Bali’s Ubud has long been one of the island’s top tourism destinations. Known as the province’s arts and culture capital, the destination welcomes millions of visitors every single year.
However, as demand for travel in Ubud grows, so too do the town’s issues with traffic congestion and pedestrian access.
As more first-time visitors explore central Ubud, retiring holidaymakers and the more off-path inclined tourists should look to neighbouring Sayan to help soak up the brilliance of Ubud, but without the crowds.
Sayan is a collection of villages home to an ever-growing expat community and is loved by digital nomads year-round. At its core, however, Sayan is a thriving Balinese community where the local way of life still dictates the order of the day. Surrounded by family-managed rice terraces, local warungs, and traditional family compounds, Sayan is ideal for those seeking to experience traditional Bali life and explore all the cultural wonders Ubud has to offer.
Sayan is home to villages like Penestanan Kaja, Penestanan Kelod, and Sindu Village. These areas of Sayan are home to not only some of Bali’s best vegetarian and vegan restaurants but also world-class eco-hotels and resorts.
The most famous hotel in Sayan is Bambu Indah. Bali’s original bamboo resort, this hotel has pushed the bounds of what many thought possible in terms of bamboo architecture. Founded by John Hardy, who is also the brain behind Bali’s Green School, Bambu Indah has won international acclaim and remains one of the most in-demand stays in all of Asia.
While stays at this luxury resort come with luxury price tags, those with a more modest budget need not miss out on the magic. Through day pass access, non-resident guests can enjoy the bounties of the River Warung Day Club, which includes access to the resort’s natural spring pools and direct access to the sacred river.
Luxury stays are aplenty in Sayan, as the village is also home to the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. While the resort itself is stunning, it is the method of arrival that sets this stay apart. Guests have the option of arriving at their stay via a river raft for a truly memorable way to travel in style.
Sayan is something of a foodies paradise. Located in Penestanan Kelod, tourists will find the original Alchemy Restaurant. This raw vegan health food cafe has been a long-standing favorite with Ubud’s health-conscious community, and as a company, has gone from strength to strength. Once a small vegan cafe in the quiet community of Penestanan, Alchemy can now be found in Uluwatu and has even established yoga and meditation centres in both areas.
Moksa has long been a top garden-to-table restaurant, with a menu featuring ingredients largely grown in their own permaculture garden.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Moksa also regularly hosts culinary events and holistic learning workshops ranging from cooking classes to permaculture seminars and more.
Bringing together the finest flavour combinations, guests always leave nourished and in awe of the whole experience at Moksa.
Travelers looking for a relaxed and affordable day club experience in Ubud, but don’t want to tackle the traffic congestion heading towards Tegalalang, should check out Good Day Restro & Pool Bar.
Overlooking Sayan’s rice paddy landscape, Good Day is a locally owned and operated day club ideal for all the family.
Serving up a fantastic menu of classic Indonesian dishes and a great selection of international favourites, this is the place to spend a lazy day in Sayan. For an extra little TLC, guests can book a spa treatment, or sauna and jacuzzi session. Good Day is also an excellent spot for co-working, offering a quiet shala space, with good wifi and seriously inspiring workday views.
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