Como Uma Ubud, & Como Shambala Estate, Bali, Indonesia

While here in Bali I was extremely lucky as one of my sponsors pay for a stay at this “Five Star” small boutique resort in Ubud. With only 46 rooms and villas it has a very intimate feel. The Balinese staff are so attentive and friendly.  They really made me feel as though I was a part of their family during my stay here.  The views around and from the property are amazing as the property borders and is perched atop of a 100 meter high gorge.  Koi ponds abound the property and many of the villas.  The Como Uma resort is only a 10 minute drive from the center of Ubud, which has lots of bars, restaurants, shopping and of course, temples.

There is a “sister” property about a 20 minute drive from Como Uma by the name of Como Shambala Estate.  It is much more quiet and a bit more exclusive with only 30 suites and villas.  This property is much more a retreat from everything.  I visited that resort for a day and had an incredible experience hiking 525 steps down to a series of fresh water ponds for swimming and soaking.  The ponds are in the jungle and about 15 meters from a raging river.   See some of the images below.  Because I was visiting at the end of the rainy season, the waterfalls were both frequent and flowing.

Approach to the pool area at Como Uma.
The pool at Como Uma.
Restaurant surrounded by koi ponds.
View from restaurant.
Walkway to my villa.
My humble abode.  The air conditioning was critical as the temperatures and humidity were pretty high.
Villa view into the jungle below.  The plunge below was almost straight down and approximately 250-300 feet.
Villa infinity plunge pool.  Appears like a luxury, however it is totally required if you want to spend time outside.
Better view of the nearly 100 meter plunge to the jungle floor.  The birds could be heard 24/7.  Really felt like a jungle.  Also interesting to note that at least for me the mosquitos were non-existent.
One of the guests.  Loved the colors of these snails.  Also a pretty good size for escargot.
Yoga studio atop the gorge.  Really conducive for this activity.
Spa reception area and surrounding koi ponds.  I was so relaxed just sitting here, I didn’t even need to get a massage.
Koi ponds in Como spa area.  Amazing architectural design for this part of the resort.
Market in Ubud Center.  Almost everything sells for half of the sticker price.
Friendly young merchant.  Cute but not too talented.  I offered to buy some stuff just to get him to STOP singing.
One of the many temples in Ubud Center.
Main Street in Ubud Center.
Another shot of the street scene.
Beginning of the walk down to the ponds.  “Take me to the river.”
The walk. “Drop me in the water.”
Waterfall on the way down.
First pond encounter.
Another pond.  All of these are few by rainwater flowing from the jungles above.
Yet more. As can be seen here, not to many people. Maybe it’s the 525 steps to get here.
Another shot of a pretty magical place.  I was able to spend several hours here and enjoyed every moment.

 

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Craig

Born in New Jersey in 1956. Lives in Colorado and travels the world.

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