Choosing Mountains Over Mayhem – Ubud For Families
Bali holidays need not be all beach clubs, Bintangs and battling crowds. While popular tourist areas in the south continue to draw the party crowd and beach lovers, many visitors are now seeking a more real and relaxed Bali experience.
About an hour’s drive from the international airport and into cooler climates, Ubud has become a firm favourite for families and xenophiles who are after an alternative to beaches and noisy bars. Originally famed for being the island’s artisan’s hub, there’s much more to Ubud than galleries and workshops with its impressive list of sights, activities and experiences for every age group.
Outdoorsy types will love the many walking trails that crisscross Ubud area such as Campuhan Ridge offering stunning views of rice fields, river valleys with quaint open-air cafes that beckon for stops along the way! A short drive from Ubud town centre affords views of one of the world’s most iconic rice terraces along with adrenalin fueled attractions such as swings to propel you up and over the valley below! Many of Bali’s most picturesque waterfalls are located close to Ubud along with many other culturally significant sites and temples.
For families with a day of action in mind, the Ayung River is home to a number of top rated white water rafting companies or you can opt for quad biking adventures, downhill cycling tours and even a sunrise mountain climb. Ubud boasts some of Bali’s best culinary offerings from family friendly casual eateries and cosy coffee shops to fine dining from Michelin star chefs!
While there are abundant villa options for families, many of these are located on the outskirts of town and can pose a strain the purse strings. Bisma Cottages is a boutique property located within walking distance of Ubud’s must see attractions and offers family friendly accommodation at an affordable price. Despite its central location, Bisma Cottages is situated on a quiet no through road fringed by rice fields. Just five minute’s walk and guests will find themselves at Ubud’s renowned Monkey Forest with a fifteen minute stroll in the opposite direction landing them at the Ubud Royal Palace, Ubud Market or Campuhan Ridge walk. Central Ubud is ideal for pedestrians with accessible footpaths and plenty of opportunity for retail therapy!
Providing a refreshing and affordable alternative to some of the larger, less personable accommodation options, Bisma Cottages is well suited to families of all ages. Their Deluxe cottage features a queen size four poster bed and separate living area with a large day bed and ample room for another extra bed to accommodate a family of four in comfort. It’s an ideal choice for families with smaller children while Bisma’s two bedroom adjoining cottages are perfect for tweens or teens needing a little more privacy and space to themselves. The cottages frame a delightful pool area ready for RnR after a day out and about! Check out Bisma Cottages’ Family Package deal including 3 nights in a 2 bedroom cottage and FREE Ubud Highlights Full Day Tour.
Visit bismacottagesubud.com for full details about their Family Package, Rooms, Rates, Tours and More.
BISMA COTTAGES
Jalan Bisma No. 35, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ph: +62 815 5701 849
Email : hello@bismacottagesubud.com
Website : www.bismacottagesubud.com
But the highlight wasn’t only the hotel, It was everything surrounding it. There was the Ubud market, amazing restaurants and the Ubud Monkey Forest, all close to the hotel. There was so many shops nearby and the Ubud Market was an amazing experience . I learnt how to barter and had a chance to see the culture. We also went to heaps of amazing restaurants, I can’t pick my favourite. Whether it was eating dinner with the view of the rice paddocks and the setting sun, or having chocolate crepes at night overlooking the busy street. I loved every part of it! 
Ubud is NOT a place for only for relaxing, it is a place for non-stop adventure too. We went on a 24km bike ride all down hill, our tour guide stopped at spots we could experience the culture and how Balinese people live. We went inside a Balinese home, a school and a village. The monkey forest is absolutely incredible. They will climb all over you, and it was so much fun. We also went white water rafting which which was so thrilling. Overall the activities around the hotel are a must do. We had a really nice driver who is the Manager at the hotel who took us to all these places. 
Ubud is my favourite place in all of Bali (and I have been to Bali 18 times) this hotel is the best place to stay if you want to be near everything. I had heaps of fun and never will forget this trip to Ubud. Definitely a holiday to remember.
Another very special ritual to experience is a water purification. Tirta Empul or Holy Spring Temple is only 30 minute drive and included in Bisma Cottages Highlights of Ubud Day Tour. Their Manager who is from the area will prepare the offerings required and personally escort guests. Having grown up here he is not only informative but can tell his own stories about attending Balinese Hindu ceremonies at this special place all of his life. This day is usually the most memorable of everyone’s Bali holiday. Bisma Cottages has six rooms in total. Four cosy, wooden Balinese style air conditioned abodes and two larger deluxe rooms with open lounge areas to accommodate families or travellers who are keen for a little more room to relax. One of these spacious options is located on the upper level and features huge picture windows to take full advantage of the rice field view. Each room is afforded its own en suite bathroom, beds are blissfully comfortable, complete with mattress toppers, and mosquito nets. You would do well to find a bath tub in Bali that boasts a better view than that of Bisma Cottages’ 2nd floor deluxe cottage ! 
Secluded and nestled between the buildings is a pristine pool area with sun beds and aqua bean bags so you can lie back, cool off and soak up some Vitamin D. Being a smaller property has its benefits and at Bisma Cottages you rarely have to share the pool area with other guests giving you private pool time without the price tag. Plus any time you feel like a complimentary cuppa, just call Ketut and he’ll bring it right to you. Experiences are why we travel and after having a Ubud ‘ tree change ” you will leave feeing relaxed and recharged and ready to conquer the world ! BISMA COTTAGES Jalan Bisma No. 35, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia Ph: +62 (361) 473 1607 Email : 
Seriously spoilt for choice, travellers to Ubud have some of Bali’s best restaurants to select from and a recent trend has seen internationally renowned chefs the likes of Chris Salans, Will Meyrick and Will Goldfarb swapping Seminyak for Ubud to share their latest culinary adventures. With Hujan Locale, Locavore and Room for Dessert only minutes away from your hotel, the struggle is real people, and deciding where to dine does indeed become a dilemma! Priced to please, a stay at the intimate Bisma Cottages is easy on the pocket, yet despite its minimal tariff, this budget, boutique beauty offers everything you need to experience the essence of Ubud. So it’s no surprise that rooms fill quickly and advanced bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment. With Bisma Cottages’ popularity on the rise, word is out and guests returning for repeat stays now tend towards booking online directly to secure their preferred room! 
To experience your own slice of mountain paradise, check out their website: bismacottagesubud.com or follow them on instagram @bismacottages for their latest accommodation deals and up to the minute events in the area. If there were to be any regrets regarding my blissful Bali escape to the mountains, it would only be that I did not plan to stay for longer. Three nights is really the minimum one needs to stay to be able to truly appreciate the beauty of Ubud and it surrounds. Still, there’s always next time……… BISMA COTTAGES Jalan Bisma No. 35, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia Ph: +62 (361) 473 1607 Email :