A Guide to Ubud featuring Gluten-Free Options

Happy Swing Bali: This truly lives up to the hype. In the hills near Ubud, there are multiple photo spots. There is not just one swing, but multiple swings dressed up to fit different aesthetics. With the breathtaking jungle views in the background, they really curated a wonderful photo shoot opportunity in every direction! The photoshoot includes a flowing, dramatic dress that catches the wind perfectly, even if you are not someone who typically vibes with solo photoshoots (like me!). It’s surprisingly empowering and fun. The staff is really friendly and helpful with posing and making the entire process fun and confidence-boosting!

Cretya and day clubs: Cretya is a luxurious day club in the rice fields of Tegallalang. It features a 3-tiered infinity pool, dining area, and panoramic views of the surrounding greenery and rice fields. There are tables, day beds, and cabanas to rent (each with their own minimum. But no worries about the minimum because the food and drinks are amazing! Highly recommend the Quinoa Salad. As an extension of Cretya, there is Cretya Sunset, which features hot tubs and infinity pools, which are geared towards a relaxing vibe. Tuju Ubud, which is centralized in Ubud, also has beautiful scenery, infinity pools but with jungle views. They have fire dance parties every Friday evening

Spa and relaxation: Yoga studio and traditional Balinese spa treatments with massages, flower baths, and rejuvenating treatments. You must definitely get at least one massage per week while you are there!

Shopping in the town: Wandering through the streets of Ubud is amazing. There are so many local shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes! They focus on hand-made items including clothing and jewelery, and wellness products like essential oils, teas, and honey! The Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) is a great centralized place for local shopping, offering hand-crafted items like silk scarves or handwoven baskets to wood carvings and batik paintings.

Speakeasy: The Pinstripe Bar is a 1930s bar with dark features and a cocktail menu inspired by Bali’s history. Definitely try “The Clairvoyant” as it is their signature drink that blends mezcal, tamarind, watermelon, beetroot, and peanut butter. The Blue Door is a dual experience. Think beer garden and intimate club lounge. The beer garden has live bands, while the lounge is behind a neon-lit blue doorway which leads you to the club, which has different DJs with themed nights. The lounge opens at 9 pm but doesn’t get lively until after 11 pm.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: Famous for their amazing irrigation system and just beautiful scenery. Rice terraces are best seen in the early morning as it can get very hot.

Tegenungan Waterfall: Refreshing spot for a swim.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Over 1,000 monkeys live in this forest, which also has ancient temples and is a significant spiritual spot in the region.

ATV-ing.

Donna: Best gluten-free meatballs, has gluten-free bread, great cocktails, and mocktails. You have to ask about gluten-free options that are not on the menu. They have gluten-free gnocchi (but only a certain amount per day), pesto risotto. They also have great vegetarian options as well. Vibes are immaculate.

Bali Buda Cafe: Marked menu with wraps, smoothies, salads, all-day breakfast, freshly baked breads, baked goods, and desserts. There are many vegetarian and vegan options as well. This is a health food store and restaurant combo!

Kebun Cafe: Gluten-free banana-flour pizza.

Kind Koko: Vegan ice cream shop that has gluten-free cones and ice cream sandwiches.

This is Bali: Good for lunch. Build your own meal type of plates, authentic Bali foods, and clearly labeled menu with allergens.

Merlin’s Magic: Dining experience that modifies based on allergies. The experience is that you pull a few tarot cards and it has codes on it which correlates with different items on the menu and that decides what you are having. They also bring out special desserts if you are celebrating something special, like a honeymoon or birthday!

TYGR Ubud: Sushi restaurant with gluten-free and vegetarian options and vegan ice cream, matcha menu. They also have gluten-free bread, noodles, and BYO bowls.

Alchemy: Marked menu with allergens. Entirely plant-based menu with focus on raw foods to preserve nutrients. Most of the menu is or can be made gluten-free, all-day breakfast.

Batubara Wood Fire: This is a dining experience that combines flavors from Argentina and the Mediterranean with the art of wood-fired cooking. Premium steaks are brought out to you to see before ordering. They are prepared over an open wood fire in front of you, which gives you layers of flavors and a show!