ubud Ubud Hanging GardensPura Ulun Danu BratanTepi Sawah, UbudYoung Balinese worshipper, UbudRice paddies around Ubud