In the vibrant green uplands of Bali, nestled among ravines and rice paddies, scattered with temples and shrines, sits Ubud. Known as the artistic and spiritual center of the Indonesian island, Ubud attracts travelers from around the world with its promise of relaxation, cultural exploration, creativity - and a little bit of magic. It’s easy to love and hard to leave. But not all travelers have limitless cash to splash. So if your bank balance is looking rather forlorn, what can Ubud offer?

Visit the temples

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Ubud is the spiritual heart of Bali and your trip would not be complete without visiting at least a few temples. Luckily you only have to pay a small fee to enter most of them. Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a great option, a spectacular series of temples located 30 minutes from Ubud by car or scooter. In a deep river valley, the site, with its ponds and pools, is an oasis of calm and peace - and is most famous for the five enormous funeral shrines, dedicated to the Balinese King Udayana, carved into the cliff at its center. One of the oldest temples on the island, you can’t help but feel a sense of the divine as you make your way along the path to the site. The price of this mystical experience? A small fee for parking and then 15,000 rupiahs to enter. Top tip: visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Peruse Pasar, Ubud's Central Market

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At the main intersection in Ubud, and overflowing with chaotic activity throughout the day, you won’t struggle to find this vibrant hub of activity. In fact, it’s actually two markets: a food market which starts early and where the locals come to buy their fruit and vegetables, and an art market which opens at around 8:00 am and caters more to tourists. The market is brimming with all kinds of handicrafts and souvenirs: sarongs, silk scarves, baskets, placemats, statues, paintings, kites, wooden bowls, and much more. Be prepared to haggle. But even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s worth visiting this colorful labyrinth for the smells, sights and rather boisterous sellers alone.

Wander Around a Gallery

Source: Blanco Museum Bali

If you are hankering after more arty entertainment, you won’t have far to look. Ubud is a mecca for artists and creatives and around every corner are galleries and small local shops selling paintings of all styles - as well as wood-carvings, textiles and other artistic creations. One of the more prominent galleries is the Blanco Renaissance Museum - located on the iconic Campuhan bridge - the house and studio of the late Don Antonio Blanco, and home to his creations, many of which feature nude Balinese women, his favorite subject. The museum itself is also a masterpiece, with its stately architecture and pristine gardens. Tickets are only 50,000 rupiah - about $3.50.

Hire a Motorbike and drive around

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The best way to see Ubud’s stunning surroundings is by scooter. Two-wheels trumps four every time when it comes to exploring the verdant green wonderland around the town. Plus a scooter is only around 50,000 rupiah for a day rental. While the roads may seem like chaos with cars and scooters swerving in and out with little apparent regard for the rules, don’t be put off. Locals give tourists on scooters a wide berth, so just concentrate on yourself, don’t make any sudden moves, and you’ll be fine. Make your way through the idyllic back lanes, feeling the tropical breeze in your hair, stopping at any of the small local warungs that take your fancy.

Chill out with some Rabbits

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Fancy a cafe where you get a bit more bang for your buck? Or rather, a bit more bunny for your buck? At Maha Restaurant, you get to cuddle a rabbit alongside your coffee. Alice in Wonderland comes alive at this delightful cafe-restaurant which is open all day and in the evenings serves rave-worthy cocktails and hosts live music. Order your drink and take a seat to watch adorable bunnies bounce around in the Frangipani-filled garden. The menu caters to vegetarians and carnivores alike, the portion sizes are generous, and juices come with a bunny-shaped fruit decoration for added fun. Uniquely charming, you’ll vow never to eat in restaurants without rabbits again.

Catch a movie at Paradiso

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The world’s first organic vegan cinema, Paradiso is a total win among tourists and expats alike. Not only is it super cheap as far as cinemas go - at 50,000 rupiahs a ticket - but the money goes towards a delicious plant-based meal from the vegan and vegetarian restaurant. Seating up to 150 people, the cinema consists of plush and cozy sofas and reclining loungers that are ideal for snuggling down after a long day visiting the sites. Paradiso screens a whole range of films - from art-house to documentary to blockbuster - catering to all tastes and moods. Grab some organic, non-GMO popcorn - perhaps with a chocolatey cacao topping - and settle in for a night at the movies with a difference.

Refuel on Delicious and Cheap Vegetarian food at 9 Angels Warung

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Ubud is brimming with exceptional eateries catering to all tastes and diets. But if you’re on a budget - and don’t want to scrimp on quality and eco-friendliness - head to 9 Angels Warung, a total gem of an organic vegan restaurant bursting with positive energy. With its gorgeous garden, campfire, delicious and affordable vegetarian, vegan and raw food, as well as regular community events such as open mic nights and talks, 9 Angels truly feels sent by heaven to the budget traveler. Take your food and dig in, as around you people play musical instruments or do spontaneous yoga. Then wash your plate and leave the money on the table. The price is just a suggestion - you pay what you feel - and this trust-based policy just adds to the atmosphere of friendly and generous open-mindedness. Leave satiated physically and nourished spiritually.

Facebook: 9 Angels Warung