Puri Lukisan and Ubud Palace

Instead of taking day tours that cost anywhere from $35 to $55 per person, it is more sensible to hire a vehicle with an English-speaking driver in Bali. You can find them online at about $50 a day, a great deal for two to four travellers, just tip the driver generously.

Puri Lukisan, the House of Paintings, was being renovated. It was surprising to see many women at the construction site, carrying building materials on their head.

For kids and dogs?

Ubud Palace is small but close to the Ubud Art Market. But the best places for souvenirs (except silver—the Art Market is fine) are the huge warehouses in Kuta that even the locals frequent.

Blanco Museum

Antonio Blanco is perhaps the most famous painter to live in Bali. Born in the Philippines with Spanish blood, Blanco settled in Bali and married a Balinese dancer. The Blanco Museum is an interesting attraction in Ubud. The complex has a garden and house his work, as well as the studio of his son Mario who followed his father's footsteps.

A simple rule

Sleep more, says Arianna Huffington. I would like to do just that.

Batuan Temple, Bali

My first impression of Batuan Temple is that of recognition. Have I seen this before? It's Taman Mini (here and here), for real.

I was most impressed by the weaving of the sarongs. They don't look like the usual cheap cloth cover-ups.

The temple itself is not that large, but it gives you an idea of the kind of places people come to daily.

Goa Gajah

The kind of place where you need a guide to appreciate. And since we didn't get a guide, I have nothing left to say. Tourist!